Search Results for 'Steam'

5 things that will add value to your home if you decide to sell

Benchtop  A new benchtop can instantly transform your kitchen. And as one of the main surfaces in your home, it’s something a buyer is likely to notice (if you decide to sell) too. Whether you’re replacing an old one or installing a new material, think about how your new benchtop fits with your space, how durable it is and how it might look to a prospective purchaser. Some common materials include laminate and engineered stone, which are easier to clean, while timber benchtops look and feel natural.   Oven  Have you ever inspected a home, opened the oven and turned up your nose? Chances are a potential buyer will too. Ovens are an essential in any kitchen – and if yours has seen better days, or is losing its efficiency, it may be worth investing in a new one. Whether it’s a traditional oven, or a compact or hybrid appliance (which can also be used as a second oven), there are plenty of options for both size and functionality. NEFF’s built-in oven with added steam function has features like the Slide & Hide® disappearing door, Circo Therm, which lets you bake on up to four levels and a Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning function for your convenience.  Dishwasher  In today’s day and age, the dishwasher is an essential appliance in the home. And when buying a new property, it’s one of the first things people will look for in a kitchen. The convenience of a dishwasher just makes life that little bit easier – especially if you invest in a good quality one. And with so many shapes, sizes and finishes to choose from nowadays – including free-standing, semi-integrated and fully integrated, you’re guaranteed to find one for your space. If you’re in the market for a new one, NEFF’s semi-integrated dishwasher fits seamlessly into your cabinetry to give a clean and finished look, but has a control pad on the outside for maximum functionality. Here’s a video where we look into dishwashers and which one is right for you.  Splashback  Splashback trends change as fast as seasons so while you might not be able to keep up, there’s a value in investing in one that’s classy, practical and likely to withstand the test of time. Two of the most common materials are tiles and glass. Tiles are easy to clean and can be tessellated or arranged to make a focal point of your space, while glass can be coloured or installed in front of a print or picture. And if put together well, a nice splashback can elevate your kitchen or be made into a feature. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s functional for your cooking needs, too.  Induction cooktop    When it comes to the longevity of your kitchen, and your home’s resale potential, induction cooktops have real benefits – especially when compared to gas. They heat up instantly and can boil a pot of water in four minutes. And with no flame or metal burner platers, they’re easy to clean too. So, whether you (or a potential buyer) are a home chef or just like an efficient kitchen, induction cooktops are a useful, and increasingly common, inclusion. With NEFF’s induction cooktop you have the added bonus of being able to place your pots or pans anyway on the surface and the cooktop will heat up accordingly. How’s that for efficient?     So, whether you’re updating to sell now or in the future, making some small yet smart upgrades can help in the long run. Need more help on what or where to buy kitchen appliances? Our NEFF team are ready to answer your questions via phone, with a demonstration at our partner retailers or even in a one-on-one consultation in our showrooms. Click here to see some of the NEFF experience options.     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.    

Minimalist vs maximalist style: how to tailor your kitchen aesthetic

Minimalist style for the kitchen  What is minimalism?  From humble beginnings in the 1950s, the minimalism trend has transcended decades to remain a popular style choice for many today. By definition, ‘minimalism’ means to strip back or remove excess detail in favour of sleek, simple and sophisticated choices. In a kitchen, this might be included via a neutral colour palette, the physical layout of a space or the styling choices.    How do I create a minimalist kitchen?  Despite what you may think, creating a minimalist aesthetic doesn’t mean no colour or flare – it just means removing anything that doesn’t bring you joy.   When it comes to nailing the minimalist style in your own home, there are some guidelines you can follow:  1. Less is more   Rule no. 1 of minimalism is that less clutter, equals more style. From clearing any unnecessary items from your kitchen bench to hiding appliances in a dedicated cupboard, making sure your space looks and feels clean is an essential part of the style. Ask yourself: do these items really need to be on display? If the answer is no, shift them!  2. Stick to a theme  Minimalist kitchens are a carefully curated mix of colours and items that match. So, whether you like calm tonal hues, classic blacks and whites or bright and bold colour - pick a theme and stick to it. This might mean colour coordinating your crockery or using table decorations to add depth or texture. This goes for your appliance colours too. If most your bigger appliances are stainless steel, make sure you coordinate smaller items like your kettle, toaster or coffee machine too. If you’re in need of an upgrade, NEFF’s range of ovens with a stainless steel finish are the perfect addition. Don’t be afraid to bring in new elements, just make sure they fit with the overall look and feel of your space.  3. Be smart with appliances  Minimalism can also extend to your choice of appliances – and in today’s day and age, there’s lots of functional yet design-conscious ones to choose from.   For example, hybrid, smart and streamlined appliances typically take up less space than traditional items. NEFF’s induction cooktop fits easily onto a bench or island bench and comes with easy-to-use functions like TwistPadFire®. Meanwhile compact appliances like our oven with microwave function mean there’s less in your kitchen for the eye to see.    Integrated appliances, like NEFF’s fully integrated dishwasher, are another way to include functionality without detracting from the aesthetic of your kitchen. It also has the benefit of NEFF Home Connect, which allows you to switch your appliances on or off, and control them, with the touch of a button or use them with other devices, like smart speakers.   Maximalist style for your kitchen  What is maximalism?  In contrast, ‘maximalism’ means the more the better. From bold colours to eclectic furniture, patterns and paintings – maximalism is brings together everything you love, in one space. The style is said to have originated in the Victorian era, when busy fabrics and colours were popular.    How do I create a maximalist kitchen?  Maximalist style, while often appearing chaotic, is carefully thought-out – combining lots of different elements to make a character-filed space.   But it can be hard to perfect. Here’s some guardrails to keep you on track:   1. More, more, more!  Maximalism is a bit of free reign to let your creativity run wild (within reason). So, visualise what you want your space to look like and fill it accordingly. From chairs to table decorations, pictures, paintings, curtains, and cushions – there are lots of ways to show personality through design. The more, the better!  This also extends to your appliances. If you’re someone who loves entertaining – including two ovens in your kitchen is a great way to add functionality and personality to your space. Do your friends know you as a prolific baker? Great! Put your creations on display with NEFF’s built-in oven with Slide&Hide ® - it’s Choice recommended  (4 years in a row!) and pairs perfectly with the built-in oven with steam function.   2. Be bold    Typically, a maximalist-inspired space will unite lots of colour, artwork and personal nick-nacks – such as photos, books and sentimental items. It’s about personalising your space and allowing your style to shine through with things you love. Whether it’s bold colours on your walls, eclectic cabinetry, or mismatched mugs – there’s no right or wrong way to bring maximalism into your home.  3. Make smart style choices   It’s amazing how an open shelf here or a piece of antique furniture there can complete your space – the same way too much of something can leave it looking cluttered.   Whether you’re arranging a display of photographs or hanging your pots and pans from the ceiling, it’s important to think about your design choices and ensure they won’t disrupt your broader aesthetic. If you’re lucky, your kitchen may have existing features, such as exposed brick, weathered cupboards or a rustic sink that you can capitalise on.   NEFF has a range of graphite grey appliances that can add a little bit of uniqueness (yet functionality) to your kitchen, too.  Need help choosing the right appliances your kitchen?  When it comes to the finer details about your kitchen plans or appliances, speaking to an expert can help. Our NEFF team are ready to answer your questions via phone bookings, demonstrations and one-on-one consultations at any of our showrooms. Click here to see some of the NEFF experience options.     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.      

Gado Gado Salad

Place all of the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and gently heat over moderate heat, Induction level 5, for 5-7 minutes. Set aside. Place the potatoes on the large perforated stainless steel tray. Place in the oven and select Steam 100°C, set time for 8 minutes. Add the eggs and cabbage pieces to the potatoes and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Add the carrots and the beans and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove vegetables and eggs from the oven. Place the eggs into a bowl of iced water. Arrange potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans, bean sprouts and cucumber onto serving plates or a platter. Peel eggs and cut in half. Garnish salad with eggs, radish, coriander and peanuts. Heat a non-stick frying pan over moderate high heat, Induction level 8. Dry tofu slices with paper towel. Cook tofu with the vegetable oil until golden on both sides. Rewarm peanut sauce over low heat, Induction level 4. Water can be added to thin the sauce to a desired consistency. Add tofu to the salad, pour over some of the peanut sauce and serve remaining sauce in a bowl.

Asian Braised Chicken with Mushrooms

Preheat oven to CircoTherm 180°C and VarioSteam medium level. Mix flour and five spice together, then coat chicken pieces. Heat oil in a large cast iron casserole dish over high heat, Induction level 8 and brown the chicken in batches. Remove and set aside. Add garlic, ginger, chilli and star anise cook for a few minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Return chicken to the dish. Place dish in oven on shelf level 2 and set a timer for 15 minutes. While chicken is cooking, place rice in a small cast iron casserole dish with 375ml water. When the timer has lapsed, add the rice to the oven alongside the chicken and continue cooking for 20 minutes. While the chicken and rice are cooking, prepare the bok choy. Wash, trim ends and cut into quarters lengthwise. Place on a plate and drizzle with sesame oil. When the chicken and rice timer has lapsed, remove the rice from the oven and cover with aluminium foil. Lay the bok choy on top of the chicken in a single layer. Continue cooking for a further 5 minutes. Serve the braised chicken and mushrooms with rice and bok choy. Spoon over broth.

Different types of kitchen cabinetry and how to style them

Two toned  If you want to add a simple but effective feature to your space, two toned cabinets are an easy and elegant way of doing so. You might choose bold, contrasting or a simple variation of a colour shade. As a general rule, the darker colour or shade is typically used on the bottom, while the lighter colour is used for overhead cabinets. For example, you might choose to have black cabinets under your benchtop and white cupboards overhead. In terms of styling, keep it simple with a brass or silver handle, a nice feature light and add an indoor plant for some greenery. NEFF’s built-in oven with added steam function is Choice recommended and won’t detract from your two-toned style.      Shaker   It’s the clean and contemporary style that, despite the decades of change, remains a classic. And the modern take on shaker style kitchen cabinetry that’s in today does not disappoint. But first, what are shaker style kitchen cabinets? With a simple yet defined cut or edging around the perimeter, shaker cabinets give an essence of understated style (think modern Hamptons crossed with timeless class). Go dark with hues of grey or keep it crisp with an elegant white. For style choices, consider adding gold handles, bold pendant lighting or an oversized farmhouse sink. Decorate your space with pastel features, like crockery or a vase, for a pop of colour. NEFF’s graphite grey oven range fit perfectly with this style of cabinetry.     Dark wood   They might not be for everyone, but dark or stained wood cabinets are tipped to make a comeback this year. Their rustic or older-style look is a change from the white and muted tones of recent years, and can even create a bit of warmth. If dark wood cabinets are your style, consider whether you will balance their heavy look with other materials and colours. A good way to do this is with a light or modern splashback pattern, coloured cabinets nearby or white accessories. Our classic built-in Slide&Hide® oven, which celebrated 20 years in market, can also help break up the look.    Glass   Glass-front cabinets can become quite the feature when styled right. Their ability to showcase prized crockery or a funky colour palette make them somewhat of a window into your own style. However, their lack of coverage can also mean they showcase any untidy cupboards. So how do you style glass cabinets? Start with a colour scheme, then contrast the shelving based on your overall aesthetic. For example, if you have black crockery, you might stack your plates on the bottom shelf, then contrast with a glass salad dish, wooden features or colourful mugs on another shelf. You may also like to add ornaments like candles, books or vases to break up the colours. In terms of products to match, our vented induction cooktop sits perfectly under overhead cupboards and doesn’t require a bulky rangehood, so it won’t detract from the feature you’re trying to create.    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 delicious eggplant recipes your vegetarian friends will love

“KFE” Krispy Fried Eggplant with Miso BBQ Sauce   This zesty take on the traditional chicken dish will have vegetarians and meat-eaters alike coming back for more. With its combination of flavour and crunch, this crispy eggplant is fried to perfection on the outside, while remaining creamy on the inside. And topped with a classic miso sauce, it’s guaranteed to have tastebuds tingling. For best results, allow about two hours to prepare and cook using NEFF’s CircoTherm® function . It’s worth the wait!       Eggplant in Coconut Mustard Curry   There’s just something about a good curry. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, lunchtime or dinner – a good curry is almost always a good answer. And this eggplant curry is one vegetarians and those with a gluten-free diet can enjoy, too.  Brimming with colour and spice, this dish serves up all the good stuff – including eggplant and potato, and a burst of aromatic spices. For extra yumminess, why not try our coconut rice recipe, too.       Roasted Eggplant with Whipped Goat Cheese and Tomato Sugo  It’s full of hearty goodness and loaded with decadent whipped goats’ cheese – meaning this roast eggplant recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Think Nan’s homemade veggie sauté – bursting with tastes of garlic, onion, cumin and thyme. The tasty Italian-style red sauce will warm your stomach while the delicious cut of roasted eggplant gives that creamy texture. It’s perfect for a balmy evening or a flavoursome Sunday brunch and is best shared with loved ones. Give it a try using NEFF’s CircoRoasting® function and it’ll be ready in just under an hour.   So whether you’re cooking a Friday night dinner for your vegetarian friend, or looking to explore some scrumptious veggie-based recipes yourself – we know you’ll love these as much as we do!  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.   

How to design a Tuscan-inspired kitchen for your home

Layout Italy is synonymous with good food. And whether you’re in Italy or Australia, a good kitchen layout is important in creating good food. A typical Tuscan-style layout includes a central island bench, often square in shape, which can be used for making, preparing or entertaining. Each side is bookended by a work zone, such as the stove or cooktop, sink or fridge, plus ample bench space, ensuring ease of access. If you’re in the market for new appliances, NEFF’s built-in stainless steel oven with Slide&Hide® and built-in oven with added steam function are made for those who love to cook and create – and their sleek look ensures they won’t detract from the aesthetic or design of your space.     It’s also important to think about the location and size of windows, lights, overhead cupboards, shelving and large rangehoods, like NEFF’s wall-mounted canopy rangehood. Feature pieces like freestanding sideboards or bench stools may also be considerations when designing a Mediterranean-inspired space.    Design Earthy tones   Tuscan style is all about the earthy tones. And they not only look good, but add a sense of calm to your kitchen space too. Traditionally, this has included muted reds, greens and creams. Today, pops of colour can also be included. Golds, browns, shades of cinnamon and pastel green will all make a comeback, tying in nicely with traditional Tuscan colouring.     Ceramics and texture  The ceramic trend has seen a resurgence in the last year (think handmade vases, dishes and table pieces) and they make the perfect addition when creating a Tuscan-like kitchen. From your crockery to your floor tiles, the Tuscan style uses materials that create a natural look and feel. This could include terracotta tiles, ceramic plates, funky centrepieces, ornaments and other natural-look elements that add texture to your space.       Exposed materials  In some Tuscan kitchens, exposed beams or bricks are used to create a more rustic look. This might look like overhead trusses, a brick canopy for your rangehood or a stone splashback. Or in a more modern Tuscan kitchen, such materials could be used for feature pieces – such as a wooden table, sideboard or window shutters. It’s also important to think about the products and appliances you will include, to ensure they don’t detract or clash with the materials you use in your kitchen. NEFF’s induction cooktop and semi-integrated dishwasher are a great choice – integrating subtly without taking away from the look of your space.  You can attend a 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.  

Before and after: the best NEFF kitchen renovations

@woodwizardskitchens   BEFORE  AFTER Photo: @jarrodbarnesphotography With a somewhat unconventional layout, this Elsternwick gem went from a dated 70s vibe to a functional modern space. The Melbourne home of beloved and late Heather and husband Kelvin was transformed by the Wood Wizards Kitchens team who took it from dated to sleek with the inclusion of NEFF’s prized Slide&Hide© oven, gas cooktop and rangehood. The quality products integrated perfectly into the functional space, ensuring there was ample room for storage, preparing and cooking.  Owner and Head Designer Jordan Corbett said the kitchen remodel “gave the heart of their home the love it needed”.  @reno_gals  BEFORE AFTER In Brisbane, this quaint weatherboard home was taken to new heights after house-flipping duo Reno Gals lifted the original dwelling to build a second storey below. The stunning, full-house renovation transformed their 1950s-built Queenslander into a modern haven. In their galley kitchen, co-renovators Holly Docherty and Angie Lonergan opted for a light and bright contemporary look, with sleek white cupboards, gold accents and double doors leading to the outside. They also included top-quality products, including NEFF’s Choice-recommended built-in oven and built-in oven with added steam function for versatile cooking, which fit seamlessly with their modern look.  Ms Docherty said there was “something special about seeing old homes that have been let go, lovingly restored to their former beauty”.  @kitchensbyemanualsydney  BEFORE  AFTER  On Sydney’s Upper North Shore, Kitchens by Emanual Sydney head designer and project manager Sheree Bounassif and her team re-modelled this L-shaped kitchen into a functional and timeless area, complete with a walk-in pantry. Featuring handle-less cabinetry, stone benchtops and lots of space, the kitchen is as sleek as it is practical. And with the inclusion of NEFF’s built-in oven in graphite grey, built-in oven with steam function and fully-integrated dishwasher, the space looks and feels fit for an enthusiastic cook.    Ms Bounassif said they created a “modern and sleek” look with “layered textured interest”.   “It was a very satisfying style to create,” she said.    And if you’re still in need of more inspiration, take a look at our featured NEFF customer kitchens 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.   

Your kitchen renovation checklist

Design mood-board  When planning a kitchen renovation, the best place to start is with a mood-board (either a virtual one or a physical board) of inspiration and ideas that fit with the look or aesthetic of your home. This might include everything from colours and appliances to photos of other kitchens you’ve seen and may want to emulate. Do you like the look of a modern Hamptons-style kitchen? Or perhaps you want to change things up with a pop of colour? Are their certain appliances on your wish-list? Whatever your style, having something to base your design off – and show tradespeople and interior designers (if you’re using them) – can be a super helpful benchmark.    Kitchen Layout  It’s the heart of the home and with so much time spent in the kitchen, getting the configuration and layout of things like appliances and cupboards right is essential. Did you know there’s actually a lot of thought that goes into the practicality of a kitchen’s design? For example, making sure the sink, cooktop and refrigerator are easily accessible from one another (called the kitchen work triangle). But you’ll also need to think about where to put cupboards and if you’ll have an island or wrap-around bench. Some of the most common kitchen layouts include island, galley, U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens.  If you have to shift any structural walls or beams, you may need to seek approval from a building authority. For more information, visit your local council’s website.     Kitchen bench  One of the key elements of a kitchen is the bench. Whether it’s a big island bench or a small one-wall set-up, every kitchen needs adequate space to prepare, cook, create and entertain. The type of bench you include may depend on the size of your kitchen, or how much you like to cook. Some things to consider when designing your bench space include the size, shape, and material you will use. Remember, you want a bench that provides enough space, and is durable, for your needs. You should also think about where any appliances including a microwave, cooktop or sink will go, and how much bench space these items will take up.    Cabinetry  Kitchen cabinetry plays an important role in the overall function of your space – from storage to accessibility and aesthetics. So when planning what they will look like and where you will place them, it’s important to consider your wants and needs. For example, making sure you can store and reach items easily may be necessary for some people, while others may be more concerned with the look or style. If you have a smaller space, you may want to consider how best to optimise your kitchen cabinetry – such as by using overhead cupboards or drawers.     Floors  When it comes to choosing the flooring for your kitchen, durability and ease of cleaning are key. We all know kitchens can easily become messy – from food crumbs and splatters to dirt from shoes, so you want to make sure your flooring will withstand the times.  Some popular materials include floorboards and tiles. You may also want to consider how the flooring in your kitchen matches the rest of your house, or any future floor renovations you may complete.     Appliances   Every new kitchen needs some quality appliances and when you’re renovating, there’s no better time to upgrade or invest. Are you someone who loves to cook and would benefit from a steam oven? Or are you tossing up between an induction cooktop or gas? There are plenty of options out there, including hybrid and compact appliances for smaller spaces or larger options for kitchens with more space.     Lighting  Last but certainly not least, lighting! The right amount of light can really elevate your cooking experience and make mealtime much easier. From ensuring you can read a recipe to proving enough light to see when your cooking is perfectly baked, lighting matters. Depending on how much natural light your kitchen gets, you might find you need more or less artificial light. Think about where you stand to prepare, cook and clean and how much light is needed, and what type. Some options include downlights, pendant lights and strip lighting (often used at the top of a splashback).     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 creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.   Learn more about NEFF here.