Professional-grade kitchen appliances are a #bfd at this year's bigger-than-ever Kitchen & Bath Industry show.
We’re all amateur chefs these days, DVR’ing our go-to cooking shows and Instagramming our favorite foodie fare. So it’s little wonder that restaurant-grade kitchen appliances are making their way into the market for consumers. The best new products are blending pro-level performance with sleek exteriors, high-tech touches and myriad customization options.
“The house is built around the kitchen these days,” says Dave LaMere, the director of sales and marketing at the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which produces the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) each year. “It’s an entertaining space as much as a functional one.” With exhibitor commitments up for the fifth consecutive year, the show now boasts 405,000 square feet of show-floor space. KBIS returns to Orlando, Florida, from January 9 to 11, and we’ve got an inside look at four exhibitors that are bringing home the cutting-edge capabilities of your favorite restaurant’s kitchen.
Samsung
Samsung returns to KBIS for the first time in several years to debut its Chef Collection, which combines a sleek new look with upgraded functionality. Available in matte black stainless steel, soft-brushed metal, or stainless steel, the Wi-Fi-connected appliances can all be controlled from a smartphone. The suite includes a refrigerator with a compartment that transitions from a freezer to a fridge; an oven that can be converted into three independent sections (sweet and savory dishes will never swap aromas again); and a Bluetooth-enabled ventilation hood that automatically adjusts fan speed as needed. (Booth W770)
Thor Kitchen
Chef-level amenities that aren’t a splurge? Sign us up. Thor Kitchen, which launched in 2011, will be exhibiting its complete pro-style suite: A stainless steel range with continuous cast-iron cooking grates, a ventilation hood with an anti-fingerprint finish, a refrigerator with odor-transfer prevention, and an energy-efficient Smart Wash dishwasher are all included—with a price tag coming in just under $5,000. (Booth S4480)
LG
LG Studio is adding four range hoods to its pro-style kitchen collections, all designed in collaboration with the brand’s artistic advisor, Nate Berkus. Available in two sizes, as well as two finishes (black and traditional stainless steel), they are equipped with dual-level LED lighting, touch-screen controls (no more knobs) and upgraded air movement. These additions complement LG’s existing collection of appliances. (Booth W228)
BlueStar
A watched pot never boils … but on the burner of BlueStar’s new induction cook system, cooks can watch that pot of water come to a rolling boil in two minutes. The 138-year-old company specializes in chef-approved appliances for the home cook, and its newest electrical collection is no exception: a wall oven with a built-in baking stone that’s ready to churn out homemade pizzas; a ventilation hood; and a built-in refrigerator—which can all be customized in more than 750 colors and finishes. (Booth W628)