KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Franke

Franke's stand was constantly busy and it was the last day before we were able to speak to Marketing Manager Jeanette Ward and Commercial Director David Houghton (pictured below) to discuss the many new sinks, taps and hoods on show. With the kitchen very much a fashion statement today, the company is consciously adapting designs to fit various materials in its product portfolio.

"We are working on building families of products so that the same style is available across all budget ranges and materials," they said. "The new Maris in Stainless Steel is a good example of this."

As well as promoting the Minerva 3-in-1 Kettle Tap with Franke teabags, also on offer were Franke E-cloths, tea towels and various other promotional items including chocolate sinks!

Above and beyond this, there was a daily prize draw to win an iPad2. I didn't win an iPad but I did come away with lots of goodies (although I have to confess that the chocolate sinks didn't last until the weekend!).

Jeanette talked us through the new Franke App where users can navigate the entire Franke portolio and view video information on materials online - a clever idea that.

David talked us through the attributes of the new Pebel sinks:

"Franke has introduced this stunning Pebel sink to complement the growing trend for soft curves in the kitche," he explained. "Combining free flowing style and an undulating feature drainer, it is the epitome of future trends in kitchen design."

It's available in Polar White, Coffee and Onyx for flexibility when specifying worktops and kitchen furniture and with a choice of matching accessories such as a stainless steel strainer bowl, glass chopping board and a drainer basket.

In both single and 11/2 bowl models, the sink is made from Fragranite incorporating Sanitized. On unprotected surfaces, bacteria can multiply every 20 minutes. This Sanitized hygiene solution in Fragranite sinks helps to provide lasting protection. It does not replace normal cleaning of course, but helps to keep surfaces free from bacteria. Tests have proven that Fragranite treated with Sanitized reduces bacteria and microbe growth by 99%.

Sanitized is mixed into the bulk material - not applied as a coating - so it will last for the life of the sink.

Drawing the crowds was the Minerva 3-in-1 Kettle Tap, which makes waiting for the kettle to boil a thing of the past. This cutting edge tap, in Chrome or SilkSteel PVD, means boiling water is available instantly at the twist of a handle. Whether it's making tea or coffee, cooking spaghetti or poaching an egg, this tap makes life really easy.

The Minerva provides hot, cold and boiling water from one unit for complete convenience. Boiling the kettle can be a waste of water and time; with the Minerva, only the water required is used - meaning savings in water and electricity. The hot water tank can be fitted behind a standard 150mm plinth so it will not take up valuable space in the kitchen - the perfect choice for saving precious space in kitchen cabinets.

The system incorporates a water conditioning filter ensuring boiling water quality. It can also be fitted new or retrospectively and requires a standard 35mm taphole.

Said Jeanette: "This tap is an innovation. It has one spout whereas many of the others on the market have separate boiling water taps and do not reach 100 degrees C. This tap is also safe; it has a safety button which needs to be activated to allow the boiling water to be discharged."

Franke also launched a new 2012 model of the popular Swing Hood (pictured left) which brings it bang up-to-date for today's kitchen design - and beyond.

The cutting-edge Swing cooker hood comes in both a white and a black glass finish and novel style statements include the stainless steel band across the front, the dimmable spotlights and the 'ghost' controls - meaning the homeowner just hovers over the controls without actually touching them.

There is also an energy-saving motor, LED lighting and silent automatic opening system for total ease in the kitchen.

The eight-speed - plus the 'intensive' setting option - 'ghost touch' control extractor features quality technology including optional remote-controlled operation (making it perfect if you have an open-plan kitchen-diner or if you have special needs). In addition, the 24-hour continuous ventilation will provide a constant flow of fresh air in your kitchen all day long. Franke also offers aluminium cassette grease filters; simply remove and put in your dishwasher. Optional charcoal filters for recirculatory mode are also available.

T: +44 (0)161 436 6280
F: +44 (0)161 436 2180
E: [email protected]
W: www.franke.co.uk

16th March 2012