As we adjust to our newfound wealth, we've become more discerning and are willing to pay for quality, according to Pat McGrath, MD of Miele Ireland. More men are taking an active part in purchasing decisions, resulting in increased interest in hightech features, he says.

While many people go shopping to replace existing items, they're often, says Antoinette Sweeney of Siemens, wooed by the latest luxe appliances on the market - dedicated wine chillers to store and showcase our favourite tipple;

ovens with self-cleaning functions; and coffee machines that deliver caffeine fixes at the touch of a button are right up there on our wish list.

Not alone are the new generation of kitchen appliances upping the style stakes, they're also doing the thinking for us. The local navigation concept of Miele's Navitronic range makes light work of being a domestic god or goddess.

By just touching the interactive screen, you're guided through the functions, with tips provided on appropriate programmes. The automatic programme allows users to select from a wide range of food types while the oven calculates function, temperature and cooking times for optimum results.

The level of tenderness, crispness and browning can be programmed. Challenged cooks are even prompted on turning, basting and which shelf to use. Sensor electronic controls advise when the food will be ready, facilitating menu planning.

The Navitronic touch control collection includes the H4681 single oven, H4081 integrated oven and microwave, DG4080 steam oven and the CVA 4080/CVA4085 coffee machines.

The Miele@home SuperVision system, expected to be launched in Ireland in the near future, allow the status of networked appliances to be monitored from other rooms in the house or the garden.

A device within the oven display provides a report on the activity of all other appliances, offering reminders and error reports.

Siemens' combination ovens also offer automatic cooking programmes. Incorporating a compact oven and microwave with regular oven functions such as fan, along with a grill, they are appealing to both single households and families who want to get their kids cooking, says Siemens.

Last year Siemens launched a Liftmatic oven design which has won awards for its ease of use by the elderly and is also popular with those suffering back problems. "It's attached to a wall and when the door is opened, it comes down like a lift, so you're always keeping the heat in the oven, " Sweeney says.

Just as some homeowners are splashing out on twin sinks for blissful bathrooms, doubling up on appliances for a twice-as-nice-effect is another trend, according to Sweeney. "Some are going for two high-spec ovens, side by side, with two compact ovens above, and two warming drawers below. If people have the space for it, they like symmetry."

Responding to the needs of time-poor households, Siemens has developed what it hails as "the world's first 15minute wash". The higher spec in the 'Optiwave' machine can also remove the top 14 most stubborn stains - including red wine - using regular detergent, as well as waterproofing your clothes in one go.

Hectic schedules mean hardpressed noughties householders are indulging themselves with cutting-edge creations to ensure quality time when we eventually get to cocoon.

Take the Elica glass and stainless steel 'Star' cooker hood. This opulent innovation is indicative of our new approach to kitchens. As they're morphing with living rooms, we're seeking appliances that ooze good looks.

Miele also does eyegrabbing designer cooker hoods.

Neff 's pull-out telescopic extractor hood, which slots back under presses after use, is an example of the savvy solutions available for small living spaces.

Fridges are a focus in many contemporary kitchens.

Miele's new stainless steel GlassLight fridge freezer has clear glass shelves illuminated by LED edge lighting.

Extras include SuperFrost and SuperCool settings, which quickly freeze or cool down food to storage temperature, great for groceries that have been in transit.

The covetable new deluxe made-to-order Americanstyle stainless steel fridge freezer from Miele features three independently controlled departments, a fulllength refrigerator on one side and freezer and wine cooler on the other.

"Wine coolers have really taken off in the last two years, " remarks Sweeney.

Siemen's model features a glass door with UV filter and steel handle. It holds 32 bottles, and incorporates shelving for snacks underneath.

Miele's wine storage and conditioning units offer height-adjustable wood acacia racks on telescopic runners. Humidity is maintained at consistently high levels to ensure the wine corks don't dry out. An active charcoal filter circulates air to provide the ideal climate and eliminate all extraneous odours to preserve bouquet.

The wine-conditioning units offer separate temperature controls and come in two models, one offering three temperature zones, accommodating 143 bottles;

and a built-under model with two temperature zones that can hold 40 bottles. The wine storage unit takes up to 162 bottles.

Even the humble hob is making a style statement.

The trend for burners to be positioned in a line provides better visibility of saucepans.

Hob choice is now vast, with curvaceous numbers available.

"The standard four-ring hob is 60cm wide but hobs are now available in 70, 80 and 90cm, " says Sweeney.

Induction hobs, which use a magnetic field, have been a major innovation. Heat is generated where the saucepan is situated, making it supersafe. "It's electric but as fast as gas and requires less maintenance than a regular hob, " remarks Sweeney. Designs can feature a side trim, a stainless steel trim or no trim at all, she says.

For cooks who like to keep their options open, Domino hobs which are designed to be built into a worktop in any combination, offer versatility.

"They offer a total designer look as well as choice. Some people go for a mix of gas and electrical with a wok burner, " says Sweeney.

Gaggenau's Vario 400 hobs offer a selection of 10 individual compact hobs, including ceramic hob, electric grill, gas wok, steam cooker and Teppan Yaki grill.

Miele's Teppan Yaki, an easy-to-clean stainless steel hotplate, can be incorporated into your worktop, offering easy entertaining, without pots and pans.

As with a wok, intense heat is produced in the centre, providing ideal conditions for flash frying. The result is short cooking times and even browning. When heated, the stainless-steel plate dips slightly in the centre, containing any juices that occur during cooking. The perimeter is cooler, making it perfect for simmering and keeping food warm. As the food is cooked in its own juices, with little or no oil added, you can tuck in without feeling guilty.

Those who are serious about their barbeques will love the TepanMobile.

Encased in a stainless steel and wood carriage, it's a covetable piece that brings elegance to the al fresco experience.

While the Tepan Yaki is relatively new to our kitchens, steam ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years. McGrath says householders are finding them a versatile and healthy option as they retain the flavours and nutrients of fresh produce and alleviate shrinkage.

Many people choosing new kitchens are leaving out the microwave and replacing it with a built-in steam oven and warming drawer, according to Sweeney.

This year Siemens will launch a new range of ovens, combining steam and fan functionality.

With a strong coffee culture now part of Irish life, built-in coffee makers are regarded as a must in many kitchens. Miele's integrated coffee machine, the CVA 4080 and CVA 4085 has an integrated grinder. Settings can be programmed to ensure coffee strength is in line with individual preferences. The new coffee machines from Miele come with built-in milk jugs.

With many new builds and refurbished dwellings incorporating laundry rooms, Miele's stainless-steel washing machine and tumble dryer ensure they look as stylish as the rest of the house.

Miele's honeycomb drum protects fabric by creating a film of water in the washing machine or pockets of air in the tumble dryer, cushioning clothes during the spinning or tumbling process.

More and more manufacturers are developing ecofriendly products, with dishwashers available that consume as little as eight litres of water per wash.

Whirlpool's 90cm fully integrated dishwasher with its chic in-line look, has an AAA performance rating.

The PC update on all Miele washing machines and dryers mean that programme date can be upgraded in the future.

Washing machines in the Miele Ireland range - all A rated - are designed to be connected to cold water supply only, so the machine heats only as much water as necessary.

When it comes to size, it seems there's no happy medium with Irish buyers. We either want XXL or neat petite. While Ireland was behind the rest of Europe in embracing apartment living, the demand for slimline dishwashers and other compact kit has just started to kick in.

The Dyson DC 20 stowaway was designed to combat the problem of restricted accommodation and storage.

Featuring a fully telescopic wand, its hose wraps around its body, making it easy to carry and store.

Another small wonder is Dyson's DC 16 handheld, which offers powerful pick-up for mini cleaning tasks. A crevice tool for hard to reach areas is included.

With small people in mind, Miele has developed a new babycare vacuum cleaner in hues of blue and pink. Its floorhead incorporates a hygiene sensor and traffic light indicator going from red to green, giving the go-ahead that the carpet is free from harmful allergens and it's safe to let junior loose.

USEFUL CONTACTS

�Dyson, 01-475 7109; www. dyson. com
�Miele Ireland Ltd, Broomhill Road, Dublin 24, 01-461 0710; www. miele. ie
�Siemens Ireland, Leeson Close, Dublin 2, 01-216 2402