A new report by electrical specialist Comet, predicts that our kitchens will take a dramatic turn for the better by 2014.

In five years we will be experiencing new technology developments in our home kitchens with the addition of “virtual chefs” and “intelligent fridges” that can suggest bespoke recipes based on its contents.

Soon the celebrity chef will be phased out in favour of personal virtual culinary assistants, who will be a permanent fixture in each of our homes.

A welcome addition to help ease our busy lifestyles is the “virtual chef”, which takes the form of a 3D virtual hologram; it will be constantly by our side to offer cooking advice, cookery technique demos and bespoke recipe suggestions in the comfort of our own kitchens.

The British kitchen will change significantly in the next five years and become a much more exciting place to cook in; no longer will there be struggles to get cooking timings and measurements correct, the virtual chef will take the pressure off so we can focus on entertaining and relaxing.

The “intelligent fridge” will be a second addition to the kitchen of the future, with technology to offer recipe and mealtime suggestions, just by sensing what contents lie inside it.
Comet predicts that the ‘intelligent fridge’ will have the ability to contact you on your way home from work and suggest a variety of options for your supper to save you a trip to the supermarket.

By 2014, traditional recipe books will be a thing of the past, as our kitchens will boast ‘electronic paper’ recipes and video demonstrations placed on walls or cupboards for our convenience.

Web: http://www.comet.co.uk

Whirlpool is launching its first fridge freezer that offers the luxury of chilled water on tap - the 6th Sense AquaCombi fridge freezer with integrated water dispenser, is a stylish model that is ideal for most modern kitchens.

The AquaCombi has distinctive outward curving doors, to offer a softer look; the gentle curves also create extra storage space as the inner doors can accommodate larger containers.

The ARC 7559 IX can be plumbed in providing access to chilled, filtered water, which means that you no longer have to buy bottled water, thus saving you money and freeing up storage space.

The AquaCombi also features Whirlpool’s unique 6th Sense technology, which ensures that food is kept fresher for longer; the technology monitors changing temperatures inside the unit and restores optimum conditions up to five times faster than traditional fridges.

Whirlpool’s Total No Frost function, saves you from the bother of time consuming and messy defrosting, by circulating chilled air around the storage areas, reducing humidity to prevent the build-up of ice and preventing frozen items sticking together.

Additional features:

• A energy rated.
  Fast Freeze - makes sure that frozen food maintains its quality for longer, by lowering the temperature to allow for rapid freezing.
  ·
  · Cooler compartment – perfect for storing fish and meat, as temperature and humidity are kept at very low levels.

Web: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

The summer of 2007 sees the introduction of a cutting edge new collection of cooling appliances by leading luxury kitchen appliance specialist Gaggenau.

The new ‘Vario cooling’ range includes a premium class refrigerator, two freezers, two fridge freezers and a wine storage cabinet, all designed to be fully integrated into the kitchen units for a totally streamlined effect; stainless steel or aluminium doors are available to coordinate with other Gaggenau kitchen appliances.

The new appliances come in a choice of four different widths, which means total flexibility, because you can choose the perfect refrigeration combination for your kitchen.

As expected of a luxury brand, the Vario cooling collection offers all the latest most desirable features:

•    All models boast a top ‘A+’ rating for energy efficiency, are economical to use and amongst the quietest appliances in their class.
•    High quality hygienic interiors with stainless steel cladding.
•    New lighting concept incorporating spotlights in the ceiling and side mounted strip lights.
•    Easily adjustable shelves, one of which is motorised to create even more interior space.
•    A novel multi airflow system inside the door maintains a constant temperature in the large aluminium door trays and   within the fridge itself.

Featured here is The Vario Cooling Wall.

To complete the new Vario cooling line-up, there are two outstanding new fridge freezers, each measuring 91cm wide; these capacious appliances are designed to accommodate large amounts of food and are ideal for parties and other special occasions.

Web: http://www.gaggenau.com
Tel: (0870) 125 4500

The German appliance giant, Liebherr, has added the ‘ComfortLine’ range of fridge freezers to its extensive product portfolio.
 
Due to increasing concern amongst consumers regarding climate change, energy efficiency and ever escalating energy costs, Liebbherr has re-designed it’s entry level models, resulting in ComfortLine.

The CUP models have an A+ energy rating, which will deliver significant savings compared to older machines now due for replacement.
Also in recognition of the current market trend favouring slimmer fridge freezers for the smaller kitchen, the new ComfortLine appliances are just 55cm wide and available in three heights, 136mm, 160mm and 180mm.

However, although slimmer externally, the internal capacity of these new models is 10% larger than budget 60cm fridge freezers from other manufacturers.
 
SmartFreeze technology and VarioSpace shelving are features of ComfortLine, both of which provide more space in the freezer, plus reducing the build up of ice by an exceptional 50% compared to conventional freezers.

Our picture shows the CUP 3021 retailing at approximately £379 including VAT and the smallest model in the range retails from £279 including VAT.

For further information visit:

Web:  http://www.liebherr.co.uk
Tel:    (0870) 898 5050

Siemens the leading kitchen appliance company has introduced the intelligent KG34UM90 fridge freezer with a view to keeping food fresher for longer.

It is a combination fridge freezer with an impressive electronic display panel on the fridge section to enable easy control and programming of various internal functions.

Using sensitive touch control technology, this intelligent freestanding appliance offers several options on the display panel including, adjusting the temperature in the fridge or freezer and providing information on recommended storage times for different foods; e.g. a cucumber has a recommended storage time of between 7-14 days.

The fridge section has a net capacity of 219 litres with five safety glass shelves, vegetable containers and a number of storage compartments in the door of the appliance. 

Fridge defrosting is automatic and an anti bacterial coating ensures that there is no build up of bacteria during it’s lifetime; a built in power ventilation system guarantees even cooling throughout.

In the 4-star 76-litre freezer below, there are three large drawers plus one shallow drawer; the in-door display panel incorporates an early warning system to indicate if the freezer temperature is too high, or if the door has been left open.     
 
Finished in fully clad stainless steel, the KG34UM90 is frost free to eliminate the time-consuming chore of defrosting and a smart deluxe interior.

Measuring 185 cm high, it is CFC and HFC free and ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency.

Retail price is £995.

Web: http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk
Tel:   (0870 840 3300)

Millions of families across the country will be looking forward to enjoying pancakes today, Shrove Tuesday.

Whirlpool the leading kitchen appliance manufacturer, offers the following tips to help you create perfect pancakes to indulge your family in this great British tradition.

• Chill and set your batter – It is important to let your batter ‘rest’ for 30 minutes, enabling the starches in the mixture to soften and expand in the liquid, forming a lighter pancake.
• The batter will be best, and most hygienically rested in a Microban antibacterial filtered fridge such as Whirlpool’s ARC 6706, while at the same time cooling the mixture to below room temperature, helping to create a perfectly sealed pancake in the hot pan.
• Perfect pan temperature – Use the precise technology of an induction hob with touch control, like the Whirlpool AKM995, to get your pan piping hot, then tip the batter around the pan to get the base evenly coated; it should only take half a minute or so to cook, so check by lifting  the edge with a palette knife to ensure it’s a tempting golden colour.
• Saving the left overs – If you have batter leftover, make up pancakes with it and save them for another day.  Just stack the cooked pancakes between greaseproof paper, place in an air-tight container and store in the fridge of your Whirlpool ARC7550 fridge freezer for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to two months.
• Enjoy!

Web: http://www.whirlpool.co.uk
Tel: (0870) 600 8989

This is the latest addition to the Aga refrigeration range - a two drawer larder refrigerator.

The latest trend in refrigerators is towards using drawers rather than cupboards - they’re easier and more practical to use, and they also look sleeker.

The simple classic design of this refrigerator is in line with Aga’s belief that you don’t need knobs, buttons or complicated controls for a product to look good and work brilliantly.

The top drawer is divided into four sections, making it perfect for storing jars, bottles and cans. The bottom drawer is ideal for storing fresh food, and, because the drawers pull right out, it’s easy to find all the food - less rummaging!

Prices for the Aga Larder Refrigerator start at £1295.

web: http://www.aga-web.co.uk
tel: (0845) 712 5207

Every year, more than 5 million people suffer a food-related illness, often caused by not storing or cooking food properly. The problem can be particularly bad in the summer months when warm temperatures allow bacteria to flourish.

To help keep your food free of harmful bacteria, Whirlpool and Microban have developed an anti-bacterial filtration system, for Whirlpool’s latest range of fridge-freezers. These fridge-freezers feature a high-tech filter, which removes airborne contaminants, bacteria and mould from the air inside the fridge.

The new range also features the only side by side fridge freezer with an A+ energy rating and an in-door ice making system - so you can be fully equipped for hot summer days - with ice-cold drinks, and a fridge full of fresh food.

web: http://www.whirlpool.co.uk
tel: (0870) 600 8989

Do you find you never have enough room in your fridge freezer for your favourite drinks during the hot summer months?

The new Mistral Table Top Wine Cooler could help ease the pressure on your valuable fridge space this year!

This new portable tabletop wine cooler even looks good with its sleek silver and chrome design whilst it chills your drinks to perfection.

The Mistral wine cooler costs £79.99 and is available from leading retailers including B&Q.

web: http://www.diy.com
tel: (0845) 850 0175

Siemens has just launched an impressive pair of American-style side-by-side fridge freezers.

Both models are ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency and feature in-door ice and water dispensers for instant cold drinks, and a useful ‘crushed ice’ setting. Both offer plenty of space, being a generous 90cm wide.

The KA58NA40GB has a ’steel look’ finish, a 12.4 cubic foot fridge, and an 11.6 cubic foot freezer section.

The KA58NP90GB offers identical capacities but is fully clad in stainless steel. This model also features a pull out ‘cool zone’ compartment, and temperature controlled drawers so all your food stays at the optimum temperature.

Prices - KA58NA40GB around £1,200. KA58NP90GB (pictured) - around £1,900.

web: http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk
tel: (0870) 840 3300