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Innovation In The Kitchen

TREND REPORT: MONOGRAM PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Visit your local EXPERIENCE CENTER FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Experience Centers are popping up all over the nation and this is a great thing for consumers and homeowners looking to renovate or remodel their existing kitchens. These are experience centers for you to see your appliance installed in a working kitchen ( and sometimes with a chef preparing meals for you!)

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I visited the Monogram Experience Center in Chicago, IL.

I was one of 15 lucky kitchen designers selected nationally to visit Monograms Experience Center located in the Chicago Design Center, to be an ambassador for my local area, to cook and learn, with Chef Jon, and share all the details of my favorite Monogram appliances.

Well, I learned that there were many new Monogram appliances that are beautiful, both aesthetically and functionally. Monogram is a great resource for trade professionals and homeowners alike. I could not choose just one favorite, so I have 5 I want to share with you!

For many people, appliances are the workhorses of the kitchen. New advances in kitchen technology are offering improved functionality, better and faster cooking options, along with better style, color, and design options.

Monogram Experience center #elevateeverythingDROP IN RANGE, types of stoves induction , speed oven latest trends in kitchen appliances electric smooth top stove small kitchen appliances, best kitchen appliances, what is the best stove, range cooktop oven

Making friends in the Kitchen: Kitchen designers from across the nation, Annie, Jill and Laura- Laura Burton Interiors, Monkey in the middle Jordan_ Jordan Michael Design, Kathy - Kathy Moran Interiors, Linda - Interiors by Blackwood, Deborah - dvd Interior Design Amiee - Kitchen and Lifestyle Designs, Carla- Carla Aston Designed, David - Bravo Interior Design )

GE Monogram-Statement-Kitchen- in the kitchen what is your cooking style.jpeg

If you follow me on my Instagram channel, you may have already seen snippets of my recent visit to the "Monogram Experience Center" last week. I have a lot to share with you about what we learned and cooked and all the updates in choosing kitchen appliances today and how Monogram is raising the bar of excellence and health in your kitchen. This is a good brand with quality and lots of depth. I recommend it to my clients for many reasons.. Read on

GE Monogram Design Center

12 Kitchen Designers from across the US were invited to the GE Monogram Design Center in Chicago, to learn and experience the latest in kitchen appliance options in the marketplace today.

Spots for this 4-day experience event are completely filled by the middle of the year which is a testament to the increasing popularity and interest in learning more about the kitchen appliance choices available today and learning how to cook with these new features. I had never used an induction cooktop before this trip, and I am an avid convert now!

Lunching and Learning

Who is Monogram?

If you are a decor enthusiast, it is no surprise to you that kitchen and bath renovations dominate the construction market. I visited with GE Monogram Appliances to learn more about this US-based appliance manufacturer and its latest offerings. They spend a tremendous amount of money in R+D to provide premium-grade appliances that allow you to function like a chef in your own kitchen. It's all about increased functionality, style, and the latest technology.

What is the benefit of smart technology in the kitchen? What was my favorite new appliance to be introduced? You may be surprised by my answers.

Here are some questions I am asked by my clients about GE Monogram appliances.

What is the Monogram Experience Center? Can anyone attend?

Yes, there is a link at the top of the post to see if there is one in your area.

Is Monogram an appliance I should consider for my home?

Definitely, the design and price point are leading decision-makers. Monogram is one of the top 5 appliance manufacturers by volume.

What are some of the items that are splurge-worthy for the kitchen?

For me, it would be the French Door Oven or the Induction Cooktop.

What about the smart kitchen is really going to work for me?

The Advantium Speed Oven. This little powerhouse is fantastic and well worth your consideration. You will never go back to the traditional oven, and if you are an empty nester? This is the perfect size for you and conserves wasted energy when using the large over for small dishes.

What is chef Jon's favorite appliance?

Induction Cooktop of course for quick heat no off gassing and no extra heat to endure when in a professional kitchen. ( more on that below) The PIZZA OVEN is another favorite!.

How is the craftsmanship, and integration with cabinetry? This is one of the hardest parts of kitchen design, appliance integrations.

GE MONOGRAM | The Design Center Experience For Me

Firstly, I would like to thank GE Monogram Appliances for inviting me to Chicago, and for all the hosting, training, and dining! We had a great time cooking and learning every day!! (yes double exclamation points)

It was even more fun because my friend and fellow designer Carla Aston from Houston was also a guest at the same time as I and I had an opportunity to meet other great kitchen and bath designers from across the US. We all became instant friends in the kitchen these 3 days cooking together.

This is my experience and I hope you enjoy all the nuggets that I was able to learn and now add to my conversation when working with clients. The Monogram Experience center is a place to educate and entertain consumers on the benefits of cooking with the latest advancements and how these introductions are there to improve your experience and overall health and wellness. Anyone can visit. They have lunch and learn sessions every week. Check out your local Monogram Design Center for their schedule.

After spending three days cooking and learning I must play favorite to two appliances that are splurge-worthy......

MY TOP 5 APPLIANCES WITH WOW FACTORS?

Induction Cooktop

I have always recommended the induction cooktop. Gas Stoves are overrated. This is the standard cooktop in Europe and America is just beginning to embrace this cooktop over the gas or propane tops. As natural gas industries try to maintain their turf, induction has many benefits and there is a growing market.

I highly encourage everyone to use the inductions. The cooking experience made me a convert immediately. Why? They are the safest and most energy-efficient cooktops. There are no open flames of coils for someone to accidentally make contact, and the surrounding surface never gets hot. It also turns off if not in use!

Gas ranges are constantly off-gassing into the room causing concerns for air quality that you will never have to consider when using induction. Many cities in California have passed stronger building codes that encourage new construction to be powered by electricity instead of natural gas pipelines. I know in NYC, many buildings are adopting this preference, and management will only allow induction.

Note: Other brands do make induction tops, but not the light color like the monogram top in silver. Other brands are usually black.

Chef John comparing Gas cooktop with Induction. So easy to use and the Monogram Convection Top is available in a lighter color!

Advantium Speed Cooking Oven

Hands down I recommend you invest in my favorite, the Advantium Speed Oven in the 240v for the ultimate wall oven. It is 6 ovens in one: convection, microwave, warming, speed, broil, and pressure allows the food to cook evenly every time while also reducing your cooking time in half! You can combine it with a larger professional oven if you are wanting two ovens, with the larger of the two for roasting a large turkey or roast every year at holidays.

Pizza Oven

Yes, I'm sharing more than just 2 favorites, I took a liking to these workhorses in the kitchen too. I love the

GE Monogram Pizza Oven for a variety of reasons.

This oven is NOT just for pizza, it is an extremely hot, quick-cooking appliance that is also ventless! YES, ventless. This oven is like a pressure cooker that also crisps your food super fast! During events at my local CT Monogram Design Center, our local chef @chefJayLeBlanc will usually roast Oysters Rockefeller, root vegetables, asparagus, crab cakes, crunchy chicken wings, and other delights in this oven.

Chef @JayLeBlanc of Aitoros in Norwalk, CT

GE Pizza Oven is great for vegetables.

Double French Door Convection Oven

I have also liked the quick-cooking ability of the electric convection oven for the last few years reducing prep time and cooking time drastically.

Convection also offers the promise of healthy cooking with full flavor and nutritional benefits and these ovens are capturing the attention of homeowners. I particularly like the French Doors to allow for easy opening, with one hand both doors open for easy access, and less floor space/clearance is needed when opening the doors. Great for smaller kitchens or kitchens with two chefs moving about. Full-extension oven racks are also another great detail.

Bonus Feature: GE Monograms Luxury Range

The Minimalist Series. With a new logo and features, Monogram introduced this beauty below in 2020. Inspired by professional culinary spaces this is a new luxury that will elevate your kitchen. Crafted in high end long lasting material, the brushed brass is a show stopper and with two ovens this beauty will be the workhorse of your kitchen.

GE Mongram Statement Series : Clean Design, and soldi workhorse for you kitchen. Buy with eyes, and know that the quality is engineered to last.

Design Tip: When renovating or creating a new build, I always like to shop with my clients for appliances first, before you select cabinetry. The appliance choices made will become the driving force for a kitchen design as you factor in the requirements for water, electricity, and venting- dvd Interior Design

The Good News

If you are purchasing new appliances, know that many of these new features save time and improve the convenience of cooking and meal preparation along with superior performance, making many appliances more functional and easier to use.

Another trend in kitchen design? The TWO ISLAND SETUP- dvd Interior Design

A two island Kitchen with GE Monogram Appliances

Visit your local Design Center for a closer look and a personal cooking experience to help you in choosing the right appliance and cooking style for your home. This is a time / and financial investment that affects the equity of your homes and the quality of your kitchen and cooking experience every-time you cook.

We visited a Monogram Design Center in Chicago last week and have so much to share about #kitchendesign and the best appliances for your home remodel or new build. #elevateeverything #kitchendesign Monogram including Monogram Ovens, Ranges, Refrigerators, Dishwashers and more.

Did I help you make a decision on your next appliance purchase? Let me know what your favorites are and what are you cooking lately. Also, You can visit a design center near you and experience the knowledge and great food from the chef onsite!

FUN TIMES IN CHICAGO

Top of the Hancock Building, Chicago, IL

Moi, Amiee, and Carla of Carla Aston Design on top of the world in Chicago!

L-R: Amiee, Carla, and Chicago friend, Sarah of Sarah Montgomery Design and dvd.

We're experts now!

If you would like me to create a mood board for your home design, or consider a 2 Hour-Design Consultation then Click here: INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION page.