ALEXANDER ZSCHOKKE

What used to be tucked away and reserved only for cooking has now been transformed into a second living room of sorts. The kitchen is where your house parties tend to end up in – unsurprisingly, since fashionable and clever kitchen designs and appliances have made it increasingly easy for you to prepare meals and interact with guests at the same time. 

Franke, the Swiss brand which recently opened its Franke Kitchen World showroom in Singapore, facilitates this transition with its wide range of equipment, from faucets to ovens. We speak to Alexander Zschokke, CEO of the Franke Group, about how the kitchen is changing and the ways homeowners can keep up.  

Tell us about the evolution of kitchens.

Fifteen years ago, little thought and money was spent on the kitchen. Today, people want a stylish and well-rounded kitchen with a combi-oven, wine-cellar fridge, and smart gadgets – like our intuitive downdraft hood which turns on when the hob is in use. Even in the smallest kitchen, cooking faster and healthier is possible. 

What’s one thing homeowners shouldn’t skimp on? 

You’ll be spending a lot of time washing, chopping and preparing food, so don’t underestimate the importance of the sink and tap. Equip your kitchen with the right functions, such as a pull-out or water- saving faucet, a sink big and deep enough for your utensils, and chopping boards that fit the sink for extra workspace. 

What about your own kitchen? 

Well, my family spends the most time together in the kitchen – though it’s a tad too small (laughs). It’s a simple, all-white kitchen with different Franke ovens and cooking appliances. We are Swiss and Italian, so we cook a lot. 

What is the future of kitchens?

Technology will play a big role; we are finding the right balance between the enjoyable and manual process of cooking, and the ability to access or create recipes online. Franke is also working on functional water – filtered, carbonated and chilled water, as well as an instant-boiling function, should be easily accessible.