ANALYSIS: RETRO HOME APPLIANCES Home Appliances
Rangemaster’s Estel Deluxe 110cm induction range cooker in Pale Pink with Chrome trim.
Stoves Mini Range Room Set.
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Style that stands the test of time
Retro kitchen appliances are back—with classic looks and modern performance, they’re redefining style and function in today’s homes. ERT takes a look.
I
n the ever-evolving landscape of kitchen design, one trend has defied the minimalism of recent years by embracing warmth, character, and nostalgia: the return of retro home appliances. Today’s homeowners are
increasingly drawn to products that fuse the aesthetics of bygone eras with the power and precision of modern technology. From pastel- hued range cookers to heritage-inspired ovens adorned with brass trims, this resurgence is not only about style—it’s a reflection of changing consumer priorities: personality, comfort, and functionality in equal measure.
Brands such as Bertazzoni, Glen Dimplex, and Rangemaster are leading the movement, showing that retro appeal can be deeply functional and firmly rooted in innovation. Bertazzoni’s Heritage Series is a compelling example of this balance between tradition and
advancement. As Paul Whyte, Commercial Director at Bertazzoni UK & Eire, explains, the Heritage Series “has been a staple of Bertazzoni since almost day one,” drawing inspiration from the brand’s original wood-burning stove designed in the late 1800s. Its classically styled features have stood the test of time, now supported by sophisticated performance enhancements to meet the demands of contemporary kitchens. The collection is available in both freestanding and built-in configurations and offers a broad spectrum of colour options. Further customisation is possible through Bertazzoni’s Collezione Metalli décor kits, which introduce accents in finishes like brass and copper to enhance the appliances’ visual presence. But it is not simply the timeless aesthetic that drives consumer interest—it’s how seamlessly these appliances deliver modern performance.
Mr Whyte underscores that the Heritage Series combines “classic styling with modern technology, particularly when it comes to the freestanding range cookers with induction cooktops,” describing them as “the epitome of the best of both worlds.” These cookers offer large-capacity multifunction ovens that support everything from baking to grilling with precision. The induction cooktops feature bridging zones, allowing users to accommodate larger pans or griddles, while triple-glazed, soft-close doors add both safety and a sense of refinement. Models with pyrolytic self-cleaning technology make maintenance effortless, and total steam features enable healthy, moisture-retaining cooking. New additions introduced in 2024 include sleek stainless steel models, gold- trimmed variants, and a 120cm-wide induction range, expanding the Heritage Series to accommodate larger households and design- forward kitchen spaces.
Cooking with character
For Mr Johnstone, Strategic Design Manager at Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, the allure of retro appliances lies in their emotional and tactile qualities as much as their practical ones. “It’s the fusion of form and function that’s really capturing attention,” he says. According to Mr Johnstone, consumers are drawn to appliances that feature soft curves, heritage detailing, and tactile finishes that evoke comfort and familiarity. Design cues like chrome trims and classic silhouettes fit perfectly in traditional or country- style kitchens, while still allowing homeowners to express their personal taste.
Stoves’ Richmond Deluxe Range Cooker, for instance, exemplifies this duality. Its vintage appearance is complemented by a suite of contemporary features. This includes a cooking system that allows users to operate four oven cavities simultaneously, each offering different functions and temperature settings.
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