The Kitchen is Getting Smarter

by Lauren Busser Direct from the Designers™’ Editorial Director

With smart phones and tablets becoming ubiquitous it's no wonder that the idea of a 'smart' kitchen is starting to really gain steam. In 2013, it seemed like the smart kitchen was finally a reality and now as we close out 2014 there are a host of new products on the market aimed at making your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and more efficient. From smart ovens that let you preheat on your way home and program special cooking processes with the touch of a button to intelligent dishwashers, smart appliances are now coming into the foreground and they are here to stay.

Having trouble imagining what a smart kitchen would look like? Wolf® and Sub-Zero® have already realized the ideal smart kitchen to help you get a complete picture.

The Marriage of Apps and Technology

Smart appliances can’t exist without the software to run them so it's no secret that home automation technologies are bringing together appliances and the devices we use the most, our cell phones and tablets. And whether you have an iPhone® or iPad® or you prefer an Android® device you can find home automation options that give you options from total home automation to controlling a single appliance. And all you need is your smartphone or tablet and a wireless connection to get started.

Intelligent Ovens

Ovens are a great way to start your foray into the smart kitchen and the Wolf® E-Series Double Oven is the perfect tool to get you there. At home or on the go you can check the oven’s preheat status or the temperature of the food you are cooking. You can also receive alerts when your oven is turned on as an added safety feature and you can connect it to your home’s thermostat so that the heat lowers when the oven is in use.

You don’t ever need to worry about the appliance requiring service because if it does, this clever machine will notify a Wolf® factory service location for you. Plus, the oven forwards all the data to the factory electronically for faster and more efficient service.

Refrigerator

Food preservation is one of the most important features in a kitchen and in the smart kitchen they've made it more efficient with the LG® Smart ThinQ™ Super-Capacity 3-Door French Door Refrigerator with 8” Wi-fi LCD Screen. With 31 cubic feet of storage it gives you plenty of space for food items and also offers advanced energy savings with a top ENERGY STAR® rating, slim insulation technology and interior LED lighting.

What makes this refrigerator smart? The LCD screen lets you see what is inside the fridge, what food is about to expire, and even the ingredients you'll need to create your favorite main course. All this info can be accessed through a smart phone app, letting you create shopping lists on the go. This can save you the hassle of last minute trips to the grocery store.

Ranges

You can’t get more connected than the Dacor® Discovery™ iQ 48” Dual-Fuel Range. Designed for use with your Android® device it's the first range in the industry that featured an integrated, wirelessly connected tablet. The range also incorporates the proprietary Dacor® iQ Controller, a sleek new control panel for the sophisticated chef.

The range also comes equipped with the Dacor® iQ Cooking application that puts all the tools chefs need for precision cooking at your fingertips, including the ability to watch cooking tutorials, download favorite recipes, and access expert cooking advice. The app also eliminates guesswork with a pre-programmed warming guide for a wide range of dishes. Plus, when the meal is complete the range automatically switches to a warming mode and informs the user via text message.

The cooking app was recently supplemented with the Dacor® Remote iQ Cooking application. With it, home chefs can control their range from anywhere they have an internet connection via a smart phone or tablet.

Don’t Forget the Dishes

Not only do you want your kitchen to be connected but you want to make sure your clean up goes smoothly, too. A smart dishwasher will help you tackle this chore in stride. Whirlpool® introduced their 6th Sense Live™ technology earlier this year and part of their line is a Smart Dishwasher that lets you monitor the process of cleaning your dishware even when you are away from home.

Whirlpool’s® 6^th Sense Live™ line features a resource-efficient wash system, auto soil sensor, and the AnyWare™ Plus silverware basket. You can also monitor your energy consumption with Smart Energy and take pleasure in knowing that your dishwasher is running smoothing at home with Smart Nudges and Alerts, and the affresh® Cycle Assistant that lets you know when your dishwashers accessories need to be replaced.

Smart appliances like these are great examples of how the smart kitchen is coming into vogue. Whether you are looking to upgrade one appliance for your favorite chef, or you want the convenience that these appliances offer, their integrated technology will fit seamlessly into your life.