SquareRooms | Issue 180 • April 2020

INSPIRATION K I T t e x t F I D Z A Z M I N From big-ticket appliances to tiny tools, each item is integral to whipping up a functional kitchen but the cost quickly adds up. Refrain from biting too much into your budget pie with our guide to being money wise A COST-SAVVY KITCHEN 50 A P R I L S Q U A R E R O O M S Refrigerator We believe the humble fridge deserves a splurge because it is indispensable. These days, fridges do a lot more than cool and freeze as they now boast features that enhance user experience, aid with storage, control energy consumption and more. But what may be good for some may not necessarily serve you well. It all boils down to what you need and can afford. We love how this fridge is equipped with an eco- monitoring sensor that detects if a person is nearby and subsequently switches on or off its energy-saving mode. Great for frequent travellers! Hitachi 3-door Side-by-Side Fridge, $3,899 from COURTS Oven Ovens help expand our cuisine style and thus, the menu at home. The best part is you don’t need one with a full range of functions if you’re not a serious chef or baker. Opt for a unit that offers sufficient internal capacity, consumes less energy, and entails minimal maintenance. This oven is roomy enough to fit multiple dishes at a go and boasts an UltraFan Plus feature that evenly distributes heat, making it unquestionably value for money. Electrolux Built-in Oven, $699 from COURTS Pizza oven Who wouldn’t want to have a pizza oven at home? This comes with all the conventional oven functions but also has a pizza stone directly on top of heating elements to ensure crispy, evenly cooked delights in 3–5 minutes. This feature also eliminates the need for blind baking when making pies and quiches. A vapour-clean function helps soften residue to make cleaning easier than ever. Smeg SF6102PZS oven, $3,080 Industrious appliances such as the refrigerator and stovetop are a kitchen’s heartbeat. These are big- ticket items that may take a toll on your expenses and while some come with interesting functions, those may be superfluous, causing you to pay more than you intended. Fittings 1 G O O D T O H A V E I N V E S T S A V E