KITCHENAID LAUNCHES NEW FREESTANDING COMBINATION MICROWAVE OVEN
KitchenAid, the luxury appliance manufacturer, has launched a new freestanding combination microwave oven that has been inspired by the professional culinary sphere.
The freestanding KitchenAid microwave oven (KMQFX 33910 (UK)) has an impressive range of chef-inspired functions, to enthuse and embolden those who are serious about food. With more than 50 pre-programmed recipes, and five professional functions, the KitchenAid microwave oven is a triumph in the kitchen.
KitchenAid ensures the most even microwave circulation thanks to an innovative and fully three dimensional microwave distribution system. The 3D System forges a complex pattern to ensure that the microwave energy produce perfectly even cooking results.
In addition to microwave cooking, the freestanding microwave oven boasts a grill and crisp plate accessory. Together, gastronomic favourites can be prepared in a fraction of time and with less oil too, using KitchenAid’s Crisp Technology, Crisp Fry and the Crisp & Bake programmes.
For those who love to bake, the microwave oven transforms the kitchen into a professionally-inspired bakery. The user is assisted through the entire baking process right from bowl to bake. The appliance perfectly softens butter, melts chocolate and prepares dough using the dedicated programmes and can effortlessly bake delicate cakes, meringues and loaves of bread.
The freestanding microwave oven makes a statement in the kitchen, inspired by the iconic design of the built-in KitchenAid Twelix Artisan oven. The sleek and timeless design blends seamlessly into the culinary workplace and features the iconic KitchenAid ergonomic handle, which is subtly finished with the brand’s medallion.
Lee Collett, Channel Controller, Kitchen Studio & KitchenAid Brand, says: “The freestanding KitchenAid microwave oven is the latest illustration of the brand’s lasting commitment to creating appliances that deliver on performance, quality and design. KitchenAid’s experience in perfecting cooking techniques, in collaboration with professional chefs, brings the gourmet kitchen into the home, providing the user with the very best cooking techniques in the comfort of their own home.”
Key features and benefits of the freestanding combination KitchenAid microwave oven (KMQFX 33910 (UK)):
- Freestanding countertop microwave oven with 33 litre capacity, which can be used as a microwave grill, or as a convection oven using forced air
- Advanced and patented 3D System forges a complex pattern, combination of dual microwave emission points and reflection, to ensure that the microwave energy is distributed evenlyFor those who love to bake, the microwave oven transforms the kitchen into a professionally-inspired bakery. The user is assisted through the entire baking process right from bowl to bake. The appliance perfectly softens butter, melts chocolate and prepares dough using the dedicated programmes and can effortlessly bake delicate cakes, meringues and loaves of bread.
The freestanding microwave oven makes a statement in the kitchen, inspired by the iconic design of the built-in KitchenAid Twelix Artisan oven. The sleek and timeless design blends seamlessly into the culinary workplace and features the iconic KitchenAid ergonomic handle, which is subtly finished with the brand’s medallion.
Lee Collett, Channel Controller, Kitchen Studio & KitchenAid Brand, says: “The freestanding KitchenAid microwave oven is the latest illustration of the brand’s lasting commitment to creating appliances that deliver on performance, quality and design. KitchenAid’s experience in perfecting cooking techniques, in collaboration with professional chefs, brings the gourmet kitchen into the home, providing the user with the very best cooking techniques in the comfort of their own home.”
Key features and benefits of the freestanding combination KitchenAid microwave oven (KMQFX 33910 (UK)):
- Freestanding countertop microwave oven with 33 litre capacity, which can be used as a microwave grill, or as a convection oven using forced air
- Advanced and patented 3D System forges a complex pattern, combination of dual microwave emission points and reflection, to ensure that the microwave energy is distributed evenly
- Intuitive sensor technology adjusts the duration and microwave power required, according to the moisture content and temperature of the food. Just select the food type on the Sensor menu and the smart sensors will do the rest
- The Crisp Technology combines the crisp plate accessory, 3D System and the quartz grill to reach the high temperature that is required to bake and fry dishes. This mimics a conventional oven, and reduces cooking time by up to 75 per cent
- Crisp Fry function allows for cooking fried dishes with 40 per cent less oil1 thanks to the combined action of KitchenAid’s Dual Crisp technology, forced convection and the high-power grill
- Crisp & Bake provides the user with a one-touch solution that ensures the best crisp and bake results. Prepare perfect fluffy cakes, muffins and French fries at the touch of a button
- Five professionally-inspired functions:
- Precision Bake combines forced air with the ultra-precise temperature setting to evenly bake dishes with the elimination of any hot or cold spots
- Dual Steam function, utilising the steamer accessory, allows the user to steam two different dishes at the same time without the mixing of flavours and aromas
- Dough rising ensures a stable temperature of 38°C for perfect dough preparation
- Yoghurt function makes preparation easy and convenient
- Soft melting programme is extraordinarily gentle and is ideal for melting butter and chocolate
- Special Menu encompasses more than 50 pre-programmed recipes, for perfect and professionally-inspired results – ideal for when preparing a gourmet dish when time is short
- Reheat function calculates the microwave power level required to achieve the best results dependent on food type and weight
- Defrost setting for the most flawless and efficient defrosting of dishes
- Crisp plate accessory to perfectly crisp both the top and bottom of food; for use with the Crisp Programmes
- Large quartz grill to achieve an oven-baked finish. Rack accessories included
- Auto-clean programme uses the power of steam to clean the interior of the microwave oven and effectively removes lingering odours
- Intuitive user interface for precise control, which ensures professionally-inspired results at the touch of a button
- Sleek and timeless stainless steel interior and exterior, which is inspired by the KitchenAid Twelix Artisan Oven, complete with a drop down door that features the iconic ergonomic handle that is finished with the KitchenAid medallion
- 360 mm diameter turntable
- Two year warranty for peace of mind
- Dimensions: H x W x D 490 x 373 x 562 mm
For more information on the freestanding KitchenAid microwave oven (KMQFX 33910 (UK)), and any other KitchenAid major domestic appliances, please contact your account manager or visit the website at www.kitchenaid.co.uk
A LIGHTBULB MOMENT New lighting brand celebrates exclusive retail launch at The Conran Shop
Historically lightbulb design has not been a fast-moving field. The same shapes have dominated the market for decades – largely of necessity, as filament technology has restricted the  possibilities for formal variation. Today, however, advances in flexible-filament LED bulbs are enabling designers to pursue radical new directions and develop previously impossible forms – and BEEM is the world’s first brand to indulge this tech-enabled creativity.
Co-created by award-winning product and industrial designer Samuel Wilkinson, BEEM’s first collection is a new family of LED lamps unlike anything else on the market – graphic, playful and strikingly contemporary. After the brand’s debut at Milan Design Week in April and the new range’s appearance in an installation at designjunction during last month’s London Design Festival, the BEEM bulb collection will be exclusively available to the public from The Conran Shop‘s London outlets from 24 October. BEEM is a collaboration between Samuel Wilkinson – designer of the now-iconic Plumen 001 low-energy bulb – and LED-lighting specialists Chris Stimson and Bujar Shkodra, founders of well-lit, which they set up in order to break the stranglehold of big companies that were flooding the market with poor-quality, overpriced LED bulbs. With a shared desire to revolutionise lightbulb design, the trio first came together in 2016. Now, two years later, their revolution is well underway. ‘We fiercely want to challenge what existed (and still exists) in our industry and the perceptions of what’s possible in terms of design and performance.’ – Chris Stimson, co-founder, BEEM The first lamps in the collection – SMILE and CURLI – feature the latest soft-filament LED technology, enabling them to emit bright, warm light for up to 25,000 hours, while minimising energy use. Equally suited to domestic and commercial environments such as bars or cafés, both are designed to be hung either singly or configured in groups – thanks to an innovative rotating mechanism hidden inside, the lamps can be easily adjusted to line up with surrounding bulbs. • SMILE is a distinct, graphic and modern glass bar of light fitted with a flexible filament attached to a ceramic base. Three shapes are available: a U shape (01), a smile-like upward curve (02) and a straight line (03).
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Bancci stories at eat and sleep festival creative collaborations
Bancci, who has been a substantive manufacturer for hospitality and residential furniture for almost 25 years, is thrilled to unveil its inspired collaborative approach, Bancci Stories.
Bancci Stories is a uniquely creative set of collaborations of industry leading designers and artisans to produce furniture that is both timeless and adapted for the modern world. The event will be attended by award winning interior designers and unique material artisans.
The first collaboration that Bancci is proud to announce, is with Christopher Lees, 2012 and 2014 winner at the London Restaurant and Bar Awards, who is launching his first cross market collection, The Cadogan Collection.
The collection is inspired by Christopher’s renovation of a luxury property in Cadogan Gardens in London. In the late 19th century, the area was considered a bohemian quarter, attracting a myriad of radicals, artists and poets. The mid-century modern designers and architects Vladimir Kagan, Joaquim Tenreiro and George Nelson have been a major source of inspiration for Christopher’s designs, which are functional in design and timeless in finish.
The DKT Artworks collaboration includes a range of five Eglomise coffee table top finishes, to provide an artisan twist to Christopher Lees’ Cadogan Collection. DKT Artworks is a unique multidisciplinary team of imaginative and highly skilled artists, specialised in the design, production and installation of handcrafted, high-end bespoke decorative finishes and site-specific artworks. Since its foundation in 1979,DKT Artworks has been working with the most internationally renowned interior designers and with the broadest range of styles and materials, providing original and innovative solutions to its clients on the widest range of projects in the Yacht, Residential and Hospitality market places. The Eglomise finishes range, in association with Bancci Stories, also makes DKT Artworks’ unique finishes available as standard products in the hospitality sector.
Completing the Christopher Lees’ collection is the Gray Marquina marble top to the Hepburn Console, provided by Diespeker & Co, London’s long-established and most prestigious stone company since its inception in 1881. The unique granite was chosen to compliment the American walnut of the Hepburn Console. In addition to Christopher Lees’ ground-breaking collection, Bancci is launching a unique range of Terrazzo Restaurant tables with Diespeker & Co.
Kerry Franses of Franses Design Ltd has her own unique collaboration with Bancci being launched at Sleep & Eat. Kerry has recently featured on the cover of November’s House & Garden after she flawlessly renovated a run down 1930s London town house. The client prided herself on a large art collection, and wanted to transport these artworks from her large country estate to her smaller London pad. The modern and clean-cut interior chosen by Kerry created an environment that showcased all the periods of artwork selected. In collaboration with Bancci Stories, Kerry has designed an inspirational range of tables for Residential and Hospitality Interiors. From bedside tables to lounge tray tables, all the pieces are delightfully individual and are an elegant addition to any interior space.
The collaborations bring together a very selective group of top-end designers and artists who design and create uniquely memorable pieces of furniture. Designers and manufacturers unified by their passion and expertise in Artisanal hand-crafted art. The launch promises to be exciting, innovative and inspiring, and will showcase the very best of Bancci, one of the creative brands in the premium hospitality world.
Bancci Stories is distributed through Hospitality Projects. (www.hospitality-projects.com)
Skip and diesel price hikes are bad news for builders and home owners, warns FMB
Nearly two-thirds of builders have had to pass skip price increases on to clients and a fifth have had to pass on diesel price rises, making home improvement projects more expensive for home owners, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).The key results from the FMB’s research into skip prices are as follows:
The average cost of an eight yard skip has gone up by £24 over the past year, meaning an additional cost of £360 for the average extension;
Nearly two-thirds of builders have had to pass skip price increases on to clients, making home improvement projects more expensive for home owners;
Three quarters of builders said that skip price rises have squeezed their margins.
The widely-reported hike in diesel prices is also starting to bite and is having the following impact on small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms:
Nearly half of construction SMEs have made lower margins on projects;
Nearly a fifth (17%) have been forced to raise the prices they charge clients;
More than one in ten have had to turn down jobs they would have normally accepted as they are too far away;
10% have taken steps to reduce vehicle use.
Commenting on the research, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The increase in the price of skips and diesel is bad news for builders and home owners alike. Nearly two-thirds of builders have had to pass skip price increases on to clients and a fifth have had to pass on diesel price rises. This has made home improvement projects more expensive for home owners. What’s more, the impact of the rising price of skips could have an impact on our communities through a rise in fly-tipping. No matter how much the price of skips might increase, there is never any excuse for fly-tipping and any individuals found doing so should be severely reprimanded. In 2016 and 2017, more than one million incidences of fly-tipping were dealt with by councils in England and the last thing anyone wants is for this number to increase.”
Berry concluded: “The increase in the price of skips and diesel have come at a bad time for the UK’s builders. The cost of doing business is rising more generally for construction firms. Wages and salaries are all rocketing because of the ever-worsening skills shortages in construction. What’s more, material prices have been rising because of the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum. Looking ahead, material prices are expected to cause an even bigger headache going forward, with recent research from the FMB showing that almost 90 percent of builders believe that material prices will rise in the next six months. We are advising builders to price jobs and draft contracts with this plethora of price rises in mind to avoid a further squeeze on already razor thin margins.”
GOING SOFT ON WATER TREATMENT
According to Rinnai UK, leader in continuous flow gas water heating products, stored hot water systems suffer badly from the problem of scale build up – even when water treatment measures are in place.
Lime scale consists of calcium carbonate (calcite) with lesser amounts of other calcium salts such as sulphate. Sometimes lime scale deposits contain corrosion debris and this scale build-up can affect the water heaters by reducing their efficiency and overall performance. Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water will shorten the lifespan of water heating appliances.
Limescale build up is a serious problem in Southern England, Wessex, Wales, Hull and the Thames area.
DEMARZO releases his first two statement pieces from his LENO collection
Upcoming furniture designer D E M A R Z O releases his first two statement pieces from his LENO collection.
The designer behind the name is from Leeds, North England. Who has a distinction in furniture & craft design. Inspired by his great great grandfather who was a furniture maker in the 1930’s.
With a brother who went down the music route producing music and DJ’ing all over the world, he pursued design.
Originally making studio furniture and various interior products, he has been motivated by the likes of designer Lee Broom’s story a fellow Brit, to produce his own collection of statement furniture under the name LENO.
SIMPLE FIX TO FUTURE-PROOF SUPPORTED LIVING HOMES FOR WELLNESS
Latest figures show that over 3million people aged over 55 are looking to move home, yet only 7% actually do so! The biggest reason is lack of suitable property.
A new option is enabling architects and their housebuilder clients to cost-effectively incorporate a design feature that differentiates the property, and adds value: a shower toilet.
The Closomat Asana delivers a stylish, wall-hung WC that has added value. Its integrated douching and drying functions deliver “the ultimate in intimate hygiene” for all users, regardless of ability and mobility. But, as the occupiers age, those functions save them having to struggle to clean after going to the toilet, and/or undertake refurbishment or adaptation of the bathroom.
Latest figures show that over 3million people aged over 55 are looking to move home, yet only 7% actually do so! The biggest reason is lack of suitable property.
VESTA INTERIOR DESIGN SEES TREND FOR FIRST TIME BUYER SHOW HOMES
The days of beige and neutral interiors are over, according to leading interior design firm, Vesta Interior Design, who have noticed a shift in demand for contemporary and accessible interiors across new developments.
Young professionals, first time buyers and millennials seeking a new London apartment are drawn to a new and ‘edgy’ design style when selecting their home, according to Chris, Dale, Managing Director of Vesta Interior Design. Chris notes that this is particularly true in areas such as Stratford, which since the 2012 Olympics has attracted a vast number of trendy young buyers and is seen as an urban hot spot on the rise for people more creative than city workers who tend to live in Canary Wharf or Greenwich.
As a result, the style and design of new developments in London has adapted with the perfect example being Bellway’s new Legacy Wharf development in Stratford. Interior Designed by Vesta Interior Design, the recently completed show home at Legacy Wharf, appeals to the younger first time buyer generation. More ‘edgy’ in its style, Legacy Wharf is not your usual show home, with no beige or neutral palettes in site, appealing to the creative side of potential buyers.
KITCHENAID LAUNCHES NEW VENTILATED INDUCTION HOB
KitchenAid, the luxury kitchen appliance manufacturer, has launched a new ventilated induction hob, which discreetly incorporates a downdraft extraction system.
The sleek and stylish KitchenAid 900 mm ventilated induction hob (KHIVF 90000) features four induction zones and an integrated, downdraft, extraction system that is both powerful and discreet. KitchenAid appliances are designed to enhance the user’s cooking experience and the ventilated induction hob guarantees outstanding results by combining precision, speed and energy efficiency.
With a dynamic surface that features two flexible cooking zones, the stylish black glass 900 mm ventilated induction hob (KHIVF 90000) accommodates large cookware and also makes it effortless to manage multiple pots and pans, which is particularly useful when entertaining guests or experimenting in the kitchen.
INSINKERATOR® APPOINTS NEW KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
InSinkErator® has announced the appointment of Amy Patrick, to Key Account Manager, to support the independent kitchen retail and plumbers’ merchant distribution channels.
With eight years’ experience in account management, Amy joins the company from BCG and brings with her a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise in building and maintaining successful business relationships.
INSINKERATOR® WINS CONTRACT WITH GALLIARD HOMES
InSinkErator® is supplying its 3N1 steaming hot water taps to the brand new Galliard Homes development, Maine Tower, in London’s Docklands.
The Maine Tower, a focal point of the Harbour Central development, is to comprise of 297 exquisite apartments that are situated over 42 floors. Each apartment will feature an InSinkErator® 3N1 L Shape steaming hot water tap finished in Brushed Steel. Not only will this addition streamline the worktop, reducing the clutter of a kettle, the InSinkErator® 3N1 brings a number of convenient benefits to the end user. The all-private, Maine Tower, development will be situated just minutes from Canary Wharf, boasting a library, concierge, gym and spa, business suites and cinema, promising to offer luxury living for all of its residents.
MINI Living at China House Vision
Fourth interpretation of the MINI Living Urban Cabin concept presented at the architecture exhibition China House Vision draws on traditional Beijing forms of housing as well as developing innovative ideas for maximum quality of living within a minimum space.
Beijing. MINI presents the latest MINI LIVING Urban Cabin at the interdisciplinary architecture exhibition China House Vision in Beijing from 21 September to 4 November 2018. The micro-apartment concept was developed in cooperation with local architect Dayong Sun.
The Urban Cabin in Beijing is now the fourth interpretation of the concept developed by MINI LIVING last year. The Urban Cabin provides temporary living space with a high degree of flexibility and lots of possibilities – on a surface area of just 15 m2. One particular design focus is the local identity and culture of the specific location in each case. After stops in London, New York City and Los Angeles, the latest source of inspiration is Beijing.
Fire Sprinkler Valve Systems
Applications Engineering specialises in creating high quality fire sprinkler valves. We have developed innovative, compact and easy to install valves for sprinklers that cover all the relevant requirements for modern domestic and residential properties. Our products are of the highest standard and represent fantastic value for money. We additionally offer everything from single and double check valves that can be used in a range of applications, as well as a pump cyclic test unit.
Formica Group brings pre-packed Scandi-style cladding to UK shelves
- Overlap cladding available in pre-packaged planks
- Ideal for installers, self-builders and professionals
- A screw fixed solution means fixings are concealed for a perfect finish
- No pre or post installation treatments required
- Available in eight colours and four wood tones
VIVIX® Lap in Chalet Oak
THE PERFECT TOUCH
Established in October 1982, Touch Ironmongery is one of London’s leading ironmongers. Originally called “A Touch of Brass”, the firm changed their name in 2003 in reaction to slowly advancing market changes in architectural ironmongery which is no longer supplied solely in brass, and to also reflect the broader range of products and finishes that they sell.
In fact today, Touch can supply a wide range of finishes including Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel, Copper, Bronze -solid and plated, BMA, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter, Ceramic, Leather, Stainless Steel, Satin Stainless Steel, Gun Metal, and the list keeps growing. Whatever finish you require, Touch can help you get the right look.
Attaching and removing panels the right way
Tony Wills
Buttonfix Limited director and partner at design consultancy Wills Watson+Associates
A classic dilemma:
Your plumber needs to provide access to some pipework behind a panel so cannot glue it in place but as the client, you don’t want to see ugly screw heads on your expensive finished panel. Also, the plumber doesn’t want to go through a lengthy marking out process or spend time on the equally long and frustrating task of trying to locate pairs of components which are hidden from view.
We faced this exact problem when designing a commercial washroom system. The same issues arise in fitting domestic bath panels, hotel or office wall panels and auditorium acoustic panels – in fact almost any panel that you might want to change or remove – or simply not wish to see the fixing method. We couldn’t find the right fixings anywhere, so we took the bold step of designing and manufacturing our own.
