Safety Squad

It's easier to feel safe in your kitchen when it's designed for safety. These products anticipate common mishaps and stop them before they happen.

Photo courtesy of Bekin

Bug out. These cabinets, from Bekin Cabinets, feature European frameless design, which means there is no gap between cabinets. Translation: "No space for insects, like cockroaches," says Josh Chen, of Bekin.

Photo by David Croxford

Get air. Push-down air switches, such as those in hot tubs, use air to turn on electric components. This one (round button, far-right) eliminates the need to touch an electric garbage-disposal switch with wet hands. It's a typical element found in Details' kitchen designs.

Photo courtesy of Dupont

Resist. Quartz countertops, such as the Zodiaq one above, are heat-resistant, i.e. no searching for a safe spot for hot pans. They're also nonporous, keeping mold and bacteria from forming. Bonus: "The longevity is fabulous," says Anderson, of Details.

Double-Duty Players

Why not kill two birds with one stone? When space and time are at a premium, utilize these products that pull double duty to get the job done quicker and easier.

Photo courtesy of LG

Relax. This LG double-wall oven, available at Sears, features an easy-to-use LCD touch-screen control. The Gourmet Recipe bank has 100 recipes. Select one of 42 auto-cook recipes, and the oven will automatically start the cooking cycle.

Photo courtesy of Kohler

Don't move. The Kohler Indio Offset kitchen sink, available with installation through Waialae Plumbing, allows you to wash, strain and cut your produce all in the same place.

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TIP

When it comes to kitchens, one size doesn't fit all. Consider the ages and heights of your family members when making decisions for your kitchen. If you're planning for a multigenerational home, consult an aging-in-place specialist and be aware of how many people might be in the space at one time. "If there are a lot of people in the kitchen, and they need to access the refrigerator while you're preparing, that can be problematic," says Randall Omoto, of Homeowners Design Center. He recommends setting up stations for various functions to avoid accidents. "Now, people are adding bar areas or beverage areas so you can have access to do separate things while not interrupting meal preparation," he says.