We reveal how the growing trend for at-home entertaining is influencing consumer choice of kitchen appliances.

Allowing users to prepare dishes in advance and keep them warm to serve when ready, the Franke Mythos Warming Drawer boasts a 25kg capacity

With inflation in hospitality prices and possibility of outdoor smoking bans including pub gardens, consumers may start to cut back on eating out in favour of dining at home.

It could see homeowners have greater expectations of their kitchen, to provide at home culinary experiences for friends and family, alongside its daily food preparation role. And it could mean a growth in interest in kitchen appliances that can assist fuss-free dining.

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Neff marketing manager Sue Flower states: “The trend of at-home entertaining and dining is a significant driver in the specification and sale of kitchen appliances.”

And product and marketing manager at Asko Jessica Rhodes agrees, adding: “There’s been the growing trend of hosting more gatherings at home, whether it’s enjoying more home-cooked meals or hosting intimate dinner parties, which, in turn has driven demand for high quality and versatile kitchen appliances.”

Widespread demand

It has seen consumers opt for large capacity ovens and refrigeration, venting hobs to minimise odours by extract ingat source and the growth of specialist appliances such as coffee machines, wine conditioners and warming drawers.

The Neff N90 FlexInduction hob recognises size, position and movement of pans on its surface and Home Connect.

Brand manager at Miele GB Rebecca Evans states: “Consumers who frequently entertain at home tend to invest in high-end, professional-grade appliances that offer superior performance.

“This includes larger ovens, dual fuel ranges, high capacity refrigerators and powerful ventilation systems. These appliances are marketed as essential tools for serious home chefs and entertainers.”

However, experts suggest the trend is now becoming more widespread, as product marketing manager for Hisense UK Chloe Blanchfield explains “The trend of at-home entertaining is positively impacting all segments of the home appliance market, not just the premium sector.

“Even more affordable appliances are now incorporating multifunctional features that meet the demand of home entertainment.”

Successful food storage

Of course optimum food storage is key, for clients who want to entertain. It has seen the development of XXL capacities and specific temperature zones for food types, as well as voice operated function to open the door if a homeowner has their hands full storing a party platter in the fridge.

Hisense KitchenFit features a vacuum drawer which reportedly to keep food fresher for up to 10 days longer than a standard model and My Fresh Choice zone that can be converted from fridge to freezer

Chloe Blanchfield explains HiSense has launched a new refrigerator, the KitchenFit, which maximises on space and optimises food freshness, adding: “The My Fresh Choice compartment is handy for at-home entertaining, as it can be used as a fridge or freezer space with temperature settings range from -18˚C to 5˚C, depending on what consumers need to store.”

While Bora introduced cooling appliances with inserts that could be taken from refrigerator to dining table, reflecting the demand for appliances that cater for at-home entertaining.

Cooking at heart

However, kitchen appliance experts agree at heart of decisions for at-home entertaining at home is, unsurprisingly, the cooking appliances.

Pearl Grey features on the Asko Elements range which includes five ovens, cooker hoods, coffee machines, warming and vacuum drawers, plus Wine Climate Cabinets

So, capacious ovens with multi-level cooking, perhaps with smart technologies that allow for remote operation to avoid disrupting the host from party procedures.

“The latest must-have appliance tech for home entertainment includes smart kitchen appliances. These appliances are equipped with guided cooking features to help make the cooking process that little bit easier, especially when hosting a large group of guests”, explains Chloe Blanchfield of Hisense UK.  I

n fact, Electrolux recently unveiled its first ovens with AI-assisted cooking at IFA, which analyse a recipe to calculate timing, temperature and protein type before selecting the cooking setting, and Siemens iQ700 can recognise and cook 80 recipes, using AI.

While topping the list of hobs to help consumers entertain at home are venting models, which offer discreet extraction at source. “Venting hob sales have exponentially increased with this extraction solution becoming one of, if not the most, popular style of hood in the UK market. Consumers are now much more aware of these appliances and are actively requesting them in designs and purchasing themselves”, reports project of KitchenEx Charlie Jepson.

And sales and marketing director of Franke UK Jo Sargent explains why: “A vented hob extractor can effectively remove cooking odours and steam at the source, maintain a sleek design that doesn’t interrupt conversations with guests.”

The trend for at-home entertaining also provides the opportunity to upsell in cooking appliances, with the addition of a warming drawer.

Jo Sargent of Franke adds: “A warming drawer is another must-have, perfect for keeping food warm without drying it out and ensuring plates and serving dishes are ready to go when guests arrive.

“These appliances together create a kitchen that’s both functional and ready to handle the demands of at-home entertaining.”

Drinks service

Serving drinks goes hand-in-hand with food, and alongside a growth of built-in coffee machines, wine conditioners are also benefitting from the entertaining at home market.

Caple WC6130 In Column Wine Cooler has a 23-bottle capacity and side LED lighting to illuminate the contents

Jessica Rhodes at Asko states: “Most consumers still view wine coolers as a luxury rather than a necessity, but here at Asko we’ve seen first-hand the growing interest in premium wine fridges, especially as consumer become more interested in maintaining optimal storage for their favourite wine and drinks.

“I believe as the trend for entertaining at home continues to grow, there is significant potential for wine coolers to become more mainstream and an indispensable appliance in kitchens.”

However, there are some signs that the wine conditioner revolution is already under way, from undercounter to freestanding, the wine cooler is benefiting from at-home entertaining.

Product manager of Caple Luke Shipway states: “Wine coolers are a staple appliance within our range of products”, as he highlights an undercounter model as its bestseller, but also indicates the popularity of its In-Column Triple Zone.

And the manufacturers is adding to its top sepc wine cabinet line with its integrated WC6530 and WC6130 models with integrated side strip lights and no plinth grille.

“As the market for wine coolers continues to grow, Caple is committed to offering a wide range of options to cater to all preferences.”

And Miele is set to launch two new Freestanding Wine Conditioning appliances, in November, which will feature a new technology ActiveHumidity to provide improved storage conditions. Again, for built-in models, it offers optional sales with Sommerlier or Wine Accessory Drawers.

So, take a look at the broad variety of kitchen appliances that would suit daily home food prep as well as the wider functionality of entertaining small groups at home. There’s certain to be an upsell for kitchen retailers.