77
THREE TOP TIPS FOR FINDING THAT SWEET SPOT
Space . Make good use of it where possible . As a rule of thumb , don ’ t go small , compression makes appliances fussy and fiddly to use . If you are designing counter tops for example , think about how you want people to inhabit and utilise that space , and how the surface area will impact their flow of movement . Maximise every inch available to you .
Height . Put things at a height that you really need them . If you interact with an appliance regularly , put it an appropriate level . Placing an oven at your feet , close to the floor , requires you to bend down all the time , often holding heavy pots and pans . When deciding where to place your cooktops or fridges , consider a bespoke solution to each individual setting .
Cleaning functionality . One of the least luxurious feelings is having to clean-up after making your dinner . Design kitchenware to be integrated , wipeable and free of tricky little edges . Equally , you could incorporate self-cleaning functions in your appliances that leave them looking brand new at the touch of a button .
In my opinion , from the Gaggenau range , the combi-steam oven truly hits this sweet spot . It is an aspiration for many , a calling for the private chef and a statement to the designer . Inspired by the professional kitchen , it is hand crafted from the finest materials , you can control the core temperature to within a degree , it boasts a fully automatic self-cleaning system , and the cooking functionalities are endless , whether you want to braise , steam , bake , grill , gratinate , regenerate , extract juice , or sous-vide . You can do anything with it , so you will not need another oven again . Moreover , as with many Gaggenau products , it can be displayed on show , like a painting on the wall in a 30 inch format , or it can sit flush to the surface , hidden and seamless . You can play around with aesthetics according to your taste , without compromising on function .
Ultimately , the pursuit of this balance between luxury and practicality is the key to ensuring products stand the test of time . Whilst styles of homeware might change , the requirements of kitchen appliances will largely remain the same . A quality product made from stainless steel is an investment in your home that can be shared with future generations to come . Crucially , as designers we need to make fewer products that last longer for our planet , showing a commitment to longevity and quality over quantity across all of our work .