Innovations make Aino kitchens popular

Press, 31 July 1986, Page 21

Innovations make Aino kitchens popular

Government relaxation on import tariffs has opened up the New Zealand kitchen market to some very up-market European products — one of them being the Aino kitchen. Although not the cheapest brand on the market, Aino is popular for the “extras” which make a person’s life in the kitchen easier, yet still keeping in mind space value. The pull-out table is one idea which appeals to many buyers, along with

other space-savers such as the racks that hang conveniently over the kitchen sink for dish-cloths and dish-washing tools. The Aino pantry comes complete with various storage boxes and wire baskets so everything can be seen at a glance. A spice rack is built into the unit, as well as half a dozen jug-like cannisters for breakfast cereals, or dry ingredients for baking. Corner cupboard space is fully utilised by wire racks, of semi-circle

shapes, attached to the cupboard door. When opened, the racks swivel around with the door, providing for pot and pan, or dinner plate storage. The Hansgrophe tap is another up-market product which, until recently, could not be bought in New Zealand. One tap which replaces the conventional hot and cold water taps, it is a one finger operation with a lever that is pulled down and swivelled left or right depending on whether one wants hot or cold water. The water-flow speed is controlled by the amount of pressure put on the lever. With a removable spray-tip head, the Hansgrophe can scrub and clean any part of the bench, in and around the sink, or vegetables such as potato and kumara. Base cabinets with pullout drawers that slide easily are fitted with moveble wire racks for differing pot sizes. Racks for pot lids, which are often the most annoying for taking up valuable storage space in cupboards, are also provided. Kitchen appliances have a place in the Aino kitchen by means of base cabinets with shelves that are swung upward to level with the bench. This is made possible by a hingelike aparatus. With heavy kitchen appliances, this saves heavy lifting.

Even rubbish is allowed for by organic and inorganic rubbish drawers

complete with plastic bags to fit the containers. This adds to an attractive and hygienic kitchen. All doors can be finished to be identical to the rest of the kitchen, including the dish washer, fridge and freezer, and oven,, unless the buyer prefers otherwise. According to Mrs Kathy O’Dea, the Christchurch manager for Kenden Kitchens, Ltd, importer of Aino kitchens, 14 different door styles are available in the Aino range, and of these there are 72 different variations in style and colour. The Building Centre, at 211 Cashel Street, houses an Aino display kitchen which is attracting a lot of interest