Start shopping for cookware for your new kitchen and you’ll quickly realise that cooking technology has come a long way in recent years.

Sure, there are the usual choices to make: Gas or electric stoves? Freestanding or under-bench? Stainless steel or white? But probably the biggest decision is whether to go smart or not.

Yep, call it clever cooking, but microwaves, ovens and even cooktops have had the benefit of some serious innovation recently. Here are a few things to look out for.

Relatively new to the market, several brands now sport ‘smart’ ovens. While the features vary from brand to brand, some of the most exciting innovations include speedy cooking times and functions that can be remotely controlled.

The basic premise is that you can put something in the oven before you leave for work, where it’ll stay refrigerated until the oven is switched on later in the day – and because the oven is equipped with internet connectivity, that occurs with a simple phone call from your mobile phone.

Some also cook using halogen light rather than more traditional mechanisms like gas. Not only does this often equate to a smaller, more economical oven, it also dramatically speeds up cooking times.

Your cooktop and your benchtop can now act as one. New technology means that induction units – elements, in other words – that you can cook on are integrated straight into the benchtop, which is useful for a couple of reasons. Not only is it more hygienic because it’s free of any grooves or fittings, which makes cleaning as easy as possible, it also means that when you’re not cooking, the area can be used as extra benchspace – perfect for kitchens that are space challenged.

If you thought your microwave was only good for reheating left-overs, defrosting things in double-quick time and making light work of steamed vegetables, guess again. A new breed of brainy microwaves can actually store recipes downloaded from compatible websites, so that you can put your food in, push a button and the microwave will know exactly which setting and time frame is required.

Also look out for models that come complete with moisture sensors. Overcooked food is a potential hazard when you’re cooking with microwaves, but a moisture sensor makes that a thing of the past.

Contact a stove expert in your area to find out how you can get the right kitchen stove top for your home: