Kitchen Showcase 2004: What We Saw (Part 3)
The Kitchen Showcase 2004 proved to be a resounding success for the 70 or so companies taking part. This was the second year of the Showcase, building on the success of the Masterclass Conference (now in its fourth year) and the Design Awards, all organised by the publishers of Kitchen & Bathroom Designer magazine. Below we take a look specifically at some of the new products which were launched at the Showcase.
The
Seta Towel Radiator Launched at Kitchen Showcase
Radiators
are important to kitchen design, from the deluxe aluminium galley to the
extended living area of a family home. A good radiator adds a helping
hand in the form of a towel rail, whilst looking as smart as any new appliance
or worktop. Bisque's Seta Towel Radiator is designed to be beautiful,
but also practical: it dries towels quickly, takes up very little space
and adds an element of ltalian style with its clean lines and robust columns.
The design by Mario Talin incorporates new technology, with large diameter
twin-wall tubes that enable heated air to escape via 'pepper pot' tops.
This produces an efficient heat output for the size of the radiator.
Seta's contemporary character works with any decor, with a range of sizes
for all room shapes. Vertical sizes suit even the smallest kitchen as
they take up very little wall space compared with a panel radiator and
fit into recesses or behind doors. The compact, horizontal versions create
a different effect and work well under windows or in areas with low ceilings.
Available in Chrome, White and Metallica finish - to go with the latest
aluminium appliances for a seamless look. Price from £409.00 inc
vat.
Also on display at Kitchen Showcase was the Zanzibar Tower, an architectural
style in 'Argenta' - the new, sparkly metallic finish from Bisque.
Tel: 01225 478500
Web: http://www.bisque.co.uk
Get
into the Spirit of Entertaining
When
it comes to chilling beverages, the new GE Monogram wine chiller and beverage
centre are designed for those who love to entertain and display wine and
spirits. Consumers can easily showcase personal taste and confident sense
of style with these new models. 'Whether you are a wine connoisseur or
just want your favourite beverages at your fingertips, you'll be impressed
with these new products from GE.' says the company.
The wine chiller and beverage centre are designed with bevelled stainless
steel edges and a black case. Both units feature shelf fronts of unfinished
cherry wood that may be customised to fit any decor, and both may be used
as free-standing or built-in units.
The
new GE Monogram wine chiller (right) and beverage centre
The
wine chiller holds up to 57 wine bottles and the beverage centre accommodates
12 wine bottles or large drink bottles and up to 126 330ml cans. The clean
lines and timeless design of these new Monogram products blend well with
all of the homes relaxation spots - whether it's the family room, pool
house, guest bedroom, or mother-in-law's suite.
All seven of the wine chiller's shelves are on full-extension slides making
it easy for hosts and guests to peruse a wine enthusiasts collection.
Use several wine chillers as a staging area for bringing wines to serving
temperature or to create your very own wine 'cellar' anywhere in the house.
As a companion to the wine chiller or installed alone, the beverage centre
creates an appealing refreshment oasis anywhere in the house. Extendable,
spill proof glass shelves make the beverage centre an entertainer's new
best friend. Hosts may easily reach all items in the beverage centre quickly
and conveniently.
Both the wine chiller and beverage centre are equipped with adjustable
temperature controls to cool wine and other beverages to precise temperatures
and soft interior lighting is controlled by an external switch. The interior
automatically illuminates when the door is opened.
Tel: 0800 731 8657
Web: http://www.geappl.co.uk
UK
Launch of Lightweight Granite Worktops at the Kitchen Showcase 2004
Already
popular in the Netherlands and Germany, Reijnen International's range
of lightweight granite worktops was launched in the UK at the Kitchen
Showcase 2004. Exclusive to London-based lnside Matters, the range includes
worktops that weigh up to 75% less than conventional granite products.
'These
natural stone worktops make life easier for everyone and give consumers
the architectural style they are looking for,' explains lnside Matters'
operations director, Remi Abayomi. 'The reduced weight makes transport,
storage and fitting so much simpler, quicker and more economical - and
they are delivered ready to fit. The finish is superb and the technology
opens up all sorts of possibilities for design and detailing.'
Reijnen International, headquartered near Maastricht in the Netherlands,
works with only the finest stone and uses the latest technology to create
custom-made worktops.
Tha lightweight granite worktop - delivered complete and ready to fit
- uses stone precision-cut to a thickness of one centimetre and mounted
on a robust fibreglass/honeycomb base. Reijnen International's comprehensive
worktop range also offers: natural stone cut to the more conventional
thicknesses of two or three centimetres; granite Composite (branded Reynstone)
and the option of an MDF base. In every case, Reijnen Intemational's precision
engineering creates a complete worktop that is exactly the right size,
so minimal adjustment is needed.
The precision technology also opens up styling opportunities, with everything
detailed and finished.
• The lightweight worktops offer a choice of six edgings - up to
15cm deep to create a massive effect
• Hobs and sinks can be mounted absolutely flush with the worksurface
• Sinks can be lined with granite to create the kind of integrated
look normally associated with synthetics or with hollowed-out blocks of
stone
• Stone cladding and surprisingly light freestanding units and tabletops
can be produced using the same technology.
MK-Küchen chose Reijnen International's lightweight granite worktop
in Brown ltabira granite from Brazil to complement the company's high-gloss
'coffee and cream' kitchen at Kitchen Showcase. Trimmed with a stainless
steel strip, the worktop is used to define the different areas of the
kitchen: it is 4cm thick in the preparation areas and a massive 15cm thick
in the bar/eating area. 'A large slab of solid granite 15cm thick would
put enormous pressure on a kitchen unit,' explains Remi Abayomi. 'but
the lightweight construction creates a spectacular effect quite painlessly.
The lightweight worktop is also enormously strong.'
Tel: 020 7372 3105
Email: mailto:info@insidematters.co.uk
Web: http://www.insidematters.co.uk
Blum
Dynamic Space - the Future of Kitchen Planning
If
you're still on your knees scrabbling around in the dark recesses of a
kitchen cupboard looking for a lost saucepan then Blum says that you seriously
need to catch up on what's happening in 21st century kitchen design.
The Austrian
furniture fittings company Julius Blum started developing problem-solving
products back in 1953 and is now a leading player in this labour-saving,
enjoyment-promoting technology.
Here, Blum UK is a supplier of modern components and concepts - not only
the full extension drawer and runner systems that make every internal
storage aspect of your kitchen instantly accessible, but now the concept
of Dynamic Space® - this is a kitchen design tool for, not only manufacturers
and retailers, but most importantly the end user.
Dynamic Space® brings together all the attributes of Blum's products
to create a kitchen designed to reflect individual lifestyles by apportioning
storage of goods and commodities into 'zones'. This has a dramatic effect
on where and how things are stored and used - it cuts down on movement,
time and effort and changes the kitchen environment from a chore to a
pleasure.
So what are these zones? Well, think about how you use your kitchen. Where
do you prepare food for cooking, where do you actually cook, where are
the regularly used commodities (seasonings etc) stored, where are your
most used knives, bowls, mixing utensils ... when you wash up where are
the detergents, dishcloths, scourers etc? Zoning is all about having the
right things to hand at the right moment. Dynamic Space® is about
storing these - consumables, utensils, non-consumables, crockery, cutlery
and cooking aids -just where you need them and always accessible.
Tel: 01908 285700
Email: mailto:info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.com
Web: http://www.dynamicspace.com
Now
Group Plc in Conjunction with Hotpoint Appliances and Getacore Worktops
The
Now Group stand featured its latest introduction to the Chic Kitchen Collection,
an Artic White High Gloss Vinyl PVC fascia with horizontal profiled edges,
and set off with long bar brushed steel handles. Chunky tall and base
unit sides add the finishing touches to Now Group's California kitchen.
The design concept is also available in Northumberland Birch and Birch
Rose wood grain materials.
The kitchen featured Getacore solid surface worktops, together with the
company's new under-mounted Franke stainless steel sink and Astracast
Springflow taps.
The aesthetics were contrasted by Hotpoint's latest built-in appliances,
featuring built in coffee maker, microwaves, twin built-in ovens, a range
cooker and built under twin cavity oven, all in stainless steel. The stand
also featured the latest innovation from the Merloni Group which is the
Hotpoint 90 cm wide twin drawer refrigerator.
Tel: 01772 708070
Email: mailto:beryl@nowkitchens.co.uk
Web: http://www.nowkitchens.co.uk
Hoover
Built-in Kitchen Appliances at Kitchen Showcase
Just launched and on show for the first time at Kitchen Showcase were appliances from the new Hoover Built-in range. Hoover has entered the built-in sector with a comprehensive collection of co-ordinated cooking, cooling and home laundry appliances.
Five of the seven ovens in the range incorporate the thermostatically
controlled variable Reflo grill. A coated metallic surface on the roof
of the grill compartment just above the element reflects heat downward
onto the food for faster, more even cooking.
On show was the multi-function electronic single oven model HMO 837 with
ten cooking functions. In addition to the Reflo grill, the oven features
fully extendible telescopic oven shelves to make it easier to place food
in, and remove from, the oven or to check during cooking. It has catalytic
liners and is available in stainless steel finish.
Hoover has also introduced a 15-place setting dishwasher. With the HDI
3015, you can 'stack and leave' so that the machine goes on less frequently
for cost and energy savings. The self-fit lower basket allows you to freely
load the machine with any sze of pan or dish. The height adjustable, extra
large upper basket includes a rack for additional cutlery and long utensils.
With triple 'A' energy rating, the HDI 3015 has four programmes, including
a 32-minutes rapid cycle, and four wash temperatures. A start-delay offers
options for three, six or nine hours and there is a half-load button when
this is more convenient. The self-cleaning stainless steel micro filter
keeps the water clean throughout the wash and the wraparound stainless
steel interior means there are no collection points for grease and dirt
to accumulate. The heating element is concealed for added safety and maximum
efficiency.
Hoover gas, induction, ceramic and conventional hobs include 75 cm wide
models to meet growing demand for extra usable space and more flexible
cooking. On show was the HVH 750 ceramic Hi-Light hob with four cooking
zones - one with booster - plus an extendible zone for 'big pan' cooking.
This model has four rapid response (under three seconds) cooking areas,
touch sensitive controls, electronic timer with end-cooking alarm, child
safety lock and is available in stainless steel or frameless black.
Three, one-touch ignition models make up the gas hob range. Showcased
was the 75 cm wide HGD 750GH five-bumer hob in stainless steel with cast
iron pan supports. It incorporates a double ring burner for an extra boost,
suitable for wok cooking, and easy-access front controls that visually
relate to the burners that they operate.
There is a wide range of 'A' rated built-in cooling appliances plus an
American-style fridge-freezer, from which Hoover showed the integrated
fridge-freezer model HBCA 230FFK, which is completely frost-free.
Both the fully integrated washer dryer HWD 120TD which was on display
and the washing machine HVM 120TS claim to offer 20% more capacity than
any other integrated laundry appliance on the market. Each has a 6 kg
load capacity and 1200 rpm spin speed. Hoover has also designed wider
portholes for ease of loading and unloading the machines. With Class A
energy rating, both appliances offer 18 programmes including a 32-minutes
rapid wash cycle and a self-cleaning filter.
The range has sleek, slimline styling for a contemporary look. In brushed
stainless steel finish with options for black or white on selected appliances,
all products carry the familiar parallel lines of the Hoover roundel.
Tel: 0151-334 2781
Web: http://www.hoover.co.uk
Hotpoint
Enhances Built-in Collection
Hotpoint's
built-in collection sees the introduction of some new appliances this
summer giving retailers a refreshed line-up to sell consumers.
One of Hotpoint's best sellers is the Tech Line multifunction double oven
DT77, combining bold, strong styling with consumer-friendly features and
incorporating the latest easy clean catalytic liners.
Features and Benefits on Hotpoint's DT77 Built-in Oven include:
* Top Oven: Coventional, Dual Zone Variable Grill
* Top Oven Energy Class: A
* Main Oven: Circulaire Fan, Defrost Function, Conventional, Fan Grilling,
Full Grill, Economy Grill, Light Only, Slowcook
* Main Oven Energy Class: A
* Features: Electronic Programmable Timer for both ovens, Double Glass
Door, Air Flow Cooling Fan
* Cleaning: Easy Clean Catalytic Liners
* Approx. Retail Cost £809
Hotpoint Trade Brochure Line 0870 777 6485, or visit http://www.hotpoint.co.uk
Hotpoint Consumer Information Line 08701 54 64 74, or visit http://www.hotpoint.co.uk
Candy
Plan Built-in Kitchen Appliances Kitchen Showcase
Candy
showed the Plan range of built-in appliances featuring flat-front styling.
Plan offers flexibility with a choice of double and single ovens, including
the new Pyrolytic self-cleaning multi-function model, cooker hoods, microwave
oven, dishwasher and seven hobs, including three new gas models that incorporate
value added design features.
Two new 60 cm hobs are the Plan PG 644 with removable cast iron griddle
for rapid cooking and the PM 641 with 0.5 kW electric hotplate, suitable
for keeping food warm or gentle simmering. The griddle and hotplate functions
are positioned between the two front semi-rapid burners on each model.
For flexibility in use, there is a 3.3 kW double ring burner that is suitable
for wok cooking and 2.65 kW rapid burner at the back.
Meeting demand for the griddle function on a large dimension gas hob is
the new 75 cm Plan PG 754 five-burner model including a high heat intensity
3.3 kW removable cast iron griddle. Running from front to back of the
hob, the griddle is positioned centrajly between two, 1.5 kW semi-rapid
bumers and two, 2.65 kW rapid bumers. The PG 754 fits into a standard
60 cm cutout.
The new additions are in brushed stainless steel with cast iron pan supports
and have easy access front position controls, one-touch ignition plus
flame failure device.
Offering the benefits of Pyrolytic self-cleaning - which burns off grease
and dirt at very high temperatures - and multi-function design, is the
new FP 855 single oven. With electronic programmer and seven cooking functions,
the 48 litres capacity oven also offers triple glazed, cool-touch door
and is available in brushed stainless steel, black or white finishes.
Tel: 0151 334 2781
Zimmer
Küchen Rigid Kitchens at Kitchen Showcase
Zimmer Kitchen rigid kitchens from Germany are exclusively available in the UK from Waterline, which showcased kitchens from a new collection. Zimmer uses diverse design elements - materials, shapes and colours - to create textured, tailored design. With options for wood finish, solid colour, a mix of colours, aluminium, stainless steel and glass, including lacquered glass.
The M7 kitchen displays the flat front styled fascia design of Palermo
with rail handles shown in High Gloss May Yellow finish and complemented
by Apple Calvados accents, both new from Zimmer. The L1 kitchen shows
the bevelled edge door design of Biella in Apple Calvados.
Ergonomically designed easy-action, easy-access storage systems transform
the kitchen into a clutter free zone by making every inch of space count.
The organisation options not only maximise space and make the kitchen
practical to use, but also offer aesthetic benefits to the overall design.
Tel: 0870 5561560