Intelligent cooking appliances
“Flexibility, versatility and multiplicity of use are central to the way consumers use the modern kitchen”
One of best in the category, on account of both its design and features, is the Elica Eagle downdraft extractor (see the image on page 36). When in standby, the Eagle only displays the light compartment and the controls. The high-tech rising motion reveals its aerodynamic shape and shows the supporting arm, which enhances suction directly from the hob thanks to its curved position. It features perimeter aspiration, touch control operation and LED lighting, and achieves up to 550 cubic meters per hour airflow.
Whirlpool 77cm induction hob
in half to accommodate two dishes at two separate temperatures, without mixing of odours. New in Samsung’s Dual Cook oven range is steam function. The oven cavity can now be used either in full or partially for steam cooking. The divider seals both cavities of the oven so that independent cooking programmes can be run without any transfer of odours or flavours between the two. With interest in healthy lifestyle growing, steam ovens are becoming increasingly popular options. Steam ovens, such as V- ZUG’s Combi-Steam XSL, help consumers to cook food which retains all the vitamins and minerals. One of its programmes is Regeneration, which uses a combination of steam and hot air to warm up pre-prepared meals without losing quality or moisture. Another function is GourmetSteam – into which professional chefs have programmed numerous recipes.
Clever hobs Many people are now aware that induction is the cooking technology of the future. “Consumers are realising the significant energy efficiency, speed and safety induction delivers. With an efficiency performance rate of 90%, induction is the most efficient cooking technology available today,” says Whirlpool’s Julian Sado. Induction hobs offer increasing flexibility.
Traditional zones are extended to accommodate different sizes and shapes of pans by incorporating modular induction surfaces. For example on Amica’s induction hobs a Bridge function allows two heating zones to be controlled as one.
Similar technology can be found on Bosch FlexInduction hobs and Whirlpool’s hobs equipped with a Flexible Zone. Induction hobs are also more powerful than before, offering nine cooking levels per zone, such as the Beko HII64400AT hob. Whirlpool’s latest induction hob has a unique booster function of up to 5,000 Watts, which can be used on two zones simultaneously. This is a new benchmark with super-quick boiling times of 4- minutes to bring 2.5-litres to the boil. For consumers who demand complete
and precise control over the cooking process, AEG perfected its Maxisense hob to include MaxiSight and DirekTouch controls to allow for precise fine-tuning, important while cooking delicate dishes. An innovative product development is the Hoover Ghisa gas hob that has cast iron integrated pan supports and a unique burner technology. “ It mixes forced air and natural gas just prior to ignition and a small fan then forces the air into the burner to guarantee maximum efficiency and power. This has been achieved by combining a vertical rather than circular flame with a reduction in the distance between the bottom of the saucepan and the burner - down from 45mm to only 28mm,” explains Hoover’s Steve Macdonald.
Best of hoods
Although hoods incorporate increasingly sophisticated technologies and some feature sensors which automatically turn the appliance on when extraction is required, they are often bought on their ‘looks’ alone.
40 The Independent Electrical Retailer January 2012
The aesthetics In an increasingly open-plan kitchen-living room, where the family gathers, socializes and entertains, the aesthetic of cooking appliances are of prime importance. The most technologically advanced cooking products usually sport very modern designs. Their looks are part of their appeal to potential buyers therefore retailers should display built-in appliances in an aspirational way, in a kitchen setting, with matching oven, hob and hood. “This commitment will repay the investment,” argues Whirlpool’s Juliana Sado.
Smart thinking
Every year GfK surveys show that Brits are early adopters of CE innovations. Now that CE technology makes inroads into the kitchen, this interest should be capitalized upon by retailers selling domestic appliances. Accustomed to iPhones and iPads, younger consumers will enjoy using touch-screen cooking programmes and setting their own preferences. Meanwhile the older generation, when shown how intuitive the latest products are, may discover their unexpected advantages. Moreover the improved energy efficiency delivered by the intelligent appliances is likely to enhance their desirability to all consumers.
“A top tip for next year is to look for technology which offers programmes and functions that can be personalised by the consumer to their individual needs – this could be cooking programmes for specific types of food, or sensor technology in induction hobs to minimise energy use and eliminate the need for continuous manual control. This technology provides an excellent selling point for the retailer, and is a key aspect to look out for,” advises Bill Miller, Gorenje sales and marketing director. ■
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