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cooker hoods


smart technology, extractors featuring hob-to- hood technology are becoming more prevalent. This technology enables the hob to control the hood wirelessly, adjusting the extraction rate as required so that consumers can concentrate on cooking. It also delivers financial benefits to consumers - because the hood will never be left to operate at a speed faster than is necessary, they can save on their energy bills.” Sean Liddle, Product Manager, Ventilation, BSH Home Appliances Ltd, picks up on the hob-to-hood theme. “Another innovation is hob-hood control. Where you have a WiFi- enabled hob and a WiFi-enabled hood, they can connect directly to one another. So, when you turn on the hob, the hood also comes on. It’s got an automatic sensor so will work efficiently to free the room of cooking odours, smoke and grease and you don’t have to touch the hood again, taking away all the worry of which power level is needed. When the user has finished, the hood automatically switches off after a brief run-on time to make sure that unpleasant kitchen odours disappear. “If users want to control the hood directly,


they just need to activate manual mode on the hob controls with the touch of a finger. In addition to the extraction rate, they can also control the lights of the hood via the hob. If users prefer to control their WiFi-synced hood and hob at the touch of a button, users can also use their smart device via the Home Connect app.” This technology can be taken even further, as he goes on to explain. “The next is voice control, which is something really exciting for us to be able to talk about. This year, all new ceiling hood launches will feature Home Connect, from mid-level ex-tractors all the way up to premium models. Models will still come with a remote control, but users are not going to need


it because they can simply download the Alexa skill and connect it to their extractor hood via Home Connect. This means that if someone is cooking and their hands are dirty, they can ask Alexa to turn on their hood to a particular ex- traction rate, for example.” So how can retailers cash in on this seemingly growing market, and ensure they are making the best of sales opportunities that come their way? For Geoff Baker, showing the product in action is always good practice.


“Working displays are the key to improving sales because consumers can interact with the product and its features and, in the case of quiet appliances, hear the noise levels across the various speed settings.” Sean Liddle agrees. “Showing different types of hoods that suit different styles of kitchen is crucial. I say this because we know that when buying an extractor, consumers are very much driven by how it looks. Being able to show the various options will help with the all-important decision making process. “It’s also important to show Home Connect


in action. I believe this is the best way for consumers to truly understand how it works and the benefits of having it in their own home. If a retailer already has an Alexa in their kitchen showroom, they should link that up as well. This way they can show the broader range of things Alexa can do with BSH appliances.” Nick Platt, business director, built-in appliances, Hoover Candy UK, argues for a diverse set of hoods to be shown. “Having a range of functionalities and aesthetics on display in a showroom means retailers are more likely to attract customers at different points of the market and with varied tastes. Live models are key for giving demonstrations when it comes to new functionalities and features, such as app-control, as it gives the


customer chance to visualise themselves using it at home.” Sara Bazely agrees that variety is good, and highlights the importance of staff training and persuasive demonstrations. “Retailers should always have a variety of hoods installed and ready to demonstrate, allowing customers to see how the functions differ from model to model. Not only this, this is a great way to demonstrate the noise level of the appliance. Many consumers are under the impression that cooker hoods are too noisy, which, according to research often puts them off using the appliance4. However, technology has moved on in recent years and hoods are now manufactured to operate more quietly than ever before. “Retailers should always be open to explaining the benefits of good extraction to customers. Many consumers are unaware the value of cooker hoods and the affect that they can have if it doesn’t meet the extraction need for the size of the room. Cooker hoods not only remove grease and odours from the air, but also moisture, which in turn helps to keep kitchen furnishings looking their best, and the fabric of the house in good condition. It is imperative that the customer understands the motive for selecting a cooker hood with the right performance and noise level that will fit perfectly with their family and home. “Demonstrations are a must within the


showroom, as they enable customers to fully understand an appliance before making a purchase. Not only this, demonstrations also allow the customer to touch, feel and see the product, giving them the opportunity to make an informed purchase decision. By establishing what the customer likes and dislikes about their current appliance, retailers are able to recommend a replacement or brand new model that is best suited to them.”


May / June 2019


www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk | 23


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