What you’re getting wrong about toasters and kettles
Making the right decision about the small basic electrical appliances in your guest room will prevent a storm from brewing!
Guestroom kettles and toasters – what’s all the fuss, you might ask? After all, they seem like ordinary everyday appliances. But you couldn’t be more wrong!
These seemingly simple appliances are essential components that have the power to significantly elevate the overall in-room experience for every single guest. When you go above and beyond and offer these small appliances with a range of innovative features and functionalities tailored to different accommodation styles, you’ll not only impress your guests but also exceed their expectations.
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To help you get ready to transform your guest’s stay, AccomNews took an opportunity to speak with Alex Watt, Head of Projects at Swisstrade. He shared some valuable insights on the latest trends and considerations for purchasing Kettles and toasters.
When it comes to aesthetics, Mr Watt highlighted the importance of choosing visually appealing designs that complement your interior themes.
He said: “The industry is witnessing trends such as more colour options, double-walled constructions, and compact sizes. Additionally, the rise of collection combinations, where the toaster and kettle are part of a set, offers a cohesive and stylish look. An upcoming trend to watch out for is the introduction of free-standing instant hot water dispensers, which provide a faster and more convenient experience for guests while reducing the use of disposable bottles.”
In terms of features, he suggested instant hot water dispensers and integrated water filtration as innovative functionalities that are gaining popularity.
He said: “These features offer guests a new level of convenience while also promoting sustainability by reducing the consumption of plastic or glass bottles typically provided in guestrooms.”
Different accommodation styles have varying preferences, but some common features appeal to most establishments. Safety features such as double-walled construction and boil-dry cut-off functionality are sought after across different types of accommodations. Compactness is also crucial for storing kettles and toasters in confined spaces or drawers. Additionally, environmentally conscious operators opt for lower-wattage kettles to reduce energy usage and costs. Aesthetically, choosing kettles and toasters that deviate from the traditional stainless steel or black options can provide a point of difference and interest for guests.
Regarding the replacement of kettles and toasters in guestrooms, the frequency depends on the product quality and the occurrence of misuse.
Mr Watt explained: “It is not uncommon for guests to use these appliances for purposes other than their intended use, such as boiling soup or reheating milk.”
To ensure safety and proper functionality, housekeepers should inspect these items during the check-out cleaning process, while engineering teams should test and tag them according to operational policies.
Safety issues should always be carefully considered when purchasing guestroom kettles and toasters.
He said: “It’s crucial to select appliances that are certified to Australian Standards and comply with industry safety markings. Must-have safety features include boil-dry cut-off, double-walled construction, concealed heating elements, and exterior water level indicators. While issues may arise due to misuse or general wear and tear, focusing on safety features minimises potential risks.”
Eco-friendly options and features are available in the market for guestroom kettles and toasters.
He suggested: “Opting for lower capacity kettles and appliances with optimised wattage as a cost-effective way to achieve an eco-friendly setup and using less water when boiling to promote sustainability. Additionally, instant hot water dispensers, take sustainability to a new level by providing only the necessary amount of hot water while eliminating the need for in-room plastic and glass bottles.”
Addressing individual accessibility needs for guests with disabilities is an important aspect of providing inclusive accommodations. In the case of ‘easy access rooms’, careful consideration should be given to space, design, and staff education to ensure that appliances are made more accessible and tailored to meet each guest’s unique requirements. While the appliances used in these rooms are typically the same as those in standard rooms, the emphasis should be placed on creating an environment that is conducive to accessibility and comfort.
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, depending on the desired features and quality, Mr Watt suggested partnering with an experienced category specialist and consolidating other guestroom needs or buying in volume.
He said: “Consolidating the guestroom appliance and equipment category or contracting with a supply partner can lead to mutual benefits,” and warned, “opting for a retail brand can cause future resupply challenges, as these brands tend to launch new models each year.
“On the other hand, choosing a hotel-specific brand provides reassurance of extended model lifespans and resupply confidence.”
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Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
