Navigating the world of budget-friendly kitchen appliances can be daunting, especially when seeking a balance between affordability and performance. Lamona, a brand exclusive to Howdens, has emerged as a beacon for cost-conscious households, particularly in the UK. Offering a collection of ovens that harmonize functionality with cost-effectiveness, Lamona appeals to those who desire quality without a hefty price tag. In this detailed review, we explore various Lamona oven models, shedding light on their features, benefits, and areas where they may fall short for some users.
Synonymous with value, Lamona presents a range of kitchen appliances that don't force consumers to compromise on quality despite their budget limitations. Their selection of built-in ovens, renowned for efficiency and practicality, comes without the inflated costs associated with extra, often unnecessary, features. This focus on essential, streamlined functionalities ensures Lamona stands out as a preferred option for those seeking practicality and ease of use.
Despite their budget-friendly orientation, Lamona ovens pack in a range of features designed for everyday ease:
Delving into Lamona's range, we highlight several models that have garnered attention for their performance and affordability:
Lamona LAM3405 Built-In Electric 60cm Single Oven
Lamona LAM4603 60cm Pyrolytic Oven
Lamona LAM3703 Built-In Electric 60cm Single Oven
Lamona LAM3600 60cm Multifunction Oven
Lamona LAM3403 Built-In Electric 60cm Single Oven
While Lamona ovens are a boon for those on a budget, they might not meet everyone's needs. The brand focuses more on basic performance and affordability, which means you may not find the sophisticated features available in higher-end models. Additionally, their exclusivity to Howdens limits price comparison opportunities.
Lamona ovens represent a compelling intersection of affordability and reliable performance. Their ovens may not carry the premium allure of high-end brands, but they champion consistency and essential functions that cater to daily needs. For households seeking a dependable, budget-friendly oven, Lamona offers a range that merits consideration.
We're interested in your thoughts! If you have personal experience with Lamona ovens, please share your insights. How have they shaped your culinary endeavours? Your feedback is invaluable and could guide others in their decision-making process. If this review enlightened your appliance search in any way, don't hesitate to share it with others on a similar quest for quality and affordability!
]]>We’re often asked to explain the difference between a fan oven and a fan assisted oven. Both give you great cooking results and are energy efficient to run. However, they do operate slightly differently, and we’ll take you through the benefits of both types of model.
It’s one of those beautifully simple ideas that makes all the difference. Fan ovens have a heat element and a fan at the back of the compartment. The fan circulates the heat from the element, ensuring that hot air is distributed around the oven compartment. The fan runs constantly while you’re cooking.
The result is evenly-cooked food, which can be cooked at a lower temperature (generally abut 20 degrees lower than a conventional oven) or for a shorter time. It’s an efficient way of cooking that uses less energy.
A fan assisted oven also has a fan at the back of the compartment, but there are additional heating elements at the top and bottom of the oven. This gives you the option of cooking with or without the fan.
It’s a really flexible choice, giving you the speed and efficiency of a fan oven when you need it, and the more relaxed approach of a conventional oven if that’s what your recipe calls for.
The lower temperature and quicker cooking times make a fan oven (or a fan assisted oven in fan mode) a great choice if you’re after energy efficiency. Pre-heating is also faster (ideal for speedy suppers). Some cooks say that the circulating air prevents any hot spots, so the food cooks more evenly.
However, if you have a fan assisted oven, you have the option of switching to conventional oven mode. If you’re a keen baker, biscuits and bread tend to prefer the less-dry heat of a conventional oven, so that’s something to bear in mind.
Both options give you fantastic results: it’s just a case of deciding whether you ever want to switch the fan off.
Looking for inspiration and ideas? Take a look at some of our best-selling fan and fan assisted ovens.
Our Lamona single fan oven is one of our most popular ovens, as it’s excellent value, and has a contemporary-looking, stainless steel finish.
It has a defrost setting, which is a really useful fan oven feature to look out for. The fan grill setting gives your food that mouth-watering, crispy finish. (Our tip: always flash the grill on towards the end of baking a lasagne or cottage pie. It crisps up the topping a treat.)
It also has a cooling fan function, which is ideal if your main course had to be cooked at a hotter temperature to your pudding.
If you’re cooking for a hungry family or fitting out a larger rental property, the Lamona built-under double fan oven has heaps of space. Both ovens have fans, and the top oven has a variable grilling function. The perfect way to produce a whole roast dinner.
Finished in stylish stainless steel, the Lamona single fan assisted oven is another of our best-selling appliances. You can decide between fan and element-only settings, and there’s also a grill function.
This model also has a rapid heat function, which is used for speedy pre-heating. This is a great feature for cooks with busy lifestyles. Again, there’s a handy cooling function. You can also choose to cook just with the lower heating element, which is a good way of making sure a dish is heated all the way through.
If space is at a premium, this beautifully styled fan assisted oven from Neff has a clever sliding door. It simply slides away under the oven compartment, making it super-easy to check on your supper. Neff’s CircoTherm® technology gives even cooking results on all three oven shelves.
And of course, there is a third way: the double oven with both fan and conventional compartments. If you have the space, this is a good option for flexible cooking.
This Bosch double oven has a top oven which provides conventional and grill cooking, and the larger bottom oven is heated by fan.
We hope that’s made the difference between a fan oven and a fan assisted oven clearer. Both are superb, energy-efficient options that give great, evenly-cooked results. And thanks to our rapid delivery service, you can be trying out your first fish pie or pizzas in no time. (Check out our Deliveries page to see just how soon this could be…)
Have a look at our selection of ovens to see more great-value models. If you’re looking for a reliable fan oven for a rental property, visit our Services For Landlords page.
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Introduction: The art of home baking has taken the UK by storm, a trend that has only intensified since the onset of the pandemic. More than ever, people are discovering the joy of creating everything from rustic bread to elegant pastries in their kitchens. However, achieving that perfect rise and divine texture is not just about following a recipe; it's about having the right oven. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker, this guide is here to help you find that perfect match for your culinary creations.
The perfect bake starts with the right oven. Common issues like uneven heating and unpredictable temperatures can easily ruin a promising bake. Whether you prefer a convection, conventional, gas, or electric oven can also affect your baking results. This section will delve into these types and help you understand which oven type might suit your baking needs best.
In your quest for the ideal baking oven, there are key features to keep an eye out for. Consistent temperature, uniform heat distribution, and special baking functions can make all the difference. Consider the size, energy efficiency, and brand reliability when making your choice. Moreover, with technology advancing, smart ovens are becoming household favourites, offering features like preset recipes and remote control for an enhanced baking experience.
We've compiled a list of standout ovens that could be your best ally in the kitchen:
Remember, the choice of an oven should not only be based on its price but also its functionality, reliability, and fit for your baking needs. Each of these ovens brings something unique to the kitchen, so consider what’s most important to you in your baking journey. Whether it's consistent performance, advanced features, or budget-friendliness, there’s something here for every home baker in the UK. Happy baking!
Owning a top-quality oven is the initial step; mastering it is your path to baking perfection. Don't bypass preheating your oven and consider investing in an oven thermometer for precise temperatures. Experiment with the different modes your oven offers, understanding when to use convection bake for even, quick cooking or conventional bake for a moist interior.
Selecting the right oven can transform your home baking experience, turning challenges into triumphs, and simple recipes into gourmet creations. Reflect on your baking goals, kitchen space, and budget as you consider our top picks for the best baking ovens in the UK. Here's to extraordinary baking adventures in the heart of your home!
Have you achieved baking success with one of our recommended ovens? We invite you to share your stories, thoughts, or questions about your oven experiences in the comments section below. Found value in this article? Share the love (and the knowledge) with your baking community!
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First thing to do is take a look at the available kitchen space. If it's already crowded then maybe placing more furniture in there isn't the best idea. But if you have enough space and need more useable storage in your kitchen these vintage pieces really make a difference.
Well vintage is much cooler isn't it? Of course it is and things were generally made better back in the day (generally) but the main reason to have 1 or 2 vintage kitchen items is they stand out and you're pretty much guaranteed to be the only person to have them.
Enjoy searching for those vintage gems to mix up your kitchen design ideas for 2019.
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An L-shaped kitchen space automatically feels fresh and modern, offering plenty of room for a designated cooking space and even an entertaining zone, so the chef doesn’t have to miss out on conversation. You can design your kitchen with contemporary, modern or traditional style in mind, so there are plenty of options out there.
However, you will have to consider the potential downsides of an L-shaped kitchen in order to make the most of it. If packed with too much stuff, L kitchens can easily feel cramped and overly narrow. So in order to make the most of the benefits and avoid any potential downsides, here are our 8 top tips for designing the perfect L shaped kitchen area.
A wider L-shaped kitchen can really benefit from a kitchen island, as it’s a great way of adding extra counter space, seating and storage underneath. It can also help bring the two halves of your kitchen together if placed centrally.
Or, if you don’t have room for a kitchen island, a kitchen table can work equally well as a way of creating a central hub in your L-shaped kitchen. Choose a table design which fits comfortably in the space when all the family is sat around it.
An L kitchen can sometimes feel like a room in two halves, but this doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. Two halves means two separate cooking stations, which further means that multiple chefs can enjoy the kitchen at once. Try adding a second sink at the other side of the kitchen to invite multiple food prep stations.
Too much counter space in an L shaped kitchen can leave it feeling overly narrow, as you’ve taking up a large chunk of your floorspace. What’s more, multiple countertops means more opportunity for clutter, so instead try implementing smart storage solutions like toe kicks and slim pantries, and only use counter tops for food prep and the most important appliances.
If you have the scope and the budget, an L-shaped kitchen can really benefit from a more open plan feel. To do this, try getting rid of the wall that separates it from the dining or living space. Alternatively, use bifold doors to make your kitchen feel at one with your outdoor space.
For extra storage without using floorspace, make your cabinets as high as possible. Taking your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling will make your room feel taller and therefore larger, while also increasing the amount of space you have to store kitchen essentials.
When trying to design the most efficient kitchen, you need to consider the work triangle. This refers to the space that connects the three most important elements of your kitchen: the sink, fridge and cooktop. Try to keep these items placed relatively close together, maybe by having your stove and fridge located near the join of the L with a sink at either end.
Lighting is key in any kitchen, but one thing you don’t want in your L shaped space is for one side to be bathed in light while the other feels gloomy and dull. Make up for any natural light discrepancy by using attractive artificial options like pendant lights.
We’ll take you through the different options for choosing the right tap and sink for your kitchen, from size to material - to unexpected high-spec tap features.
Our range of quality taps and sinks will make you want to wash up.
Different Types Of TapsAt We Love Kitchens, we have a varied selection of kitchen taps. From elegant swan-neck taps to compact single levers, there are taps to suit every type of sink – and sink user.
Because believe it or not, many of us are pretty particular about what sort of tap we like. Some people prefer separate taps to mixers, while others have definite ideas about single levers or two lever handles. Then, do you prefer a low-profile design, or want to make a feature of your sink with a tall, arching tap?
To add to the mix, there are also taps with additional features, such as water filtration or spray functions.
If you love a cool, refreshing glass of water, filter it directly from the tap with an option like this Triflow Newton C design. It has a three-lever operation: hot, cold and filtered. The Swiss-made filter cartridges are easy to change, and remove impurities down to 0.2 microns.
For a really high-tech tap, this tap from Acquapuro not only has a filter setting, but has a pull-down spray function for washing down. It’s also finished in attractive brushed steel.
Sometimes, however, you just want quality without bells and whistles. Try something like the Cubist-inspired monobloc Lamona Arona for statement elegance.
If you’re looking for a reliable, good value tap, there’s a lot to choose from. Our best-selling Arno range from Lamona comes in a choice of finishes, like this on-trend matte grey. Their single lever and flow design makes them easy to operate, and keeps your look uncluttered.
Stylish doesn’t mean expensive with We Love Kitchens. The brushed steel effect Alvo tap, again from Lamona, gives you that swan-neck elegance at a great price. An excellent choice for a modern kitchen.
Keep your favourite taps in mind while we take a look at their washing-up partner, the kitchen sink. We have a wide choice of Lamona kitchen sinks, from the classic stainless steel bowl-and-drainer combo to statement black granite designs.
What do you need to think about when you’re choosing the right sink for your kitchen?
Stainless steel has become the classic modern-day kitchen sink. It’s easy to keep clean, is robust and looks great (especially when it’s freshly-wiped and shiny). It can also be a great value option: although, there are some pretty high-end stainless steel sinks out there, like the industrial-chic Easton single bowl.
Composite sinks are made from a mix of stone dust and acrylic resins, which are moulded into shape. They are tough and hygienic, and come in a wonderful array of colours and finishes. This retro cream granite composite sink would have a great impact in a vintage-style kitchen.
Finally, ceramic. The classic Belfast sink is a much-loved favourite for both kitchens and utility rooms (their depth makes them great all-round sinks). We also stock ceramic bowl-and-drainer sinks like this one, which are super-practical as well as attractive. They’re heavy sinks, so they’ll need a tough worktop.
Naturally, this depends on how much worktop you want to devote to your sink and drainer. There are compact sink options if space is at a premium, or you can go for a bowl and waste design if you have more room (and heavier washing up requirements). A smaller, round bowl with no drainer is ideal as a second sink (perhaps on the island unit?).
Firstly, get the scale right: a neat little single-lever tap won’t work with a Belfast-depth sink, and a tap with a spray option is frankly too splashy for a small, shallow bowl. Make sure a swan neck tap easily reaches both bowls if you have a double sink.
Then, think about colour and finish. If you have a shiny stainless steel bowl, match this with a polished effect tap – a brushed steel one will jar. On the other hand, a brushed one will look superb against most shades of granite composite. You can also have fun with the different Arno finishes, which can be matched to your tiles as well as your sink.
Finally, style. Team like with like. A Victorian swan neck tap with handles is perfect with your traditional Belfast sink, while the lovely Black Rhone tap makes a fashionable splash teamed with a black or white granite sink.
But as we said at the outset, everyone has their preferred type of tap. Choose the one you most want to use – and make doing the dishes a real pleasure.
At We Love Kitchens, we have a great choice of kitchen fittings and appliances at near-trade prices. If you’re fitting out a new kitchen, have a look at our competitively priced collection of must-have appliances.
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We work with landlords and property managers across the UK, providing them with reliable and great quality kitchen appliances at better than trade prices.
We Love Kitchens’ founder started out as a property developer, so he knows the frustration of trying to source reliable appliances without going way over budget. Thanks to his background, we know what the pluses and pitfalls are of buying for rental properties, and we offer an excellent service for landlords.
Looking for an oven, hob, fridge or freezer for your accommodation? Here’s why you should come to us.
When you’re a commercial property owner, you can’t sit back and wait for the sales - you have year round kitchen appliance requirments. At We Love Kitchens, we make sure that our prices are permanently low, so you can pick up a great value product whenever you need it.
If you’re managing multiple properties, you’re going to need a lot of kitchen appliances – and you don’t want to blow your whole budget on overpriced kit. You also need your big box appliances to be robust, so you can’t buy low quality items. We sell our appliances at trade prices, meaning you get top standard products whilst not paying a huge mark-up.
Choice is important when it comes to buying kitchen appliances for your rental properties. If you’re managing a high-end letting, you need to make sure that the styling’s right compared to lower spec units. In that context, we have a wide range of integrated and freestanding fridges, freezers, dishwashers, ovens , hobs and microwaves, all at fantastic prices that are just right for the context of your various properties.
Our Lamona ovens, for example, start at under £200, and there’s a choice of built-in and built-under models to suit your layouts. The Lamona Single Conventional Oven is a great example of a competitively priced, contemporary-looking oven that’s easy to maintain and comes with a two-year guarantee.
Some companies demand that you have a location-specific trade account with them. This results in busy landlords having to manage multiple trade accounts that are specific to the property locations. At We Love Kitchens, we understand what a hassle this is - so we’re happy to deal with a single account for all your locations.
Even if you’ve currently got just the one property, this is something to bear in mind for the future. If your portfolio increases, you don’t want to end up with a complicated string of trade accounts.
We have a great network of supplier depots across the UK, and the manufacturers we work with provide an impressively reliable service. Again, we’ll deliver to any location you want, whatever your billing and account address.
We can also help you find a good local trade specialist to install your kitchen appliance. This service is really helpful if your property isn’t in your local area, and you’re unsure who the best tradespeople are.
If you order before midday, and the product’s available, we can arrange next-day delivery for you. This means your tenants won’t have to go without their must-have kitchen appliances for long, and you won’t have to find a stop-gap solution.
Just think – your tenant will have their brand-new appliance within a couple of days, and they'll be delighted with your service.
Arranging delivery can be another nightmare for landlords, especially if their property isn’t close to hand. We remove your role as middle man by liaising directly with your tenant or property manager.
This means that we’ll arrange delivery for a time when your tenant is definitely at home, and you won’t need to liaise between us and them, trying to find a time that suits everybody. If you use a property management company, we’ll contact them to make sure somebody’s in.
All our kitchen appliances are covered by manufacturer’s warranties – great news for your peace-of-mind. If your tenants get in touch with you to report a problem, our network of product manufacturers will be on the case.
Many of the items we sell have a two-year guarantee, and some of the ovens (such as this touch control double oven from Lamona) have a five-year guarantee on their glass doors. It’s great to know that your rental purchases have this level of cover.
Those are seven great reasons why you should buy your rental property’s appliances from We Love Kitchens. Above all, we understand the unique requirements of property management, and will make sure you always get a smooth and reliable service.
To find out more, have a look at our Services for Landlords page, or drop us a lineat We Love Kitchens.
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Having a clean kitchen is one thing, but an organised one is something else entirely. If your guests have ever gushed over your gleaming countertops and freshly painted walls, completely unaware that opening a single overstuffed cupboard will bury them in a mountain of hidden utensils, then it's time to take back control. This need not mean investing in entirely new cabinetry. Simply rethinking the layout of your kitchen can save you time, money and needless stress. Here are some cheap sure-fire ways to make your kitchen work better for you.
This is all about time management. The items you use daily, such as crockery, cutlery, glasses and mugs, should be kept within easy reach. They should also be kept close to where they will be needed, for example, mugs should be near the kettle, and glasses should be in a cupboard near the tap. All those items that you use less often, like the coffee grinder you get out at the weekend, can be stored further back in your cupboards, while those items that you use once in a blue moon should be stored well out of the way, or even in their own 'special occasions' cabinet. It might seem like a big job to reorganise your kitchen cupboards, but a day's work can save you years of hassle.
Look, we're all human, and hoarding is a perfectly normal human trait, but having overflowing cupboards of never-used appliances and out of date spices can make navigating your kitchen an obstacle course. So clean them out! Check for duplicates, 'spares', and things you never use. Even if they're good quality, get rid of them by donating them to friends or charity shops. You'll feel lighter in no time.
Cluttered countertops make kitchens feel claustrophobic, so take all the things that needn't sit on them, and put them in a drawer or cupboard, whether it's the toaster, kettle or washing up liquid. If you don't have the cupboard space, group them together in their own specific area (for example, washing up liquid, brush and hand soap next to the sink) so that it looks purposeful and organised.
Rather than stuffing your cupboard with tall packets of dry goods, empty them into glass jars and put them on the shelf or window sill as soon as you get home from the supermarket. At a glance you will know how much cereal, pasta and flour you have, and it looks more attractive than a collection of cardboard.
As with cupboards, empty your drawers of anything you don't need, and then get a drawer organiser to keep your knives, spoons and forks neatly separated. If you have 'every day' and 'best' cutlery, consider putting them in separate drawers to save you rummaging around every meal time.
Sometimes though, there comes a point when you have to admit defeat. If you've tried your hardest to sort out your drawers and cabinets to no avail, it may be time to consider remodelling. New cabinets have smarter storage solutions than ones purchased fifteen years ago, and could answer all your prayers. Try some of our budget-friendly tips first, and if they don't work, get excited about finally getting the kitchen of your dreams!
There are dozens of ways to reorganise and revamp your kitchen, and if you want more inspiring ideas, take a look through the EKCOcollection.
]]>Having a house with separate cooking, dining and living spaces is fast becoming a thing of the past, as more and more of us opt for the spacious elegance of an open plan kitchen. The ideal open plan kitchen is light and airy, with plenty of surfaces, storage and character. It may sound easy enough (just knock down a few walls!), but you'll need the right layout, fittings and equipment to create an open plan kitchen-living-dining space that's right for your lifestyle and tastes. To make sure you have considered all the details, follow our guide below. We'll help you make the kitchen-diner of your dreams a reality.
The first, and most important, thing to consider before you even begin to plan your open plan kitchen is how you use your existing kitchen. Do you host a lot of dinner parties with your friends, but get tired of spending half the evening alone as you prepare the meal? In which case you should put food preparation at the heart of your design, with plenty of surface space, and a table or island around which your guests can enjoy a drink and a chat while keeping you company.
There are other practical aspects to take into account as well. If you have small children, you may want to have your dining table located closer to the kitchen area, so don't have to carry hot food over a long distance. If your family is large you might want your kitchen to overlook your living area, so you can keep an eye on what your kids are watching and help them with their homework while making the tea.
Every household will require different things from their open plan kitchen, so be sure you know exactly what you want, and how best to achieve it.
Before you can start to have fun with colour schemes and cabinet designs you need to decide what you are going to do with the existing downstairs space. If your kitchen is adjacent to a living or dining room, it is possible that knocking down the wall between them will create a much larger space, giving you much greater freedom when it comes to design and layout, and allowing more people to enjoy the room at once.
However, if knocking down an internal wall isn't possible, you could consider a rear or side extension instead. This is obviously a more costly and time consuming option, but it will provide you with the space you need, while also adding more value to your home. Not all potential buyers will like a fully open plan downstairs, but no one is going to object to a large and adaptable kitchen space.
Bifold doors provide you with light, easy access to outside space, and a greater sense of space overall. Lightweight, strong and attractive doors are available starting from around £1700 and can often be installed in a single day. French doors are a cheaper, but less impactful alternative, while sliding doors tend to be sleeker but much more expensive. To see a range of beautiful bifold doors that can add drama and buckets of light to any open plan kitchen.
The most common (and most designers say, best) layout for an open plan kitchen diner, is to have the kitchen area at the back of the house, overlooking the garden, with bifold doors to maximise natural light while creating the illusion of greater space. However, this is by no means the only option available to you, as having your living space at the back could create a greater sense of interior space, especially in the summer with the doors open, while having the dining space nearest the back could appeal to those who enjoy a bit of alfresco dining.
Play around with the layout, considering how you'll move about the space. One golden rule is to have the dining and kitchen areas next to each other, so you don't have to cross the living space every meal time with hot food or dirty crockery.
If your open plan kitchen requires any kind of structural work, you will have to call a professional architect and builder. An architect will draw up some plans based on your desires and requirements. These plans may need to be submitted to your local authority's planning department if your project is dramatic enough to require approval. The builder will then use these plans to create your dream kitchen.
Ask friends and family for recommendations when it comes to architects and builders, so you know you're hiring someone you can trust. Ask to see previous plans and projects before you commit to anyone. There are also companies out there who can handle the whole project from design to furnishings, if that sounds easier for you.
Even if your entire downstairs is going to be completely open plan, some definition between different areas will be needed to prevent the space from becoming muddled or unfocused. The best way to create definition is through flooring. You could have hardwearing, easy to clean tiles in the kitchen area where spills will occur, and then wood or carpet in the living area to create warm and inviting atmosphere. If you want to use the same flooring material for the whole space, break it up with rugs, building up the separate spaces around them so that they don't blend into each other.
Kitchen islands serve many purposes. Firstly, they add more surface space and more storage; never a bad thing. Secondly, they help to separate the kitchen and dining/living areas, giving them definition without cutting them off completely. There are hundreds of different island designs out there, with many different features, like a seating area for guests; a drop down area to use as a desk; a sink; a hob; a dishwasher; a wine rack. Once again, it's important to consider how you will use it, and build accordingly.
Every well-designed kitchen has plenty of storage space. Look at your current storage and decide what you'd like to keep, then look to the future. How will you use this kitchen, and what kind of storage will this require? A tall pull out unit is a good option for every kitchen, making the most of horizontal space and being easily accessible. You could also have a larder; perfect for dried goods and crockery, or drawers, which are always handy and can be made to look sleeker by hiding them behind a single cupboard door.
A good extractor fan will remove all unwanted grease and moisture from your kitchen, while also preventing food smells from drifting towards the living room. Needless to say it's a must for any open plan kitchen space.