A range of premium appliances in the kitchen will inspire your culinary talents and impress your guests when entertaining at home.
A kitchen designed with a range of appliances that make cooking, serving, and cleanup convenient and easy is what you’ll need to entertain with style and confidence. But how do you choose the right ones for you? KBB journo Sally Smith reveals all you need to know to host the ultimate feast…
What kitchen appliances should you choose?
Combination ovens that offer convection, steam, and microwave in one appliance, with personalised cooking programmes and preset timings, will help maintain a seamless flow from preparation to presentation.
The latest high-tech, AI fridges can recognise up to nearly 40 food items in your fridge and recommend recipes – ideal for last-minute meal inspiration when visitors drop by.
Functionality on offer
Wine cabinets offer multiple temperature zones to ensure red, white, and sparkling wines are stored at optimal temperatures for your guests to enjoy. A 6-in-1 boiling tap is another handy appliance to have when entertaining; it dispenses boiling, mains hot and cold, filtered chilled, ambient, and even sparkling water.
But remember, “choose appliances with the functionality you will use day-in-day-out, not just once a year,” says Lauren Thomas, brand manager at La Cornue. Venting induction hobs with downdraft integrated extraction activated by touch or remote control are another great option, especially in a smaller kitchen.
Buying tips
Opting for a statement overhead extractor as a design feature? Check how loud it is on the most powerful setting. You will want to ensure it remains relatively quiet for your guests to have a good time, and that its performance is still high enough to keep food odours away.
A warming drawer is also a great asset when hosting; it can heat plates, keep side dishes and desserts warm, and even be used as a slow cooker – a game changer when it comes to serving piping hot food to a crowd of guests. A double refrigerator is another must, so you can stock up and cook ahead or whip up a quick and tasty dinner whenever you need it.
Good to know
Dishwashers designed to operate at very low noise levels, often as quiet as 38dBA will keep stress levels down. The rapid and quick-drying programmes will keep the glasses flowing all evening and are a must-have for the post-entertaining clean-up.
If you like to take centre stage when you’re entertaining, cooking appliances such as a range cooker would be a good investment. The variety of dual-fuel, induction, and gas cooktops with the flexibility of two or more ovens means you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with an extensive culinary repertoire. Check that you have the most up-to-date attachments for your stand mixers and food processors to speed up the preparation time.
What will it cost?
Expect to pay around £3000 for the latest combination ovens with up to five different heat settings including steam and microwave. A bespoke coloured range cooker will be more of an investment piece, with prices from £10,000 plus, but will last a lifetime.
A vented induction hob with integrated extraction costs between £1300 and £5000, but remember this is a 2-in-1 appliance with no need for an overhead extraction unit. Keeping your countertop food processors and stand mixers up to date with the newest attachments such as a handy ice shaver for cocktails will only cost around £125.
Happy hosting!
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