Over the past few years, the pandemic has not only changed our habits for going out and socializing but has also profoundly impacted our daily food choices and kitchen usage. Even though takeaway and dining out have recovered from their peak, many Hong Kong families still maintain or have increased their habit of cooking at home. At the same time, the demands for health, hygiene, and efficiency have driven new preferences in kitchen layout and appliance selection. This article outlines five major changes in home cooking and takeaway culture post-pandemic and provides practical FOTILE product recommendations to help you upgrade your kitchen into a central hub that better suits modern family life.
Trend 1 – Increased frequency of home cooking, but with a greater emphasis on "quick, simple, and healthy."
During the pandemic, many people learned to cook at home, and this habit has continued, generally leading to an increase in home cooking frequency. However, modern families are often pressed for time, so their cooking methods lean towards "quick, simple, and nutritious." Easy recipes and steaming replace complex deep-frying and slow-stewing, and many choose kitchen appliances with pre-set menus and timer functions to ensure consistent results and save time. For office workers or dual-income families, steam ovens with rapid heating and precise temperature control, or cooking options that can bake or utilize steam assistance, can also aid in defrosting. These features help you prepare high-quality meals in a short time, making them very practical products. It is recommended to configure a multi-functional steam oven in the kitchen, capable of steaming, roasting, baking, and even fresh-keeping and defrosting, balancing both efficiency and taste. The FOTILE HZK72-H1 72L built-in steam oven is suitable for families looking for a versatile appliance, as it can be used for various cooking methods such as steaming, baking, and roasting, especially catering to the daily fast cooking needs of Hong Kong families.
Trend 2 – Rising hygiene awareness: Dishwashers and high-temperature sterilization become key considerations
The pandemic has heightened sensitivity to the hygiene of utensils and kitchen surfaces. Many families now prioritize "reducing direct contact" and "high-temperature sterilization" as important criteria when selecting kitchen appliances. Dishwashers can reduce the frequency of handwashing and minimize grease and bacterial residue, especially models with high-temperature or steam sterilization functions, which further enhance cleaning effectiveness. If there are young children or elderly individuals in the family, investing in a dishwasher with a high-temperature sterilization program and good drainage design can provide a noticeable sense of security in daily life. Additionally, the easy-to-clean design of range hoods, removable oil cups, and easily cleanable filters have also become more valued, as grease accumulation is a breeding ground for bacteria and odors.
Trend 2 – Rising hygiene awareness: Dishwashers and high-temperature sterilization become key considerations
The pandemic has heightened sensitivity to the hygiene of utensils and kitchen surfaces. Many families now prioritize "reducing direct contact" and "high-temperature sterilization" as important criteria when selecting kitchen appliances. Dishwashers can reduce the frequency of handwashing and minimize grease and bacterial residue, especially models with high-temperature or steam sterilization functions, which further enhance cleaning effectiveness. If there are young children or elderly individuals in the family, investing in a dishwasher with a high-temperature sterilization program and good drainage design can provide a noticeable sense of security in daily life. Additionally, the easy-to-clean design of range hoods, removable oil cups, and easily cleanable filters have also become more valued, as grease accumulation is a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. FOTILE ZMG9057-Y 90cm chimney-style range hood is equipped with a BLDC motor, offering suction and static pressure performance suitable for daily cooking in Hong Kong households, especially for those who frequently stir-fry or engage in cooking methods that produce a lot of smoke.
Trend 3 – Kitchens become multi-functional social and work spaces; sound and aesthetics are equally important
The widespread adoption of working from home means the kitchen is no longer just a cooking space; it might be the background for an online meeting, a place for children to do homework, or the core of a small gathering with friends. This cross-functional use makes the "quiet operation" and "overall aesthetic" of kitchen appliances as important as their performance. Open-plan kitchens, in particular, require low-noise range hoods and appliances with a clean, sleek appearance that are easy to integrate into cabinets, to maintain the comfort and tidiness of the social space during cooking. Choosing built-in kitchen appliances and high-performance, quiet range hoods can effectively reduce interference with other activities during cooking, while also enhancing the overall design of the kitchen. The FOTILE ZMG9057-Y 90cm chimney-style range hood is suitable for open or semi-open kitchens, with a sleek design that appeals to families seeking a balance of aesthetics and functionality.
Trend 4 – Focus on energy efficiency and long-term ownership costs
Increased time spent at home and fluctuating energy prices have led consumers to place greater emphasis on energy efficiency and long-term operating costs when purchasing kitchen appliances. High-efficiency motors, intelligent temperature control, energy-saving standby modes, and lower-power heating elements can save electricity bills and reduce carbon footprint in daily use. Additionally, ease of maintenance and the cost of replaceable consumables also affect the total cost of ownership. When selecting, it is advisable to refer to the product's energy efficiency label and actual usage scenarios (e.g., household size, cooking habits) to assess the payback period. If you frequently use cooking equipment for extended periods, choosing highly efficient and durable products will be a more cost-effective long-term investment. FOTILE ZMG9057-Y range hood and HZK72-H1 steam oven can serve as product examples for "high-usage households," as one is responsible for efficient smoke extraction and the other for multi-functional quick cooking, making them suitable for frequent daily use.
Trend 5 – Increasing professionalization and packaged solutions: One-stop kitchen solutions gain popularity
As kitchens take on more functions, consumers tend to opt for comprehensive solutions for an all-at-once upgrade: the coordinated design of range hoods, cooktops, steam ovens, dishwashers, and cabinets not only ensures a consistent aesthetic but also avoids issues of incompatible sizes or ventilation. Purchasing packaged solutions often comes with integrated installation and after-sales services, greatly reducing homeowners' worries during selection, communication, and installation. If you are considering a complete renovation, choosing a brand that offers one-stop planning and installation services can make the entire process smoother and more easily achieve the ideal balance of efficiency and aesthetics.
FOTILE Practical Applications in Different Family Scenarios
- Busy professionals: Pre-set menus and rapid steam-baking functions ensure dinner is ready and consistently delicious within 30–45 minutes.
- Hygiene-conscious families: Utilize dishwashers with high-temperature sterilization programs and range hoods with removable oil cups to reduce grease and bacterial residue.
- Small/open kitchens: Choose built-in and multi-functional integrated kitchen appliances to maximize storage and operating space while maintaining a visually clean aesthetic.
Practical Buying Guide
- Range Hood: Prioritize extraction rate (m³/h), noise (dB), easy-to-clean filters, and installation compatibility.
- Steam Oven: Choose models with precise temperature control and multi-stage pre-set menus.
- Dishwasher: Sterilization temperature, number of wash cycles, basket flexibility, and water efficiency.
- One-stop solution: For a complete upgrade, prioritize same-brand packages to ensure installation and after-sales consistency.
Want to upgrade your kitchen to a space that better suits your post-pandemic lifestyle? Check out FOTILE's kitchen appliance packages and one-stop kitchen solutions, or book a showroom experience and design consultation to have our professional team help you create the most suitable configuration and installation plan.
FOTILE Range Hood Series: https://fotile.com.hk/collections/range-hoods
FOTILE Steam Oven Series: https://fotile.com.hk/collections/steam-ovens
FOTILE Dishwasher Series: https://fotile.com.hk/collections/dishwashers
Kitchen Upgrade / One-stop Solution: https://fotile.com.hk/pages/borcci
Will home cooking continue after the pandemic?
Many families have retained some cooking habits after the pandemic, especially those who prioritize health and cost control. The proportion of home cooking remains higher than before the pandemic in the short term.
Is a dishwasher worth the investment?
If a family values time management and hygiene, a dishwasher with high-temperature sterilization and water-saving functions can significantly improve quality of life.
How should I choose a range hood?
Primarily consider extraction power, noise level, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with your hob/ductwork.
