Kitchens revolve around cooking, which means design must revolve, at least in part, around the cooking appliances.
Mike Withers, AGA brand specialist and business development manager, Middleby Residential in Elgin, IL, says manufacturers need to offer something for everyone – the serious home chef as well as those looking for quick and easy cooking, with models that fit a range of budgets. The range, he says, is the center of the kitchen, so it has to fit in with the overall style and lifestyle of the homeowner.
This means that options are essential. “One thing that’s interesting about the luxury space is that people don’t want limitations when it comes to designing their kitchens,” remarks Chelsey Whitehead, director of product and brand marketing, JennAir in Benton Harbor, MI. “You can’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach to the needs of the luxury consumer.”
Aesthetically, customization and color are important. “Clients are asking, and trusting, their designers to add personal, unique touches to their kitchens. This has piqued the use of color and customizations like trim finishes on bezels and handles,” reports Shae Wilder, trade marketing manager, BlueStar in Hebron, KY.
Induction cooktops, which offer fast and energy-efficient functions, are rising in popularity. “Induction cooking is becoming a bigger topic for many reasons – safety, energy efficiency and moving away from natural gas,” explains Tetiana Tarandushko, senior category manager – cooking at Miele USA, based in Princeton, NJ.
Other top trends include attention to wellness and sustainability; a move towards color, especially matte black; a desire for flexibility, and countless cooking options. So say manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.
Personal Variety
In a dream kitchen, the last thing people want is to be limited. Manufac-turers say that options are the key to allowing designers to create just the right space for each individual client.
Options are a must, stresses Whitehead. Luxury consumers are used to having choices, and expect the same when designing their kitchens and selecting their appliances, she says. Dual convection ovens and chrome-infused griddles are two choices that are becoming more in demand, she observes.
Wilder notes that both high-output burners and low-simmer features are in demand. “Home cooks are continuously looking to expand their skills, and they need appliances that can give them flexibility to do so.”
“Increased options for appliance personalization is allowing users to infuse their kitchens with unique style and functionality,” states Jeff Sweet, senior manager of product marketing, Sub-Zero Group, located in Madison, WI. He adds, “Versatility in cooking modes is also key, allowing users to explore different techniques, master their favorite dishes and get creative in the kitchen.”
Withers emphasizes the importance of versatility in cooking appliances, saying designers need to know who is using the appliance – and how. Aga’s 48″ Mercury and Elise ranges have three separate ovens; a combination oven with seven settings, a true European convection oven, and a dedicated broiler oven. This allows for plenty of options for those who enjoy cooking, while also allowing the consumer to “set it and forget it,” he says.
Other manufacturers agree that multifunctional appliances are in high-demand. Tony Dowling, v.p., sales & marketing at Elmira Stove Works in Ontario, Canada says, “In the luxury/premium category, bigger is better than ever – bigger cooktops, more burners, larger ovens and multiple ovens, be it multiple ovens in the same range, or a full-sized range with separate wall ovens.”
Daria Saxton, digital marketing specialist at Sharp, based in Montvale, NJ, states that her company is also seeing demand for products that offer a range of cooking capabilities within one appliance. “Essentially, consumers want more bang for their buck – and often save space – when selecting new home appliances,” she infers. “Consumers are also interested in specialty appliances beyond microwaves and air fryers. For example, similar to restaurant ‘combi’ ovens, Sharp’s Superheated Steam ovens combine convection heat and steam for restaurant-quality food at home.”
Efficient Operations
Cooking appliances with features that simplify the work and reduce the amount of time spent on cooking tasks are trending, manufacturers say.
“When shopping for appliances, we see consumers looking for features that make their lives better and simpler,” reports Saxton.
“Our customers tend to gravitate towards cooking features and capabilities that take the guesswork out of cooking,” offers Megan Spies, senior marketing manager at Irvine, CA-based Thermador. In Thermador induction products, this includes intuitive features like HeatShift, which allows users to change power levels by simply moving cookware without having to adjust the controls; MoveMode, which allows users to transfer cooking settings from one zone to another by simply moving the pot or pan across the cooktop; PowerBoost, which saves time heating up pots by increasing power by up to 50 percent; and CookSmart, which has five presets that maintain the selected temperature for consistent results.
“Intuitive controls that seamlessly integrate into the product enhance the user experience and add ease to the cooking process,” remarks Sweet.
Dowling notes that, for range tops and cooktops, high speed and high output are must-have features. Air frying capabilities in ovens are trending, he adds, as a more convenient and higher-capacity alternative to freestanding small air fryers.
“High efficiency and ease of use are must-haves when choosing an appliance,” concurs Tarandushko. “Look for meaningful technology that will offer more convenience in your kitchen.” Technologies like air frying or induction are aimed at saving time and energy in the kitchen, she adds.
Growth in Induction
The demand for flexibility, sustainability and more control while cooking continues to drive a move towards consumers choosing induction cooktops.
Spies says, “Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular over the years, due to factors such as precise temperature control, ease of cleaning, aesthetics and faster cooking times, appealing to busy households.”
Sweet reports, “Induction appliances are becoming increasingly popular for consumers seeking energy-efficient alternatives without sacrificing performance and technology.”
Ann Muth, director of marketing at BlueStar, agrees that induction cooktops are increasingly in demand. “Induction offers precise and flexible control, while a ceramic cooktop surface and seamless backguard ensure durability and easy cleaning,” she states.
Whitehead notes that the shift to induction happens for multiple reasons, from state regulations to a desire to try something different. “Another driver behind its increased interest for some is the precision control of heat; the magnetic field under the cooking surface only heats the pan, so you don’t have heat that escapes,” she explains. “Our induction range has a feature called assisted cooking, which allows users to select tasks like melt, simmer and boil, and it will maintain that heat, eliminating the guesswork.”
Withers agrees that induction is an increasingly popular option. He says induction cooktops have the added benefit of offering more prep space on the side of the cooktop that is not in use, since there is no heat transferred to that space.
Color and Contrast
Stainless is a classic finish for appliances, and still a popular choice, but manufacturers say they are also seeing a rise in demand for color and mixed-finish looks.
“Stainless steel is a popular choice in appliance finish as it is sleek and classic and seamlessly integrates into almost any kitchen design. The neutral grays in the stainless steel allow you to experiment with more cabinet colors like slate blue, teal and combinations like eggshell top cabinets and forest green bottom cabinets,” remarks Saxton. “Black is also having a moment in kitchen design, from dark or black cabinets to black edge-to-edge glass that Sharp uses on their appliances.”
Tarandushko says, “Matte black is a new trend in the finish of cooking appliances. Stainless steel still keeps its leading position in the kitchen, as it brings a classic look, but matte black adds a modern touch.” She continues, “Black surface finishes are in high demand as they blend seamlessly with dark cabinetry or stand out as an accent with lighter styles.”
Muth says the company sees a lot of interest for 2024 in matte black finishes that offer a sleek and modern look. She adds that they’re also seeing the resurgence of a monochromatic look. “Requests for custom color-matched appliances, especially ranges, to paint colors and cabinets have spiked, and projects are showing that a seamless, cohesive look is back in.”
Wilder adds that there are a lot of custom-color matches happening, especially with matte finishes. “We’re also seeing an increase in copper and polished finishes. The use of matte color and polished trim finish combined is popular,” she notes.
Withers concurs that color is very popular, with matte black as a top seller. He says there’s demand for mixed metals, greens, blues and, for a real pop of color, red. AGA’s antique brass knobs have also been in high demand since their recent release, he adds.
Dowling reports that lots of colors and lots of options on metal trims are in high demand for finishes. “Not long ago, Elmira Stove Works was one of the only manufacturers offering a multitude of colors; now it’s much more commonplace for high-end brands to offer at least a few options. We’re also seeing more call for bright metal trims like bright copper and bright gold,” he says.
“Mixed metals are still very popular, where appliances merge the aesthetics of jewelry,” adds Whitehead. “Think layered necklaces and that industrial look that our RISE design expression offers consumers who want to bring appliances that stand out in their spaces.”
Spies believes that cool tones are trending currently. “Consumers are moving away from the warm metals like brass and copper that were popular in recent years, and towards cooler metals like chrome, aluminum and stainless steel,” she stresses.
Valuable Connections
In cooking appliances, smart technology that keeps consumers connected is being integrated more often, offering value in several ways.
“Most new products include connectivity, and there are a lot of interesting connected features being offered like recipe assistance, cameras and appliance monitoring,” Tarandushko states.
“One of the biggest trends I see for cooking appliances is the integration of smart technology,” agrees Saxton. “These advancements bring efficiency and more consistent results to the cooking experience. With the ability to control your dishwasher, microwave or oven with your voice or via a smartphone app, people now have the flexibility to maximize their time in the kitchen.”
“Looking ahead, I anticipate that artificial intelligence will work its way into appliances,” she adds. “Imagine an oven that could automatically adjust based on the type of food or a refrigerator that can recommend recipes based on ingredients inside.”
These connections are also allowing consumers to step up their cooking game. Whitehead remarks, “Technology is unlocking the ability to have curated sensorial experiences. It also allows consumers the ability to do complex cooking.”
“The integration of technology and smart features like WiFi-enabled connectivity have transformed the cooking experience. Home chefs can now control and monitor their appliances remotely, accessing a range of functions through mobile apps for added convenience,” explains Sweet.
Environmentally Friendly
Appliances that are energy efficient and sustainably made are a top consideration for consumers, manufacturers say.
“As concerns around sustainability and energy efficiency continue to grow, we’re seeing consumers choose appliances with eco-friendly features, such as water and energy-efficient dishwashers or induction cooktops that operate without the environmental concerns usually associated with some natural gas appliances,” Saxton offers.
“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to manufacturers and consumers, who are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact,” Tarandushko stresses. “This is leading to a trend towards more plant-based cooking, using seasonal and local ingredients, and reducing food waste. In turn, consumers are looking for appliances from eco-
conscious manufacturers and those that will help prepare those sustainable dishes.”
Additionally, Tarandushko notes that consumers are more conscious of the lifespan of their appliances, a big factor in sustainability, making products tested to last a long time more important than ever.
Honing in on Wellness
Wellness trends are everywhere, and the kitchen is no exception. This creates demand for healthier cooking options and features that alleviate stress and promote well being.
“Steam ovens have emerged as a prominent trend in kitchen appliances, revolutionizing cooking methods for health-conscious and flavor-seeking individuals,” says Sweet.
Spies adds that this trend around wellness means customers may be more inclined to turn to appliances that help them live a healthier lifestyle, improve mental well being, manage life so they can spend time on things that matter, and feel good about the decisions they make for the environment. These appliances promote healthier cooking habits, are quiet and easy to use and maintain, are connected and energy efficient. ▪
