Power house

Appliance design today is all about the three "e's" efficiency, economy and ergonomics. Throw in aesthetics and you have the complete recipe for a high-performance kitchen.

Fisher & Paykel's R&D department has long recognised the role new technology can play in the development of its products. The company's latest appliances monitor their own performance to ensure they deliver the best results, says national marketing manager Peter Russell.

"The Fisher & Paykel Izona CookSurface, and OB76 Paris oven are indicative of the futuristic technology now coming on stream," he says. "These products reflect our changing lifestyles and requirements they are designed with the passionate foodie in mind. As with all Fisher & Paykel appliances, they are also designed to work together to provide a fully co-ordinated kitchen."

The Izona CookSurface is a frameless black glass cooktop that features retractable gas burners and pan supports. When the burners and knobs are recessed, the cooktop presents a smooth, clutter-free surface that is easy to clean.

Russell says the Aero¢ burners' precise temperature control provides improved results. Aero¢ burners mix fan-forced air to deliver more effective use of heat across the base of your pan or pot.

The new Fisher & Paykel OB76 Paris oven can also monitor its own performance.

"This 76cm model is not your typical oven," says Russell. "With its accurate and intuitive microprocessor control, the oven has a very small temperature fluctuation, delivering a far more consistent cooking result."

The OB76 oven has numerous user-friendly features, 11 functions and the AeroTech true convection cooking system for even heat distribution. Its large 104-litre capacity means you can cook several dishes simultaneously.

Other new cooking appliances from Fisher & Paykel include the Touch&Slide ceramic cooktop, which features intuitive controls. Choosing the correct heat setting is simply a matter of sliding a finger along the selector.

"This cooktop features responsive high-speed ribbon elements that guarantee high performance," says Russell.

Similarly, the new induction cooktop is quick to heat up. A boost function on multiple cooking zones will speed heat-up time, while the GentleHeat function provides a gentle simmer.

Russell says all the company's appliances are designed for good ergonomics.

"The Izona collection, for example, is all about equipping kitchens at the ideal ergonomic zone, which is around waist height."

The new Izona CoolDrawer typifies this approach. This appliance expands on the DishDrawer concept to provide a refrigerated drawer that can be positioned wherever you need it in the kitchen. It is also ideally suited to outdoor kitchens or anywhere cool food and drinks might be needed.

The refrigeration can be personalised at the simple touch of a button the drawers can be programmed to one of five storage settings.

Fisher & Paykel's French Door refrigerator is another appliance transforming modern kitchens. Well suited to large families and entertainers' kitchens, the 900mm-wide French Door refrigerator provides wide shelving that is ideal for large platters. Other features include humidity-controlled crisper bins to keep produce fresh. A filtered water dispenser on the door doesn't compromise interior space.

The Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer has also had an upgrade. The rounded front that has defined the Classic DishDrawer for more than a decade has been replaced by a more contemporary flat design. Internally, practical improvements to the DishDrawer include fully adjustable side racks. Folding tines replace traditional plate racks and easily flatten to provide room for large pots, platters and bowls.

For more details, contact Fisher & Paykel, phone 1300 650 590. Website: www.fp.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas