Smart Kitchens: The Integration of Technology in Modern Kitchen Designs

When thinking about new kitchen designs, it’s favourable to keep in mind whether you want to integrate any smart appliances. Modern German kitchens are known for their innovative and forward-thinking design, much like smart appliances themselves.

Integrating technology into your kitchen will result in an environment that is functional, practical and ergonomic. In this blog, we discuss how smart appliances can bring your cooking space to life.

What exactly are Smart Appliances?

A smart appliance is a device that you can link to your smartphone or tablet for better control, convenience and information. Smart kitchen appliances are the latest innovation in the world of home automation. They are designed to improve efficiency, convenience and sustainability through harnessing the power of the internet. These appliances communicate with each other and with you, and lead to better control over your energy consumption.

With the use of internet-connected devices, you can connect to your appliances remotely allowing you to turn the cooker on or check what’s in the fridge with a click of a button. The most popular smart appliances include washing machines, dishwashers and ovens.

What to consider before investing in a smart appliance

Smart appliances can improve the quality of your life in various ways but it’s important to determine you and your family’s needs before choosing the right smart appliance for your kitchen. Think about the below before making your decision:

• What appliance you currently use the most
• What your eating habits are like
• Your ability to navigate applications on a smartphone
• Your home’s WiFi connection and speed
• Specific lifestyle requirements

Integration with Smart Home Systems

A smart home refers to a convenient interconnected setup where your appliances and devices can be controlled remotely. You might already have a smart thermostat which allows you to schedule the heating in your home. Other devices can control lighting, security access and kitchen appliances. Smart home automation provides the ultimate convenience and integrating your kitchen technology with smart home systems can be a game-changer.

With three quarters of households in the UK owning some kind of smart device, it’s becoming increasingly popular for modern kitchens to be designed with automation in mind.

Advantages of integrating kitchen technology with smart home systems

• Remote control and monitoring – smart kitchen appliances can be controlled through a mobile application allowing you to start, stop and adjust settings from anywhere.
• Time and energy saving – automation features in smart appliances can optimise time and energy use. For instance, smart ovens can preheat before you arrive home to make the cooking process easier. Smart coffee makers can begin brewing at a scheduled time, such as 10 minutes before you wake up in the morning.
• Voice activation – integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can enable you to use voice commands to control kitchen appliances. This approach is hands-free which simplifies tasks, making it super helpful when your hands are occupied during cooking.
• Customised cooking – smart ovens and cooktops often come with pre-programmed cooking modes and offer the functionality to adjust settings based on various recipes. This ensures precise cooking and lessens the chances of undercooked or overcooked food.
• Inventory management – some smart refrigerators can manage your inventory, including tracking expiry dates, suggesting recipes based on available ingredients and even creating shopping lists.
• Energy efficiency – smart appliances often come with energy monitoring features that help you to make better decisions to reduce energy usage and bills.
• Integration with smart homes – smart kitchen appliances can easily integrate with broader smart home ecosystems. For example, a smart oven can communicate with smart lighting or thermostats to create cohesive home experiences.

New kitchen designs embrace smart technology

Many modern kitchen ideas include smart appliances. Contemporary kitchen design and smart appliances work together to create a unique home experience. Not only does technology play a huge role in kitchen appearance, but it also adds to the convenience of the cooking process. When you combine kitchen islands, clever storage solutions and smart appliances, you have a recipe for everyone’s dream kitchen!

Book a showroom visit and our expert designers will help you to create a kitchen that perfectly fits your needs and integrates your appliances seamlessly.

Stunning kitchens crafted by KDCUK

Thinking about a kitchen revamp but stuck for ideas? Check out a real-life customer kitchen designed by us. With our expertise, we’ve created a beautiful, functional kitchen that meets the customer’s needs. Get inspired and see what we can create for you!

• Next 125 Kitchen, reviewed by Tania Adir from Portman Mansions, London W1
• Next 125 Kitchen, reviewed by Nicola Lewis from London W4
• Next 125 Kitchen, reviewed by Caroline Clune from Cuffley, Herts
• C Range Kitchen, reviewed by Peter and Katherine from Loughton
• Handleless Kitchen, reviewed by Tony and Terry Goodwin from North London