Masters Home Improvement

Touted as a hotbed of innovation and technology, current appliances can certainly make cooking a breeze.

The latest products are smarter, faster and more energy-efficient than ever before, while an ultra-glamorous look also comes to play with sleek designs and contemporary finishes.

From an oven that cleans itself to a cooktop that boils water in a couple of minutes, these appliances sound like something from the future! But the good news is that these high-tech appliances are all on offer at Masters Home Improvement.

Here are some of the most desirable options that will make your kitchen smarter and faster…

Cooktops

A favourite for home cooks and celebrity chefs, the gas cooktop delivers instant, easily controlled heat. The electric cooktop, meanwhile, also works its magic – it’s fast, energy-efficient and has virtually no dirt traps. For a streamlined look, select a ceramic glass or induction cook top.

One of the smartest and fastest appliances now on the market is the induction cooktop, which uses a magnetic field to transfer heat straight to the base of the pot. It means the cooktop itself stays relatively cool – a godsend for clumsy cooks or kids.

Induction cooktops actually heat up faster than gas or other electric varieties and offer more sensitive heat control. But before you start cooking your first dinner, you may need to upgrade your cookware – the base must be made of a ferrous metal, such as steel, iron or cast iron. A simple test is to use a fridge magnet and see if it takes to your cook ware. If it does, your cook ware will work with induction!

Ovens

Available in gas or electric, an oven is generally positioned under the cooktop to improve functionality. Another option is an upright which can be installed into a cupboard – at eye-height, the oven provides easy viewing of dishes that roast or rise.

One of the greatest breakthroughs in the oven world are the new-fangled cleaning systems. Getting down and dirty is virtually unnecessary with the latest self-cleaning functions, such as a pyrolytic system. This works by heating an empty, dirty oven up to 500 degrees celsius and burning off any remaining grease or grime. A quick wipe-out is all that’s required – you’ll never need to scrape and scrub again or use those highly toxic cleaners!

Steam ovens

Using water vapour to cook food, a steam oven is a fast, healthy way to cook. It seals in flavours and vitamins, as well as preserving colour.

Since the food absorbs only the moisture required, food is never over-cooked.  Ideal to whip up meat, vegetable, fish, pasta or rice dishes, the steam oven is a favourite option for busy families and regular entertainers.

Also, similar to modern ovens, many steam ovens provide a steam-clean function that means the food can’t burn or bake on.

Fridges and freezers

The humble refrigerator has had a sparkling makeover with advances in design and technology.

Although the sizes have expanded over the past decade, the current ranges now use 30 per cent less electricity than models built 10 years ago. In order to support this eco advance, it’s worth looking for five- and six-star rated machines.

A fridge with a top-mounted freezer was once king of the domain, but it has recently been usurped by the bottom-mounted version.

For a family-size fridge, a side-by-side provides extra freezing capacity. Some manufactures have pushed the boundaries, boasting double side-by-sides, with two fridges atop two separate slide-out freezer drawers

For the finishes, stainless steel is still the shining star, with a fingerprint-proof innovation that makes for easy cleaning and prevents scratches.

Dishwashers

Now quieter and more energy efficient, the dishwasher has become a must-have appliance. Used properly, dishwashers are generally more water and energy efficient than dishwashing by hand.

Various finishes include white or stainless steel but for an integrated effect, cabinet panels can be used to make the surface blend with the rest of the cabinetry.

Fisher & Paykel’s revolutionary DishDrawer – a dual-drawer dishwasher which allows you to wash one draw at a time – provides pure versatility.

Compact dishwashers are now on the market – a favourite option for a small kitchen or apartment.

Some of the latest ranges offer different configurations and clever ergonomic design – when a wider dishwasher, for example, is positioned slightly higher; it means that packing and unpacking doesn’t involve bending and stretching.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.