We live in a world where technology is constantly being updated and infiltrating (and improving?) a new aspect of our everyday lives. So it should come as no surprise that many technology companies have turned their attention to our kitchens. You can probably thank the rise of the celebrity TV chefs and their millions of loyal fans for proving that there is a need, and market, for better technology in our kitchens. Here is our rundown of ten of the latest technology-driven appliances and gadgets to improve your cooking abilities at home. This is not your grandmother kitchen anymore.
1. Belkin Crock-Pot WeMo Slow Cooker: This just might be a throwback to your grandmother’s kitchen, when crock-pots were the latest new technology and made slow cooking dead easy. But this nostalgic appliance gets an update. You can connect it with your smartphone and turn it on, adjust the temperature, alter cooking time and turn it off from anywhere. $129.99
2. GE Brillion App: The GE Brillion mobile app (for both iOS and Android) syncs with your GE oven and pushes updates to keep you on top of what’s going on inside. This app is basically a remote control that can be used from anywhere; users can pre-heat the oven, adjust the settings or even turn it off. The app is free but remember you need a GE’s remote-enabled wall oven to sync with, which will set you back between $2299 and $3799.
3. Nespresso Lattissima Pro: For some of us there is nothing better than a perfectly brewed cup of espresso but in our hectic lives most of us don’t have time to do this at home and have to settle for one of the run to the office. Enter Nespresso and their Lattissima Pro. Simply fill the water and milk tanks, and drop one of Nespresso’s premeasured coffee capsules into the slot; a perfect cup each time. What we love about this system is that it perfectly froths fresh milk automatically. $599
4. Mix by SodaStream SodaStream has been around for a while but they have finally upped the ante with Mix by SodaStream, a system that promises to carbonate everything from juices to hard alcohol. That’s right, you can finally carbonate your own wine or vodka at home properly (we know you have tried it unsuccessfully with your current SodaStream). The new system has been designed to accommodate the different densities of alcohol and adjust the carbonation power accordingly. Available soon.
5. Simple Human Sensor Can: Even your kitchen trash cans get an update with technology. Forget about your current can that is equipped with a foot-pedal – that’s out-dated technology. The Simple Human Sensor Cans takes things one step further by using motion-sensing technology to tell the can when it’s time to open. With a simple wave of your hand, the can automatically opens to allow you to discard your trash. And it runs on batteries, you don’t even need to plug it in. From $230
6. Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Kitchen Edition: Tablets have become mainstays in the kitchen over the past several years but few haven taken into account the working conditions of a kitchen. The tablet comes with a stand and is designed to rest on your kitchen counter for ease of use. But here is the upgrade from your other tablet – it’s water-resistant. The Kitchen Edition comes preloaded with 260 recipes from Saveur magazine, a variety of different food and shopping apps, and several cooking videos. The tablet comes with iGrill- a wireless meat thermometer can alert you on your tablet when your food is fully cooked. $449.97
7. Sous Vide Professional Creative Series Anyone who watches any of the competitive cooking shows on television know that one of the secret weapons in the kitchen is the Sous Vide (and the ice cream maker). But what exactly is a Sous Vide? Crudely, it’s cooking inside a plastic bag in a temperature controlled water bath. By cooking in a precise, controlled circulating bath, you receive consistent, enhanced flavour and perfect texture. $399.95
8. The Smoking Gun Food Smoker: Is literally a gun that smokes your food. This is a high-tech and compact alternative to traditional smoking techniques. This little gun can smoke just about anything but shines with meat. The gun works by using a precise amount of natural smoke; simply add whatever combustibles you’d like to use as flavour (wood chips, herbs, teas, or spices) into a special chamber, fire up the gun and smoke away. $99.95
9. Samsung Four-Door Refrigerator With WiFi Enabled LCD: Your constant trips to the fridge to figure out what to eat just got better. Samsung’s smart fridge features built-in WiFi and an integrated LCD touchscreen. No more need to keep opening the doors over and over again hoping that something new will magically appear. If you can’t find anything to munch on, you can use your phone to connect to the fridge’s LCD screen and order Chinese, or sushi, or even pizza. This fridge answers all your cravings. $3599
10. Polyscience Anti-Griddle: Another trick appliance that shows up TV shows like Chopped and Iron Chef. Why? Simply because it is the most efficient, effective flash-freezing device ever made. If you have ever wanted to create frozen garnishes or a frozen salad dressing that melts on the plate when served, then the Anti-Griddle is the perfect investment for you. $1299.95
