Latest Interiors looks at the hottest kitchen appliances around

There comes a time in every kitchen’s life when the dishwasher gives up the chase, the washing machine spins its last cycle, or the cooker finally breathes its last. If you’re really unlucky, they all go at once – over Christmas. Want to make sure your kitchen hardware is in full working order for the festive season? It might be time to upgrade and update. Latest Interiors finds out what the best dressed kitchens are wearing this season.

Brighton Domestic Appliances 11 Imperial Arcade, Brighton, BN1 3EA Tel 01273 827456 www.brightondomesticappliances.com

Form…

Two trends dominate large kitchen appliances this year. Firstly, sleek, chic kitchens are going back to integrated appliances to give a smooth, streamlined finish. The integrated approach works well in small spaces – an unbroken line of glossy door and drawer fronts adds to a sense of space – and in very contemporary settings. An integrated dishwasher, fridge or washer-dryer is perfect for a cool, modern kitchen, and for open-plan living. Just make a mental note of where you’ve left the milk.

Secondly, the counter trend for white goods – cookers, fridge-freezers, washing machines and so forth – to be anything but white or integrated continues.

Fridges, cookers and dishwashers in candy bright colours are selling well, turning a simple appliance into a statement piece. And retro mid-20th century styling remains popular, too, with an increasing range of designs competing with the eponymous Smeg retro fridge, who, incidentally, also produce a fabulous retro-style range of dishwashers to match. Even the iconic Aga is now available in 15 different colours. For a more refined look, black is the shade on everyone’s palette this year. Austere and dignified, a black range cooker, dishwasher or fridge-freezer will add a certain understated elegance to your home.

Appliances are also being super-sized. The huge American fridge-freezer is king of the kitchen – in fact, it’s almost a kitchen in itself. For a more contemporary look, industrial sized steel or anthracite range cookers do the job nicely.

…and function

If you’re investing in any new appliance, then you need to check out it’s green credential. Opt for a low-energy model whenever possible (look for the blue ‘energy saving recommended’ logo, which means an appliance meets or exceeds the Government specified energy requirements). Check out whether an appliance has any special green-friendly functions too, like rapid wash cycles that save water and energy.