The kitchen can be described as being all things to all people. At any one time it can be a cooking station, party venue or eating room. The gadgets within your kitchen need to reflect and enhance this versatility. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best.

1.  Bodum Fyrkat

A must in all designer kitchens, the Fyrkat is available in a range of colours and enables you to transform your porch or balcony into a BBQ hotspot. Its substantial size means there’s no need to limit the guest list, unless of course you want to keep the steaks for yourself.

2.   Gorenje iChef

Sometimes everyone, from the kitchen specialist to a total amateur, needs a helping hand and they don’t come more helpful than this. A touch screen controlled oven that cooks any of 65 pre-programmed meals to perfection, even telling you when to add ingredients, the iChef also has room for 150 of your own creations.

3.  All Purpose 3 in 1 Peeler

At the other end of the technology scale comes this humble, yet essential, piece of kit. The interchangeable vegetable, soft fruit and julienne blades can be stored compactly and safely and are also dishwasher safe.

4.  Pizza slicer

The very definition of an essential gadget, the pizza slicer can greatly enhance your mealtime experience with the crisp, clean slices it provides.

5.   SousVide SVS-10LS Supreme

A device that looks as complicated as it sounds, this water oven is actually extremely easy to use. Simply place your meat in a bag, immerse it in the aqua and wait for as long as you like before enjoying the beautifully tender results.

6.  Vision Toaster

Burnt toast – an irritant that has plagued mankind for years. Now, however, butter on charcoal is a thing of the past thanks to this miraculous gadget. By allowing you to witness first hand the browning of your slice, you can get it right each and every time.

7.  Basting Brush

Kitchens UK can only do so much but when it comes to designing and kitchen installation, they’re up there with the best. The results of your culinary efforts, however, remain in your hands. Give yourself the best possible chance of success with a brush that possesses durable bristles and is heat resistant, allowing you to baste away before, during and after cooking.

8.   Garlic Slice n Press

A fantastic time saver, this ingenious piece of kit will give you sliced or crushed garlic in a matter of seconds.

9.  Bugatti Uma Kitchen Scale

Bespoke kitchens often have their appearance compromised with the presence of cumbersome scales. With this beautiful, chromed stainless steel design, such concerns are a thing of the past. In addition, the measurement resetting system enables you to weigh several different ingredients at once and provides a read out for each. The dial also doubles as a kitchen timer.

10.  Krups XN7101 Citiz Titanium Coffee Maker

A perfect sight first thing in the morning, this piece of kit brings the best of Starbucks into your kitchen. As simple to use as it is aesthetically enjoyable, it’s a real treat.

As one of the most important people in the world, it’s difficult to imagine Barack Obama facing the same sort of questions and puzzles that litter our own daily lives. President of the United Sates he may be, but Obama needs an efficient and practical kitchen, just like the rest of us. Surely, however, his should be the daddy of all designer kitchens.

Though, of course, Obama himself would have little input into proceedings as he usually has one or two other matters to attend to, whichever kitchen specialist was brought in to complete the brief would be working under considerable pressure. After all, the leader of the free world is not a man you’d want to disappoint, not to mention the First Lady.

As is so often the case, planning is key – a lesson Obama would certainly understand and endorse. When it comes to kitchen installation, having the right tools in the right place is absolutely vital.

The Obama family would, of course, need a substantially sized and well-stocked fridge. After all, few can boast the level of engagements, in terms of both frequency and guest-list, that dominate the White House calendar. Imagine the embarrassment of hosting a G8 summit, an emergency CIA or FBI briefing or even a simple meeting with the world’s media and leaving the guests hungry. A hard earned reputation for manners and organisation would lie in tatters.

As well as the number of guests, the cultural diversity of visitors to Casa Obama presents a considerable challenge. Political representatives from all over the globe frequently descend on the President’s residence, each presumably expecting a perfectly cooked version of their favourite dish.

Therefore, a wide range of cooking instruments and gadgets is essential. A humble oven alone simply will not do. It would have to be the latest in the long line of all singing, all dancing cooking stations, complete, of course, with a large grill to give guests a taste of the classic American steak.

Elsewhere, numerous hobs would be needed to heat the woks carrying meals for visitors from the East while a high quality toaster for scones and crumpets when David Cameron comes to town should occupy a corner.

With such a challenging brief, Obama would be looking for both skill and experience when assigning the job. He needn’t look any further than Kitchens UK. A business of considerable repute, they have been in operation for over 10 years and have a portfolio and reputation that rivals the very best.

Fitted kitchens provide the basis for the final result, while extras and accessories provide the finishing touches. One such addition that Obama simply couldn’t do without is a coffee maker. Anyone who has seen The West Wing will tell you that neither the President, nor his staff get much sleep. Caffeine is a must. Espressos, lattes, warm milk, it needs to be able to do the lot.

Whoever does the design will please or anger the man with his finger on the button. No pressure then.

So you’ve decided how you’d like your kitchen to look, what kind of cabinets you’d like, the lighting, even the pictures you’d like to put up, but have you considered the flooring? This can make or break a kitchen and may often be the first thing your guests notice as they walk in. Before you begin redesigning your living space, it’s well worth getting in touch with a kitchen specialist to give you some much-needed inspiration.

Your kitchen is the heart of the house, often doubling up as a dining room, so it’s really important to get it spot on if you’re thinking of pulling it out and starting from scratch. Of course, your choice of flooring will depend on many things, not just the cost. Consider how easy it is to install, the ease of maintenance (i.e. will it take a lot to be cleaned) and how it looks.

There’s so much choice available today, it can be baffling knowing where to start. But with that in mind, here’s our handy guide on some of the options available to you.

Linoleum is made of natural resources and is currently having something of a revival. In the 1960s, it was largely replaced with vinyl flooring, but homeowners are again turning to linoleum to update their kitchens. New versions come pre-sealed, which means they don’t need to be waxed. What’s more, it’s comfortable to walk on and looks great. Do bear in mind though that when choosing linoleum, kitchen installation may be a little more expensive.

Some people see vinyl, also known as PVC, as a somewhat dated choice hailing from the 60s. But for those who like to inject a spot of retro style into their homes, this is the perfect option. It’s also low maintenance, as well as hard wearing, which makes it great for those on a budget. Available in a wide range of patterns, it really can help add the finishing touch to an otherwise average kitchen.

Durable and resistant to water, tiled flooring remains a popular choice. If comfort is key, opt for something else, as tiles can be uncomfortable underfoot. Be careful when handling heavy crockery and kitchen items; drop them on the floor and your tiles will easily crack.

Not only does it retain heat, but stone flooring also gives a unique appearance and can look elegant and sophisticated in the right kitchen. Choose from granite, slate, limestone or soapstone for anything from a rustic feel to a classic look.

Doncaster-based Kitchens UK offers a great range of fitted kitchens and flooring to suit any style or budget and the firm’s kitchen experts will offer advice and inspiration to ensure you settle on the right flooring for you.

Some bespoke kitchens in older homes feature wood, as you just can’t beat the quality of solid, hardwood flooring.  Pine offers a vintage look, while oak, beech, maple and ash are also popular choices.

Dubbed the ‘floating wood floor’ laminate looks like solid wood but is, in fact, made up of multiple layers of processed wood. Colours and styles can be limited but if you’re lucky enough to know exactly what you want, this shouldn’t prove a problem.

Well-planned bespoke kitchens are the perfect places to entertain friends and family when you throw a party. Gone are the days when guests gathered in the living area, sitting on top of one another on a two-seater in an attempt to be sociable.

Open-plan living really opened up the idea to guests being able to wander and mingle throughout different areas of the home and also made for varying conversations, more surprise snacks and well suited company that can bring with it a fantastic and uplifting atmosphere.

But how can calling in a kitchen specialist make your joint the talk of the town? Designer kitchens bring the bling, but what else can you add to the mix to make the perfect party-kitchen cocktail?

Fitted kitchens are a real blessing for when you are entertaining.  A kitchen installation is the quickest and most convenient way of updating the room if you are hoping to give it a face-lift before inviting guests around for canapés and cocktails.

A kitchen specialist, such as a member of the Kitchens UK team, is really handy to have on board if you are inexperienced in planning and design. Their input will ensure that you get your dream kitchen as quickly as possible.

When looking at designer kitchens, consider little features which will really enhance your entertaining area, especially so if you are planning to host regular parties, dinners and other events.

A kitchen island is also a handy addition; the additional surface area provides extra space for treating your guests to nibbles as well as being a blessing during food preparation. Dressed well, it also makes a fantastic table for displaying key party features such as cocktail towers or chocolate fountains.  If you are having bite-size snacks with drinks, a kitchen island should be large enough to hold your entire menu for the evening and it will also be a focus point for discussion among friends.

Many bespoke kitchens now allow for inbuilt features such as wine racks and wine coolers. Wine racks look impressive when stacked with educated wine choices and wine coolers and similar appliances are great to regulate the temperature of wines, bringing the best out of your bottle.

It’s always tempting to use your best crystal when you’re trying to impress your guests however choosing to purchase some cheaper, less-valuable glasses will be a wise choice. Have a hunt around for some less expensive glassware in charity shops and sales to add that vintage style to your parties.

Designer kitchens are great for building in larger appliances such as microwaves and electric ovens, which are incredibly useful for the party host. If your guests have children, consider turning a spare room into a movie room where they can watch their favourite films with some microwave popcorn and oven pizza while the older guests enjoy a little tipple.

For parties that are less cocktail and more four-course, your guests will appreciate being offered light bites before they eat (especially if you are planning on hosting a late sitting).  These can be displayed on platters and in bowls around the home, or choose to display them on a tiered stand, ready for when your guests arrive.

With spring just around the corner, many people will be looking to get their homes fresh and sparkling in time for the warmer weather. And if you’re feeling a bit ‘new season, new start’, then why not begin by transforming the hub of the home: your kitchen?

Designer kitchens are becoming increasingly popular with those inspired by the shiny, hi-tech efforts seen on television and with shows such as Masterchef and Come Dine With Me pulling in millions of viewers per week, the perfect kitchen is the new must-have. And if you’re looking to transform your cooking space this spring, you’ll find that a whole crop of new trends and colours have popped up, giving you endless choice in creating the kitchen of your dreams. So, what are the top colour trends for 2012, and how can you incorporate them into your own individual style?

Minimalism and monochrome are always popular, especially with those who favour clean lines and no clutter; the problem, however, is that the room can often feel rather clinical. Today’s kitchens are evolving, with plenty of soft lines (think curved units and horseshoe work stations), and a splash of paint. While most minimalist rooms will rely on the old staples of black, white and grey, a bright accent colour such as red or green can transform a room and bring a hint of individuality: a watchword for design in 2012.

Kitchens are supposed to be the busiest room in the home, and with many families opting to eat together in the evenings ‘happy’ colours are on the agenda. Yellows, light blues and oranges are all excellent ways of achieving this mood and if you enjoy entertaining and having friends round, then this style is definitely the way to go. If you’re really brave, something outlandish such as pink or purple can make quite the impression, but make sure that everything else in the room is muted and minimalist to avoid looking ‘overdone’.

In terms of units, cabinets and work surfaces, the colours and materials used are just as important at achieving a certain style. If you want to stay on-trend, white or light woodwork on fitted kitchens is particularly popular at the moment, particularly for those who are going for bright colours on the walls and need a good contrast.

Once you’ve chosen your new kitchen, you need to make sure that it’s installed properly. While many people may be tempted to cut corners and do it themselves, remember that kitchen installation can be trickier than it looks (unless you’re an expert, you may end up ruining your new cupboards and cabinets before you’ve begun).

If you can, look out for a kitchen specialist who’ll be able to provide and install your new room for you: many companies, such as Kitchens UK, will even throw in a custom design to help you make the most of your space. After that, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your new kitchen – we look forward to the dinner party invitation.