This article first appeared in haven, The Edge Malaysia, on Issue #78 April + May 2016.
THE exciting thing about being a home cook these days is that preparing ingredients is now easier than ever before, thanks to the increasing number of innovative kitchen appliances and cleverly designed accessories. They simplify or take the guesswork out of complicated tasks and present elegant solutions to everyday problems.
At the recent instalment of Ambiente, the world’s leading consumer goods trade fair held annually in Frankfurt, Germany, companies presented all manner of kitchenware and accessories that are well worth the investment.
Big Green Egg
Modelled after ancient Japanese clay ovens, this cooking device, crafted from high-quality ceramic developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, ensures that food cooks evenly and at just the right temperature, thanks in part to the perfect circulation of air in the device and its exceptional insulating properties. The outside temperature does not affect the internal temperature, and two adjustable vents — the air regulator and the dual-function metal top — allow you to accurately regulate and maintain the temperature to within a few degrees. With a temperature range of 70°C to 350°C, the Big Green Egg can be used for all manner of cooking techniques, including grilling, searing, baking, stewing, smoking and slow cooking. It now comes in the new portable MiniMax compact model.
|
Alessi Pulcina
Designed by renowned Italian designer Michele de Lucchi, this espresso coffee moka pot was created in association with coffee experts, illycaffè. Extensive R&D has gone into creating the ideal shape of the pot to achieve optimal coffee extraction and aroma enhancement. The internal geometry of the heat chamber completes the coffee brewing process so that when the extraction is completed, the resulting burnt and bitter aftertaste is eliminated. The V-shaped spout, which looks like a chick’s beak, has been designed to perfectly cut through the last drop when the hot beverage is poured out. This aluminium pot can be used on gas, electric and glass ceramic hobs. |
Zing Anything Citrus Zinger
This two-in-one apparatus enables you to create tasty water infusions quickly and easily. Use the citrus press at the bottom of the bottle and top up with water. Replace the citrus press with a cucumber slicer and add flavour and a garnish to your drink. |
|
KitchenAid Cook Processor
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this is the mother of all |
Mono Softmesh
This virtually indestructible stainless steel cloth is an incredibly effective cleaner and easy on your hands. Thanks to its flexibility, it is able to get into tight spaces like decanter necks (for those stubborn wine stains) and between iron grills that a bottle brush can’t tackle. All that is required is water and a little detergent. The cloth can be cleaned in the dishwasher and it will not rust or go mouldy. |
|
SilikoMart Free Bake
You may not need to buy another cake pan again with this versatile silicone band, which can be moulded into several shapes — heart, star, square, round and rectangle. The band is secured with internal magnets to ensure it stays in shape in the oven. Moreover, this ingenious, easy-to-clean band takes up very little room in your kitchen drawer or cabinet. |
Kiboni BOB
Winner of the German Design Award 2016 and Ambiente’s Design Plus Award 2016, this robust multi-opener marries form and function in a most striking way. Opening ring-pulls, vacuumed lids, bottle caps, drinks cans and screw tops, BOB is the only opener you’ll need. |
Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Comfort pressure cooker
This is no ordinary pressure cooker as it is fitted with Bluetooth technology and controlled via the Duromatic Comfort App, which comes with a wide array of recipes. The sensor inside the lid communicates with your smartphone or tablet in real time, signals when to adjust the temperature, and tells you when the food is ready. It lets you keep track of the entire cooking process. The app has cooking times for more than 60 foods — once you select an ingredient, the app will tell you how long it will take to cook, and how much water is needed.