Ovens are not the most glamorous home purchase you will ever make.In fact,no kitchen appliance is.Nobody really squeals with glee when they purchase a new microwave.Nobody takes photographs of their new dishwasher and parades them on Facebook.Kitchen stuff:officially unexciting.
But that doesn't mean it's not important.And as Mid Century Kitchens'Ian Thackeray notes,those householders making big-ticket purchases of white goods and other appliances are putting energy efficiency ahead of anything when it comes to kitting out their kitchen for the future.
"The must-have ingredient for kitchen appliances is that they are energy saving,"said Ian.That means energy-saving AGAs,cold rinse washing machines and electric conduction hobs are all becoming popular-as are LED ceiling lights.
And a lot of it is to do with that darned economy.As Ian notes,those homeowners who are overhauling their kitchen or dining area are doing so with the future in mind,hoping to add long-term value to their properties and make them more practical to live in without having to renovate again in just a few years'time.
"There's a sense that people want kitchens that are built to last and they factor this durability in their budgets,"says the expert."As the recession bites,the home becomes increasingly important as a retreat away from the tough economic climes.The kitchen is a hub for the family and customers recognise this and are willing to invest."
Which makes LED light bulbs and fittings such as low voltage downlights an even more practical solution.According to Wakefield Research,a thinktank in the US,LED bulbs can last up to 20 years and use 85 per cent less energy to light the same area-meaning over the life of the bulb,it will soon pay for itself,making it a savvy investment in the kitchen.
