What’s cooking in the kitchen? Turns out the hottest items of 2013 aren’t edible. Say hello to three new appliance developments that have caught our attention due to their innovation and style. One sign of great design: a product that gives customers what they didn’t realize they truly wanted. From a refrigerator that dispenses sparkling water to a sleek line of appliances that resist fingerprints, here’s a sampling of the latest in kitchen innovation…

Samsung Four-Door Refrigerator with Sparkling Water Dispenser

We begin with an appliance that’s making headlines–the new Samsung Four-Door Refrigerator with Automatic Sparkling Water Dispenser. Key features include a 31 cu. ft. capacity, a Twin Cooling Plus® cooling system that keeps products fresher longer, an Ice Master ice maker that produces up to 10 lbs. of ice daily, and high-efficiency LED lighting for optimal illumination. But the feature everyone is talking about is the fridge’s ability to dispense sparkling water with the push of a button!

Yes, this is the industry’s first-ever sparkling water dispenser, powered by SodaStream. And for those of us who go through several large bottles of sparkling water each week, this is an alluring option, to say the least!

Select Still or Sparkling water… Should you go with sparkling, you can choose up to three levels of carbonation. Yes, it’s as easy as pushing a button, and you get cold, filtered sparkling water. How is this possible? A standard SodaStream 60L CO2 cylinder is located in a small hidden area inside the left refrigerator door. And it’s easily accessible for changing purposes when empty!

Another perk of this state-of-the-art refrigerator: maximum storage capabilities, thanks to features like a FlexZone drawer with four temperature settings and a slide-in flip-up shelf:

The fridge can be yours for $3899.00. Does the thought of sparkling water at a moment’s notice appeal to you? It’s hard not to be intrigued…

Dacor Discovery WineStation

Did you ever wish that opening multiple bottles of wine and keeping them fresh for more than a few days was feasible? Introducing the Dacor Discovery WineStation®, the first automated, temperature controlled, four-bottle wine dispensing and preservation system for the home. Choose your wine and the amount that’s poured–a taste, a half glass or a full glass. It’s as simple as the touch of a finger!

Another amazing feature: The Dacor Discovery WineStation keeps wine fresh for up to 60 days! Yes, freshness stays intact, as well as the aroma. Not to mention, the CleanPour Heads and Pick Up Tubes are easy to rinse or place in the dishwasher when it’s time for cleaning.  [image from Luxury Topics]

What’s the secret to keeping things fresh and tasty? An argon gas preservation system! Not to mention, easy-to-use LCD controls allow you to customize your serving size. And of course, easily access wine on command. [image from Luxury Topics]

Did we mention that this system is the first restaurant-quality wine preservation and dispensing system for residential use? And it looks great on the counter or can be built into surrounding cabinetry. Either way, you’ll probably want to display this well-designed piece of machinery…

GE’s Newest Premium Appliance Finish – Slate

We end with the latest appliance offerings from GE. They’re certainly built to get the job done, but today we focus on the finish–Slate! Described by GE as “a color that is just as stylish and sophisticated as stainless steel but with a strong, earthy feel,” this premium finish is fingerprint-resistant. Now that we think about it, fingerprint residue is a common complaint of those with stainless steel appliances. It’s definitely time for a sleek alternative…

A few benefits of Slate: It blends well with other stainless steel, black or white appliances. Not to mention, it can be paired with a variety of materials, from the granite of countertops to the wood of cabinetry:

In addition, the contrast between the slate finish and the shinier metal of the handles is quite striking, as we can see in the images of the GE refrigerators below:

And it doesn’t stop with the fridges! Other GE appliances available in Slate include ranges, microwave ovens and dishwashers. Easy to clean, compatible with other appliance finishes and quite striking in its own right, Slate just might be the new stainless steel…

Now we want to hear from you! Did any of today’s featured new appliances catch your eye? Would you purchase a refrigerator that saved you space and money by eliminating your need to buy bottles of sparkling water? Would you invest in a wine station that lengthened the shelf life of your favorite Cabernet? Would you consider a slate finish for your new dishwasher? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…