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Smart Kitchens - A Complete Buying Guide

Innovative kitchen design has the potential to bring something unique to your space. Whether you’re looking for a next-generation refrigerator or want something that makes life a little easier, creating a smart kitchen is the perfect way to upgrade your space.

What is a smart kitchen?

We’re on the brink of a technology revolution. With more and more of our devices able to talk to each other, the Internet of Things is bringing new and exciting tech into our homes. The idea is to help us live smarter, giving us essential information at our fingertips.

Even the basic items in our homes are becoming more advanced. From Wi-Fi-enabled ovens and refrigerators to voice-controlled coffee makers, new technology makes it even easier to keep on top of our daily tasks.

In the kitchen environment, virtually all of our common appliances and gadgets have a ‘smart’ alternative, unlocking even more possibilities.
However, creating a smart kitchen doesn’t just mean connecting your devices to the internet. At Magnet, our products and innovations help you and your family in four simple ways: to save time and energy, entertain, stay in control, and organise. From fridges that keep you on top of groceries to a Bluetooth soundbar that fits seamlessly into your cabinets, we have plenty of innovative options to discover.
The result? A functional space that makes life run a little bit smoother – so there’s less to do and more to love.

How much does a smart kitchen cost?

Smart kitchens are the pinnacle of innovative design, so, unsurprisingly, many of these appliances and gadgets can be quite expensive. However, the good news is that smart technology is becoming mainstream. That means smart appliances are increasingly accessible, which means creating a smart kitchen is more achievable than you might think.

The best way to plan a budget is to do your research. Think about what kind of smart kitchen gadgets you want versus those you need and go from there. Remember, creating a creative space that works for you isn’t just about technologically-advanced products. Cleverly designed storage systems and in-built features can all make a difference to the way you use your kitchen.

Smart Cooking

When it comes to cooking, smart technology offers something special. You may already be familiar with using voice assistants when cooking (setting a timer or checking weights has never been easier). However, there is a range of other smart kitchen gadgets available that can make life even more comfortable.

Smart Ovens

Smart ovens take the stress out of cooking. These smart appliances have plenty of different features, including notifications that let you know when dinner’s ready and remote oven control via your smartphone. With the Samsung models, you can even find recipes from Michelin starred chefs, which you can share with your oven through your Wi-Fi.

Smart Hobs

Smart hobs are an excellent choice for connoisseur chefs. When you choose models like the Samsung induction hob with Flex Zone Plus technology, you can easily cook large or multiple dishes. Place your pots and pans where you want them, and the hob will do the rest. Many smart hobs automatically connect with your extractor hood too, allowing these smart appliances to talk to each other. This auto-connectivity means your extractor turns on at the moment your hob is activated, giving you one less job to do when cooking.

Smart Refrigeration

Smart fridges have been making waves in the smart appliances world, and it’s easy to see why. These impressive gadgets give you all the information you need and can even act as a central hub for the family home.

More Features of a Smart Kitchen

There are plenty of useful features to these smart kitchen gadgets, some of which may include:

Temperature and humidity control

While less impressive than other smart appliance features, being able to control the temperature and humidity of your smart fridge is incredibly useful. Many smart fridges allow you to control different zones of your fridge too, giving you a fully customised experience.

Music and audio

Many smart fridges can connect with your music streaming service so that you can play your favourite songs directly from your refrigerator.

Recipes

With internet connectivity, the possibilities of your fridge are endless. Many of these smart appliances give you the option to search for and display recipes on an LDC screen, making it even easier to whip up culinary delights.

Messageboard

Blackboards or family noticeboards will be a thing of the past with your new smart appliance. If you choose a fridge with an in-built screen, you can note down messages to your family members or even add to your grocery list.

Connectivity

Like with many smart appliances, your smart fridge may have the option to talk to other appliances or devices in your home. That could be as simple as sending a notification to let the kids know when dinner is ready or adding a note letting your family know you’re running late home from work.

Food Monitoring

Many smart fridges allow you to scan your groceries to keep track of use-by dates. This feature is especially useful for reducing food waste and can help to keep track of often forgotten about fridge items. You could even connect your fridge to your online grocery shop, allowing you to automatically add regular products to your shopping list when you’re running low. Some smart fridges also include a camera, which can be accessed remotely. This feature gives you the ability to check your fridge contents remotely, saving a trip back out to the shops when you get home.

Smart safety

Smart technology isn’t just limited to your kitchen appliances. Other smart kitchen gadgets are especially useful too. You may want to think about investing in:

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for every kitchen. To upgrade your traditional alarms, choose a smart kitchen gadget that gives even more peace of mind. Many of these alarms have additional features, like easy silencing and remote notifications, that make them preferable to traditional systems. Some of these smart kitchen gadgets monitor more than just smoke and carbon monoxide. If you’re looking for a device to check the overall air quality of your kitchen, including humidity, particulates and pollen, you’ll find plenty available.

Smart Door Locks

Whether you’re looking for a smart lock for your back door or innovative child locks to protect your children from dangerous substances (like cleaning products or alcohol), it could be worth investing in an intelligent system. These give you control over how you lock your doors or cupboards and the flexibility to unlock them when you want (for example, when the children have gone to bed or when you’re entertaining).

Digital thermometers

Smart kitchen gadgets can make cooking safer, particularly when it comes to preparing food. For an easy way to check the temperature of your recipe, try investing in a smart digital thermometer. These connect with your phone and give you a precision measurement of your food temperature. Many of these smart thermometers will even tailor your reading to the food you’re cooking, which means you won’t have to remember what temperature is right for your dish.

Smart speakers and assistants

Whether you love to entertain or you enjoy listening to music when experimenting in the kitchen, smart speakers are a must for every music lover. There is a range of speaker options to choose from, many of which are specifically designed for kitchens, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Voice assistants and smart speakers

Voice assistants can be invaluable in the kitchen but are equally as useful for playing music. When connected with your chosen streaming service, you can ask your device to play your preferred songs. These devices often have excellent sound quality, meaning you won’t have to compromise.

Fitted speakers

If you are looking for a more sophisticated option for your smart kitchen, we suggest choosing an integrated speaker system. These Bluetooth speakers are in-built into your kitchen cabinets for a seamless appearance. With excellent sound quality and a higher level of control, they’re perfect for those that love to host parties.

Other Connected Appliances

Don’t forget that there are plenty of other connected kitchen accessories to choose from too. These may include:

  • Coffee makers
  • Instant pots
  • Automatic stirrers
  • Soap dispensers
  • Pressure cookers
  • Air fryers
  • Blenders
  • Toasters
  • Kettles
  • Herb planters
  • Scales

Create a spectacular smart kitchen

Take your kitchen to the next level with our innovative range of smart kitchen appliances and products. Whether you’re looking for storage that makes your space work that bit harder or intelligent appliances that make cooking a breeze, you’ll find plenty to choose from at Magnet.

If you’re ready to get started on your smart kitchen, get a quote for your design today. Or, to virtually create your dream space, try our unique kitchen design tool. When you’re ready to make your vision a reality, book an appointment with one of our in-house designers.