Earlier this month, Grand Designs Live returned to London’s ExCel and there was plenty to see within the KBB sector. It was a fantastic opportunity to view the latest appliances, kitchen furniture and worktop solutions up close and personal. Here are some of my favourites…

AEG

Appliance brand AEG showcased its cutting edge technology around the themes of Taste and Care with a fantastic array of new cooking and laundry products. As well as a new range of compact ovens, a PyroLuxe® Plus oven for precision cooking, Hob2Hood and ÖKOMix washing machine that cares for cashmere, highlights included the MaxiSense Combi induction hob, an intelligent steam and multifunction oven and the ÖKOKombi Plus washer dryer.

MaxiSense Combi induction hob

An intuitive hob with a large FreeZone area that allows you to move up to three pans around the one zone, it comes with automatic pan detection – simply place a pot anywhere on this area and the hob will identify where it is and how big it is. By pre-programming the required temperature for each pan, you can move pans around the hob and the temperature setting moves with it. The FreeZone’s area can also be split into two sections set at different cooking temperatures while two MaxiSense zones enable you to use up to five pans at once.

AEG’s MaxiSense Combi HKH81700FB induction hob

The AEG ProCombi Plus is the first combination steam oven that automatically steams, bakes, stews and roasts. It even has an additional sous vide function and a FullTaste® Steam System to ensure that the perfect amount of steam, moisture and heat is applied to each and every dish. With FoodProbe temperature sensor, Autopilot cooking and 220 built-in recipes, this really does take cooking to the next level and beyond.

AEG’s ProCombi Plus BS836680KM multifunction oven

ÖKOKombi Plus washer dryer

Winner of a Which? award, this model is one of the most energy efficient, high-performance laundry appliances ever to be launched into the UK market. It’s the only washer dryer in the world that features heat pump technology, which helps to care for clothes by keeping fabrics soft and colours bright. With Woolmark Blue accreditation, it enables you to wash and dry ‘hand wash only’ and delicate garments with confidence.

AEG’s ÖKOKombi Plus L99695HWD washer dryer, www.aeg.co.uk

HOLLOWAYS OF LUDLOW

Award-winning cabinetmakers Holloways of Ludlow displayed their winning design of the category 3 (under £60k) Miele Kitchen Design Competition. The designer, Richard McGee, created a concrete and reclaimed oak kitchen with two striking islands as its main feature. One side of the rear island has open storage while a Miele induction hob and Miele Con@ctivity 2.0 hood brings high-tech cooking into the fold. A seating and preparation area were separated by a stainless steel trough that also acts as barrier which can be plumbed in and connected to the sink – perfect for growing herbs or chilling wine.

Holloways of Ludlow created a stunning concrete and reclaimed oak design, www.hollowayskitchens.com

LIEBHERR

Refrigeration specialists Liebherr launched a new ColourLine collection of fridge-freezers, which are available in three brightly coloured powder-coated shades – fire red, avocado green and water blue. This freestanding range has an A++ energy rating, quiet 39dB noise level, LED lighting, SmartFrost and an overall net capacity of 210 litres.

Liebherr’s new ColourLine collection, www.liebherr.co.uk

ALNO

Alno revealed a new industrial-inspired, concrete-effect colourway called Concretto – part of its ceramic kitchen range. Tactile, organic looking and exceptionally user-friendly, this distinctive design was showcased alongside bespoke coloured splashbacks in on-trend brass and textured ALNOSUND doors in RAL colours.

Alno unveiled its new Concretto door, www.alnokitchens.co.uk

IN-TOTO

Celebrating 35 years in business, In-Toto showed handless Alva doors in the beautiful earthy shade of its new Fango colour, together with striking accent panels in a new Castell Oak effect, which adds dramatic character to kitchens with its rich grain effect and warm wood tones. The new colours are available in both the in-style contemporary collection and the in-line handless range. Also on display were Vitus glass doors in high-gloss white.

In-Toto’s Castell Oak, www.intoto.co.uk