While we’re all busy packing the picnics and cooking alfresco on that new barbecue buy, it’s the perfect time to reassess and replan your appliances for the kitchen. This way you can get a head start on having a dream set-up ready for when the weather turns and we head back indoors. Here’s our pick of the latest launches that caught our eye…

SMEG x RENZO PIANO

Smeg is re-launching a special edition of its iconic design classic the Piano Hob, designed by multi award-winning architect Renzo Piano in 1995. The collection, comprising a choice of two hob widths, epitomises the very best of ‘Made in Italy’ industrial design. Featuring a one-of-kind architectural four or five burner hob, it’s constructed entirely from polished stainless steel and coated in unique plasma technology to prevent the hob from tarnishing. Furthermore, its unique burner pan stand has no welding, making it a true object of Italian design detailing.

Renzo Piano is an Italian architect best known for his high-tech public spaces. Some of his most famous works include the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris as well as London’s Shard.

A striking option for design enthusiasts who want to step away from conventional hobs, Piano’s design comes in two sizes. The P705ES is 71cm wide while the P64ES is 65cm, offering options for those with a sprawling kitchen with a dedicated island space as well as those with a smaller cooking station.

FISHER & PAYKEL’S NEW COMBI STEAM AND DISHDRAWER™

The first in Fisher & Paykel’s new offering of premium appliances are its Series 11 combination steam ovens. These are its first truly multiple function ovens where the moist heat of steam-only and the dry heat of convection-only cooking mediums can stand on their own merits or you can combine them both, giving you the ultimate freedom to choose the cooking results you desire.

The ovens offer high performance, precision temperature control and 23 oven functions for perfectly cooked healthy and delicious dishes.  Highlights include Steam, which retains food nutrients, colour and texture; Sous Vide, Air Fry, which replicates conditions in an air fryer for a healthier replacement to frying and Vent Bake, perfect for meringues, Yorkshire pudding, choux pastry, croissants and bread.

Steam and Sous Vide functions are perfect for entertaining. You can sous vide proteins such as steak and salmon before guests arrive and simply sear when ready to serve. The flexibility of timing and accuracy of temperature control ensure perfect results every time. With six steam-only cooking functions included in the 23 cooking options, this oven allows you to enjoy the benefits of flavourful and healthy restaurant-quality meals at home.

In addition to this, the brand is launching its new range of beautifully unobtrusive integrated Single and Double DishDrawers™ designed for the ultimate user flexibility and outstanding performance. Now in its 11th generation, the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher, launched 25 years ago, received global acclaim. Enhancements to the new range include the luxury of a premium stainless-steel tub for low maintenance and beautifully clean and sanitised dishes thanks to higher wash temperatures along with spacious racking and new wine glass supports. Practical features include an improved detergent dispenser, a knock to pause feature for these forgotten items and a spray arm sensor that alerts you if a utensil falls during the programme.

PANASONIC LAUNCHES NEW COUNTERTOP STEAM COMBI OVEN

The NN-DS59N Steam Combi Oven from Panasonic features four different cooking methods – steam, oven (top–bottom heater), grill and microwave. It’s ideal for preparing a vast range of different recipes and quick, effortless cooking while preserving nutrients and all the good stuff.

Unlike conventional microwave ovens, the NN-DS59N features a unique built-in steam boiler and large 600ml water tank. Together, they produce up to 1100 watts of powerful, high-density steam that is directly injected into the oven’s cavity to fill it completely. The steam quickly cooks the food evenly while retaining the nutrients. The steam function can also be combined with the oven (top–bottom heat) and grill functions for full cooking flexibility.

There’s also a unique Grill Tray for crispy results with full flavour. During cooking, microwave power heats up the bottom of the Grill Tray while the grill function works from the top to grill chicken and other dishes. Or select the steam function for crunchy, nutrient-rich vegetables. Added benefits include a low-fat frying option, Genius Sensor, Auto Reheat and combination cooking where you can use two heat sources at the same time, Panasonic-unique Inverter Technology will also cook meals up to 40% faster while 28 Auto Programmes cook everything from baked bread to steamed rice.

KITCHENAID’S NEW COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Since 1955, KitchenAid have championed the power of colour to fuel creativity. The latest addition of Beetroot – a lush magenta with a luxurious satin finish – reflects the vibrancy found in making the most of everyday moments and puts an unexpected twist on the familiar, sparking creativity in the kitchen.

The Artisan Tilt-Head 4.8L Stand Mixer comes with a stainless steel bowl, though there’s also a wide selection of options from ceramic designs to quilted or hammered effect bowls available. Standard accessories include a flex edge beater, dough hook, wire whisk, pastry beater and extra 3L stainless steel bowl. For even more versatility there are over 15 extras for the attachment-ready Culinary Hub enabling everything from slicing, grating, mincing, chopping and peeling to juicing and spiralizing along with a time-saving Sifter & Scale.

The Artisan K400 Blender in Beetroot is the perfect companion. Apples and almonds, carrots, kale and coconut, ice and seeds are no match for the stable die-cast metal base, 1.5 peak HP motor and unique asymmetric stainless-steel blades – precisely angled to work with the 1.4L ribbed glass jar – to create a mighty blending vortex to tackle the trickiest of ingredients head on.

EVERHOT’S LARGEST EVER RANGE COOKER

The new Everhot 160i takes a high-tech approach to the traditional heat storage range cooker, featuring four full ovens with two top grills and an easy-to-adjust control panel neatly hidden between a middle fifth door. Sitting above the ovens, you will find Everhot’s traditional double simmer and hot plates either side of a state-of-the-art, two-zone induction hob. Bigger and better, the 160i is capable of managing up to ten pots or pans on the go at once. Each of the ovens, hot plates and induction zones are temperature adjustable, reaching up to 250˚ in the top ovens and 180˚ in the lower ovens, giving you the capability to slow cook, simmer, bake and roast at the same time.

RANGEMASTER LAUNCHES NEW CLASSIC STYLE RANGE COOKER

This dual fuel model from Rangemaster, which has a traditional look and feel, is available in Black, Cream, Slate, Stone Blue and Mineral Green. Based on the popular range cooker family of the same name, the Classic FX 90 features the iconic baker’s-style window and a choice of a chrome or brass finish for the controls, handle and towel rail. The cooker offers a generously sized 114-litre multifunction oven with easy-clean enamelled interior. For smaller meals when the full oven
is not required, the handy energy saving panel can be used to divide the oven cavity in
half. With the panel in place, only the right-hand side of the cavity is heated, which not only saves energy, but also turns the left-hand
side into a plate warming space. When not in use, the panel can be stored in the full-width drawer below the cooker. Complete with teppanyaki griddle as standard, the gas hob has five burners – including a powerful multi-ring burner – to suit all pan sizes, while the durable cast iron pan supports are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

CAPLE UNVEILS TWO NEW OVEN STYLES

The new C2902SS from Caple comes in black glass with a striking stainless steel frame, while the C2902GM features a beautiful on-trend gunmetal finish. Both models complement existing appliances in the same finishes so you can choose an entire matching collection for the kitchen.

The new Sense C2902SS/GM single ovens are extra roomy with a 96 litre capacity. These appliances also come with a rotisserie and feature two fully extendable telescopic shelves. With an A-rating for energy efficiency, each oven features 13 functions including a turbo eco grill, turbo base heat, boost and defrost with full touch controls, programmable electronic timer and a stylish white LED display.