Modular kitchens are here to stay! Now that optimum space usage and efficiency issues are sorted, the world of kitchen interiors is gearing up for a technological revolution- the smart kitchen! We are sure you have heard of this term a few times in recent years, however, a lot of us are not exactly sure what this term means. Let’s take a look at the wide range of options through which you can upgrade your kitchen and make it future-ready!
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Smart kitchens- What are they all about?
In layman’s terms, a kitchen well connected and operated by the internet, Bluetooth or the wifi can qualify as a smart kitchen. In recent years, the introduction of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the world of kitchens has helped save time and money. You can think of this as basically a modular kitchen with “eyes and ears”. From voice assistants to smart refrigerators, there are lots of ways you can upgrade your kitchen and make it smarter.
Advantages and disadvantages of smart kitchens
Advantages
As we said, AI-enabled kitchens are all the rage today and for all the right reasons. With a few touches of smart appliances in your kitchen and you have a future-ready cooking space! Here are some benefits of opting for smart kitchens:
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- Energy efficient designs- There is a reason smart appliance are considered smart- they ensure optimum usage with very bare minimal wastage. This way, they help reduce the per day energy consumption of a family. In our everyday life, we waste a lot of resources here and there on messy cooking processes, lack of time management etc.
But smart cooking technologies like motion sensor chimneys, auto-clean functions, and automatic turn-off devices when it is not running indeed helps in reducing your wastage. Not only that, today’s smart kitchen designs are so impressive that you will be able to monitor your regular power consumption thereby reducing your monthly utility bills by at least 10-15%.
- Provides convenience- Smart devices and appliances make your cooking naturally easier.
With the help of a single device, you will be able to control various appliances as well as an app-enabled software that can help you reduce your time in the kitchen strategically.
That way, 2 or more family members can do all the cooking chores together so that no one person has to shoulder the cooking responsibilities by themselves.
- Inventory management- Sounds fancy, huh? Or shall we rename it pantry management? Simply put, in a smart kitchen, there is no excuse or opportunity to waste both raw and cooked food materials. Also, if you often run out of grocery stocks, AI-enabled appliances can prove to be your best friend! Digital assistants and smart refrigerators come equipped with technologies that manage the list of groceries in your fridge and will alert you when your stock is closer to expiry dates. Some digital assistants offer customised recipes based on what’s left on your fridge! Sounds exciting, right? It helps save money and resources.
Disadvantages
As much as smart kitchens sound good theoretically, not all of it is perfect either. These are some things to consider before investing in one:
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- Costly installation- While smart kitchens will save you money in the long run, the immediate cost of installation is almost double or triple that of normal modular kitchens based on what type of appliances you are going for. Technology comes with a 50 per cent more costly price tag compared to traditional devices.
On the other hand, for non-AI devices, the maintenance and upkeep costs are to be kept in mind. It all boils down to which is your immediate preference.
- The intrusion of private space- While a lot of people might enjoy the convenience of an AI-enabled kitchen, there are certain risks associated with making your kitchen smart.
Since a smart kitchen uses IoT or Wifi to work, data theft, as well as a risk to your privacy, is a close possibility.
Since the whole system works on the internet and a lot of devices are connected, there is always a risk of data breach and sensitive information could be phished out by potential hackers. To curb this, frequently changing the password and very close scrutiny of details are recommended to avoid discrepancies.
- Complete dependence on the internet- Without a reliable and fast internet connection, smart kitchens will not be able to serve their purpose. Especially in a country like ours, where poor internet connectivity and power cuts are an unfortunate reality, the concept of an AI-enabled kitchen seems a little too far-fetched. Sure, they have revolutionised modern kitchens and how people cook, but the local conditions need to be considered well before implementing such technologies.
How to build the perfect smart kitchen
There are so many ways to build smart kitchens but before everything, solid planning is necessary to help make everything come together. Here are a few pointers to help you out:
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1. First, know, what smart and how smart you want your kitchen to be.
Of course, smart devices are something that connects and works on the internet but when it comes to the kitchen, not all smart devices need to be regulated with high-tech communication systems. What we mean is identify whether you are going for straightforward smart devices like smart refrigerators and ovens or are you going for more multitasking innovative gadgets that can work without a wireless connection too.
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2. There are so many ways to assemble the latest technology kitchen appliances. However, it is imperative to identify exactly what type of appliances and devices you are going for.
Firstly, you can go for a fully integrated smart kitchen complete with a digital voice assistant and a smart display. If you are a clean freak, then you might appreciate a voice-automated faucet or maybe a fully automated oven for the budding baker in you! Whatever your vision is, experts recommend going slow.
First, test the waters with one or two small smart gadgets and see how it enriches your cooking time. Everyone’s cooking practices are different and that is why it is recommended to start slow and then invest in the appropriate automatic kitchen appliances.
3. After you are done sorting your needs and preferences, it’s time to go shopping! Ideally, it is better to start small and gradually work towards assembling the smart kitchen of your dreams!
Various smart kitchen appliances that can upgrade your kitchen
Sadly, there are norobots to do all the cooking and cleaning for you, but smart kitchen appliances can sure make your life much easier. There are so many options in the market, that it is easy to get overwhelmed. That is why today we have brought you this catalogue of products that are pretty versatile and will serve their purpose in any type of kitchen.
1. Samsung Smart Fridge
Refrigerators can arguably be called the heart of the kitchen and therefore a smart refrigerator can go a long way in making everyday cooking faster and more efficient.
Take this Samsung Family Hub refrigerator for example that comes equipped with a built-in voice assistant. It can perform a variety of functions for you like playing some music on command, ordering some food etc. Also, the refrigerator has 3 built-in cameras so that you can keep an eye on the contents from anywhere you are.
After all, remote access to your fridge is all you need to stop making repeated visits to the supermarket. The Samsung Fridge also comes with a display hub that lets you customise your home screen to personalise it further. You can add in mini-notes, reminders etc for your convenience.
2. Smart Ovens
Electric smart ovens are a good investment because they have a lot of interesting standout features. A lot of smart ovens can also be smart “toaster ovens” which are a bit different from traditional ovens. But of course, it depends on your food preferences. A lot of smart ovens come equipped with built-in cameras so that you can check the progress of your cooking anytime without really having to open the door and damage the dish in the process. A lot of smart ovens have screen displays where you can view various recipes and also provides you with the ability to adjust certain instructions based on what you are making. You can keep a tab on your food while you catch up with your friends.
3. Smart dishwashers
Sure, you still have to load your dishes and put in the soap, but the key here is smoothness and efficiency. The Samsung Linear 24” dishwasher is a smart app-enabled dishwasher that you can control from anywhere in the house. Looking for a USP? It is the silence of it all! It only produces around 38 decibels and efficiently cleans your plates without causing a mini war inside the dishwasher every time! Once done, the dishwasher door is automatically opened to allow air circulation throughout the tub. Also, you can monitor how much time is left and work accordingly.
These are not all! Other than these there are also smart microwaves and smart baking devices that help you view and follow the recipes in real-time. Also, why limit yourself to simply kitchen appliances? Smart bulbs as well as Google digital Assistants can be a great addition.
Now that you have a clear understanding of what and how you can build your brand of a smart kitchen, we are curious to know which one of our recommendations you liked. If you are still confused, try taking some expert advice and contact NoBroker Interiors. Our designers will be able to help you with the rest. We are waiting to hear from you!
FAQs
Q1- Are smart kitchens a necessity?
A1- Of course not. Smart kitchens are simply a way to make your kitchen more technologically advanced and thus help make your everyday cooking easier. However, if you love playing around with food and flavours, a smart kitchen might restrict your creativity.
Q2- Are smart kitchens ideal for Indian conditions?
A2- Experts recommend not going full smart mode on Indian kitchens since wifi and internet connections are not at par with global standards. Also, prolonged power cuts are a reality here. Hence a smart kitchen might not be the best option.
Q3- What kind of smart appliances to choose if I am a beginner?
A3- You can start with small gadgets and see how they suit you. Later, you can always switch it up with bigger and better appliances.
Q4- What are some common smart kitchen gadgets?
A4- Smart refrigerators, ovens, microwaves and dishwashers are very common appliances for a smart kitchen design.
Q5- What to keep in mind when designing a smart kitchen?
A5-Every kitchen and food culture are different. Therefore what works in European kitchens might not work for Indian kitchen sensibilities. That is why it is very important to know what you are looking for and then plan accordingly.
