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  1. Best spring fruits and vegetables for your garden

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    Knowing what you’re going to grow is easier said than done, which is why we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about which fruits and vegetables thrive in spring, and check out some of the delicious NEFF recipes you can make using your homegrown produce!  

     

    Blueberries 

    To grow blueberries, you need to ensure they’re getting full sunlight and are planted in acidic soil. Conducting a pH test can tell you whether your soil is ready to go, or whether you need to add sulphur. Once you’ve successfully grown some blueberries, pop them in NEFF’s pear and blueberry cobbler and enjoy.

     

    Strawberries 

    If you’re wanting your own crop of juicy strawberries, then make sure to give them plenty of space to thrive. For the best results, leave at least 30cm between plants, ensure they’re getting a lot of sun and keep them watered – especially as the weather gets hotter. Fertiliser can help strawberry plants grow, but don’t overdo it. Additionally, ensure you keep them away from tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and potato plants, which can contribute to a deadly disease called verticillium. Once they’re ripe, you can turn your strawberries into jam or make this delicious Victoria sponge cake.  

    Zucchini 

    Did you know zucchinis are technically a fruit? And they’re the perfect addition to your spring garden. Plant them in full sun (they don’t do well with frost) and give them some liquid fertiliser once they start to blossom. Once your zucchinis are ready to go (remember to harvest them before their rinds harden), make yourself a delicious yet healthy vegetable pie and wow your friends and family.
     

     

    Cucumber  

    When you’re growing cucumbers, ensure that they have a little bit of shade – especially if you’re planting them later in spring. If you’ve someone with a green thumb, mix some compost in with the soil to help your cucumbers grow (or use liquid fertiliser). Once you’ve harvested your cucumbers, try making NEFF’s cucumber raita with vegetable biryani for some extra spice in your life.  

     

     

    Tomatoes 

    The secret ingredients to growing tomatoes are space and sun. You’ll also need to stake your tomato plants in order to give them the support they need to grow. Tomatoes do well in both pots and garden beds, so they are a great plant if you don’t have a big outdoor garden. And once you’ve grown your own tomatoes, the possibilities are endless – chuck them in a salad, mix in with salsa or eat them whole! 

     

     

    Potatoes 

    They’re a crowd favourite and a versatile staple – but if you’re planning to grow your own potatoes there are a few things you’ll need to consider for the best results. Potatoes do best in full sun and can be grown in raised garden beds, hilled mounds or large pots. You can even grow potatoes from other potatoes if they’ve started to sprout off-white shoots (otherwise known as “eyes”). If you’re looking to do this, then purchase some seed potatoes, rather than potatoes from the supermarket. Once you’ve successfully grown your spuds, slice them up and try putting them on a pizza or in a classic potato salad – they’re guaranteed to be a hit.  

     

    About NEFF   

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.   

    Learn more about NEFF here.  

     

     

     

  2. The best pots and pans for cooking up a storm in your new kitchen

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    Casserole dish 

    Casserole dishes are perfect for evenly distributing heat when you’re cooking up a hearty meal. They’re a versatile piece of kitchenware that can be used to make an array of tasty dishes, like our fantastic beef casserole. These thick base dishes can be used for slow cooking or can allow your meals to develop a nice crunch, without totally burning to a crisp. And by using the CircoThermÒ function (which is available in the full NEFF range of ovens) you can whip up a casserole while baking dessert at the same time – without the intermingling of flavours.  

     

    Lasagne dish 

    Whether you’re looking to make a mushroom-based lasagne or the traditional beef classic, having a proper lasagne dish is a must. Investing in a sturdy dish means you’ll have no trouble perfecting the layers of pasta, meat and cheese without your pasta sheets drying out – and if you choose one made from quality materials, your masterpiece will cook evenly and to perfection. Many people tend to choose glass trays because they’re dishwasher safe and can be placed in the fridge, but lasagne dishes are also made from ceramics and different types of metals. 

     

    Wok  

    Cooking with a wok can be daunting at first, but they’re an excellent way of frying or sauteing food such as vegetables. Woks distribute heat evenly and don’t require as much oil as other cooking methods, if you’re looking to make healthier choices in the kitchen. Try out your newly developed wok skills by making our nasi goreng or special fried rice. Or become a real pro with the NEFF gas cooktop with wok burners, perfectly designed for this style of cooking. 

     

    Fry pan 

    Whether you’re frying eggs on a Sunday morning or perfecting a steak for dinner, frying pans allow you to cook up a storm in no time.  They’re great for distributing heat evenly and are versatile – meaning you can cook anything from a stir fry to a piece of meat or risotto with them. Frying food in a pan is also a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Feel like you tend to let your oil get too hot? You might want to learn more about our fry sensor so you never accidentally burn your food again. Your tastebuds will thank you! 

     

    Iron-based pans 

    If you’ve got an induction cooktop (or are looking to buy one), then using cast iron pans is the way to go. Iron-based pans are sturdy and durable, they retain heat well, and most importantly they’re ferromagnetic. If you’re someone that cooks often, then you’ll enjoy using cast iron pans, as you’re seasoning them every time you use them. Just remember to clean using hot water, and steer away from using dishwashing liquid where possible. Hot water and salt will usually do the trick when you’re cleaning your iron-based pans!  

     

    Unsure if your new pots and pans will work with your NEFF induction cooktop?  

    Here’s a handy hint – they heat up using magnetic sensors, so if a magnet sticks to your pan you should be good to go! Any cookware made from aluminium or copper may not be detected by the induction cooktop and will emit low heat, making it tricky to cook with. Your NEFF user manual will have a list of recommended cookware to help you make an appropriate decision. 

     

    You can attend a free NEFF demonstration near you to learn more about the full range of NEFF products and see these in person for yourself to best understand how they can bring your dream kitchen to life.  

     

     

    About NEFF   

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.   

    Learn more about NEFF here.  

     

  3. The kitchen renovation trends we’re loving this season

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    The change in seasons typically means a changing of the guard for trends, too. And from calming tones to curves and tech, we’re loving the spring kitchen design trends the new season has in store.

    Here are six ideas to help spruce up your kitchen’s look this spring.

    Earthy tones

    There seems to be an essence of calm about the design trends of 2022, including the colour palate.

    And with the home now even more of a haven thanks to the flexibility of many work arrangements, it’s no wonder these trends are creeping into the kitchen too.

    From forest green cupboards to muted paint colours, creating a sense of relaxation (even in one of the busiest rooms in your house) is something we’re a big fan .

    NEFF’s range of graphite grey appliances pair perfectly with earthy colour palette and are careful not to draw away from the aesthetic.

    Curves

    If you’re looking to add a bit of shape to a traditionally linear space, like your kitchen, curved finishes and fixtures are a great way to do so. Consider adding a rounded-edge benchtop and funky stools. Or design a splashback with circular tiles or a curved panel. A rounded spout sink tap is also an easy way to bring shapes into your cooking space without redesigning the whole space.

    Technology

    Introducing smart appliances into your kitchen is not only trendy, but a way to make mealtime more efficient. And with everyday life so busy, why wouldn’t you?

    Appliances like our WIFI-enabled Home Connect oven and NEFF built-in coffee machine can be controlled via WIFI from a smartphone, meaning you can wake up and turn them on at the touch of a button. Or use voice cues via a Google or Alexa device to give them instructions.

    Other functions like the MeatProbe temperature gauge eliminate the guesswork when cooking up a Sunday roast – simply plug in the probe, set your temperature and when your meat is cooked, the oven will automatically turn off.

    Bring plant life inside

    Decorating your kitchen with greenery in the form of plants like succulents or herbs is a great way to soften the look of your space, as well as add colour. Indoor plants are super hardy and versatile and can be positioned on a bench or hung from the cupboard or ceiling. If you love using fresh herbs but don’t have the outdoor space for an herb garden, consider creating a vertical one indoors on a wall. You can also play to your personal style with the colour, pattern and size of the pots you house your plants in, too.

    Sleek appliances

    There’s something very sleek about built-in appliances – they make your kitchen look modern, as well as keeping it neat and tidy. And their rise to power is something we’re fully on board with. Appliances like NEFF’s built-in microwave not only look great. but save bench and internal cupboard space by recessing into cabinetry walls.

    Extra functions

    They’re a little bit about fun and a lot about function, but appliances or installations that do more than the average are getting a big tick this season. Whether you’re after pop-up power points or sleek appliances with extra functions, innovation in the kitchen is becoming increasingly popular.

    NEFF’s Slide&Hide® oven range, which celebrates 20 years this year, is the perfect example of how an extra bit of functionality (especially one you can hide out of the way) can make cooking easier. Simply open the oven door and slide it under the oven cavity – and save yourself from running into the hot door ever again.

    Learn more about Slide&Hide® here.

    You can attend a free NEFF demonstration near you to learn more about the full range of NEFF products and see these in person for yourself to best understand how they can bring your dream kitchen to life. 

    About NEFF  

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.

    Learn more about NEFF here.

  4. 5 kitchen organisation hacks to make your life easier

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    There’s nothing better than coming home to a clean, organised kitchen. Visually, it looks great. And it can also help with functionality too, including making your ingredients easier to find at mealtime. But overhauling your kitchen organisation system can be a bit job, so here’s some tips to get you started.

    Use containers

    Containers are one of the easiest ways to organise your kitchen. They instantly make your space look tidier, whether you stack them in a cupboard or line them up on a bench. They’re a trusty way to order your non-perishables, such as rice or pasta. And if they’re airtight, they keep everything fresh. You can also use containers to store fridge items, such as chopped vegetables or fruit, so that they’re easy to store and grab as needed.

    Containers are also a great way to add style – from clear, minimalist types for the modern or Hamptons home, to bold, patterned ones that add flare in your space.

    Label everything

    Labels go hand-in-hand with containers and are a sure-fire way to stop you from mistaking your salt for your sugar.

    And they’ve come a long way since the simple label maker first came out – now you can get aesthetically pleasing, custom-made labels with cursive writing or packs with common items clearly printed and ready to use. Have a look online or at your local craft or homeware store.

    Put appliances in a cupboard or pantry

    If you’re looking to really up your organisation game, add a purpose-built cupboard or shelf into your kitchen pantry for your appliances.

    A dedicated cupboard allows you to hide items that would traditionally live on your benchtop, such as a toaster or kettle, when you’re not using them. Just ensure this cupboard is in a practical space, such as near a power point, and big enough for all your preferred appliances.

    On the other hand, creating a permanent section in your pantry or butler’s pantry for appliances means they’re always out of sight. This frees up valuable bench space and helps keep mess in one spot.

    Include built-in and hybrid appliances

    Another hack that can save you space (and time) in the kitchen is choosing products that have multiple functions or can be integrated into your space. The

    The is another space saver with doors that retract underneath. This function gives you more space to move around your kitchen without knocking into a hot oven , plus allows you to check on your cooking without fogging up your glasses – which is especially helpful when getting out a roast or waiting on that baked cheesecake.

    Embrace products with smart features

    Including or introducing smart appliances into your kitchen can help free up space and make your overall cooking experience easier.

    If you’ve still got a pile of old cookbooks or food magazines on your bench, now might be a good time to digitise your favourite recipes and put them onto a tablet or smart device. You can get splash-proof stands to ensure your device isn’t damaged while you cook, and can use functions such as voice control to search or turn a page.

    If you’re after something a little to make your life easier, our range of Home Connect WIFI-enabled ovens are the perfect kitchen assistant and allow you to use voice commands via a Google or Alexa device while you cook. This includes instructions like “pre-heart the oven” to ensure it’s hot – even when your hands are messy.   A range of recipes are also available via the Home Connect app, meaning you can whip up a new dish in no time.

    And NEFF’s range of WIFI-enabled  appliances, such as the built-in coffee machine, can all be controlled via a smart phone app – meaning you can brew your coffee before you get out of bed. How’s that for a hack?

     

    About NEFF  

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.

     

    Learn more about NEFF here.

     

  5. 7 functional kitchen design tips to make the most of your kitchen

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    The kitchen layout   

    It’s a space we spend a lot of time in, so ensuring your kitchen’s layout works for you is essential.  

    There are six main types of kitchen layout designs: L-shaped; U-shaped; G-shaped; single-wall; galley; and island kitchens. Each function a little differently, so it’s important to consider which one is best for you and your household at mealtime. 

     

    • Do you like to prepare and cook on separate sides of the bench? If so, you might consider a galley or U-shaped kitchen where you can separate the mess from the magic. This style is a popular choice for many home renovators. 

     

    •  If you value being able to entertain friends and family as you go – without having your back to them – an island or G-shaped area might better suit your needs.  

     

    • Or if you’re working with a tight space, a compact single-wall design could provide a sleek but functional answer.  

     

    Appliances  

    For most people, buying a new appliances is a fun task that allows you to pick products based on personal style and want. But for others it can be a more practical and functional need. At NEFF we have a range of products that are practical and easy to use to help your cooking and kitchen reach its potential. From induction cooktops to integrated ovens with microwave functions, dishwashers and rangehoods, their smart technology helps make cooking – and cleaning – easy.  

     

     

    The work triangle  

    Being able to move about your kitchen is key to making mealtime efficient. Creating a “work triangle” within your design can help make sure you can easily access the things you use most. Traditionally, this has been the fridge, stove and sink. By minimising the space between each appliance, you will have more time to cook up a storm. As a general rule, the distance between each key appliance should be between about 1.2m-2.7m. But this can vary based on the size and layout of your space, plus your own personal preference. NEFF’s range of ovens with combined functionalities can help further reduce the time you spend walking from one appliances to the other. 

     

    The benchtop  

    The size and durability of your benchtop can impact just how workable your kitchen space can be.  

    Choosing a material that is long-lasting and won’t chip or stain is important and will help keep your kitchen in top shape for longer. Materials like granite and fabricated solid surfaces can be stronger, while marble can be sensitive to acidic foods and more likely to stain. If you’re looking to create an entertainer’s kitchen, consider adding a NEFF integrated ventilation cooktop to your benchtop. 

     

    Still unsure how to choose the perfect benchtop for your kitchen? Here are some things to consider and five of our favourite options. 

     

     

    Splashback   

    Picking a splashback that is easy to clean is a simple decision that can have a big impact. 

    Considering the texture and type of splashback can help make clean-up time easier and save you from hours of unwanted scrubbing. If you like cooking hearty curries or soups that bubble and splatter, a glass splashback could make it easier to wipe over at the end of the night. Meanwhile tiles can be easier to replace if they break. The right splashback can also help elevate the overall aesthetics of your kitchen for a more rounded look.  

     

    If you want to know more about choosing the right kitchen splashback, click the link here. 

     

     

    Storage  

    There’s nothing worse than an over-stacked cupboard or a draw that won’t close. 

    Having ample storage in your kitchen ensures every pot and pan has a place, keeping your space neat and tidy. 

    The type of storage you choose should suit your personal needs and be functional for the types of products you need to store. Consider things like the heights of internal shelves and whether under-bench drawers or overhead cupboards will be more useful to you. Additional features like open shelving can also add space and character, depending on their size and shape.  

     

    Lighting 

    Being able to read a recipe or take a look at how your food is looking is an important part of cooking.  

    And having enough light – natural or artificial – can be the difference between adding a teaspoon or a tablespoon. By making sure you have a direct light source above your preparation bench, stove and sink, you can avoid any mishaps. NEFF’s integrated rangehood features in-built lights that are practical without sacrificing on ambiance. 

     

       

    You can attend a free NEFF demonstration near you to learn more about the full range of NEFF products and see these in person for yourself to best understand how they can bring your dream kitchen to life.  

     

    About NEFF   

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.   

      

    Learn more about NEFF here.  

  6. Grow your own edible garden

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    Plant what you’ll eat 

    The most important consideration when planting an edible garden, might also be the most overlooked. There’s not much point in planting a whole heap of chillies if someone in your family doesn’t like spice. But there’s a lot to be gained from planting tomatoes, basil and maybe an olive tree if your family loves pizza and pasta. 

     

    Don’t get too ambitious 

    Planting an edible garden, it ought to go without saying, tends to require a little more effort than just putting seeds in a hole. You need to think very carefully about what sorts of plants will be likely to thrive in your garden, given the kind of soil, sunlight and shelter that you have at your disposal (not to mention, the season you’re planting in).  

    And think hard about just how much time (and expertise) you will be able to devote in the future to tasks like watering, fertilising, pruning and mulching. Do you want to just ‘set and forget’? Then celery, cauliflower and eggplant probably won’t be the right choice for you. All three require more than a little maintenance.  

    While it’s always worth talking to neighbours and local nurseries about what sorts of plants tend to thrive in your area, a good rule of (green) thumb for beginners is that herbs are good ‘starter’ plants, in that they’re all reasonably hardy. The same goes for perennials (fruits and veggies which live for over two years) – a category which includes asparagus, avocados, and rocket. 

     

    Plant for the season

    Not all fruit and vegetables grow year-round. And when it comes to planting your own garden, it’s important to consider the climate of the season you’re heading into. For example, leafy greens like spinach and silverbeet love the cooler weather so are perfect for planting in many Australian states during the autumn and winter months. Meanwhile tomatoes love the warmth, so are best planted in summer.

     

    Repurpose your everyday containers 

    If you only have a small yard, or just a porch, deck or balcony, don’t despair, you can still have a great garden; it will just need to be one that grows out of containers. You don’t even have to buy them: some old laundry tubs or a wheelbarrow will do (so long as you add a few holes). While limited soil will limit their utility for veggies which require a lot of root space, containers have the advantage of being far less vulnerable to weeds and pests, and are able to be moved out of the wind or into the sun. 

    Don’t think that they just have to stay outside, either. Carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and chillies are all veggies that can thrive indoors, so long as they’re near a sunny window. 

    Learn how to preserve food 

    Not only can an edible garden provide all the fruit and veggies you might need, it can sometimes provide even more. Excessive harvests are extremely common. A ‘swaps’ system with fellow edible gardeners can come in handy here, but a better idea still is to learn how to make jams, relishes, chutneys and pickles, or soups that you have space to freeze. 

    Check out this article on how to preserve chillies, or research way to freeze-dry, ferment and make chilli oil.  

     

    Don’t overplant 

    If you have a huge backyard, then you have a huge array of options – but it can be easy to forget just how big some plants can grow. Fruit trees, in particular, require a great deal of root space, and cast a long shadow, while certain vines (like, say, passionfruit) can all too quickly colonise a whole fence. 

     

    Capitalise on your work in the kitchen 

    You’ve put time, love and care into growing this food. So don’t take shortcuts when the time comes to cook it.  

    A great vegetable soup, for example, can include just about anything – from beans, potatoes, and carrots to a touch of spice – but a judicious use of stock is non-negotiable. A NEFF induction cooktop can come in handy here. With TwistPadFire®, it makes cooking on your induction cooktop effortless and enhances the cooking experience with more precise settings. 

    Roast veggies may be an old-fashioned staple, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be made in new ways. The NEFF multi-level CircoTherm® oven function lets you cook at simultaneous different temperatures, which means you can put can cook your vegetable sides at the same time as your main (and even your dessert). Say goodbye to rotating your oven trays. 

     

    Enjoy! 

    Now that your garden is ready to eat, why not try out one of these delicious recipes?  

     

    Beluga lentil salad with glazed carrots 

    If you’ve harvested your first crop of carrots and are wondering what to do with them, look no further than this beluga lentil salad with glazed carrots.  

    With a crunchy bed of lentils and a sticky balsamic glaze, this side dish will easily become the main attraction.  

     

     

    Make your own green pasta 

    When your spinach crop starts growing, it can be hard to know what to do with it! Our tasty green pasta is a great way to use up those leafy greens in a simple but delicious way.   

    Enjoy a creamy blend of ricotta and spinach, topped with almonds for extra crunch.  

     

     

    Oven baked zucchini, pea and feta fritters 

    Fritters are an all-time favourite. And whether you’re baking them breakfast, lunch or tea this recipe is the perfect way to use up your zucchini and pea collection. 

    With tastes of dill and feta and topped with a tangy yogurt sauce, you really can’t go wrong.  

     

     

    Moroccan roasted vegetable and chicken soup  

    It’s hearty, packed with spice and can be made with a haul from your garden! Chuck in carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin and onion to make this warming Moroccan roast vegetable soup, then top with thinly slice chicken for extra substance. Yum! 

     

    Whole roasted cauliflower  

    This one is for the vegetarian (and non-vegetarian!) foodies. Enjoy all the flavours of the roasted zaatar spices, served with hummus and pomegranate. We think it will become your new go-to comfort food!  

    You can attend a free NEFF demonstration near you to learn more about the full range of NEFF products and see these in person for yourself to best understand how they can bring your dream kitchen to life.  

      

    About NEFF   

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.   

      

    Learn more about NEFF here.     

  7. Equip your kitchen like a pro with these must-have appliances

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    Your everyday oven 

    It’s where the magic (and the mac and cheese) happens, so it’s important that your oven allows you to explore new recipes and make the most of your kitchen experience. For example, NEFF’s state-of-the-art hot air system, CircoTherm® lets you cook a number of completely different dishes at the exact same time.  

    Guaranteed to heat up quickly, retain moisture and avoid intermingling flavours, the system works by drawing air in from outside the oven via a powerful stainless steel fan. The result not only arrives at your desired temperature more quickly, it ensures that temperature is evenly distributed throughout the oven. Your bread will taste like bread and your chicken will taste like chicken. It’s a whole menu in one oven all at the same time! 

     

     

    A quality steam oven 

    There’s a reason why cooking steamers have been used for centuries throughout the world. And it’s the same reason why Fullsteam ovens are recommended by chefs.  

    Put simply, a steam oven combines baking with steaming in just one appliance, a process which allows you to add moisture to your cooking without boiling or waterlogging your food. Great for baking, roasting or slow cooking, steam ovens retain the natural textures, flavours and nutrients in your food and reduce the need to use oil. They make vegetables tasty and retain colour and flavour, and meat a whole lot more succulent.  

    Involving just one litre water container, the ovens are very intuitive and make everyday cooking easy and healthy. To refill, simply press a button to open the front panel, remove the container and turn on the tap. 

    Then, yes, it’s full steam ahead. 

     

     

    A Warming Drawer 

    Warming Drawers might seem like a superfluous addition to your kitchen, but they can actually come in pretty handy when you’re dealing with complex recipes or preparing a multi-course meal.  

    How many times has your oven gone ‘ding’ while you’re still waiting to hear from your doorbell? Designed to help guests enjoy your cooking, even if they arrive late, NEFF’s warming drawers keep plates and food warm until the moment you’re ready to serve them, ensuring every ingredient tastes as it should. 

     

     

    Flexibility is key 

    Having appliances that don’t just serve one function is super handy if you’re low on space or want to experiment with new recipes. For example, NEFF VarioSteam oven combines conventional hot air cooking with an extra injection of steam to ensure that the food doesn’t dry out.  

    With three different levels of steam, designed for baking, roasting or heating, a VarioSteam oven contains everything you need to create crustier breads and crispier roasts.  

    NEFF’s compact combi-microwave ovens also serves a double function, with a three-shelf interior that can be used for both conventional oven cooking or a quick microwave meal. It’s all the features, taking up half the space.  

     

    Still have more questions? 

    Book in to attend a free NEFF demonstration near you to learn more about the full range of NEFF products, or explore our key products here. 

     

    About NEFF  

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

       

    Learn more about NEFF here. 

  8. Kitchen design ideas for a small kitchen

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    Remove upper cabinets  

    The idea of removing the upper cabinets in your kitchen might give you a feeling of dread, but open storage such as shelves gives an airier and more spacious feel in your kitchen. Wire panel shelving is a great option as it maximises storage by adapting to your kitchen’s needs. You can add in or take away shelves, hang glasses upside down and even introduce a wine rack. When space is at a premium you need to make sure every inch counts. 

    If you’re not quite ready to relinquish your upper cabinets, you could replace the solid fronts with glass. This pulls the eye past the cabinet frames and into depths of the cabinets, so the walls feel farther away.  

    Extend tiles from countertop to ceiling 

    Add height and interest by covering the entire wall from counter to ceiling with tiles. A tall backsplash can draw eyes up the wall and make the entire room seem taller. It’s a great way to either maximise the effect of a high ceiling or create the illusion of one to make the space look lighter. Make sure to choose plain tiles if you decide to go down this route and in a neutral colour or this design idea can have the opposite effect.

     

    Invest in a Rolling Kitchen Cart 

    You may not have the space to expand your countertops or add a full island, so think about bringing in a slim rolling kitchen cart or bar cart to hold regularly used items or serve as extra counter space. Even a narrow one can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook. You can then easily move it out of the way when you aren’t using it. 

     

    Use cabinet lighting 

    Lighting is vital for creating the illusion of a larger kitchen. The more light available, the bigger the space will feel. Natural light is preferable, so if you have the opportunity to put in skylights or glass doors this will make your kitchen instantly feel larger. 

    Alternatively, add lights underneath wall cupboards or at the base of floor units. Make sure that you don’t use a lampshade that decreases the amount of light. Spotlights are ideal for maximum light. 

     

    Buy an oven with steam or microwave functionality 

    A great way to cut down on the number of appliances in your kitchen is to purchase one that can do multiple jobs at once. Our NEFF Built-in oven with steam function is great example as it allows you to bake, roast or steam, meaning there’s no need to fill your kitchen with bulky rice cookers or vegetable steamers. Or if you are a regular microwave user, you could opt for our NEFF oven with integrated microwave functionality. 

    Zone with flooring 

    Contrary to popular belief, small kitchens can still be used as kitchen/dining spaces. And through clever zoning you can make the room feel like two separate rooms without compromising on space. 

    Choose two distinct flooring styles and use them to trick the eye into thinking that there are two spaces. A patterned option is best for the kitchen as it’s more energising and helps disguise spillages. Meanwhile, calming neutral styles work well for a relaxed dining zone.  

    Get creative with corners 

    A tiny kitchen still has to cater for even the most basic of food prep and serving, meaning it’s key to use every last bit of available space by being savvy with the design solutions. 

    Ensure the units are as tall as physically possible to elongate the space. Making the most of magic corners and other clever mechanisms will also help use every millimetre of space. 

     

    Keep the personal touches small 

    While personal touches such as trinkets and windowsill pots in your kitchen reflect your personality and make the space feel like home, having too many of them scattered throughout the room will make a small kitchen feel too busy and more claustrophobic. 

    Select your favourite ornaments and arrange them on a shelf and frame any special artwork. A pinboard, chalkboard or mesh noticeboard can also create a single space for notes rather than a messy fridge surface, giving a feeling of order. 

     

    About NEFF  

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

    Learn more about NEFF here.   

     

     

    $25k worth of prizes? Well, that takes the cake. Enter the NEFF Moment Making Bakes Competition now for your chance to win some special products and prizes. Hurry, ends 20th May!

  9. 7 of the Best Kitchen Open Shelving Ideas

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    There’s no such thing as too much storage in the kitchen. The never-ending accessories, pots, pans and recipe books easily fill up every nook and cranny. So, it’s good to have a mixture of options that make the space functional to use; eye-level cupboards are ideal for dinnerware and glassware, smaller drawers for cutlery and deep drawers for large pots, pans and woks. But have you considered open shelving in your kitchen? 

    It’s a new storage trend we’re seeing (or rather, a resurgence of a traditional one) in many modern kitchens. Whether it’s a wall of shelving, a corner nook or floating shelves, people are choosing to incorporate open shelving into their kitchen design for both functional and aesthetic reasons. We’ve put together 7 of the best open shelving ideas to inspire you. 

    1. Repurpose your existing cabinets

     A good way to sustainably integrate open shelving in the kitchen is to utilise some of the cabinets you already have. Simply remove the doors and hardware, and then give the interior a fresh coat of paint. You could choose a contrasting colour to your walls to add depth and interest. Dark colours will make the crockery inside pop. 

     2. Make a statement with hanging shelves

    Open shelving needs to always be hung against the wall. Hanging shelves can create a focal point in the room and are a good solution in a kitchen that has limited wall space – they allow you to add storage in area that normally wouldn’t allow for it, without obstructing the view. If you’re the type of person that wants to feature your culinary heroes front and centre, then consider building a book nook! 

     

    3. Go retro with plate racks

    A popular choice in kitchens across the globe in the 80’s, plate racks are having something of a moment. Not only do they improve the overall functionality and work-flow of your kitchen, they’re a great way to display your favourite plates and make serving food for large gatherings a breeze. 

     

    4. Use kitchen shelving to zone a space 

    If you have an open plan kitchen but are struggling to define the layout, then shelves could be the perfect solution. To divide up a cooking/living space you could opt for tall, freestanding shelves. They are easy to install and add storage that can easily be accessed from both sides. Shelving could also be built into the side of a kitchen island to maximise space. This works well with an open plan kitchen where you want to create a neat line of sight and can be strengthened with the NEFF vented cooktop in the centre of your island, removing the need for an overhead cooktop. 

    5. Create a shelving feature wall

    Feeling bold? Take the plunge and go for floor to ceiling shelving that puts all your wares on display. You could fill them with a mix of items for an uncurated look that adds to the colour and texture of the room – think candles, accessories, plants and even mugs. Or, for a minimalist approach, select one or two colours that complement your overall colour school and display select items. If your collection is more sizeable, allocate a corner and opt for built in book nook to store your books. 

    6. Add shelves to the bottom of your cabinets

    It may sound a little strange but attaching open shelving to the bottom of your upper cabinets is an interesting way to use space that’s often ignored. While this idea is dependent on how much room you have, it’s a great way to draw the eye to an unexpected focal point. Place them near (but not too close) to the cooktop and use them to store items that you usually find yourself reaching for when cooking up a storm. And if you’re look to upgrade your cooktop, NEFF induction cooktops are also well-equipped with child safety locks for extra comfort. Plus, they’re easy to clean and heats the contents of your pan almost instantly, saving you time! 

     

    7. Blend shelving into the walls

    If you’d rather not draw the eye to shelving but want some extra storage space, you could paint your shelves in the same shade as your walls. That way, the shelves and their contents will be less noticeable while still providing a useful way to store items. If your cookbook collection is on the smaller side, you could consider adding a floating shelf somewhere around your cupboards. 

    About NEFF  

     NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

    Learn more about NEFF here.   

     

     

    $25k worth of prizes? Well, that takes the cake. Enter the NEFF Moment Making Bakes Competition now for your chance to win some special products and prizes. Hurry, ends 20th May!