Many of the amenities found in the latest kitchen trends leverage smart home technology. Here are his five takeaways from his influential 2024 Kitchen Trends Research Report, recently released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. I wrote about eight of this report's sustainability-related observations last week. The role of innovation in kitchen design and remodeling to improve health potential deserves its own spotlight.
As mentioned in a previous article, the NKBA, a trade association of 50,000 members including designers, dealers, renovators, contractors, and manufacturers, conducts research like this on design and renovation trends. We go every year. This report also includes companies that specified kitchen products. (Although I have been a member for nearly 20 years, this is just one of several major industry associations that I source for research.) I have had the opportunity to review this report. I reached out to a fellow designer and asked him via email to explain more: The role of smart home technology in kitchen projects is increasing.
Before we get into it, it's worth noting what Sacramento architectural designer Nal Bustamante shared in a comment. While he is excited about advances in smart home appliances, he says there is a learning curve for some clients that may prevent them from taking advantage of the technology's full potential. That being said, he points out that there are some features that are effortless to set up and use, and that are very helpful to users.
1. Resilience
“Many home appliances now have emergency power-off monitors, leak detection features, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it possible to check the operating status of home appliances from your mobile phone,” Bustamante said. doing. Leak detection alerts homeowners that there is water that needs to be addressed where it shouldn't be. Some leak detection techniques can shut off the water (depending on the client's plumbing system).
“We've been taught to ignore many of these warnings, because they often come in ways that make us distrust technology,” says the California resident. he says. However, he points out that problems often occur when we are not at home, so this can help prevent future accidents. Given that flood and freeze damage is the third most common cause of insurance claims, this is one category of alerts you definitely don't want to turn off. This is especially true for vacation homes and rental homes.
2. Smart refrigeration
Refrigerators are an important element when talking about resilience. “Key technology capabilities will be safety-related, such as emergency power supplies, leak detectors, and food inventory technology,” the report predicts. As food prices continue to rise, concerns about ethics and sustainability issues around waste increase, and power grid failures due to extreme weather and other issues, preserving food becomes more important for homeowners. There is.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Durham-area designer Vicki Cerany describes smart refrigerators as “the unspoken heroes of our kitchens.” She is impressed with what the industry has released so far. She said: “Electronic manufacturers do a lot of work to preserve and keep our food safe.”
In addition to stockpiling food at home, this function also requires convenience. “New refrigerator food inventory technology helps with menu recommendations and shopping,” the report states. Additionally, it adds, new and expanded refrigeration options provide flexibility for homeowners. Approximately one-third (36%) of homeowners say they want these inventory technologies and recommended menu foods. (This trend is likely to accelerate further as more Gen Z digital natives become homeowners.)
A big trend in smart refrigerator duty is flex drawers that can go from refrigeration to freezing to wine storage on demand. More flex models and even remote mode settings would be welcome in this category, as his 74% of research specifiers reported wanting improved functionality in their refrigerators.
3. Multitasking cooking appliances
“Appliances with multiple cooking functions are popular,” the report says, with 87% of respondents mentioning this. Technology can help make that happen. “Cooking appliances will increasingly come with integrated cooking features such as air frying and steam cooking,” the report said, with 71% of respondents saying they would like these appliances to cook faster and more accurately. want to provide more control.
Almost half (47%) of home chefs expect to control their oven or range from a mobile app. A programmable cooking option for delayed start is a feature his 37% of respondents want, and 21% expect these appliances to be voice activated.
In ovens, steam is generated particularly strongly, usually in combination with convection. Rather than running plumbing lines to these appliances, many designers and homeowners choose reservoir models that are easier to refill and reduce installation costs and maintenance. Customers are excited about these appliances, he comments Serany. “Maybe it's our culture to reheat leftovers, but many people believe that food tastes better when cooked in a steam oven.”
Bustamante is also bullish on steam, putting it at the top of his health list. “Steam ovens offer a more even, moisture-producing cooking method that minimizes the chance of overcooking, preserves nutritional value and freshness, and maintains food integrity.”
According to the report, one of the innovations added to cooking appliances is customized settings and controls. These can support temperature control accuracy, delayed start, and remote start. The ability to monitor cooking progress on your phone app or tablet is another smart home trend that's definitely worth considering.
Some apps will display a warning if you leave the burner on. Some allow you to remotely upgrade your range or oven as the manufacturer adds new features. One of the first smart feature upgrades that became very popular was the addition of air frying capabilities to some convection ovens. The ability to do this gives homeowners an incentive to connect with manufacturers. Remote repair diagnostics are another incentive, but they might not be as sexy as getting a whole new cooking mode just in time for holiday fun.
4. Microwave Alternatives
This report includes a section that points out future trends. Microwave ovens installed in ranges were mentioned most often (45%). They have never been an element of high-end kitchens (except perhaps in small condo kitchens in Manhattan or San Francisco) and have lost their appeal in many upper-midrange projects as well. They pose a safety risk, especially when installed over gas stoves, which are found in many homes. They also tend to be noisy and have poor ventilation (big concern with gas burners!). “In our design, a steam oven or pull-out microwave convection oven is the preferred method,” Cerany says.
“Speed ovens and steam ovens are also great for reheating.” Comments from designer Sarah Robertson, who lives just north of the city in Westchester County, New York..
Bustamante considers steam an ideal alternative. “Reheating and defrosting food has been revolutionized by steam ovens. Microwaves are no longer the only option.” He says he no longer installs microwaves on many projects. “The steam oven has reached the top!”
5. Hands-free faucet
“Hands-free faucets are becoming the new norm,” the report declares, with 57% of respondents choosing motion activation, 55% choosing elbow or arm tap models, and 21% voice-activated. I am choosing activation. Overall, about half of respondents (46%) agree that hands-free is becoming the new normal.
Robertson takes hands-free to the opposite extreme. She is one of the 9% of respondents who prefer foot pedal control. The New York-area designer specified a water control valve attached to an aftermarket toe kick, she says. “It attaches to any faucet and requires no electricity to operate. It's simple, easy to install, and saves a lot of water.” (For those of you with a heavy pot of pasta in boiling water? You will understand how convenient this is.)
Voice control is another way to add hands-free functionality to the kitchen, which is where hands-free faucets are installed in most homes, Cerany observes. They don't always work the way you want them to. Artificial intelligence will probably make them smarter in the coming years.
The last word
The growing popularity and presence of smart home technology in modern kitchens has led design professionals to partner with smart home technology integrators. It is not uncommon for one of these professionals to be involved in a high-end project from the beginning. Even before you choose a single finish, don't be surprised if you are introduced to technical partners: architects, designers, and general contractors.
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