We get it – you want your kitchen to be environmentally-friendly and beautiful. Today’s technology and focus on sustainability has given way to a broad range of choices for people looking to outfit their homes with the planet in mind, making it sometimes difficult to assess which is the best choice. Natural Resources Canada has online guides and a searchable product database you can consult – they also encourage always reviewing a large appliance’s EnerGuide labelling to see how it stacks up against the competition.
We’ve highlighted some of our favourite kitchen fixtures from environmentally-conscious brands. If you’re looking to reduce your kitchen’s carbon footprint, consider one of these the next time you’re replacing a large or small appliance.
Built-ins
Energy Star Smart 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator,
Café
Natural Resources Canada strongly encourages shopping for an Energy Star certified fridge in order to save money while reducing your carbon footprint. This model by Café has customizable hardware, a hot water dispenser and smartphone integration.
Weymouth Motion Control Smart Kitchen Faucet,
Moen
Kitchen faucets with a maximum water flow rate of 6.8 L/minute are widely considered to be energy-efficient. This Moen model clocks in at 5.7 L/minute, exceeding that requirement – and it also has a touchless feature, which reduces water waste even more.
Stainless Steel Induction Range,
Smeg
Per Natural Resources Canada, induction cooktops (which generate heat with electromagnets) are one of the most efficient cooking technologies available today. Smeg’s model is made with recyclable stainless steel and has a combination electric oven.
The EVE Indoor Hydroponic Garden,
Just Vertical
This high-tech vertical garden takes up less than a couple of square feet in your kitchen and can grow twelve plants at once, from strawberries to cucumbers to herbs. It uses 95% less water than conventional gardening does, and there’s no industrial waste required to transport the product to your fridge.
Bespoke Smart Stormwash+ Dishwasher with Smart Dry,
Samsung
An Energy Star certified dishwasher uses around 12% less energy and 30% less water than a standard one. This model also boasts Samsung’s Smart Dry with AutoRelease feature – it automatically adjusts the temperature and opens the door when time runs out, to maximize efficiency in the drying cycle.
Cylindrical Wall-Mounted or Island Range Hood,
Aroua
Aroua’s range hoods are made with 95% local Quebec-sourced materials, to eliminate supply chain and transport waste for locals. This sleek cylindrical model has a powerful ventilation system and automatic timed shutoff (because even the most eco-minded people can be forgetful).
Small Appliances
X1 Anniversary E.S.E. Pod & Ground Coffee Machine,
Illy
The new anniversary edition of Illy’s X1 machine was engineered with the environment top-of-mind. In addition to its energy-conserving features, this model is made to use Illy’s innovative new compostable coffee pods (or loose grounds) to reduce waste. It comes in silver, black and signature Illy red.
Fresh & Save Vacuum Pump,
Zwilling
The Fresh & Save is a compact pump used to seal food in microwave-safe, temperature-resistant containers (from plastic bags to the new Cube container set). It preserves the flavour and nutrients, prevents freezer burn and extends the food’s shelf life drastically. Goodbye, needless food waste.
Wonder Oven,
Our Place
Natural Resources Canada encourages cooking with small appliances when possible, to save on energy and emissions. Our Place’s new Wonder Oven is a 6-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven with steam infusion technology, so it covers all your bases (and also comes in waste-free packaging).
Plissé Kettle,
Alessi
In case you didn’t know, the iconic Italian design brand Alessi is a certified B Corporation, meaning they’ve been recognized for their rigorous social and environmental standards. The Plissé kettle, designed by architect Michele De Lucchi, is stylish, modern and meant to be displayed.
Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter,
Pela
A home composting plan is key to reducing food waste, particularly for those who don’t live in municipalities with their own composting systems. The sleek Lomi is a carbon-neutral countertop appliance that turns food waste into plant food in under four hours.
Kitchen Master III,
JTC OmniBlend
The motors in JTC’s OmniBlenders are designed to be as energy efficient as possible, drawing minimal wattage from their power source. You’d never know it – the powerful 3-horsepower motor in this model can crush ice and blend the toughest ingredients with ease. The advanced cooling system is a bonus.
