7. Invisible Induction Cooktops

SKS — formerly known as Signature Kitchen Suite — made a splash at KBIS with this kitchen island with a hidden induction cooktop and pop-up downdraft ventilation system. When not in use, the vent is flush with the countertop and the cooktop blends in with the counter’s wood grain finish, leaving a nearly seamless expanse of functional prep space.

This island is still in development, but invisible induction technology is already available to consumers. For example, the already-available outdoor Cosmopolitan kitchen from Danver, which was also on display at KBIS, is prepped to fit Invisacook induction burners.

While invisible induction admittedly is more niche and high-tech than some of the simple features mentioned previously, as it becomes more widespread, it could be a game changer — particularly in compact kitchens, since it effectively reclaims a cooktop’s width of countertop.

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