The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s no wonder why. It’s where meals are prepared, family and friends gather, and memories are made. However, with so much activity happening in the kitchen, it can quickly become overwhelming and cluttered. That’s where these 11 kitchen features come in – they will make your life easier and your kitchen more functional.

From a pot filler to a pizza oven, these features will not only enhance your culinary game but also create a cozy and inviting gathering spot for family and friends. A pot filler is a smart kitchen feature that can go wherever you can run a cold water line. It eliminates the need for hauling heavy pots of water across the kitchen. On the other hand, a pizza oven can cook more than just pizza. It can cook fish, meat, vegetables, bread, and more – giving you more room to prepare dinner for a crowd.

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or looking for ways to make your current kitchen more functional, these 11 kitchen features are sure to make your life easier. So, let’s take a closer look at each feature and how it can benefit you.

Smart Appliances

Smart appliances are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens. They are designed to make cooking and cleaning easier and more efficient. Here are two subsections on the smart appliances that will make your life easier.

Voice-Activated Controls

Voice-activated controls are a game-changer for people who love to multitask in the kitchen. With voice-activated controls, you can control your smart appliances without ever having to touch them. For example, if you’re cooking and your hands are full, you can simply say “turn on the oven” or “set the timer for 10 minutes” and your smart oven will respond accordingly.

One of the best voice-activated smart appliances is the Toshiba ML-EM34P Smart Microwave. It has Amazon Alexa built-in, which means you can control it with your voice. You can also use the Toshiba app to control the microwave remotely.

Programmable Settings

Smart appliances with programmable settings are perfect for people who want to save time and effort. With programmable settings, you can set your smart appliances to do specific tasks at specific times. For example, you can set your smart coffee maker to brew coffee at 6 am every morning, so you wake up to a fresh cup of coffee.

One of the best programmable smart appliances is the Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Multicooker. It has WiFi access, which means you can control it remotely with your phone. You can also use the Instant Pot app to program the multicooker to cook specific meals at specific times.

Smart appliances are a great investment for anyone who wants to make their life easier in the kitchen. Voice-activated controls and programmable settings are just two of the many features that make smart appliances a must-have for modern kitchens.

Efficient Storage Solutions

Efficient storage solutions are essential in any kitchen, especially for those who love to cook and have a lot of kitchen gadgets and tools. Here are some of the best storage solutions that can help you keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

Pull-Out Cabinets

Pull-out cabinets are a great way to maximize the storage space in your kitchen. These cabinets are designed to slide out, making it easy to access the items stored in the back of the cabinet. They are perfect for storing pots, pans, and other bulky items that are difficult to store in traditional cabinets. Additionally, pull-out cabinets can be customized to fit your specific needs, making them a versatile and practical storage solution.

Corner Drawer Units

Corner drawer units are another great storage solution for kitchens. These units are designed to fit into the corners of your kitchen cabinets, making use of otherwise wasted space. They are perfect for storing items that are difficult to store in traditional cabinets, such as large mixing bowls, baking sheets, and other bulky items. Additionally, corner drawer units can be customized to fit your specific needs, making them a versatile and practical storage solution.

Vertical Dividers

Vertical dividers are a great way to organize your kitchen cabinets. These dividers are designed to fit into your cabinets and create vertical storage space. They are perfect for storing baking sheets, cutting boards, and other flat items that are difficult to store in traditional cabinets. Additionally, vertical dividers can be customized to fit your specific needs, making them a versatile and practical storage solution.

In conclusion, efficient storage solutions are essential in any kitchen. By incorporating pull-out cabinets, corner drawer units, and vertical dividers into your kitchen design, you can maximize your storage space and keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

Multipurpose Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are a popular feature that can add functionality and style to any kitchen. A multipurpose kitchen island can take things to the next level by providing even more features and benefits. Here are some of the top features to consider when designing a multipurpose kitchen island.

Built-In Sinks

One of the most convenient features of a multipurpose kitchen island is a built-in sink. This allows for easy food prep and cleanup without having to go back and forth to the main sink. It also provides an additional workspace for multiple people to work at once. Consider adding a garbage disposal and a soap dispenser for added convenience.

Retractable Seating

Another great feature of a multipurpose kitchen island is retractable seating. This allows for extra seating when needed but can be tucked away when not in use to save space. Consider using stools that can be easily stored underneath the island or using a bench-style seat that can be pushed in when not needed.

Integrated Charging Stations

In today’s digital age, having a place to charge devices is important. Consider adding integrated charging stations to your multipurpose kitchen island. This allows for easy charging of phones, tablets, and other devices while cooking or eating. It also keeps cords and devices off the countertops and out of the way.

Overall, a multipurpose kitchen island can add a lot of value to any kitchen. Consider adding these features to make your island even more functional and convenient.

Hands-Free Technologies

Hands-free technologies are a great addition to any kitchen, providing convenience and ease of use. Two popular hands-free technologies are touchless faucets and motion-activated lighting.

Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets are a great addition to any kitchen, providing a more hygienic way to wash hands and dishes. With a simple wave of the hand, the water turns on and off, making it easy to control the flow of water without touching the faucet. This is especially useful when handling raw meat or other foods that may contain bacteria.

Touchless faucets are also great for conserving water, as they only turn on when needed. They are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any kitchen decor.

Motion-Activated Lighting

Motion-activated lighting is another great hands-free technology for the kitchen. With motion sensors installed in the ceiling or under cabinets, the lights turn on automatically when someone enters the room or opens a cabinet. This is especially useful when carrying groceries or other items into the kitchen, as it provides ample lighting without the need to fumble for a light switch.

Motion-activated lighting is also great for conserving energy, as the lights turn off automatically when no motion is detected. This can save money on electricity bills and reduce the environmental impact of the kitchen.

Overall, hands-free technologies are a great addition to any kitchen, providing convenience, hygiene, and energy savings.

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Energy-Saving Features

When it comes to designing a kitchen, energy-saving features are becoming increasingly popular. Not only do they help reduce energy costs, but they also help protect the environment. Here are two energy-saving features that can be incorporated into a kitchen design.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is a popular option when it comes to energy-saving features in the kitchen. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs use less energy and last longer. According to Martha Stewart, “LED lighting is also a great way to save energy and money while adding a modern touch to your kitchen.” LED lighting can be used under cabinets, inside drawers, and even in the ceiling. Not only does it provide ample lighting, but it also adds a stylish and modern touch to any kitchen design.

Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star appliances are another popular option when it comes to energy-saving features in the kitchen. According to The Spruce, “Energy Star appliances use less energy than their traditional counterparts, which can save you money on your energy bills.” Energy Star appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and more. They are designed to be more efficient and use less energy than traditional appliances. When shopping for appliances, look for the Energy Star label to ensure that you are purchasing an energy-efficient product.

By incorporating LED lighting and Energy Star appliances into a kitchen design, homeowners can save money on their energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment. Not only are these features practical and functional, but they also add a modern touch to any kitchen design.