Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2016 32 W ith an almost infinite amount of possibilities to choose from when designing or upgrading a home kitchen, it can be hard to pinpoint what consumers want most. Manufacturers are constantly introducing new shapes, new finishes, and new designs into the marketplace in the hopes of gaining an edge over the competition. Some years, the finishes and features are the main motivating factors in kitchen appliance purchases. Other years it might be an emphasis on performance ratings, energy efficiency, or compliance with various codes. The main point is consumers are growing increasingly knowledge- able about what goes into their kitchens and, as a result, appliance manufacturers have to work harder to give them the best products and choices on the market. Thankfully, as the manufacturing industry continues to grow and adapt, it is better able to predict where consumer trends are going, what remains popular, and what changes need to be made in order to provide the best kitchen appliances possible. HIDDEN APPLIANCES For more than a decade, the biggest trend in many kitchens has been to "hide" appliances inside of cabinetry- range hoods, refrigerators, dishwashers, under counter refrigeration/wine storage, and more. This trend remains strong and will continue into the foreseeable future. BRANDED KITCHENS VS. BEST OF CLASS Branded kitchens are a powerful trend in the appliance industry. Viking, the creator of the professional range made for residential use, is widely credited with placing emphasis on professional branded kitchens. Other manufacturers have followed suit, and now significant financial incentives exist for both consumers and retailers to choose package kitchens, including "free" products, such as a dishwasher or a range hood. Another time-tested trend that continues to endure is consumers wanting the 'Best in Class' product in different kitchen appliance categories. By creating a top-of-the-line kitchen, consumers and retailers push each other to create a unique and innovative kitchen experience. Some examples of top appliances might include: Sub Zero as the best built in refrigerator; Thermador the best range; Asko the best dishwasher; and Vent-A-Hood the best range hood. FOCAL POINTS Consumers may choose a particular appliance to become the focal point of the kitchen and create a conversation. The range hood is the most common appliance chosen for this purpose, but consumers may also choose a large professional style range, built-in refrigerator, and even a microwave or dishwasher drawer to give their kitchen a unique design aesthetic that attracts attention. LED LIGHTS As the cost of LED lights continues to decrease, their popularity and use in kitchen appliances is increasing. Many manufacturers have chosen to use LED lights in premium versions of their products, while choosing to use time-tested halogen lighting in price point oriented models. RANGE HOODS—CFM AND MAKE UP AIR There's an old saying that if you can't stand the heat… well, you know the rest. But removing air from the kitchen has opened up a whole new discussion that demands attention. As new homes are built tighter to achieve energy efficiency, range hoods have taken the blame for removing too much air from the home. This trend began in cold weather climates and has slowly spread around North America. As a result, there has been a shift towards specifying range hoods with low CFM to avoid the expense of a make-up air system. Some range hood manufacturers have even developed their own companion make-up air systems. Still others have developed special low CFM skus of popular models to increase sales. Of course, the unintended consequence of this action is that the consumer is faced with poor kitchen ventilation. However, this trend is likely to diminish in the future as make-up air systems become an accepted part of building a home, and consumers are again getting the right CFM to ensure proper ventilation for their cooking equipment. RO James Adams Guest Columnist / Consumer Kitchen Trends James Adams, vice president of sales, Vent-A-Hood Ltd. Adams has more than 19 years of experience in residential kitchen ventilation and range hood trends. CREATE A LASTING IM PRESSION: CONSUMER DEMANDS & KITCHEN TRENDS

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