As technology and design evolves ever more quickly, here’s what’s new in the appliance world this month…

FRAMES BY FRANKE CREATES A CO-ORDINATED LOOK

Best known for their sinks and taps, Franke has now added hobs, ovens and more hoods to their portfolio with a brand new contemporary collection called Frames by Franke. Ultra streamlined and functional, this complete kitchen system is a standalone collection with a sophisticated edge. What makes it different is that all products have the same design style and footprint, so you can achieve a perfectly co-ordinated finish throughout the kitchen. Hobs and sinks sit flush in the worktop with a slim and elegant stainless steel frame while hoods and ovens mirror the same understated style with chic glass and steel features. A choice of champagne or black glass, full colour touchscreens, intuitive slider controls, as well as automatic hob and hood activation are just some of the finer details on offer. The concept is also designed to transition from day to night…

CAPLE’S CHEF MODE GETS SEAL OF APPROVAL

Having put multi-award winning appliance brand Caple’s new C970i induction hob through its paces, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Josh Eggleton says he has been particularly impressed by the innovative appliance’s unique Chef Mode. Josh, who is set to return to TV screens this summer on BBC Two’s Great British Menu, says: “In a professional kitchen, timing is everything and the Chef Mode on the C970i makes it easier than ever to cook multiple items at the same time. The three large zones allow you to cook with multiple pans and various temperatures at the same time. For example, you can fry with intense heat and, once done, slide the pan over to a low temperature zone to keep it warm while you concentrate on other dishes.”

Demonstrating functionality at its best, the C970i features a 14-level power display for each zone, which is activated by the white, LCD touch control screen. As well as the Chef Mode, special functions from keep warm 70°C, boil control 93°C and bake 42°C, booster and booster+ settings, make this black glass model with a beveled edge a must-have appliance for budding cooks. A handy pause function helps users to ensure everything is ready to serve at the same time while adjustable volume and brightness on the LCD screen allows you to further tailor the hob to your needs.

WHIRLPOOL GETS SMART WITH NEW WI-FI REFRIGERATION

Following on from the launch of their smart washing machine and tumble dryer, Whirlpool has now launched the BSNF 8993/PB 6th Sense Live® Supreme NoFrost fridge freezer, which can be controlled from anywhere, by an app on your smartphone or tablet.

With revolutionary technology, which enables top performance from wherever you are, the Whirlpool 6th Sense Live® app for the new Whirlpool fridge freezer allows the user to adjust and monitor settings, activate special functions and receive notifications, while ready to give hints and tips on food storage, as well as advice for easy maintenance.

One of the key benefits of the new 6th Sense Live® app for the Supreme NoFrost fridge freezer is that it assists the user to ensure smarter grocery management. The Shopping List function allows you to create a food inventory and avoid unnecessary food wastage by notifying you when expiry dates are approaching.

Along with the 6th Sense® FreshControl and FreezeControl technology, which maintain optimal humidity levels, ensuring food does not dehydrate and nutritional value, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants are all preserved for up to four times longer, the 6th Sense Live® app also helps the user to use the appliance in the most effective way to allow for optimal food preservation.

MIELE COOKS AND CLEANS TO PERFECTION

Miele’s new G6997 SCVi XXL K2O Prestige Dishwasher features a QuickPowerWash programme that cleans and dries crockery in just 58 minutes. With an impressive ‘A’ cleaning performance and A+++ -20% energy rating, this innovative dishwasher also features Miele’s exclusive Knock2Open technology, offering the perfect solution for handleless kitchens as the door opens automatically after being lightly tapped twice.

Other highlights include 14 place settings, App control, time left, in door salt replenishment, low 41dB noise level, delay start with time flexibility and LED Brilliant lighting that bathes the interior in a uniform light. It has 11 wash programmes including an automatic cycle, which uses just 6.5 litres of fresh water as well as Perfect GlassCare, EcoFeedback, Turbo, Short and Auto Sensor options. An AutoOpen Drying option opens the door automatically at the end of a programme to allow dishes to dry completely before unloading.

Miele has also launched its first sous vide vacuum sealing drawer. The Generation 6000 EVS 6214 PureLine design, when combined with a Miele steam oven, offers passionate home cooks the chance to prepare professional style sous vide dishes in the comfort of their own kitchens.

The Miele range of steam and steam combination ovens feature a dedicated sous vide programme with precise temperature controls ranging from 45-90°C, for creating the ultimate environment for slow cooking food without the need for a water bath. Temperatures can be controlled within one degree to cook at low and consistent temperatures, producing dishes that are wonderfully tender and full of flavour with a uniform texture.

Complementing the sleek Miele Generation 6000 design, the vacuum chamber and controls only become visible when the drawer is opened. Easy to operate, users can choose the vacuum-sealing stage from one to three and the sealing duration, depending on the ingredient selected.

FABER REVEALS ULTRA SLIM VERTICAL HOOD

Launched at Eurocucina 2016, Talika features Faber’s patented Nautilus motor design, which allows the hood to be extremely compact in depth. The Talìka is truly vertical in that the motor design removes the need for a traditional angled wall hood design. Available in three innovative finishes – old copper, cross titanium and dark grey concrete, it’s ideal for an industrial-style kitchen.

BAUMATIC BRINGS THE BEST OF ITALIAN DESIGN

The Baumatic Vantage cooking collection combines contemporary Italian design with fashionable features rich in technology and functionality. The A rated, 65 litre BOPT609X 60cm Vantage Pyrolytic Oven features a mark resistant stainless steel control panel that incorporates a central black glass touch control full programmer with high-illumination LED display. On either side is an oversized rotary control – the left hand for oven features such as timer, child safety lock and audible options, while the right hand rotary control provides access to the nine oven functions – light, defrost, conventional, keep warm, fan, lower element and fan, fan and grill, maxi grill and Pyrolytic cleaning.

The triple-glazed black glass door features a removable inner door glass for ease of cleaning while standard accessories include an enamelled baking tray, safety shelf and trivet, for grilling.

BBQ WHATEVER THE WEATHER WITH WOLF’S INDOOR DESIGN

Wolf’s 5.6kW gas powered indoor BBQ uses infra-red technology and a ceramic plate with tiny holes, which allows the heat and flame to reach food placed on its heavy duty cast iron, porcelain coated grate. The direct transfer of heat and flame to food creates an amazing chargrilled flavour and Wolf’s Indoor BBQ is the only residential product of its type, offering restaurant quality performance and results for the domestic market.

BEKO LAUNCH AMERICAN-STYLE REFRIGERATION

The new collection features a state-of-the-art humidity controlled salad crisper with EverFresh+ technology to keep fruit and veg fresh and crunchy for up to 30 days. The American-style fridge freezers also come with ice and water dispenser, integrated handles and a choice of a black, stainless steel or silver finish. What’s more, the handles light up with different colours to indicate whether it’s in Quick Cool mode or programmed to save energy if you’re off on your hols.
(www.beko.co.uk)