Cooking up a tech storm!

With the inexhaustible options available in the market to spruce up that kitchen and make it state-of-the-art, here are some quick tips to go about it the right way.
For discerning homemakers, kitchens are usually a mix of old mother Hubbard and grandma baker all in one, an extension of nurturing personalities. While the latest kitchen appliances combine technology and sophisticated styling, they do need to seamlessly blend in with kitchen interiors while achieving maximum space efficiency.  

Cooking Ranges
Cooking ranges can either combine a cooktop and oven into a single appliance. Think of how many numbers and types of burners you want, is it easy to clean? In India, we use gas-operated combinations that are freestanding, slide-in or drop-in. The combination types fulfill most cooking functions frying, boiling, baking, roasting to broiling. And you can also choose between a glass-top or metal top.

Chimneys or Cooker Hoods
The purpose of a chimney is to capture smoke, odours, humidity and heat that our spicy currified Indian cooking is renowned for. So keep in mind the strength and suction power, noise level, size of cooktop, cooking style, family size, etc. The chimney must cover the cooking range, and atleast half of the front burners. There are  various types of vents wall-mounted or decorative, ceiling-mounted island, straight-line and custom built-in, all of which blends seamlessly with your choice of kitchen cabinetry. The chimneys nowadays comes in sleek European glass styles or shiny stainless steel. Newer models offer auto-clean, motion sensor, remote control, etc. which help in keeping the chimney clean, use less electricity and provide ease of usage.

Water Purifiers
Water purifiers are a staple sight. Always pick a water purifier that is energy efficient, compact and easy to operate. Water purifiers come with either Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultraviolet (UV) or Ultrafiltration (UF) technology or a combination of them.

Built-in Ovens
Kitchens with more space and higher budgets can accommodate separate cooktops and built-in ovens, which are easier to use. Consider factors such as space availability, convection heating, and whether you require a self or manual cleaning machine. 

Dishwashers
Dishwasher are very helpful  though use lots of water! Consider models that use less water and function quietly. 

Food Waste Disposers
This relatively new appliance is quite popular in modern kitchens. It is installed under a kitchen sink to collect all the food waste and effectively grind it. You can also collect it for your very own compost! It keeps the environment clean, and eliminates choking and bad odour.

— The writer is president and chief executive, consumer business at HSIL Limited.