feature: built-in appliances Nick Platt believes there is another factor


in the growth of built-in. “The wellness trend continues to be at the forefront of the consumer agenda, with more and more customers choosing to cook healthy meals from scratch at home. This is driving people to purchase higher-quality products that help them to achieve healthy cooking. For example, steam cooking is one of the healthiest cooking methods as there’s usually no need for fat or oil.” Sara Bazeley makes the point that smaller living spaces require more compact solutions. “With the footprint of the home diminishing, kitchens are amalgamating with living spaces, meaning that they are now a place not only for cooking, but for family gatherings, socialising and entertaining too. As a result, more and more consumers are looking to streamline their homes, to create a seamless and stylish look across the living space. Built-in appliances do not only have an aesthetically pleasing look and the flexibility for offering a variety of design combinations, they are also practical as they release vital worktop and under counter space. “Induction technology is having a positive


effect on the built-in cooking market as the consumer is finally beginning to understand the many benefits the technology offers, alongside the long-term energy savings to be made. Induction cooking offers outstanding speed, energy efficiency, uniformity, safety and accuracy of heating, and is therefore ideal for the preparation of a range of family favourites. The Indesit induction hob (VID 641 B C) has been designed with the family in mind and, thanks to its residual heat indicators and child safety lock, it is a safe appliance to have in a family kitchen surrounded by children.” Lucy Dunstan echoes the point. “With homes


and new developments in the UK being some of the smallest, in terms of floor space, in Europe, brands are having to adapt to offer functional, aesthetic appliances that are also suitable for smaller homes. The increase in smaller living spaces means that consumers are looking to create a sleek and streamlined environment. Built-in appliances are the ideal solution as they allow space to be freed up for entertaining and family meals, creating that all important open- plan design, even in a compact space.” As far as direction of travel for built-in is


concerned, Sara Bazeley sees some interesting trends emerging. “The positive performance of the built-in appliance market is largely driven by consumers’ increasing focus on kitchen design and the recent positive performance of the housing market. “The kitchen is the heart of the home and


plays a crucial role in family life; from entertaining to socialising and every-day family activities. Whether a small enclosed area or an open-plan


living space, it is essential that kitchens are functional. Built-in appliances not only have an aesthetically pleasing look, and the flexibility to offer a variety of design combinations, they are also highly practical as they release vital worktop and under counter space. “Indesit offers a perfectly coordinated built-in


suite of cooking appliances that resonate with the needs of multi-tasking families, who desire functional yet stylish appliances. The Indesit Aria built-in cooking collection guarantees highly pragmatic and reliable solutions for creating the best family recipes, while saving time, money and effort. The range boasts a stunning glass and stainless steel finish that effortlessly blends with modern living areas. With the built-in simplicity and ease of use that is sought-after by all generations, it is a range that is perfect for young


20 | www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk


families, first-time buyers and the elderly alike. “Consumers are beginning to realise that using a dishwasher can help to save on household resource consumption and, in turn, keep utility bills in check. As well as reducing resource consumption, the dishwasher is an excellent time saver. Parents with young children can sometimes feel like there is an endless pile of washing up to get through. However, by using a dishwasher, the family has more time to spend together, rather than doing household chores. What’s more, younger generations see dishwashers as key kitchen appliances, and when buying a house, research has shown that they look for integrated dishwashers rather than freestanding models4. “For compact kitchens, every inch of space is valuable and dirty plates and cutlery cluttering


July / August 2019

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32