As people renovate or redesign their kitchens, they are most often replacing their old appliances, too. There are a few trends in the appliance industry that are changing the way we view and use traditional appliances.

Integration: The trend in kitchen renovations, according to Andrea Balfour of Anderson Balfour Kitchen Design, is generally towards opening up the space into living and dining areas, so the last thing you want to look at are unattractive appliances. This is why integrated appliances are so appealing.

Designed to look like an armoire or pantry, the appliances fit seamlessly into the rest of the kitchen design so they’re not even noticeable and don’t interrupt the visual flow of the space.

This concept is particularly attractive in condos and lofts, not only because it looks great, but because “integrated appliances are usually in two foot or three foot increments so that you’re saving space and getting more storage and counter tops,” explains Balfour.

Environmentally conscious: Appliances have, traditionally, consumed a lot of energy, but new options today don’t have to. Not only are these appliances more energy efficient, they are also made from sustainable materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques.

The great thing about these new appliances is that you don’t have to sacrifice style to be green. Brands such as Liebherr refrigeration, Porter & Charles and AEG are all imported from Europe where their sleek designs are complimented by their energy efficiency and Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliancy. That means that the manufacturer has eliminated using hazardous materials in the manufacturing process, as well as the end product.

Maximum investment: There’s no two ways about it, new appliances are expensive. That’s why Balfour says purchasing green appliances is an investment in the best, newest technology. She claims the new AEG dishwashers are so efficient they will use less water and detergent to wash a load of dishes than would be used when hand washing, while their washing machines are so intuitive they treat each load of laundry independently, calibrating how much water and detergent to use.

This is quite different from the appliances offered by many North American manufacturers, and over time, the savings will be incredible. Another brand that will save you money in the long run is Liebherr refrigeration, which uses their patented Biofresh drawer technology to maintain the perfect blend of temperature and humidity to prolong the life of fresh produce, meats and cheeses up to three times longer than conventional refrigeration drawers.

Induction cooking: One other trend Balfour is seeing is towards induction cooking. This method uses electricity to generate a magnetic field, so your stainless steel or cast iron bottomed pots become the element.

The technology these appliances use ultimately saves energy because you’re not losing 60 per cent of the head that’s lost with traditional gas elements.

To learn more about these and other appliances, visit www.AndersonBalfour.com. Or watch their videos on www.dailywebtv.com, where you can learn something every day.