Details that make the difference

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Material combinations to communicate the brand identity, thin light lines to enhance or distinguish the surfaces, aesthetic-functional elements able to simplify the use of the product. In the kitchen, as well as in the other rooms of the house, appliances rely on design, on its ability of modulating even smaller components to stand out on the global market.

by Eliviro Di Meo

Matrix is the cooking monoblock realized by Glem Gas, designed by Marcello Cutino, founder of BCF Image and Design

Kitchen appliances are not all the same. Beyond the technologies, now widespread, that have become heritage of most companies, it is design to provide the added value, able to differentiate the product from the solutions proposed by the main competitors. Not only the project as a compositional whole, but also the attention to detail plays a fundamental role for the recognition of the brand and for its positioning on the international markets. An ergonomic handle, equipped with touch controls, or a smart knob marked by the ring nut containing the LEDs are elements that give character and functionality, contributing to the formal image of the product.
Kitchen hoods as pieces of furniture

Spazio hood by Falmec designed by Francesco Lucchese
Any detail becomes a function in the new Falmec hood, designed by Francesco Lucchese to furnish the kitchen in a unique and personal way. Spazio is a system that amplifies the characteristics of the traditional suspended appliance. Its versatility is a strength achieved by increasing the ability to hold tools and objects, distributed on different levels. If the aromatic plants – a small home garden supplied by the company – have a particular aesthetic value, offering a real interaction with the ingredients necessary for good food, the activities on the work surface are facilitated by a steel line where hanging accessories and a wide LED surface.
Spazio by Falmec
Hooks, shelves, electrical outlets and USB ports capable of charging electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones or MP3 players, are not or only the signs and the characterizing features, but also the choice of a careful engineering research aimed to increase the usability of the product both vertically and horizontally.

Hive, the iconic suspended hood designed by Giacomo Fava for Sirius
The beauty of Hive – the iconic suspended hood designed by Giacomo Fava, designer and creative director of Sirius – is the result of the elegant ceramic dome, entirely handmade by master craftsmen of the Umbrian town Deruta, and of a sheet of steel obtained through numerical control machinery, with a luminous circle as frame. «The dome – explains the architect Fava – represents the heart of creativity, the logos instead is entrusted to the design of the filter, whose particular pattern of the perforation wishes to express the cathartic function of the product in its mission to purify the air. This important functionality is conceptually enhanced by a crown of LEDs able to illuminate the surrounding environment». Unlike the appliances of the same type, often confused as chandeliers, the originality of Hive lies precisely in the peculiarity of the filter, which reinforces «the formal will to highlight the main function of the object». The drawing, besides being replicated in other hoods, has also been used for graphic projects, thus becoming from simple detail to main element for the brand communication.

Wall-mounted Frame hood by Best
It is minimalist design, intended as a search for the essence of the project itself, to provide the paradigm for understanding the philosophy that is often the basis of an industrial product. In the case of the recent wall-mounted hood conceived by Best, the culture of essentiality is inspired by a simple and linear composition, similar to a contemporary painting where the geometry of the figures emerges from the homogeneity of the background. Frame, with its suggestive black painted finish and with the pewter effect frame – refined compositional detail -, opens a window on the hob, sucking, silently (48-62 dB) and in a short time, fumes and smells.

Onyx-C (Ceiling) model of the Still Line hoods collection by Faber, signed by Angeletti Ruzza Design
The shape is not only a container and does not represent the ephemeral run of the designer towards the beauty of the created object. It is communication, in the sense that it communicates, through its chromatic pallet and the material component – both declined in various details – the value that the project conceals. An example? The collection of Still Line hoods by Faber, composed of three different models (ceiling, vertical and inverted T), designed by Angeletti Ruzza Design, characterized by a single fil rouge: the elegant black glass panel combined with a strong steel body. The juxtaposition of the surfaces is underlined by a thin LED light with a reduced power consumption. A solution chosen by Faber to light the hob, paying great attention to the environment. The two designers, Silvana Angeletti and Daniele Ruzza, use the sturdy metallic structure to highlight, in a sort of symbolic recall, the solidity of the technology and the innovative content of this appliance. Still Line also reflects the continuous stylistsic research of the company, represented by definite and minimal lines, which hide avant-garde solutions, expressing the reliability and safety of the products. To complete the whole, the squarcle commands. Modern and functional, they add a touch of class to the collection.
http://vimeo.com/288529530

The material versatility and the wide chromatic choice are the identity character of Pura: one of the top products of Fabita range, born from the pencil of Adriano Design and already winner of the 2015 IF Product Design Award. The simplicity of the lines draws a cube with harmonious fittings, concealing performance of very high level and evoking the right mix of style and modernity, through the combination of materials and shapes. The modular construction system, composed of nodes, rods and panels, allow this hood to be a custom object, tailored made, in order to fit to any environment. The glass, aesthetic and colorful – but it is also possible to choose wood or porcelain stoneware finishes -, is available in several variants: from classic black and white to stronger colors, such as red and orange, up to surprising nuance as yellow or lime green. The aluminum profile is combined with glass, also proposed in different colors. The final result is a distinctive product, where the attention to detail and the reliability of the brand are masterfully combined.

Clean lines for the new generation of ovens

NEXT 60 oven by Smalvic has touch controls positioned directly on the ergonomic handle. brogliatotraverso design studio. Photo Riccardo Urnato.
NEXT 60 Smalvic flagship product, is the elegant oven with XXL internal cavity of 74 liters, smoked tempered glass door, activated by touch controls positioned directly on the ergonomic handle. The original design of the latter – a stylized “S” that reminds the “S” of the brand -, made of satin steel, in fact, contains the capacitive intelligence that allows the activation of the appliance, touching intuitive icons that regulate cooking functions and times. The display on the top allows the perfect visualization of operations, in an oven unique on the market for features and research of innovation. NEXT, designed by brogliatotraverso design studio – the atelier headed by the designers from Vicenza Alberto Brogliato and Federico Traverso – was awarded with the 2017 Good Design Award: award annually assigned by the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design, in collaboration with The European Center for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. Besides the functionality, this built-in appliance stands out precisely for its rigorous and essential project. A distillate of pure elegance, perfectly able to transmit the values of Made in Italy, an excellent expression of style and technology.
http://vimeo.com/288530907
(credits B-movie production)

Pizza oven (FCLPO 6215 P TM BK) realized by Fulgor Milano and designed by the Belgian architect Alfred Hendricx
The essentiality of the sign and the refined compositional balance can also be found in the pizza oven (FCLPO 6215 P TM BK) realized by Fulgor Milano. Designed by the Belgian architect Alfred Hendricx, the model is part of the new Cluster Concept series, where the hug of the obsidian black glass with steel suggests the preciousness of a jewel, which emerges from the fusion of volcanic power and the strength of metal. The last born model in the Fulgor house features many pluses. To the structural changes from a technological point of view, such as the increasing cooking functions, become 15, including the system for cooking 2 pizzas simultaneously at 350° C in only 2 minutes and 45 seconds, the restyling of some external components has been added. New, in fact, is the concept of steel handle. Smaller compared to the previous versions, it aligns at the command dashboard, as they want the latest trends. The two lateral slots invite the eye to focus on the center; towards the display – true operative hub of the oven – where the functions are activated, recalled by iconic symbols.

The new era of the freestanding kitchens

Model OGS 168 Ultraviolet by Officine Gullo
More than an industrial object, the kitchen designed by Officine Gullo is a mix of refined details that determine, in some respects, the uniqueness of the product: synthesis of retro taste and contemporary spirit. It is the meeting between the high craftsmanship, strictly Made in Florence, and the most modern technology that provides tailor-made solutions, equipped with the most sophisticated cooking systems. Everything is completely customizable: the composition of the appliances, the shapes, colors and finishes. This is how exclusive furnishing elements are created, conceived to interpret the wishes and habits of buyers. Every detail, even the height of the hobs, is calibrated according to the customer requirements. Starting from the choice of materials: the noblest, such as thick stainless steel, burnished copper, cast iron and forged metal, to arrive then to the advanced technology that characterizes, however, the wide range of professional cooking accessories. The creations of Officine Gullo are comparable to the charm and the performance of a sporty car: a prestigious body that supports an engine with unique performance.

Panoramagic, the recent line of cooking blocks signed by Ilve
Different in style and design approach, but certainly not in quality, is Panoramagic, the latest range cookers by Ilve. It is the arrival of a wide restructuring program of the company that, for about a year, has review its strategy to give greater emphasis to its historicity in the world of kitchens. Designed by Emo Design – the studio founded by Lukasz Bertoli and Carlo Ciciliot – the project originates from a successful Ilve product of the Seventies: the Panoramagic monoblock, whose name was also adopted. To optimally adapt the facing of the models to contemporary declinations, classic and country, it was necessary to define the architecture of the product with the chameleonic characteristics. This was made possible by directing the design approach not so much on the coating elements as on the need to characterize the general architecture. Dressed in a way or another, this had to be not only recognizable, but also able to marry with the different dresses proposed by the brand. Panoramagic, winner of the Good Design Award, has the front with inclined shape to offer greater functionality. To make the brand even more distinguishable, aesthetic-functional details have been introduced, incorporating the distinctive element of the company logo. The hexagon is, in fact, proposed in the grills of the hob and in the gas control knobs. The LED lights, contained in plastic rings placed between the controls and the steel front, are useful, finally, as feedback to verify the ignition and operation of the appliance, while the lighting of the entire block serves as an ambient light.

The new Bompani cooker, finished in corten like the combined hood
The freestanding kitchen of Bompani, finished in corten like the combined hood, has all the charm of the past and the intimacy of the domestic environment. The old style taste, however, does not leave room for the rhetoric of imitation, re-proposing models with limited performances. The opposite is true, instead. The sophisticated design of this kitchen, equipped with comfortable soft knobs and robust cast iron grids, stands out for the efficiency of the results and for the large space destined to the steel worktop, equipped with 5 gas burners with powerful central triple crown. The electric multifunction oven with 7 functions has been designed for a more uniform distribution of heat, able to ensure a multilevel cooking and a high performance level.

Matrix is the cooking monoblock realized by Glem Gas, designed by Marcello Cutino, founder of BCF Image and Design
Matrix is the freestanding kitchen created by Glem Gas and designed by the designer Marcello Cutino, founder of BCF Immagine e Design. His project immediately shows, without unnecessary decorative tinsel, the advantages offered by this innovative appliance. Hence the choice oriented towards a rational design, which we could define as honest, given the conceptual value that underlies it. «It is rare, speaking of design, to use the word “honest”; usually we hear about a brilliant, characterful, functional, vintage design ». Honest – the designer explains – is a sincere design. The object or the furnishing accessory is coherent with what is expected through its appearance and its performance, its being does not betray false expectations». Matrix best represents the design philosophy and the company mood. Philosophy that translates into the simplification of the product and ease of use. In this kitchen, the control panel uses a new concept for the knobs, intended to communicate a clear image of the functions. The handle to open the oven completely follows the profile of the control panel. The visual and tactile value of the handle is improved thanks to the anodized aluminum finish. The mirrored surface of the door reveals the capacity of the oven cavity, offering a clean and integrated appearance of the kitchen as a whole.

The PROF366GASXT freestanding kitchen of the Professional Series by Bertazzoni, designed by Valerio Cometti+V12Design
Another success is added to the history and tradition of Bertazzoni. The PROF366GASXT freestanding kitchen of the Professional Series, in red variation, was awarded with the Red Dot in the category Red Dot Award: Product Design 2018. The appliance, designed by Valerio Cometti+V12Design, combines the best engineering functionality with beauty of the typical Italian design, represented in this product by elegant knobs, ergonomically shaped handles and sophisticated finishes. These iconic elements merge the design language with an innovative approach to functions, supported by a deep technical knowledge. The monoblock contains everything a kitchen lover could desire: 6 gas burners and 2 side woks, brass burners and an optional cast iron plate. The gas oven has an extra-large cavity with 7 cooking levels, telescopic guides, oven door with triple internal glass and soft-close system. The bright red color gives personality to the environment. In the Professional range, hi-gloss color finishes are inspired by the impeccable painting of powerful racing cars.

Simplicity of use and functionality

Flip-up hob designed by Domenico Moretto for Alpex Inox
The solutions of Alpes Inox are designed for the top of the kitchen. Their vertical position allows the use of the space below, once finished cooking. The flip-up hobs can be gas or electric with induction, from 2 to 6 burners. They do not require the built-in hole, but only a small opening to guarantee the passage of the electro-gas connection and the fixing of the rear bracket/hinge. Among the projects awarded in more than sixty years life of the Compasso d’Oro, there is also the overturnable hob, designed by Domenico Moretto, which became part of the Historical Collection of the Compasso d’Oro ADI Award. According with the jury, the project of Moretto «with materials and upgraded technologies, represents the classic principle of design task of facilitating lives of those who use the objects: the simplicity of cleaning (even in the dishwasher) of the grids-burners complex and the overturning on the worktop of the entire appliance realize, without renouncing a typically traditional approach, new qualities in terms of space saving, domestic hygiene and ease of use.»

The new I-KNOB induction hobs by Zepa
Zepa and Teka Group surprise once again with highly qualified proposals. The new induction hobs I-KNOB are designed to appreciate the ease of use and the intelligent innovation. Practicality, minimum energy consumption, easy maintenance: these are some of the more interesting peculiarities of this product. Its removable magnetic knob, characterized by a LED ring, is the most significant detail. It gives personality to the product becoming its distinctive element. It features, above all, an important level of precision that controls every function. When it is removed, it blocks the hob, making less difficult to clean it.


Induction hobs with integrated hood

Milano Air: the evolved induction hob of Foster
The ideal combination of a performant hob with a powerful hood. This is the DNA of Foster Milano Air: the advanced induction hob, perfectly coplanar also in the suction area, equipped with a double 7.3 kW Brige area and ample space generated by the design of the suction grid. This helps to expand the worktop, also optimized by commands compact area, so that pots can slide in absolute security. And it is precisely the ergonomic shape of the grid that facilitates the access to the filters and the collecting tank for cleaning operations. The geometry of the hood ensures abundant capacity in the shelf below, with the possibility of using two deep drawers. The minimalist design is shown by little signs, skinny and essential, that define the composition of the appliance developed and produced by Foster. The chamfering with which the glass is worked on the perimeter profile make the hob precious, ensuring, at the same time, a slight difference in height with the kitchen top both with top-mount installation and in the cabinet. The suction grid, finally, reminds the lines of the sink drain grid always belonging to Foster Milano collection, so creating an harmonious and balanced combination.

The name says everything. It synthesizes, in a single word, the concept and the language of the object. Diamond, the hob with integrated hood realized by Baraldi Cappe, reminds the quality of the most valuable natural stone: the purity, the solidity, the resistance that does not decrease over time. The project is the culmination of a challenge within the company, undertaken by the design and product development team, coordinated by engineers Fabio Cremona and Andrea De Marchi. This appliance is the only one of its kind that provides the possibility of being inspected inside it. It is enough to open the upper part that is hinged to the lower structure through a patented mechanism. With a natural gesture, without tools and without disassembling any elements, users can reach the heart of the product to perform for normal cleaning operations, to then reclose it with extreme ease. At an aesthetic-functional level, two vertical cuts in the glass give life to a linear shape, absolutely free of unnecessary tinsels, accelerating air up to 11 m/s for an effective suction. The same cuts become grip elements for the hands that, once inserted, lift the ceramic glass of the hob.

NikolaTesla Switch by Elica, created by Fabrizio Crisà
NikolaTesla Switch, awarded with the Compasso D’Oro ADI for the 2018 edition, is the latest induction hob with integrated suction system by Elica, created by Fabrizio Crisà to revolutionize the daily cooking experience and reverse the point of view of the kitchen. Induction and suction are combined in a single appliance, where the search for balance and extreme attention to detail, combined with innovative features and unique performance, represent the ultimate expression of technology and design. Cooking coexists with the suction power on a large ceramic glass platform, in which no element prevails over the other. Everything is concealed, becoming be-dimensional. And it is the graphic sign that determines the harmony of the compositional whole. «The stroke, the lines and the shape – Fabrizio Crisà explains – are conducted to the minimum, almost in search of a denial of the design, to obtain an essential element». At the center of the top, a ring with a cast iron effect and a glass circle, completely flush surface, hide the integrated hood. By rotating this circular element, the NikolaTesla Switch suction is activated and through the innovative flap releases all its power for a total control of the air. Not only. «The experience of using [the appliance] – the designer says – is given by a direct relationship with the hob, a relationship that has some physicality. The user interacts with the flap, adjusting the functionality at all times and, consequently, modifying its aesthetics», which is reflected in the overall appearance of the product. The controls interface is intuitive and simple to use. Thanks to the fifth direct slider, is totally invisible in the stand-by mode, helping to make NikolaTesla Switch extremely clean in terms of formal beauty.

Bora Professional hob with integrated suction system
The minimalist aesthetic is the distinctive feature also of another international brand, BORA: the company that wrote the history of the induction hobs with integrated suction system. The attractive language, composed by clear visual lines – typical of the design culture of the brand – and the maximum of the cooking hobs guarantee the widest flexibility in the design of the kitchen. The modular ones of the BORA Professional line are among the deepest available on the market, with enough space for two large pots, arranged one behind the other. The smart control knob allows to manage several function programs with one hand, up to the temperature indicator. At the same time, the knob provides indications on the functioning of the appliance for immediate control of it. The hob and the integrated hood communicate with each other in an intelligent way. This means comfort, obtained by simply pressing a button, and automatically efficient performance. BORA Professional has received four coveted awards in just a few months after its presentation. From the Red Dot Award: Best of the Best 2017 to the Plus X Award as the best product of the year 2017 for innovation, up to the Good Design Award 2017 and the German Design Award 2018.