My oven broke over Christmas. That's four months without a big oven. I could have had it repaired at any time but never felt the urgent need to do so. That's because I have my Breville Smart Oven. (I don't work for Breville or have any ties to the company whatsoever, I promise). The Smart Oven toasts, bakes, broils, and reheats. It's perfect for someone living alone or for couples. But it's also great for cooking for kids. I always hated heating up an entire oven for 8 tiny faux-chicken nuggets or a small Amy's Organic pizza for my kids! In fact, I am starting to think I could probably live without a big oven; that space could be better served with drawers or shelves. More

Who: MK, Italian kitchen design
What We Noticed: I don't think of myself as a minimalist, but this hood and sleek wood island with integrated cooktop literally stopped me in my tracks at EuroCucina. In context it felt serene and quiet, unfussy and very functional. The white almost blends in to the ceiling, and the woods keeps it feeling warm. Nothing here is trying too hard.
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Trend: Gas on glass stovetops
Where We Saw It Electrolux, KitchenAid/Whirlpool, Franke, Smeg
These stovetops were front and center all week at EuroCucina: All the easy cleanup of a glass surface, but the power of a gas stove. These sleek, beautiful, gas on glass cooktops we saw this week combine beauty and functionality in a serious way. I'm curious to know how the glass holds up to dropped pans and knives; does it chip or scratch over time? More

Who: Minacciola
What We Noticed: Everyone was talking about this articulating hood vent -- you can grab it and move it anywhere over the stove. I'm a bit perplexed as the advantages of a movable hood, but it looked pretty dang cool. Paired with the red spigot knobs on the range, this was downright steampunk. Also of note at Minicciola's booth: There was an entire wall built of crates full of real tomatoes. More photos below... More

Who: Hacker and Azule
What We Noticed: This red kitchen was one of the last things I saw at EuroCucina, and it stopped me in my tracks. It had modern lines, but was softened by the raised relief pattern on the drawers. And those tiles on the back wall — wow! I discovered they are from a cement (encaustic) tile company in the Netherlands. The kitchen is part of a new line from Hacker called 'Identity,' designed by Claudia Klein Zeggelink. Hard to express how beautiful this whole scene was in person. More photos below... More

Who: Electrolux
What We Noticed: We already mentioned these modular gas burners from Electrolux, but we also wanted to point out this black brushed steel dishwasher finish. Sleek and clean, like stainless steel, but look Ma — no fingerprints! It has a really interesting and pleasing texture — we'd be very happy to see this join glossy white as a new standard appliance finish. More

Who: Alpes Inox, Italian kitchen design
What We Noticed: This modestly-sized stainless steel cabinet didn't look like much... until we opened it and found practically a whole kitchen inside! Read on for more info and photos. More

Who: Liebherr
What We Noticed: A fridge with a slate-like door! We're seeing lots of natural stone used in interesting ways at EuroCucina. This fridge from Liebherr, known for their tall slim apartment refrigerators, has what feels like a vinyl door — but it looks like natural slate. It was really striking in person. What do you think of it? More

Who: Miele
What We Noticed: We've been saying it; here's more proof: Glossy white appliances are the new stainless steel. German appliance-maker Miele put some gorgeous glossy white pieces front and center at EuroCucina. Click through for more photos — including one of the prettiest fridges we've seen in a long time. More

Who: Electrolux
What We Noticed: Electrolux is showing some sweet cooktops, and we'll look at them again soon (hello, gas-on-glass!). Here, a first peek at something more unusual: Modular hobs. The option of installing one (or more) single sleek gas burners, anywhere, opens up some interesting ideas for small or inconveniently-shaped spaces, don't you think? Click through for more photos! More