“Increased interest rates have impacted on mortgage rates, which has further affected consumers’ disposable income.” She is, however, slightly more confident about what lies ahead,
saying: “We do expect slightly a better market in Q4 and we are cautiously optimistic about the cooking market for the festive season. “We expect consumers to be very rational and careful with their cooking buying habits, concentrating more on cost-efficient, low- energy and easy to use models, rather than complex, high-energy use products.”
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From a colour point of view, we’ll see more matte black finishes, as these offer a sleek and modern edge, while embracing the trend for darker cabinetry and matt finishes in 2024
Tom Hopper, kitchens manager at Miele GB
“Consumers still love flexibility and multiple cooking zones
operating simultaneously, especially with Christmas approaching, so we will still see a demand for range cookers and double cookers. “Wok burners will remain very popular for home chefs
improving the home cooking experience and this will keep gas demand at a reasonable level.” Ms Pavet-Golding adds: “The new build-market impact will
be felt more in 2024, as housebuilders have slowed down starting new projects, as they are focused more on the completion of current work.”
Tech trends On key tech trends in cooking, GDHA’s Mr Dickson says induction range cookers are the only fuel sector still growing in value. “When consumers reinvest in this category, they are looking for technology that is safer, smarter, faster and greener. Our Deluxe range cookers includes a world-first FreedomFlex true zoneless induction system. This allows consumers to place up to six pans, of any shape, anywhere on the hotplate, using only the energy required for each pan – delivering flexibility and efficiency. He adds: “Alongside technical features, capacity is still top of the agenda for most families. Stoves is the only brand to offer four working ovens in their range cookers, even in their Deluxe 90cm models, so it maximises cooking capacity.” When it comes to functionality, Miele’s Mr Hopper says consumers continue to prioritise multi-purpose appliances, such as combination ovens, which benefit from both steam and fan heat, These help to save space and are ideal for those who love to
experiment with a wide range of dishes, he explains. On design and colour trends in the kitchen, he says: “From a colour point of view, we’ll see more matte black finishes, as these offer a sleek and modern edge while embracing the trend for darker cabinetry and matt finishes in 2024.”
Design Smeg’s Mr Davies says: “Darker, earthy tones have become an increasingly popular trend in the design market this autumn/winter, and models like Smeg’s Classic matte black built-in appliances and the launch of matte black range cookers are a good example of this trend.”
At German appliance giant, BSH, John McLauchlan, head of business unit - cooking, also has some insights on design trends. He tells Alert: “In recent years, there has been a significant shift
in what consumers like when it comes to the look of their oven. “Specifically, there has been a clear trend towards black models
rather than stainless steel. This is possibly because black is a neutral colour that blends well with any kitchen decor. He adds: “As a response to this shift, we made the strategic decision to introduce graphite grey versions of our Neff ovens. “This was done to not only meet the evolving preferences
of our customers but also to provide them with a wider range of options to choose from.
Creda C90CHX chimney cooker hood
Premium At the premium end of the market, Italian brand Smeg says it’s doing OK. “The cost of living crisis is continuing to have a large impact on the kitchen and appliance industry – we’ve noticed some of the mid-market has squeezed and purchasing has been delayed – but the trends for entry-price points and top-end appliances continue to be holding up,” says John Davies, Smeg UK’s head of marketing. “At Smeg we understand that when investing in premium
appliances, consumers are looking for added value – products offering solid build quality, a choice of programs and specifications, well-performing energy ratings and multi-functional features.” Fellow top-end brand, the German, family-owned Miele, is also performing well, as Tom Hopper, kitchens manager at Miele GB, tells Alert: “There is no doubt that consumer confidence has been affected by the current climate. However, the premium end of the market for built-in and freestanding has performed strongly and we see this continuing. “It’s important as an appliance brand that we ensure consumers
are aware of how our products will be the right choice for them at this time – whether that’s energy efficiency, water usage, performance or how Miele products will enhance their lives for many years to come.”
34 Cooking Feature
Touch control “Touch control and electronic displays are also in high demand, although there is a slight generational divide in preferences. “Younger people generally prefer touch control, while older individuals may still prefer traditional control dials. However, it is important for us to prioritise the future and embrace electronic control and touch control as the direction we are heading.”
Smeg PX375LMB matte black hob Mr McLauchlan also highlights the continuing trend for healthy
eating and more efficient cooking methods, saying: “As a result, steam ovens are becoming a must-have appliance in modern kitchens, and for good reason. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on dry heat, steam ovens use moisture to cook food. This results in healthier meals as the moisture helps to retain the natural vitamins, minerals, and nutrients present in the food. Additionally, steam cooking helps to preserve the flavours of the ingredients, resulting in tastier dishes.”
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