May 2026 ertonline.co.uk


For consumers looking for an all-in-one appliance, the new 28 Litre Digital Combination Microwave from Igenix available from Bluestem is a great option.


Not only does it offer five microwave power levels up to 900W and 8 auto cooking programmes including pasta, popcorn, and vegetables, it also boats 2200W convection power and 1200W grill power.


Cello, we focus on combining these features with accessible pricing, ensuring strong value without compromising functionality.” “All these additional features play a key role, making these appliances easy to use straight out of the box,” Mr Rouke adds. Smeg recently unveiled new-generation


microwaves and compact cooking appliances “designed to go beyond traditional heating”, offering both the traditional microwave functionality as well as grill, keep warm, and defrost, which can be set to manual or automatic based on the dish being cooked. The Chef Menu features 18 automatic programs to easily cook meat, fish, vegetables, desserts, and pizza. Distributor, Bluestem, which sells appliances


from a number of brands in the UK, has announced the launch of the new Igenix 28 900w Digital Combination Microwave with Air Fry function. Finally, Salter’s stackable air fryers such as the VertiCook are performing particularly well for the company. Product expert Stacey Summers from Ultimate Products, which helps develop and sell products from many well-known brands, including Beldray, Russell Hobbs, and Salter, comments: “Consumers can benefit from the large overall capacity, but the footprint of these models is much smaller, which is great for saving countertop space. Overall, these stacked/vertical models are 30 per cent slimmer than the standard dual basket air fryers which is a real plus for any consumer’s kitchen. Our models also benefit from PFAS- free coating, which we have seen increasingly become a consumer demand as chemical-free becomes increasingly popular. “We’re launching a smaller vertical air fryer model; it will have an overall capacity of 6L instead of 9L. Through extensive consumer feedback, we can see there is real consumer appetite for this; from single-person households,


students, those with smaller appetites, and older demographics. This slimline design will also be available at a very affordable price point.”


Evolving expectations So, on one hand, multifunctional cooking machines are clearly a big draw for consumers, but RKW’s Mr Vassiloulis notes how he sees “worktop wonders” also as those more specialist appliances – slow cookers, rice cookers and food steamers etc. “While these products may be more specialist in function, their strength lies in doing one job exceptionally well. That reliability continues to appeal to consumers who want dependable results without complication.”


RKW is launching a number of these more focused appliances this coming summer, including Tower’s Sear and Stew Slow Cookers, which are said to build on the classic “set and forget” format by adding the ability to brown ingredients on the hob before slow cooking, delivering improved flavour, all within one pot. Mr Vassiloulis adds: “Rice cookers are also


evolving, offering consistent, perfectly cooked results with minimal input. Tower’s new models automatically control temperature and timing, alongside keep-warm functionality that ensures food is ready when needed. “For more health-conscious consumers, food steamers provide a simple way to prepare multiple dishes at once while retaining nutrients and flavour. Tower’s latest steamers feature multi-tier cooking, fast steam start and space- saving designs that suit modern kitchens.”


A category in demand Also worth a mention, is that other top-selling appliance which hit giddy heights during the COVID-19 pandemic – the pizza oven. While traditionally, you might find these in a garden, the tech has now been developed to include indoor options.


Cello’s 2-in-1 Double Airfryer and Home Oven can air fry, grill, roast, toast, bake, and dehydrate. It features a unique dual zone control: 3.5L air fryer and 7.5L home oven (11L total capacity across 2 drawers). It comes with a range of accessories, has removable doors for easy cleaning, and comes in black and white, as shown.


Bluestem sells a few pizza ovens, for both outdoors and in – the Statesman 13-inch Wood Pizza Oven, which promises “the ultimate outdoor pizza-making experience”, and the Statesman 13-inch Electric Pizza Oven, which can be used both outdoors and in a well- ventilated indoor space, making it ideal for the changeable British summertime weather. “Perfect for users who want the authentic Italian pizzeria taste without


the flames,” a


spokesperson for Bluestem told us: “This appliance can still reach temperatures of up to 500°C, cooking pizzas in a matter of minutes. For added convenience, the digital LED display makes it easy to set the internal temperature of the pizza oven as required, as well as programme a timer up to 60 minutes.” So, that is a round-up of some of the latest


products on the market, but why should independent electrical retailers think about stocking them, and if you are, what is the very best way to maximise sales? Firstly, as a fairly low-cost product compared


with other appliances, there is a potential for greater footfall into the store and even greater potential if you’re selling any of those products mentioned above, which are particularly innovative, and potentially not


to be found


everywhere. More design-focused models could be utilised for eye-catching displays alongside matching kettles, toasters, etc, and pizza ovens could potentially be used for any summer- themed promotions you might be running. Ms Summers from Ultimate Products adds that having a variety of different styles and designs really will help retailers to show their consumers that there are models available for every style of kitchen and every home; in the same way they stock a variety of kettle and toaster designs.


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