Smart Kitchen: 6 new features for those who keep up with the times

The modern kitchen is not only a space for storing and preparing food but also the heart of the home and a place to entertain friends. At the same time, it’s a realm where incredible new technologies can be applied. Designer Irina Ficuk selected the most impressive innovations from the LivingKitchen-2017 exhibition, which took place as part of the Cologne Furniture Fair.

Irina Ficuk is the founder and organizer of HOTCHIN, a studio specializing in greening rooftops and balconies, modernizing underground parking lots, and renovating old apartments. 1. A table that can be used for cooking

Designers have gone to great lengths to reduce our time spent in the kitchen. The contemporary color scheme of kitchen furniture is deliberately chosen to create a relaxing atmosphere. Engineers and programmers have also thought of us, designing devices that give refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers “brains.” Today, the dining table can even be used as a stove for cooking.

Nolte kitchen with a countertop that also functions as a cooking surface 2. A stove that automatically removes odors

How about a stove integrated with an extractor that adjusts the air flow speed automatically? This innovation is designed for experienced cooks who want to focus on their culinary creativity without worrying about kitchen smells spreading throughout the apartment.

"Miele and Elica Nicola Tesla offer built-in extractors" src="/storage/_remont-kuhni/2022-11/st_NObzAB04tbdNkVZHwwE9z.webp">Miele and Elica Nicola Tesla offer built-in extractors 3. An “intelligent” extractor

What about an extractor that automatically moves only towards the pot from which steam is escaping? Of course, the stove can be controlled with just a light touch on the countertop.

"Unito Cooker induction stove with an extractor that moves towards the pot" src="/storage/_remont-kuhni/2022-11/Ip6SLPqPcN0kqr87hfQjKXHp.webp">Unito Cooker induction stove with an extractor that moves towards the pot 4. A refrigerator that can keep track of its contents

Refrigerators now automatically inventory what they contain and send their owners a list of stored foods, including their quantities and conditions.

"Liebherr refrigerator equipped with the SmartDeviceBox module, which ensures food doesn’t spoil" src="/storage/_remont-kuhni/2022-11/od4YC7-PMqBeQQ4qZu7mg7oT.webp">Liebherr refrigerator equipped with the SmartDeviceBox module, which prevents food from spoiling 5. A kitchen robot

Right next to the table, there’s also a small talking robot that knows many recipes and the exact amounts of ingredients needed. Additionally, there’s a projector that receives signals from your iPad, allowing you to control the devices by tapping on illuminated icons on the table. No more worries about greasing the MacBook keyboard while following a recipe!

"Bosch kitchen robot" src="/storage/_remont-kuhni/2022-11/BCKqG79tBbIK2HxsK34EKIQs.webp">Bosch kitchen robot 6. Carbonated water generators

Amid all these technological advancements, innovations like new cup holders in dishwashers (from Siemens and Bosch) no longer seem unusual. Devices we’re already accustomed to are being improved and given new functions.

Grohe has added a foot pedal to its kitchen furniture to stop the water flow from the faucet—very convenient when you’re holding a pot and have both hands occupied. Another German company’s innovation is a device that connects to the water pipe, turning it into a carbonated water source (just don’t forget to replace the gas cartridges regularly).

"Grohe Blue Home system converts regular tap water into carbonated soda" src="/storage/_remont-kuhni/2022-11/3JdwFkZaBSHKlCoNL30Jsy84.webp">Grohe Blue Home system converts regular tap water into carbonated soda