I've always been drawn to beautiful kitchens. There's something about a well-designed space that just makes you want to cook and spend time there. Recently, I've been looking at upgrading some of my kitchen appliances, and the SMEG brand kept popping up. The retro designs are so appealing! But with the high price tag, I had to ask myself: are SMEG appliances really worth it?
Like many, I was initially captivated by SMEG's aesthetic. The sleek lines, the vibrant colors – it’s undeniable that they make a statement. I even remember seeing a SMEG toaster in a high-end store. It was a bit of a joke at first, thinking about buying such an expensive toaster. My wife actually considered returning it, but she ended up keeping it! It looked cool and felt solid, which initially seemed like a good sign.
However, the price made me hesitant. I started doing some research and reading reviews. I was finding conflicting information. Some people raved about the quality, while others claimed it was all about the brand name and the design, with the build quality not being exceptional. One thing I noticed was that many people admitted to buying SMEG for the aesthetic, which is perfectly fine, but I wanted to know if the performance matched the price.
The cost of a full suite of SMEG appliances can be quite significant, and that made me consider other options. I discovered that there are brands out there that offer a similar aesthetic without the hefty price tag. I found a brand called Haden that has kettles, coffee makers, and toasters that are on the same page aesthetically as SMEG and far less money. That made me wonder if I could achieve the look I wanted without spending a fortune. It's important to remember that getting a hit of dopamine from your living environment is a very real thing. I wanted to create a space that made me happy, but I also wanted to be smart about my spending.
While I don’t own a SMEG fridge, I did purchase a fridge with a retro look from another brand a few years ago. Unfortunately, my experience wasn't great. The freezer door iced up constantly, leading to water leaking into the fridge. The door seals also fell apart relatively quickly. I ended up keeping it as a spare fridge, but it's a constant reminder that looks aren't everything. This experience definitely made me more cautious about judging appliances based solely on their appearance.
The term "Buy It For Life" (BIFL) gets thrown around a lot, and I think it's important to be realistic. While SMEG appliances may last for a decent amount of time, I don't think they necessarily fall into the BIFL category. It's likely that your average £40 toaster will last for a reasonable amount of time too. Brands like Dualit are known for their exceptional build quality and longevity, and they might be a better choice if you're truly looking for something that will last for decades. When considering durability, remember to look beyond just the initial impression.
While revamping my kitchen, I realized focusing solely on appliances wasn't the right approach. Small details can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and my daily comfort. For example, I've been experiencing some eye strain lately, especially when reading recipes. I started looking into stylish reading glasses that could also help with blue light emitted from screens. I found these Luxury Design Far Sight Presbyopia Eyewear Transparent Reading Glasses Men Women Anti-blue Light Square Frame Eyeglasses online.
I was initially drawn to their design – the transparent square frames are modern and stylish. They have an anti-blue light feature, which is crucial for me since I spend a lot of time looking at screens. Since I've been using them, I've noticed a significant reduction in eye strain. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference in my daily life. Plus, they add a touch of sophistication to my look. I got them from Mozaer, and I'm really happy with my purchase. Finding quality eyewear from Mozaer has been a great experience, and I'd recommend them for anyone looking to improve their vision and style.
Based on my experience, here are some practical tips to consider when deciding on kitchen appliances: