Technology has transformed all aspects of our lives, and the kitchen is no exception. The latest generation of kitchen appliances strike the perfect balance between innovation and practicality, and are more energy-efficient than ever too. From bacteria-busting fridges to whisper-quiet washing machines, join us as we explore some of the latest innovations to look out for in today's clever kitchen kit.

An introduction to induction

Induction is rapidly coming to the boil as the hottest kitchen tech around. Induction hobs may look like electric or ceramic hobs, but there's a world of difference. The induction hob uses an electro-magnetically charged copper coil to generate heat in the pot itself, and not on the surface of the hobThis innovative kitchen tech only works with steel or iron cookware, giving you an ideal excuse for upgrading your pans.

Top end hobs do away with knobs and dials and instead sport touch controls, for simple use and a super-clean look. Look for models which sport instant simmer modes, so you can leave the kitchen without worrying about your pans boiling over - one touch will reduce all the rings to a low setting. Some models will even turn the heat down automatically if they sense a spillage. Induction hobs frequently boast fast-heat up settings too, which boost power for a hob to quickly get to boiling point before automatically settling back down to your chosen heat setting.

Oven all-rounders

An oven is an oven, right? Well, not quite any more. Today's multi-function ovens really do give you the best of all worlds, with baking, grilling, defrosting and reheating functions giving you precise control over your culinary creations. Accessories cater for all tastes too, from pizza stones that fit on the base of the oven to rotisseries for cooking the perfect Sunday roast.

You can say goodbye to half toasted bread too. The latest ovens sport full-width grills with even heat distribution, so you can use all the available space for grilling, without worrying about some of your food getting burnt whilst the stuff on the edge is still raw.

Cleaning ovens is easier as well thanks to new self-cleaning technology in high-end models. Look for an oven that sports pyrolytic or catalytic cleaning functions and you can spend more time cooking and less time cleaning. Pyrolytic ovens will use heat to blast off any unwanted food splashes from the oven walls, leaving you with an effortlessly clean oven.

Fresher fridges

Have a peek inside your fridge and you'll invariably find a mix of cooked and raw food, dairy, veggies and any number of other forgotten fruit lurking near the back. Bacteria can be a concern, especially if you have young children, so look out for a fridge with an antibacterial coating and antibacterial air filter to help protect your food, and your family, from nasty bacteria.

American style double door fridge freezers have been around for a while now, but they have being joined by French-style triple door fridge freezers. Double doors up top reveal an extra wide fridge with plenty of storage for even the largest families. Down below you'll find single or double drawer freezer compartments, offering easy and quick access to your frozen food.

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