Kettles and toasters for guest convenience and comfort

Toasters and kettles can significantly contribute to your visitors’ stay, providing convenience, comfort, and a touch of familiarity.

However, it’s been hard to look at hotel room appliances the same way since it was revealed that some guests use the guest room kettle to boil their underwear in.

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Weatherdon Category and Procurement Manager Mark Aldrich said he had heard horror stories of guests boiling noodles or heating milk for their coffee with the guest room kettle, but said hoteliers also need to be aware of the need for intuitive and easy-to-use appliances.

“Designers and manufacturers often forget that guests are not about to read instructions on toasters, kettles or other electrical appliances,” he said. “These need to be simple, intuitive and suitable for international guests too. Don’t let form overtake function.”

While guest misuse is inevitable, Peter Weingartner, Principal of Swisstrade believes that selecting the right appliance can avoid unintended misuse and ensure appliances can be maintained between guests.

“Choosing appliances that are intuitive and easy to operate is hugely important,” he said. “Guests should be able to use these appliances without the need for extensive instructions. We also recommend appliances that are durable and have surface material that can withstand regular wear and tear.”

As an alternative to traditional kettles, an in-room hot water dispenser allows guests to pour the perfect volume of boiling water whilst limiting the potential for misuse.

Value-adding through toasters and kettles

Toasters and kettles are valued for their ability to offer guests easy access to hot beverages or a quick breakfast, giving a sense of home-like comfort and convenience.

To ensure your in-room appliances are meeting the diverse needs of guests, Mr Weingartner suggests that operators consider the average number of guests typically staying in a room.

“This will guide the selection of a kettle with appropriate capacity or a toaster with the right number of slots,” he said.

Operators can also think outside the box and provide appliances that spark conversation and indulgent experiences. “With the rise in popularity in speciality tea offerings, tea kettles with variable temperature control are becoming a popular amenity, allowing for the ultimate enjoyment of an in-room tea ceremony,” Mr Weingartner said.

Size, style, safety, maintenance

Size and style are key factors in selecting the perfect appliance for every type of guest and all room layouts. Mr Aldrich said selecting appliances that speak to the room’s interior design is important.

“A consistent design ecosystem is paramount to a guest room environment,” he said “While shapes and colours are very specific to each hotels’ personality, I would recommend operators prioritise similar lines, colours and a consistent brand look-and-feel across appliances.

“Safety and reliability will also always prevail both in terms of guest experience but also hotel management. Guests will sooner enjoy a functional item that delivers over a fancy European brand that burns their fingers or sets off the fire alarm!

“However, saying that, a touch of opulence never hurt anyone.”

And while traditionally, the trusty kettle and toaster were often banished into a drawer or cupboard and out of sight, Mr Weingartner has seen operators rediscover these kitchenette essentials as accent pieces.

“Appliances in eye-catching colours can make a real countertop statement,” he said. “Aside from the ever-so-popular matt-black, metallic finishes are increasing in popularity, especially bronze, nickel and dark blue. In terms of design, simplicity rules the trend, with ergonomic gooseneck handles on kettles taking the charge.”

Sustainability continues to be a key focus for the accommodation sector and Mr Aldrich says operators should consider the environmental footprint of appliances.

“Being eco-conscious is no longer a nice-to-have or a marketing coup, providing sustainable options for guests is imperative and this can be achieved by selecting appliances created from recycled materials or by working with brands with a commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices,” he explained.

“Features that offer power savings with safety in mind, such as appliances with an auto-off functionality are also great solutions as are kettles with temperature control.”

Mr Weingartner added that ensuring your appliances have adequate safety features is essential. “Look for features such as automatic shut-off and cool-touch exteriors to prevent burns. Double-wall kettles are always popular and are available in many sizes to meet the hotel’s requirements, as are toasters with variable browning settings to meet guest’s preferences.”

Regular cleaning, maintenance checks, and prompt replacement of worn-out appliances are essential in upholding safety standards and guest satisfaction. Accommodation operators should choose appliances that are easy for housekeeping staff to clean.

“If selecting a traditional kettle, operators should ensure that the model is easy to clean and maintain,” Mr Weingartner said.

“This requires the kettle to have a wide opening for easy access to the inside, as well as anti-fingerprint coating on the surface.

“For toasters, it is important that the crumb tray is easily removable.”

Mr Aldrich said that reliability should be top of mind in creating memories for guests and building a hotel’s reputation.

“The amenities and appliances you offer are central to the guest experience. Be sure to surround yourself with established industry brands you can rely on to consistently deliver for your guests,” he said. “Trust is about consistency over time and there are no shortcuts in this game.”