From home cook to master chef, elevate your cooking with top equipment.

The appetite for culinary television shows has sparked a generation of home chefs who take their cuisine very seriously. To nail the art of cooking, you need a kitchen that not only looks the part, but does the job too. Combining a thoughtful layout with easy-on-the-eye fixtures and high quality appliances is key to designing a space that’s both fun and functional.

Back to Basics

Inspired in part by the utilitarian-style kitchens seen on television shows like Masterchef, minimalist and Scandi-influ­enced design is popular. Stainless steel benchtops and splashbacks are practical and contemporary, while strip or pendant lighting can be used to highlight prep areas.

Fun and Function

Kitchens need to be practical–if you’re renovating, plan carefully to make the most of the space. A chef’s kitchen does away with clunky cabinets, so opt for open shelves and hard working storage walls that keep your cooking implements conveniently at reach. Invest in clever appliances that look sleek and maximis­ing space.

Tools of the Trade

Top of every chef’s must-have list should be a good quality oven – Gaggenau, Electrolux and Miele can transform even the most basic cooks into professional chefs. Induction cooktops are efficient, they’re also easier to keep clean than stainless steel styles. Look for models with boosted capability, child-safe locks, simmer control, rapid-boil and safety shut-off features.

Go, Go Gadget

Fun, time-saving gadgets will up your home cooking game. A great all-in-one solution that doesn’t have to be disman­tled after every use is a Thermomix, covering everything from weighing ingredients to processing and cooking. Another cooking show favourite is the sous vide technique – food is prepared in vacuum-sealed pouches placed in pre­cisely heated water. Alternatively, invest in a precision cooker, which attaches to any saucepan to achieve perfect results every time.