Written by
29 October 2024
•
4 min read
Responding to the needs of homeowners and designers, FIT’s new Tanova FLEX kitchen bin system is an exercise in simplicity, functionality and optimising space. When users provided feedback on their kitchen bin systems — highlighting specific concerns about how bin drawers open and close — FIT took to the drawing board.
“There are lots of new slimwall soft closing drawers available in New Zealand and Australia now, but most of these drawers do not have any compatible waste bin integrations. We were being asked by designers and manufacturers if we could create a bin system similar to what we have done with previous styles, but integrate it across almost all the slimwall drawer brands,” FIT director Marty Boakes explains.
“Homeowners often raise concerns when the waste bin system does not open and close with the same motion as the rest of the drawers. Even though the waste bin system might be operating perfectly correctly, this difference has the potential to leave users questioning whether there is a problem with the bin system or the drawers.”
Though a difference in the way a drawer opens or closes may seem like a small issue, it’s understandable that users would want a kitchen system they can use without having to think about the way the doors and drawers work. Plus, as anyone who has encountered a soft close drawer knows, it can take a little time to adjust to the sensitivity and style of a new system. Fussing around with a drawer that won’t close on the first push can be an annoyance you don't need when busy in the kitchen.
Features and benefits of the Tanova FLEX system
One of the main benefits of the Tanova FLEX design is its compatibility with existing drawer and cabinet styles.
“We have designed the range to cover all common cabinet widths, with a good selection of bucket configurations from 2 x 12L through to 2 x 20L,” Marty says. “The FLEX range also offers optimal utilisation of the cabinet space, with options to place a 2 x 18L bin system into a 350mm cabinet, all while integrating with most slimwall soft closing drawers.”
FIT has taken the time to consider how people will integrate the FLEX system into their kitchens, whether existing or built new with other FIT products, to ensure simplicity at every step.
“Ease of installation, simplicity, and ease of cleaning are three main benefits we wanted to offer with this system. There are no complicated adjustments or templates required, and for the manufacturer, they are simply another drawer to fit which is something they are very familiar with.”
If you’re installing at home, or on a job, Marty says installation is extremely easy.
“Simply insert the Tanova FLEX carrier frame into your slimwall drawer of choice and fix it to the rear drawer panel and back of the drawer front. That’s it!”
By designing the FLEX bins to fit into existing slimwall drawer systems, designers and manufacturers can ensure functional consistency across their entire kitchen design.
“The Tanova FLEX program is colour-matched to all other Tanova products, so if you want to use products from the other Tanova solutions due to space or requirement constraints, everything will be cohesive,” Marty says.
Designing to meet consumer needs
One of the best things you can do as a designer and manufacturer is create products that respond to real customer needs. By listening to feedback, FIT has brought a solution to market that will solve ease-of-use and workflow problems, reducing friction in everyday tasks.
Plus, as the system has been designed for easy cleaning, homeowners can dispose of kitchen waste in an efficient and low-maintenance manner — a lifesaver for busy households.
“The Tanova FLEX is seriously easy to keep clean, with no dirt traps, crevasses or joints on the bin seating surface. You can easily wipe it clean in situ, with no need to dismantle it.”
With a collection of surprisingly simple, functional designs that boast valuable benefits for designers, manufacturers, and homeowners, it’s easy to see why FIT holds a reputation for innovative kitchen and laundry storage solutions.
Learn more about FIT and the Tanova FLEX Kitchen Bin System.