Tag: appliances

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Expert Tips Kitchens

How to: Design a contemporary butler’s pantry

Image: Desire to Inspire

By Naomi Findlay

Traditionally, butler’s pantries were a whole and complete kitchen, where the butlers and staff of the house would prepare meals for the household as well as hiding any mess from dinner parties. Downton Abbey fans will be all over this, I’m sure!

But far from an outmoded concept, I believe in using elements and ideas from a traditional butler’s pantry but putting my own contemporary spin on it to create a modern, hybrid take on the concept.

Image: Desire to Inspire

Key considerations

Use your space wisely. Depending on the amount of space you have to design your butler’s pantry, you will need to cater for a range of elements personalised to your needs. For example, do you want to have your butler’s pantry completely separate to the kitchen or would you like to open it up to your main kitchen when needed?

Remember, it’s all about your lifestyle – what exactly do you do in your kitchen and do you like to cook often? Also, who lives in your home and who uses the kitchen? Do you have little ones that need to use the kitchen space to do their homework while you are cooking dinner, or is your kitchen more of an entertaining zone?

And if you like to entertain guests, how often do you do so and which kitchen elements do you wish you could hide? The microwave, coffee machine, slow cooker, dishwasher or all the above? Also, how much storage do you have in your kitchen and do you need more?

By considering the above points you are already defining the design of your hybrid butler’s pantry in a functional way that will complement your lifestyle.

Image: Robson Rak Architects and Interiors Designers

Popular inclusions

Some popular components of butler’s pantries include the following:

  • Extra food storage.
  • Storage options for large, bulky kitchen dishes or appliances.
  • A place to store the microwave.
  • A hiding place for your main or second fridge.
  • A one-bowl sink to wash larger items.
  • Lots of bench space for food preparation and to hide dirty dishes from sight.
  • A place for the dishwasher.

In conclusion

Modern day hybrid butler’s pantries have a lot to recommend them. Not only are they a great functional element of a kitchen, due to their closeness and proximity to the main kitchen, but if designed thoughtfully they will complement your kitchen when needed, or be completely hidden when entertaining. They’re also a great way to hide the mess!

–Australia’s rapid renovation expert, Naomi Findlay is an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and adult educator. She owns established staging and styling business Silk Home, in Newcastle and the Hunter Region, NSW, and also teaches others how to start their own staging businesses or stage their own homes, through the International Institute of Home Staging. Naomi is a resident expert on our sister site Reno Addict.

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT

The new kids on the (range hood) block

new range hood

When is a range hood not a range hood? When it’s one of the brand, spanking new range hood releases from ILVE. As a company that prides itself on creating products that match innovation and technology with aesthetics, the two new range hoods released this month are no exception.

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The new kids on the (range hood) block combine world first technology with high performance kitchen capabilities. The Vapore, is the world’s first range hood proven to stop problematic condensation when cooking while the iHood seamlessly plays music and takes calls from your phone via its Bluetooth capabilities.

New Range Hoods
The new Vapore range hood

The ILVE Vapore is the first ever built-in range hood created to solve the issues induction cooktops face when paired with traditional hoods. When a range hood is installed over an induction cooktop, condensation and water droplets on the cooking surface have been inevitable – until now. When cooking, hot fumes and steam rise, they then come into contact with the cold surface of the range hood, which releases moisture into the air, which then turns into water droplets. This excess water falls onto the surface below and onto the food being cooked.

ILVE’s new Vapore range hood offers the perfect solution to condensation using its innovative de-mister and sparing your cooking and cooktop from excess water and condensation. The Vapore’s intelligent design also solves the problem of water forming inside the hood itself, which can cause problems with the electrical components over time. Available in 2 sizes, the Vapore range hood has a soft-touch control, soft LED lights, and is available in a stainless steel finish.

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The new iHood range hood

For those who love music just as much as they love cooking, the iHood is a must-have addition to the kitchen. It features integrated speakers and an amplifier, for crystal clear stereo sound. The iHood is guaranteed to make cooking an even more enjoyable experience by playing your favourite tunes. Users simply connect their smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to listen to music from streaming services, radio stations, or personal playlists. With one touch, you can even answer phone calls, all hands-free!

The range hood itself, as expected from ILVE, both looks stylish and is packed full of innovative technology, including an integrated microphone, a handy light indicator (alerting you when the grease filter requires cleaning), and a self-switching-off function, which allows you to programme a delayed shutdown, maintaining the right level of air purity in the kitchen while you enjoy your dinner.

For more information about both the Vapore and iHood, visit ILVE.com.au

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Top five kitchen appliance trends for 2017

New year, new you? More like new year, new kitchen! ILVE’s Australian managing director Jamey Colbert shares his insight on kitchen trends for this year:

1. Steam ovens
A demand for more nutritious meals saw steam cooking start to become a prominent and integral part of day-to-day life in 2016 and it looks like the trend is still running full steam ahead in 2017.

2. Streamlined design
Concealed rangehoods are all the rage as they are specifically designed to blend in with the kitchen ceiling and create a minimalistic space. Big statement-piece island hoods are out!

3. Black glass finish
The huge popularity of stainless steel appliances has always been driven by availability, but with advancements in manufacturing technology, there are many alternatives about to be launched into the marketplace in 2017. The ILVE 70cm black glass induction cooktop is definitely the most coveted appliance in my kitchen.

4. Coloured appliances
Stainless steel appliances? Yawn. Colour is the easiest (and funnest) way to make your kitchen pop. There are plenty of small and large appliances to create a unique and personalised kitchen space, from the retro designs by Smeg to the modern and funky K-Mix colour selection by Kenwood. ILVE even offers freestanding cookers in over 1,600 different custom colours! A personal favourite is my electric blue K-Mix toaster; it adds much needed colour to my largely black and white kitchen.

5. Outdoor living
The boundaries between indoor and outdoor living will become more fused than ever before and the outdoor area, whether it be a compact balcony or a sprawling back garden, will truly be seen as an extension of the home. This means people will be investing more into quality outdoor furniture as well as stainless steel barbecues as they are resistant to humidity, salt spray and weathering, perfect for the Aussie elements. It will become popular for consumers to plan their outdoor living space in a similar way to designing their kitchen.

–With over 60 years of heritage the ILVE brand is dedicated to bringing its unique brand of Italian hand craftsmanship to the passionate home and professional cooks of Australia.

Categories
Kitchens The Block

The Block week 8 room reveals: kitchens

There were some pretty stunning results in last night’s kitchen reveals with two 30 out of 30 perfect scores for both Will and Karlie and Dan and Carleen. Considering they only had a week for such an involved and large room, all the couples did amazingly well. Here are the pix, the scores and the judges’ comments. If I had to pick a favourite personally, mine would be Julia and Sasha’s. How about you?

Check back here later this afternoon for our video tours with the top scoring couples and their kitchens!

KARLIE & WILL: 30/30, joint winners

The judges could barely contain their excitement. Darren said it was gigantic, the polished concrete flooring was absolutely spectacular and the colours worked brilliantly. Shaynna said the palette was divine and worked well with the other rooms. Darren was blown away by the benchtop, beautiful tapware and the sink. Shaynna thought it was superbly planned. Darren thought you felt you stood in the space and felt totally in control of the whole apartment. Neale said it was the nerve centre of the whole apartment.

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Although Neale said the bar area felt unresolved, this was about the only criticism between them. Once they got into the butler’s pantry, Shaynna got really excited. Neale went as far as saying: “this is genius” and like a separate self-contained kitchen. As it turned out, the same could be said about all the couples’ pantries. “Visually it absolutely stunning, sleek and glamorous,” said Neale, adding that black is the new white in kitchens.

Shaynna said the kitchen did justice to the building and the rest of their apartment.

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Get the look:

Freedom Kitchens cabinetry and other details

Neff coffee centre

Russell Hobbs Sienna Black Diamond toaster

DAN & CARLEEN: 30/30, joint winners

It started very well with Darren saying: “wow, I love that cabinetry.” The judges said the whole space sang! Neale said it felt incredibly spacious, beautifully understated and sophisticated. Shaynna said the benchtop was so massive it needed its own postcode! Darren called it the cherry on top. Shaynna loved the light fitting, even though it wouldn’t work in many kitchens and she also thought the styling was superb. Neale loved being able to see into the butler’s pantry too.

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Again, there was little to criticise, apart from the lack of drawers picked up by Darren.  Neale thought it was their best room yet and Shaynna said it was a very high end European kitchen.

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Get the look:

Hensley crystal pendant

Freedom Kitchens cabinetry and other details

Morphy Richards copper colour kettle

 

ANDY & BEN: 29/30, second place

Considering the boys’ serious lack of funds (which will really affect them this week it seems) they did well to pull off second place! Although it was a shame they wasted their bonus point as it turns out it wouldn’t have been enough to get them a win and the $10,000 they desperately needed.

Neale said felt very modern but referenced the Deco era. Shaynna loved the different colours. Another huge benchtop and luxury butler’s pantry, and the judges were still very happy!

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Shaynna said the styling let it down and she’d like to see them remove a lot of the items and keep it simple. But overall it was magnificent and the party kitchen of the block. She said even though they’d kept a fun aspect from day one, they’d got more and more sophisticated.

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Get the look:

Timber door handles

Freedom Kitchens cabinetry and other details

Siemens integrated rangehood

JULIA & SASHA: 28/30, third place

I loved this kitchen and thought it was very feminine and elegant. Darren was right when he said it was pretty and that Sasha and Julia had walked the line of a really simple palette, adding all the luxury touches you’d want.

Shaynna said the lighting was exactly right but the benchtop size felt a little mean especially with the oversized cooktop. Darren hugged the fridge and was like a kid at Christmas with all the high end appliances, especially the pop-up rangehood! The steam oven was too high though and an accident waiting to happen.

Neale said compared to the kitchens he sees in magazines, this ticked all the boxes and someone was going to walk in and be blown away.

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Get the look:

Solid brass handles

Gold bar stools

Freedom Kitchens cabinetry and other details

KIM & CHRIS: 24/30, last place

All the judges loved the timber breakfast bar but Shaynna was concerned about how well the stone and the timber went together because they were both heroes. Neale felt it was a little bit clumsy and didn’t have the same flow as the other kitchens. “Everything slightly clashes.” Shaynna said it felt very top heavy and she would have preferred smokey glass to the mirrored splash back.

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On the plus side, they thought the layout was fantastic and very functional. Darren liked the bench space on either side and the double swing doorway into the butler’s pantry. They were all amazed at the scale of the pantry and storage wise and design wise, Darren said it was really fantastic. They all thought Kim and Chris had produced an excellent kitchen but it just didn’t move them to the same level of emotion as some of the others. Shaynna said she couldn’t see two buyers fighting over the room.

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Get the look:

LED lighting system

Siemens 90cm gas cooktop

Freedom Kitchens cabinetry and other details

–Our part-time Reno Addict features writer, Channel Nine journalist Lauren Ellis, has been at The Block for us, getting a better look around all the kitchens. We’ll be sharing the video footage here all week so make sure to check back in The Block section of the site!

Categories
Appliances Kitchens

Smeg’s new cold-press juicer looks super hot

(Pardon the pun but we couldn’t resist!).

Cementing the brand’s position as purveyors of super stylish kitchen appliances, the latest outing from Smeg has our design-hearts racing. With the slow (or cold-pressed) juice movement sweeping the world it was only a matter of time before the retro-styled brand joined in.

Smeg Slow Juicer LS 1 Panna Cr
The Smeg Slow Juicer sits alongside the brand’s traditional blender

The Smeg SJF01 Slow Juicer will cold press fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts to create nutritionally dense cold-pressed juices and it’s ultra-quiet too. The slow juicer offers a much gentler approach to the brand’s predecessor in the category – the centrifugal juicer – and uses a single gear system to replicate the action of an old-school manual squeeze.

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The Smeg Slow Juicer in black

The slow juicer has a host of fabulous features including a juice density regulator that allows you to customise the amount of fibrous pulp in the finished product – basically the more pulp, the thicker the juice. And one aspect we really like is that, unlike centrifugal juicers, the juice doesn’t separate within a few minutes of being pressed. Conventional centrifugal juicers use blades, spinning at high speed, to pulverize fruit and vegetables and the heat (from the friction of the blades) destroys many of the nutrients. Traditional juicing methods also produce high levels of froth and pulp that quickly separate from the liquid which can adversely affect the taste too.

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The Smeg slow juicer (shown in blue) & its range of complementary accessories

Aside from juice, this little beauty will also produce nut and soy milks and the fibre that is collected in a separate container (via a second funnel) can be used to make soups, cakes and bliss balls too. Available in four colours – black, red, pastel blue and the brand’s signature panna (or cream) – the Smeg Slow Juicer retails for $499.

Click here for more information.

 

 

Categories
Appliances

Review: The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Vacuum

Those of you who are regular readers will know I’m a total neat freak and I love nothing more than to take the latest cleaning products or gadgets for a spin. No really, this stuff excites me! I also have a long time love affair with Dyson, having grown up in Wiltshire, England, where James Dyson opened his first factory. As a local newspaper reporter back in the day, one of my most exciting assignments was to cover the launch of the until then top secret Dyson washing machine. I’ve been a Dyson fan since I bought a reconditioned one on first moving out of home (my trainee reporter salary didn’t quite stretch to brand new) and have been one ever since.

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I bought the handy Dyson V6 Animal last year and it gets a serious workout. I love how portable, flexible and lightweight it is. But at the end of the day, a battery charge only lasts a max of 20-odd minutes and you really can’t have it all. So while this will always be the go-to in my house for a quick vacuum, it’s got nothing on this powerful new beast, the Cinetic Big Ball.

Of course, like all Dysons, it looks pretty cool. While some people say that doesn’t matter, I think it’s an added bonus. And it’s not just aesthetics, it’s clever design too, which will always be a winner with me. While some barrel vacuum cleaners can be cumbersome and frustrating, Dyson engineers set out to solve some common problems with this one: “The problem with some barrel vacuums is that they can go off on a tangent and topple, leaving you to walk back over the floor you’ve just cleaned to right the machine. We challenged our engineers to refine the barrel format, to solve this problem and others. The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball barrel is the vacuum that self-rights when toppled. Further advances include hygienic dirt ejection and an articulated handle,” says James Dyson.

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It’s the only vacuum with no maintenance and no loss of suction, as there are no filters to wash or replace and no bags to buy. It self-rights when toppled because its components are put together in a spherical array, with the heaviest nearest to the floor. Placing them inside a curved body with a low centre of gravity means that whenever the vacuum is displaced, gravitational forces will automatically return it to its upright resting position. It can turn on the spot and follow you effortlessly around the home. This is great for a clumsy person with little patience (that’s me).

As the bin is emptied, a silicone collar slides down the shroud. This scrapes off trapped dirt or debris, driving them out. There’s no need to touch the dirt or reach inside the bin (something I often have to do with the Animal if I’m honest. And yuck!).

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As well as being a neat freak I’m also in total denial about having a stylish home and a toddler. Case in point: our newly purchased cream wool rug which shows every speck of dirt. The extreme suction (it’s so powerful, it takes some getting used to, and the toddler is scared of it, but again, you can’t have it all!), removes everything and leaves it looking all perfect, fluffed up and like new. Hoorah! (And did you know almost every small spill can be removed with baby wipes? It’s true.).

There are so many more cool features to this machines, like the attachment with anti-static carbon fibre filaments to help remove dust from hard floors. And an active base plate automatically adjusts the cleaner head height, raising and lowering to seal in suction across carpets, rugs and hard floors.

If you’re a true Dyson fan like me, you’ll know that back in the seventies, James Dyson revolutionised wheelbarrows by replacing the wheel with a ball. So it’s kind of like coming full circle really.

Available now from all major retailers. RRP from $699. For more information.

Fun fact: The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball barrel was in development for more than 2.5 years and more than 50 design engineers produced more than 1,000 prototypes of it.

Disclosure: Dyson gifted me with this vacuum for the purposes of this review. Positive coverage was not guaranteed.

Categories
Appliances

Smeg releases retro style built-in cooking appliances

Just as Smeg’s iconic fridge complements just about any style of interior, their new range of built-in cooking appliances will too with its classic lines and chic colour ways. “Devotees of both contemporary design and vintage style will covet the deliciously timeless aesthetics of the Victoria built-in that looks equally at home in contemporary loft-style apartments as it does in a country cottage,” says Smeg.

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The collection comprises 60cm sized single and double ovens (both with the option of pyrolytic cleaning), 45cm high compact models and warming drawers too. The design builds on Smeg’s original freestanding Victoria range but features an expanded colour range that includes white and stainless steel. The collection is also available in black and panna too – two classic Smeg colours.

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A standout in the range is the compact Victoria Speed Oven which boasts some pretty impressive technology allowing you to cook a whole chicken in just half an hour. Circulating microwave power works with traditional convection functions to dramatically reduce cooking times making it ideal for those who are time-poor. The 60cm multifunction pyrolytic oven is another highlight of the collection – it offers 16 cooking functions, including proving and Sabbath, plus 20 SmartSense menus and a soft close door too.

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A bank of Smeg Victoria appliances

Designed to be installed within a bank of appliances, the Victoria Compact Ovens, including the Speed Oven and Combi Steam Oven, are 45cm high and designed to integrate seamlessly with the 60cm models in terms of aesthetics and dimensions. Our personal favourite, the 15cm high warming drawer is one appliance we would love to have at home. Boasting a ‘push to open’ function, it’s great for entertaining as it keeps plates, serving dishes and prepared food super toasty before serving.

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The handy warming drawer

See here for more.

 

 

Categories
RENO ADDICT Shopping

How to choose the right air conditioner for your home

With summer well and truly upon us, Australians are searching for the one… and by the one, of course we are referring to the perfect air conditioner!

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For those who are looking to guarantee this summer’s forecast as sunny with 100% chance of being cool, The Good Guys appliance experts have pulled together a fail-safe way to help you choose the right air conditioner for you…

Types of air-conditioning:

If you’re looking to keep all rooms of the house cool at once a split system is the way to go. These air conditioners are made up of two parts, with one part attached to the internal wall of your home and the other sitting on the outside to exhaust heat out. These usually cost less to install and provide flexibility as you can choose separate units for each room of the house

A reverse system refers to air conditioners that provide both cooling and heating functions, coming in very handy during the cold winter months

Air conditioners with inverters are your kind of cooling system if minimal noise is important to you – these are often the quietest. They can also vary the temperature of the air they produce, rather than stopping and starting, as well as being cheaper to run and helping you achieve your desired room temperature more quickly – although they can be slightly more expensive

Multi-split air conditioners connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor condenser, meaning there is usually less work involved in installing them, but a single control station operates the whole system, so individual room temperatures aren’t possible

How big should you go?

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When buying air conditioners, a big consideration is how powerful the device needs to be to adequately cool your home, keeping you comfortable throughout the warmest of summer nights. Air conditioner capacity is rated by British Thermal Unit (BTU) and power output in kilowatts. Buying the right size unit is very important as air conditioners that are too big will use more energy, while under-sized ones will not cool the room sufficiently – so think about the size of your room first.

For a living room measuring 30 square metres approximately 3.75kW will be needed and around 125 watts per square metre, allowing a constant level of comfort for you to entertain your friends

For a bedroom, as a rough guide, 80 watts of power per square metre should be enough to keep the room cool enough to allow you and your family to fall peacefully to sleep

Bells and whistles:

Now that you have made the decision to buy an air conditioner, you can’t go past a few extra bells and whistles that will shoot you to the top of the cool list this summer. Even though some features tend to be more expensive, here is a list of common extras that are worth taking a look at:

  • Remote control
  • Timer
  • Sleep timer
  • Dehumidifier
  • Reverse cycle for heating
  • Slide-out chassis for easier installation
  • Mosquito traps
  • Air filter to remove odours, smoke and germs

For more information.

Categories
Appliances Homewares Kitchens

SMEG bench top appliances get a candy-coloured makeover

We were pretty excited when SMEG expanded their offering beyond their fabulously iconic fridge, to include super cool retro-inspired bench top appliances.

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But now, in even better news for those with a weakness for kitchen eye candy, the range of stand mixers, blenders, toasters and kettles is available in candy pink and pastel green shades.

Smeg Toaster 2 PinkToaster, two-slice, $179

Designed in collaboration with Italy’s Matteo Bazzicalupo and Raffaella Mangiarotti of Deep Design Studio, the collection is a nostalgic homage to 1950’s design and the new candy inspired tones really put the retro into overdrive.

SMF01PGAU_3Kitchen mixer, $799

And while the collection sports a fabulous retro aesthetic, there’s nothing antiquated about its functionality. From the mixer’s pasta-making capabilities to the toaster’s extra wide slots, reheat and bagel settings, the appliances really deliver on the functionality front too.

Smeg Blender BLF01PKSABlender, $299

Smeg Toaster P-Kettle P-Kettle PG
We’ll have one in every colour, please!

The range is available nationally from David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman stores.

Categories
Appliances

ASKO’s matte induction cooktop perfect for stylish families

I’m a big fan of induction cooktops, but there’s no denying they can look a little bit mucky with fingerprints and scratches. However ASKO’s latest induction cooktop aims to fix this. Coming in a stylish matte black finish, it has a superior scratch and fingerprint resistant surface and is very easy to clean.

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It is also the safer option for little hands, with the cooktop only heating the surface area that is actually being used, so the rest of the cooktop is cool enough to touch. Additional safety features include automatic switch off when the temperature reaches 300 degrees Celsius or is left on for nine continuous hours.

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Very intelligent, the cooktop has six auto programs that indicate when correct temperatures are reached, ensuring the right temperature is maintained when boiling, frying, simmering, grilling or keeping food warm.

Part of the new ASKO Pro Series collection, the matte glass induction cooktop is available as a 64cm ($2,999) or 90cm ($3,999) dual bridge.

For more information.

Categories
Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

How to create the perfect kitchen for the way we live today

As the hub of the home, the kitchen is the place we congregate to cook, catch up on the day and entertain friends. In essence, today’s kitchens must complement our lifestyle as well as how we cook.

Here are a few considerations to help you design a kitchen space that complements the way you live.

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Functionality is key
Identify the key work and storage zones within the kitchen plan – the prep area, cooking area and wash area are the three critical spots. Make sure they reflect how you want to use your kitchen, and don’t be restricted by conventional kitchen layouts.

Also, if you are using an existing fridge within the design, consider whether it opens to the left or right so that you incorporate it effectively into your layout.

Bespoke cooktop
Consider your cooking style and build your perfect cooktop by mixing and matching different sizes and types of cooktops. From induction to gas on glass or single and double burners, there are many different combinations to suit your cooking preferences.

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Think drawers
One of the biggest evolutions in kitchen design has been the shift from cupboards to drawers for storage. A kitchen full of drawers creates a more flexible, functional and ergonomic space. Dishwashers with drawers, where the whole unit pulls out, make cleaning up a breeze and are much kinder on your back too.

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Distributed appliances are a new design concept being referenced by kitchen designers. They provide you the flexibility to configure your kitchen to suit the way you work and live. As kitchens evolve to act more like lounge spaces, you could install a multi-temperature drawer for drinks by the dining table, a drawer dishwasher for crockery by the sink and another for glasses by the bar – the possibilities are endless.

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You can also opt to place single dishwasher drawers side by side, with one able to operate alone for smaller loads, while the second, when space is short, acts as storage and for larger loads. The ergonomic drawer-based design works to reduce bending to load and unload heavy plates and platters.

Be consistent
To create a consistent aesthetic across appliances, purchase products that are visually complementary. Choose a brand that has designed their range of kitchen appliances, from fridges and dishwashers to ovens and cooktops with classic clean lines, cohesive materials and matching design aspects – think matching handles, black glass and stainless steel finishes.

For even greater aesthetic consistency, consider integrated appliances as they are sleek, space-saving and discrete. Clean lines and a flush fit are important with this trend – you want to create the illusion of continuous cabinetry.

–Mark Elmore is the head of industrial design for Fisher & Paykel.

Categories
Appliances Competitions

Win a Bravista Latte+ machine, a step above standard coffee

What do you get when you take one of Italy’s top coffee specialists, Map Coffee, and have them join forces with one of the world’s most trusted and technologically advanced coffee machine manufacturers, Saeco? An amazing coffee machine!

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The new Bravista range of coffee capsule machines offers much more than any standard machine on the market. Map Coffee’s Caffitaly capsules deliver a double filtered, punchy eight grams of espresso, in contrast to the 5.5 grams which are the norm elsewhere. It is this unique combination of a barista-sized espresso shot and the sophisticated coffee extraction process that guarantees supreme taste and aroma every time.

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Designed in Italy, the range has been crafted to complement the modern kitchen where space is at a premium. Convenience and ease-of-use were top of mind for the designers. You can adjust the height of the tray and spout to fit your favourite cup (or mug), and even save preferences such as coffee/milk length so your coffee is served just the way you like it.

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Our favourite machine in the range is the Bravista Latte+ (pictured below) with its integrated 500ml milk carafe to make milk-based coffees with one touch. Retailing for $499, we are offering one lucky reader a Bravista Latte+ machine in white, a heap of coffee pods and a Clean Bean starter pack! What’s Clean Bean you ask? It’s a universal tablet that rids your machine of old coffee residue and cleans the pipes from the capsule right through to the cup. You wouldn’t drink your coffee from a dirty cup, and now you don’t have to drink espresso made from a dirty coffee machine!

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We are giving away one of these machines in white

For you chance to win the Bravista hamper, all you have to do is fill out the form below by 5pm Sydney time on Tuesday 8 December 2015.

For more information.

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Categories
Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Bosch’s powerful, robust and easy-to-use pressure washers

I honestly find pressure washing so satisfying. Insofar as I’d actually request to do it as a child! So Bosch’s newly released, extensive high-pressure washer range, has, rather embarrassingly, got me reminiscing about the good old days!

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Featuring the powerful and robust AQT 45-14x, the AQT 42-13 and the AQT 33-11 (a different model for every price point) each pressure washer is already assembled and immediately ready to use. Made from high-quality equipment, they are compatible with a range of versatile accessories that can be stored on the tool, such as lances, hoses and brushes. And thanks to quick SDS click connections, the tool itself and the attachments are easily assembled in seconds and ready to be used.
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The most advanced pressure washer: AQT 45-14x

The range of accessories is extensive, making the washer extremely versatile. The standard AQT 42-13 comes with the Deluxe Patio Cleaning attachment with an extended handle and four different nozzles, a fixed fan jet nozzle, a rotary jet nozzle and a high pressure detergent nozzle. The AQT 45-14x is even more flexible in its range of operations. Included in the pack is three cleaning lances; a variable fan jet lance, a rotary lance, a 90-degree nozzle and a high pressure detergent nozzle.

The AQT 45-14 X and the AQT 42-13 also include a telescopic handle which can be extended to a height of 90 centimetres. Transporting the washers is easy with the 18 centimetre rubber wheels whilst the integrated base plate allows the washer to be stabilised when winding up the hose into the hose reel. Both models include an auto-stop and self-priming function allowing the motor and pump to stop when the gun switch is released. This ensures water will never escape unintentionally.

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The AQT 33-11 is clever and compact – a lightweight tool to get the job done. This is the tool for basic and occasional cleaning work. At a weight of 4.5kg with the fixed fan nozzle, it is able to be conveniently picked up and transported to the desired place of work. Thanks to the energy-efficient auto stop system in the tool, energy is delivered only when needed in order to preserve power. Use the AQT 33-11 for any task from hosing down your bike to washing down windows and patio furniture.

The new Bosch pressure washer range will be available at Super Cheap Auto from the end of this month, with prices ranging from $129-to-$499.

For more information.

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Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Is this the perfect chef’s kitchen?

Sponsored by Freedom Kitchens

With butcher’s block, deep fryer and chargrill plate, this kitchen is perfect for any chef — professional or otherwise!

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We love this kitchen from Freedom Kitchens. Not only is it stylishly designed but is a family kitchen with a unique purpose at heart—to create a space with everything a real chef needs to cook up whatever their heart desires.

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Installed are a butcher’s block, deep fryer and chargrill plate, as well as two sinks. Appliances include an industrial strength rangehood and freestanding cooker. The microwave and dishwasher have been strategically placed out of sight.

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One of the challenges of this kitchen design was determining where to place all the built-in appliances to allow plenty of room for meal preparation, entertaining and the right amount of ventilation.

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Ambience was created through a moody colour palette and lighting. Other design elements include Alaskan Gloss Black cabinetry with streamlined linear handles for a sleek appearance. The black and blue mirrored splashbacks make for real statement pieces and allow ease of cleaning.

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Freedom Kitchens offer in-home design consultations with professional kitchen designers. To book, call 1800 113 733 or visit www.freedomkitchens.com.au. For more kitchen inspiration, follow on Instagram and Pinterest.

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Appliances Kitchens

Create perfect wok dishes at home with ASKO’s Fusion Volcano

We’re a nation that loves Asian food! Growing up in Sydney’s lower north shore, I — no exaggeration — had a good 20 Japanese and Thai restaurants within a five-minute walking distance. However, while we may be overrun with dining options, eating out every night isn’t really a viable option. So the next best thing? Create perfect Asian-inspired dishes at home.

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Introducing the Fusion Volcano by ASKO, a wok burner with a difference. The Volcano generates a vast amount of heat and effectively directs it to the base of the wok (rather than around the sides) for improved heat — just like the traditional Asian method. It also maintains a high temperature even when you add more ingredients. This is a wok burner for the home cook who wants truly professional results.

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Other features of the Volcano include its additional outer flame for larger pots, that brings water to the boil much faster, and a simmer setting for lower heat cooking, meaning a small pot containing sauce can be kept just below boiling point.

The Fusion Volcano wok burner includes stable support for the wok pan and is available as a stand-alone or within a combination of ASKO gas and induction cooktops. The Duo Fusion cooktop includes the Volcano burner and induction cooking in one unit.

For more information, visit ASKO or call 1300 002 756 for stockists.

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Appliances Kitchens

Smeg releases 14 new ovens to celebrate 30 years of design

To celebrate 30 years of their best-selling Classic stainless steel oven (designed by renowned Italian architect Guido Canali), Smeg have launched a brand new collection of 14 Classic models.

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The very first stainless steel oven to be introduced to the Australian market – at a time when white was the only choice in built-in ovens – Smeg’s original Classic S10X model is on permanent exhibition in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.VxGsO8qMfZgysmoyIUbfPlQv4ZA8hk1nBTI9vSp6FJEThe new Classic collection will include 60cm, 70cm and 90cm ovens, plus compact and double models and the truly innovative Speed Oven. And while the beautifully timeless design remains – clean, simple aesthetics with the iconic Classic knob – the new collection is rich with innovative features and functions.

High-tech features include Thermoseal technology, to maintain the perfect atmospheric balance for optimum cooking conditions; eclipse high visibility glass doors, which switch from black opaque glass to transparent when in use; Smart Sense Plus with 50 automatic cooking programmes; integrated cleaning systems; interchangeable racking that will fit any of the Classic appliances; and soft close doors.

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The development of a true Speed Oven is another milestone in the Classic collection. This oven combines circulating microwave power with traditional convection functions to dramatically reduce cooking times – for example, just 30 minutes to cook a whole chicken to golden perfection – while retaining excellent texture, succulence and flavour.

With 14 brand new ovens on offer, there’s something for everyone (and I’d be here all day if I gave you a thorough overview of all!) so make sure you visit Smeg for more information.

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Appliances Kitchens

Smeg’s minimalist and sleek Linear collection

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As our kitchens become more open-plan and the boundaries between kitchen and living blur even further, our food prep areas are taking on a more furnished look.

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Integrating or concealing major appliances behind matching cabinetry is an increasingly popular choice and Smeg have the perfect range to do so.

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Their sleek glass and stainless steel Linear range includes built-in ovens in several sizes, compact microwaves, steam ovens and coffee machines plus cooktops, sinks and rangehoods.CMSC45NEWith a very minimalist aesthetic showcasing a mix of Stopsol glass (in silver or black) with a mirror finish, and Smeg’s satin stainless steel; the control knobs are in transparent polycarbonate and backlit with blue LEDs.SC45MCNE2The collection is also noted for its advanced technology with their ovens featuring thermoseal, energy-efficient oven control; Smart Chef pre-set menus that instantly advise optimum cooking function, temperature, cooking time and shelf position; coloured touch-control screen; eco cooking function; and two pyrolytic cleaning modes.

The Smeg Linear collection, together with Smeg’s two other oven and cooktop ranges: Guido Canali’s Classic range and the vintage Victoria collection, can be seen at leading department stores, specialist appliance suppliers, electrical retailers and online.

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Appliances Kitchens

Siemens’ latest generation of ovens, dishwashers and more

The latest generation of ovens, dishwashers, warming drawers and coffee machines from Siemens’ new iQ700 range, are not only equipped with pioneering technology but are also pleasing to the eye.

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The oven range offers consumers faster, more flexible cooking options, giving back the time that so easily slips away. Key features include varioSpeed technology, which has the ability to speed up the cooking process by 50% (by combining traditional hot air cooking with integrated microwave functionality); and the coolStart function, which eliminates the time wasted preheating the oven and thawing out ingredients, as it condenses the whole process into one, single cooking session.

Featuring four models with simple to use pulse and full steam functionality, pulseSteam allows consumers to prepare perfectly crispy and juicy dishes with the addition of steam to conventional cooking, whilst the fullSteam function enables consumers to cook with 100% steam ensuring the nutritional benefit of food is maintained.

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Complementing the oven range, is the iQ700 dishwasher range — amongst the most energy and water efficient on the market — the warming drawers and a state-of-the-art built-in coffee machine. All offer consumers pioneering technology and even greater flexibility in the home.

The iQ700 range is a striking example of Siemens’ premium home appliances that seamlessly integrate into any kitchen design, and most importantly, respond to the demands of everyday consumers.

For more information.