From smart blenders, ultra quiet vacuum cleaners and induction cooktops to small multitasking appliances, the smart revolution is underway in homes. The rationale behind intelligent homes is a reflection of the modern pace of our lives. We are no longer happy with the refrigerator if it only keeps food fresh or with the microwave if it only warms up food and cooks the occasional meal.
Furthermore, concerns about healthy lifestyles, energy efficiency, convenience and aesthetics are encouraging home appliance manufacturers to come up with new and exciting technologies that can help users take control of their homes and perform chores as effortlessly as possible.
So, choose the technology that you are comfortable with and relax: let the appliances work it out for you.
Cool designs
Thanks to a harmony of innovative designs and intuitive functionality, high-tech appliances have become the focal point of contemporary homes.
As kitchens are often integrated with living/dining rooms, designs, materials and finishes of small kitchen appliances now factor into consumers’ purchasing decisions. “With product parameters reaching a level of parity among all brands, design has become the key differentiator,” says Niranjan Gidwani, Deputy CEO, Eros Group.
Homeowners are also looking for small appliances that blend in with the overall kitchen design. “Appliances in stainless steel and chrome finish are gaining popularity as they seamlessly integrate with modern kitchens where most major fixtures are in stainless steel,” says Gidwani.
While many homeowners prefer minimalist aesthetics and industrial lines for their homes, the demand for vintage or retro designs, reminiscent of the fifties and sixties, is also gaining traction. Says Georg Kazantzidis, Marketing Director, Bosch Home Appliances. “Good designs are meant to improve the quality of life. The design and functionality of our products make them a joy to use.”
Convenience first
When it comes to convenience, homeowners across the world are looking for appliances that are low-maintenance, efficient and stylish. Be it blenders, ice makers, induction hobs, microwave ovens, dishwashers or vacuum cleaners, the market is now flooded with products designed to facilitate housework and make life easier for the consumer.
Moulinex, for instance, has launched an automatic soup maker that is not only easy to handle but also increases the efficiency of a modern kitchen. “It makes delicious soups in less than 35 minutes. It looks like the hybrid of a blender and kettle and can make up to six servings of soup at a time,” says Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Electronics.
Samsung has focused on smart design and performance when it comes to developing small appliances, says Robin Kadyan, General Manager, Home Appliance division at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “Our new wheelway vacuum cleaner is an outcome of this philosophy. Its pyramid structure allows it to move swiftly and smoothly,” he says.
In recent years there has been a great variety of products with sensor systems making their way into the home appliances market. “Samsung’s multisensor technology in microwave ovens helps them detect when food is cooked and stops them from being overcooked,” says Kadyan. Problems with space also encourage consumers to replace bulkier ranges with compact appliances that fit perfectly into small homes.
Good housekeeping
Going by current design trends, small appliance makers are focusing on improving energy efficiency and increasing the lifespan of products to promote greener lifestyles.
“Modern appliances are by nature more energy efficient than their older counterparts. We offer reusable and modern kitchenware, homeware, cookware and other home appliances that can reduce water, electricity and energy usage,” says Rajiv Suri, Group CEO, Retail of Jashanmal Group.
Talking about the demand for eco-friendly home applicances in the UAE, Anurag Guglani, General Manager, Better Life Appliances Electronics and Telecom, says: “For instance, vacuum cleaners with high suction and low wattage and irons with even steam distribution and unique soleplates are in demand.”
Health is also a concern for people today and manufacturers factor this in while designing kitchen appliances. Changes in food habits and lifestyles have facilitated the growth of the UAE home appliances market, presenting people with products that allow them to cook with minimal oil and reheat food without destroying nutrients.
Interest in high-priced appliances with gourmet cooking features are also surging in the UAE. Consumers are willing to splurge on gadgets that can transform kitchens into multifunctional rooms, where they can prepare food and also eat, relax and entertain guests.
“The rising number of food blogs encourage consumers to try out different recipes and cuisines. This has driven the demand for high-end and multifunctional products,” says Guglani. So, Better Life has launched a 12-in-1 food processor from Terim, which combines the functions of a blender, juicer, ice crusher, cutter, grater and grinder, among others.
As consumers in the UAE warm up to the idea of experimenting with food and drinks, the demand for breakfast sets, in-home coffee machines and healthy grills is growing. “Consumers are now looking at better coffee drinking experiences and are investing in sophisticated coffee machines,” says Gidwani.
