Smart Kitchens: A Quick Guide

What is a smart kitchen?

The Internet of Things is bringing new and exciting tech into our homes, with more and more of our devices able to talk to each other, putting essential information at our fingertips and helping us live smarter.

In the kitchen environment, common appliances and gadgets now have a ‘smart’ alternative. From Wi-Fi-enabled ovens and refrigerators to voice-controlled coffee makers, these smart appliances are making it easier to stay on top of daily tasks.

However, creating a smart kitchen doesn’t just mean connecting your devices to the internet. It’s about combining technology with kitchen design to create a functional space that makes life run a little smoother – so there’s less to do and more to love.

Integra Portobello Bosco as tall cabinets with integrated Samsung Ovens, white handleless Integra Soho cabinetry and a kitchen island in the shade Baked Clay, matching top cabinets and the beautiful fan above hob, all decorated with earth tone ceramics and plants.

The advantages of a smart kitchen

Magnet’s smart kitchen appliances and gadgets can help you and your family in four simple ways:

1. Save time

Smart appliances streamline cooking and meal prep, allowing you to accomplish more in less time.

2. Reduce energy consumption

Connected appliances optimise energy use to lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.

3. Organise your inventory

Automated tracking and scheduling make it easier to stay on top of what you need, helping you plan and shop.

4. Improve safety

Smart features like automatic shut-offs and alerts help reduce the risk of kitchen accidents.

From fridges that keep you on top of groceries to Bluetooth soundbars that fit seamlessly into your cabinets, we have plenty of smart gadgets to discover.

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 cooking even easier.

Smart ovens

Control and monitor your oven from wherever you are using your phone. You can turn your smart oven on or off remotely, and it will even send you notifications to let you know when dinner is ready. What’s more, with some Samsung models, you can find recipes from Michelin-starred chefs and share them with your oven.

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 place your pots and pans where you want them, and the hob will do the rest. What’s more, smart hobs automatically connect to the extractor hood, turning it on when your hob is activated (that’s one less job for you).

Smart fridge

A smart fridge connects to the internet via Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it remotely or via a touchscreen. Some have cameras inside so you can see their contents when you’re out shopping, and others will even track expiration dates on food. These impressive gadgets give you all the information you need to improve efficiency and conserve energy at the touch of a button.

The smart fridge explained

Temperature and humidity control

Being able to control the temperature and humidity of your smart fridge is incredibly useful. Some smart fridges let you control individual zones, helping you optimise energy efficiency and extend the shelf life of your food.

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, your fridge can become the kitchen's hub. Many of these smart appliances let you search for and display recipes on a digital 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 for your family or add items to your shopping list.

Connectivity

Your smart fridge may be able to connect with other appliances 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 to let your family know you’re running late from work.

Food monitoring

Some smart fridges let you scan your food shop to track use-by dates and keep on top of the often-forgotten items at the back of the fridge. 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.

Soho Duck Blue kitchen from Magnet combined with ovens integrated into tall Nordic Nature cabinetry, white marble splashblack, paired beautifully with a bright brass tap and sink.

How much does a smart kitchen cost?

Many choose not to invest in smart gadgets when they’re budgeting for a new kitchen, but while they can be expensive, they offer long-term value. And the good news is that smart technology is becoming more mainstream, which has the knock-on effect of bringing down prices. So, creating a smart kitchen might be more achievable than you thought.

The best way to budget for your new kitchen 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 smart space that works for you isn’t just about technologically-advanced products. Cleverly designed storage systems and built-in features can also make a difference in how you use your kitchen.

Things to think about before you invest

Aside from affordability, there are other considerations to make before you invest in smart technology for your kitchen.

1. How tech-savvy are you?

If you find navigating new technology difficult, adding gadgets to your kitchen is more likely to create problems than solve them.

2. Your lifestyle and needs

Consider how you use your kitchen and the tasks you repeat daily. How could adding smart appliances streamline these repetitive tasks to save you time?

3. Most-used appliances

Make a list of the appliances you use most often and budget for smart alternatives. This will ensure you invest in gadgets that make the biggest difference to your life.

4. Compatibility

Before you invest in new appliances, ensure they are compatible with your other smart devices and automation systems for a seamless operation.

Smart kitchen accessories and storage

The goal of a smart kitchen is to create a space that improves your life. While Wi-Fi-enabled kitchen appliances contribute significantly, there are many other features you can add to a smart kitchen.

Smart lighting

Wi-Fi-connected smart lighting lets you control your lighting remotely via your smartphone or using voice commands. With an app, you can control the colour and brightness of your lights and set schedules to conserve energy.

Charging solutions

Find charging solutions that keep your devices out of sight but never out of battery. We offer a range of device-charging options. From wireless charging stations to trays built into your cabinets, there’s a solution to suit every home.

Smart speakers

Whether you love entertaining or enjoy listening to music while cooking, smart speakers are a must for every music fan. There are several options to choose from, many of which are specifically designed for kitchens, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Voice assistants

Voice assistants are useful for far more than just playing music. Use them to control your connected appliances with voice commands, create a shopping list that syncs to your phone, or set timers and reminders.

Fitted speakers

Integrated speaker systems are built into your kitchen cabinets for a seamless appearance. With excellent sound quality and greater control, they’re ideal for those who love to host parties.

Kitchen design and layout

Integrating technology into your new kitchen starts during the planning stages, when you’re selecting appliances and choosing a kitchen layout.

Your Magnet designer will explore ways to integrate smart appliances into your kitchen, with concealed wiring, built-in digital screens and connected hubs. What’s more, we’ll ensure your kitchen is future-proof so you can easily add new devices and gadgets when you’re ready to upgrade or expand your system.

Whether you’re looking for innovative storage solutions or intelligent appliances that make cooking a breeze, you’ll find plenty to choose from at Magnet. See your vision come to life when you book an appointment with one of our in-house designers.

Smart safety devices

Smart technology isn’t just useful; it can also help you improve safety in the kitchen. You may want to think about investing in these devices.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for every kitchen. Upgrade your alarms with a smart kitchen device that provides even greater 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 harmful substances, such as cleaning products or alcohol, it’s worth investing in an intelligent system. These devices 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).

Smart 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 food, consider investing in a smart digital thermometer. These connect to your phone and provide a precise measurement of your food temperature. Many of these smart thermometers will even tailor your reading to the food you’re cooking, so you won’t have to remember the right temperature for your dish.

Built-in Ovens with opened warming drawer in modern slab front Balmoral Soho cabinetry from Magnet, Dekton in Ceppo worktop of kitchen island in foreground.

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Smart Kitchens: A Quick Guide

What is a smart kitchen?