These are the 8 smart kitchen ideas I'll be considering when I next upgrade my cooking space

In an ever increasingly reliant digital age, smart kitchen ideas are a popular category when it comes to designing a kitchen. Although they are primarily associated with products that offer extra connectivity via bluetooth or wi-fi, they can also relate to the materials used, lighting and storage.

But, are all of them necessary or are they simply gimmicks that don't really serve any purpose?

Having spent a lot of time both choosing and using kitchens over the years, I've taken a look at what's on offer to see the main areas where smart kitchen ideas really can make a difference.

Smart kitchen ideas only work if they're tailored to you

As with any new innovation, they only really work if it benefits the way you live. And, it's no different when it comes to smart kitchen ideas.

"Planning a smart kitchen is all about understanding how you use your kitchen," says Nadine Chadwick, Head Of Marketing at Nolte Kitchens UK. "How do you tend to cook? What appliance do you use? Do you bake, or host, or sometimes work from there?

"Smart kitchens are all about utilising innovative design and technology to enhance functionality, usability and efficiency, creating a seamless and stress-free kitchen environment," says Nadine. "So it's only once you have a solid understanding on what your kitchen needs to do, that you can begin to understand the kitchen layout ideas, appliances and automations that will enhance your usability – as opposed to hinder it."

Nadine Chadwick

Nadine Rowley is Marketing Manager at Nolte Kitchens UK, working across retail, contracts and B2B business divisions giving her an in-depth insight into all the elements involved in creating the perfect kitchen that functions well and looks great.

Smart kitchen ideas

1. Smart kitchen lighting

Avoiding kitchen lighting mistakes is pretty essential in a room where sharp knives, heat, electricity and water are all sharing the same space. Get it wrong and you could end up with an unsafe environment.

But, and this is why it's so important to get your kitchen lighting ideas right, with open plan kitchen extensions also a place for socialising and entertaining, if your kitchen lighting ideas are too bright (primarily for practical reasons), the chances are it's going to ruin your ambiance.

Which of course is where smart lighting comes in. From sensor activated switches to app connected lighting systems that allow you to pre-programme your lighting to suit different moods, it's one of the best ways of ticking all of your kitchen's lighting requirements.

If you're considering it for your kitchen renovation, there are a variety of models you can look at. I once had a Lutron lighting system installed as part of a major renovation and extension that gave extensive control over lighting throughout the build, including the kitchen. It was great for setting different circuits created to suit everything from cooking to parties.

But, if you're just looking for a quicker fix, smart lightbulbs and systems such as the range of products under the Phillips Hue brand, are also a tried and tested option that constantly get good reviews. Voice activated through smart home hubs such as Alexa or Google Nest, they are ideal if you suddenly need to turn the lights on, but are mid meal prep and don't want to touch anything.

"Popular customer requests, such as lighting that adapts to the time of day, are also quickly becoming staples in today’s modern kitchens," says Molly Chander, designer at Willis & Stone.

Molly Chandler

Molly Chandler is a designer with a wealth of experience in creating quality kitchens to suit a wide variety of customer needs. From initial idea through to completed design, Molly understands just how to make a kitchen perform on a practical and aesthetic level, as well as including all the latest trends and must have ideas in her designs.

Shop for smart kitchen lighting ideas

2. Smart kitchen appliances

"Smart technology continues to develop for the whole home and the kitchen is certainly no exception," says Molly Chandler. "From state-of-the-art ovens that automatically adjust temperature and cooking times for perfect results, to smart refrigerators that suggest recipes based on their contents and notify you when you're out of milk, the demand for tech-savvy kitchens is on the rise.

"Designed with convenience in mind, these innovations streamline daily tasks, reduce waste and elevate the overall functionality of the kitchen," she adds.

Here's a round-up of some of the options available to you when choosing kitchen appliances with smart features in mind.

Smart cooking – hobs, ovens and countertop appliances

Smart cooking appliances that employ professional methods often prove to be popular amongst cooking fans. Personally, I lean towards smart cooking appliances that either offer enhanced self-cleaning methods such as pyrolytic ovens, or ones that allow me to start meals cooking on a remote basis. And, I'll happily admit that any appliance that has my coffee ready the minute I arrive in the kitchen would always make my wish list.

But, let's not forget that a smart kitchen cooking idea could also be adding a Aga to your kitchen design in order to double up as a heat source – a smart move towards energy efficiency and potentially lowering your heating costs.

One of the most popular appliances that some consider a smart appliance is an air fryer, and although some ovens, such as this Miele H2766-1BP electric single oven with built in air fryer from John Lewis include one, countertop versions still fly off the shelves in major retailers.

“Air fryers are probably the most popular addition to kitchens across the UK, with households now turning to smart models to adjust their cooking settings from a click on their phone," explains Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO.com.

"Similarly, kettles and coffee machines are trending appliances for helping offer that next level of convenience – with some models even offering voice assistant capabilities.

“As for cons," adds Isabella, "it’s worth bearing in mind that any smart appliance will always come with a higher price tag than its traditional counterpart," says Isabella, "and you’ll also need a Wi-Fi connection to access any of its nifty app features.”

Shop these smart countertop appliances

Smart refrigeration appliances

Whether you're weighing up appliances to install in a back kitchen, or looking for a large family size American style fridge freezer, refrigeration appliances are no longer the boring white goods they once were.

With options ranging from smart temperature control to fridge freezers that provide access to the contents on your mobile phone via inbuilt cameras – perfect for when you're shopping and need to check if you're running low on something – there's a wide variety of choices.

Of course, choosing an energy efficient fridge freezer is always going to be one of the smartest choices you make, but if tech and extra control appeals too, here are some of the best buys around.

Shop smart refrigeration appliances for your kitchen

3. Smart kitchen taps

It wouldn't be right to look at smart kitchen ideas without considering the option of a smart tap in your final kitchen layout. But, installing the right appliance means ensuring you have a clear understanding of the features you really want – and will use.

While boiling water on tap may seem like a good idea, if you prefer to use a coffee machine and only have the occasional cup of tea, will you really use it? While it can be handy for making pans of water immediately hot, if your sink isn't that close to your hob, would it be a smarter idea to install a pot filler tap above your hob instead to avoid carrying heavy pans across your kitchen?

Do you need a tap with cold water and sparkling water or is a smart tap to you, something that filters your water to make it cleaner? Deciding what you really need from your kitchen tap will help guide you in your decision making process, as will understanding what boiling water tap costs are.

If you do decide to add a smart kitchen tap, some of the most popular versions are:

• Franke Mythos Water Filter Hub, including instant boiling hot water, a swivel spout, and single lever electric kitchen tap in stainless steel
• Qettle 4-in-1 instant boiling water tap with filtered cold water and a variety of tank size options, the largest of which provide up to 14 cups of hot water in one go
• Zip HydroTap G5 Classic Plus which offers still, sparkling, filtered, boiling and chilled water all from one tap

4. Smart kitchen storage and waste solutions

We expect a lot from our kitchen and that includes how much stuff we can actually fit into it. And it's a common problem regardless of the size or style of your kitchen.

"Our recent research revealed that 30% of people struggle with insufficient kitchen storage ideas for everyday items," Richard Joseph, co-founder and CEO at Joseph Joseph tells us.

"From overcrowded cupboards to cluttered cupboards, it’s a challenge to stay organised. Space-saving products help you create a more productive, less cluttered, and beautifully organised kitchen.

"Investing in smart storage solutions makes all the difference," says Richard. "It's about using products which are designed to maximise every inch of space, ensuring your essentials are neatly stored, easy to find, and perfectly accessible."

But if your kitchen is already complete, how can you make the space work harder?

"Start by decluttering your countertop so it only includes everyday essentials," suggests Richard. "Most food prep involves a chopping board or two, so it’s worth having them within easy reach on the worktop.

"Next, save space in your kitchen cupboards by stacking your utensils and adding clever storage solutions that fit neatly under shelves or inside cupboard doors. These maximise storage and keep items within easy reach.

"Moving on to kitchen drawers, if it takes you longer than five seconds to find a knife, fork or spoon then you need to streamline your cutlery drawer," he adds. "A cutlery organiser that conveniently layers each compartment on top of the other saves space and make it easier to find what you’re looking for at a glance.

"Space-saving solutions like our Space Cookware also features folding handles, saving up to 50% more space compared to standard cookware – keeping your drawers and cupboards tidy without compromising on functionality," says Richard.

In addition, if you have the luxury of a large floor plan or are building from scratch you could also consider additional ideas such as a back kitchen, or a pantry or larder in your overall design plans.

Perfect for keeping kitchen clutter at bay, opting to zone your kitchen into different rooms could leave you free to create a show-stopping sleek and minimalist modern kitchen idea with the more practical and functional elements hidden out of sight.

Richard Joseph

Joseph Joseph was founded in 2003 by twin brothers Antony and Richard Joseph and specialises in creating innovative, contemporary housewares. Based in Southwark, London, the brand is internationally recognised for producing some of the most inventive and stylish products on the market. Combining their respective experience in product design and business, the brothers have led the rapid growth of the company with their distinctive, problem-solving approach.

Smart recyling and waste solutions

Another smart option in your kitchen design is finding efficient ways to dispose of the rubbish that's generated. From food waste, to packaging that's destined for recycling, without a utility room or another location to store it, finding a solution that is practical and aesthetic has become a little easier now there are a wider variety of products on the market.

Sensor operated bins such as this EKO® Mirage X Sensor Bin from Lakeland are a great option for a smart way to place your items into bins without having to even touch the lid.

Integrated bins built into kitchen cupboards are another great way to keep your waste out of sight. Also consider having an opening cut into your worktop and a food waste disposal bin mounted below it. I had one built into the kitchen in my Grand Designs project and it meant any peelings or food waste created during meal prep could easily be swept off the chopping board, directly into the waste bin.

6. Smart kitchen ventilation options

An integral part of any kitchen, ventilation is essential in order to remove odours and prevent the build up of condensation which can lead to more serious issues such as mould and damp.

While choosing the best kitchen extraction fans or cooker hoods will come down to a number of different variables, including the size or it and your kitchen, its aesthetics, extraction rate and where it will be positioned in your kitchen, getting it right is key.

If you're undertaking a self-build, you may also be considering a more integrated whole house ventilation system in order to meet Building Regulations Part F. Either way, smart kitchen ventilation ideas should be one of the main items on your kitchen wish list.

It's certainly something I wish had been considered more in the apartment I purchased. The kitchen was fitted with a recirculating cooker hood rather than one which extracts the air to the outside. Although I have a number of large sash windows in the open plan kitchen area, it's not ideal to have to open them during the winter months. It means cooking smells can permeate to other rooms, even with doors closed.

Were I to design a kitchen in the future, I'd certainly be opting for a downdraft cooker hood such as this AEGDDE5980G Downdraft Cooker Hood in stainless steel from John Lewis, which sits below your worktop, only rising up when required. Discreet but positioned directly next to your hob, it removes steam and odours directly at the source.

7. Smart kitchen materials

While smart kitchen ideas may seem limited to appliances with clever tech or lighting, there are also smart features to consider when it comes to materials and the main fixtures and fittings in your kitchen.

Kitchen paint and tiles are a prime example of where opting for smart products can mean different things to each of us. Buying sustainable tiles may be a smart solution for some looking to design a kitchen with eco-friendly credentials.

“Ceramic tiles are an eco-friendly choice for any smart kitchen," says María D Arráez, Director of Tile of Spain UK, "as they are not only made from natural materials such as clay, sand and water, but the production process also involves minimal environmental impact.

"Spanish ceramic tiles have a long lifespan and can often be recycled at the end of their use, further reducing their environmental footprint too," she adds. "Made from natural, abundant materials and manufactured through energy-efficient processes, these tiles not only enhance the beauty of a kitchen but also contribute to a healthier planet. With advancements in eco-friendly production techniques and recycling initiatives, ceramic tiles are leading the way in creating more sustainable, long-lasting interiors.”

From a more practical point of view, ensuring you choose the right paint finish so that it can withstand the wear, tear and moisture created in a kitchen is also key for everyone.

Although it may seem like a marketing ploy, having used non room specific paint in the past, it's always wise to make sure the paint you choose says it's suitable for kitchens. I have a bathroom that's clearly been painted in general matt, rather than bathroom paint and it's subsequently peeling off in the corners.

Or, perhaps smart surfaces with inbuilt antibacterial properties appeal to those of you with small children whose sticky fingers can result in a daily battle against germ warfare. Products such as AluSplash panels for example, are made with practicality in mind.

"A sleek, modern alternative to glass, acrylic, and tiledsplashbacks, AluSplash panels provide homeowners with an affordable yet durable kitchen solution," explains Lucile De Graaf, Marketing Executive at AluSplash. "Designed with practicality in mind, AluSplash panels are fire, steam, and water resistant, as well as shatterproof, crackproof, and anti-bacterial making them suitable for any kitchen.

"They act as a protective barrier, protecting the wall behind your stove, sink, or countertop from grease, stains, and spills," she adds. "As well as being non-porous and grout-free, their smooth, anti-bacterial surface is easy to clean, offering a low maintenance alternative to traditional tiles."

Another smart idea is to consider running your waterfall worktop material right through to your splashback, says Molly Chandler.

"We're seeing bold marble and marble-effect waterfall worktops being highly sought after at the moment as they provide a beautifully striking feature in a kitchen," she says. "To further accentuate this, customers are now choosing to carry the same material onto the wall for use as their splashback. This method eliminates visual breaks, so the result is a very clean, harmonious look, which is not only stylish, but also very practical."

8. Smart kitchen heating solutions

"When it comes to kitchen design and space planning, having the freedom to design without limitations is often an overlooked luxury. By making smart choices early into the planning process, you can create a kitchen that is free from restrictions and caters perfectly to your individual needs," says Tom Edmunds, General Manager, Wunda.

"Underfloor heating is one such smart design choice, as it eliminates the need for bulky radiators that takes up precious wall space; especially in a kitchen," he says. "By removing radiators, you will gain up to 15% more usable floor space within a home. You are no longer bound by radiator positioning when styling a room’s layout and you can furnish with freedom. It’s an interior designer’s dream scenario and the ultimate smart hack to boosting a kitchen’s storage possibilities.

"Using a smart heating system, such as Wunda Smart," adds Tom, "also enables humidity to be monitored by utilising smart thermostats in each room, rather than one for the whole house. This can provide great benefits when it comes to kitchen design. Having this information can be beneficial as high humidity levels in the kitchen can cause a number of issues such as food waste, mould growth, and cabinetry to warp."

Although these five main areas of kitchen design lend themselves well to smart kitchen ideas, it's also important not to forget the little touches that can make your overall culinary experience much better.

My biggest faux pas when picking a kitchen in the past? There's a few. Not adding integrated sockets and USB chargers into kitchen islands or drawers; choosing cheaper, non soft closing hinges for doors and not getting pull out inserts for corner cupboards. Without them, the space never gets used effectively.

So while smart kitchen ideas are always going to be about integrating smart tech to improve your life, don't forget that the smartest kitchen for you is the one that lets you live, work and play exactly as you need.

To make sure your new smart kitchen ideas work to the best of their potential, be sure to avoid these kitchen design mistakes when creating your new space, and if you're looking to house your new kitchen somewhere else, see if these small kitchen extension ideas could be the perfect recipe to success.