A pristine, clear worksurface appeals to many but the truth is that, particularly in busy family households, there will be a number of appliances that are likely to spend their life out and proud and on show. So when you’re buying kit for your brand new kitchen, it’s a good idea to take aesthetics into consideration. After all, if it’s something you use every day, you’re not going to want to have to be forever moving it in and out of a cupboard. Items such as kettles, toasters and mixers not only need to look good, they have to be efficient, too, so here are some of our favourites that we think really earn their place on any home’s work surface.
KEY KIT
There are hundreds of kettles and toaster on the market and your choice is likely to reflect your kitchen style. Don’t just consider how they look, though, as they will end up being a waste of space if they don’t suit your needs. If you have a big family then a four-slot toaster is preferable to a smaller one and will be a good use of space, however big your worktop. For kettles, choose one with a good limescale filter, a quiet boil and a big capacity within a small footprint. Aside from toasters and kettles, there are a number of small appliances that will help to make life easier when cooking.
If you’re a big baker or love cooking from scratch then a stand mixer or multi-tasking food processor is a must. If you’re keeping it out on the worktop then look for a model that co-ordinates with your kitchen and is a talking point in its own right. Think iconic KitchenAid Artisan. For food processors, choose one that has a toolbox to store accessories – such as Magimix’s Patissier multi-function food processor – so you’re not constantly digging about in a drawer to find them. Coffee machines are a great addition for those who need a caffeine boost to get them going in the morning and if you’re short on space there are plenty of models that are super sleek. If espresso is your thing try the Nespresso Inissia by Magimix or for a compact machine with a milk frother for milky lattes and cappuccinos try Dualit. For a real show-off machine that makes barista style coffee then opt for the professional looking Oracle Touch from Sage by Heston Blumenthal.
KEEP IT CO-ORDINATED
KitchenAid has paired its much-loved mixers with a range of small appliances in a number of co-ordinating colours so if you want to have a consistency of style, you can buy toasters, kettles and even multi-functioning food processors to match. They are at the pricier end of the market but their quality build and fabulous looks will ensure they’re a talking point for a long time to come. Dualit is a British brand best known for its toasters – it has been hand-building them in the UK since the 1950s – but it also has a range of kettles and coffee machines that carry through its distinctive Classic retro style. If that’s not for you, the more modern Architect range with its stainless steel styling and changeable decorative panels works beautifully with a crisp white handleless kitchen such as our Linear Edge.
Ready to start designing? Request a free copy of our brochure for kitchen inspiration here . Alternatively, book a complimentary design consultation here and speak to one of our expert designers in your local showroom.
