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Takeaways from the 2020 Smart Kitchen Summit


© By AndSus - stock.adobe.com

October 19, 2020

In a completely digital format, the 2020 Smart Kitchen Summit (SKS) took place over three days and featured continuous talks, panels, product showcases and even networking opportunities. KBB listened to discussions on generational differences in the kitchen, changes after 2020 and what’s coming next for the smart kitchen:

Optimal Functionality Is Key. According to the SKS speakers, consumers are less likely to try out a new, technology-driven kitchen product than they are to stand in line for the next iPhone. Because cooking is so personal and tactile, consumers are hard-pressed to buy a connected appliance until they see that it is easier to use, more efficient and more fun than a traditional appliance. The smart appliance therefore should produce tastier, better-looking and faster results than its predecessor.

GEThe GE Kitchen Hub functions as a hood vent, microwave and smart display, including cameras to view, record and share the cooktop, recipe apps and all the functionality of an Android tablet.

Smart Should Also Be Easy. If a smart kitchen product is meant to make the user’s life simpler and help them spend less time in the kitchen, the last thing they want to do is figure out how to use it. Consumers are not likely to read through the manual even once. Instead, making a smart product that is as intuitive as the smart devices they already use – like smartphones and iPads – will make consumers more likely to use it on a regular basis.

The HobGoblin cooktop utilizes machine vision to gather information about where a person is looking when issuing a voice command and applies that information to the cooking experience.

Every Part Should Be Easy to Clean. Along the same lines as intuitive use, the smart kitchen product needs help the user save time by being easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe parts are essential – and the parts should not be so small or numerous that putting the product back together is a challenge.

Millo is a cordless, portable, smart blender. Millo’s intuitive 360-degree touch control means the user can start and control the blending by touching anywhere on the base or by  using the app. Simply detach the blades from the cup and rinse them through to clean.

Plant-Based Meat Products Are Coming. It’s on shelves already, but manufacturers and start-ups are working on ways to use 3D printing to create meat from sources like algae. The end product will cook like a steak, but the source is easier on the environment and healthier for the end user. Look out for cooking devices to cater to this growing trend.

Fermentation Trends Are Continuing. Those consumers who learned to bake sourdough bread this year are going to want more of these slow-cook hobbies. Coming soon, there may be more products catering to the foodie who wants to learn how to can, brew their own beer or make their own kimchi.

The Anova Precision Oven is a countertop combi-oven for the home, with all the features of a pro-level combi-oven at an affordable price. Along with features like steam, sous vide and convection, the Anova Precision Oven stays steady and precise throughout the cooking experience.

The 2021 Consumer Wants Meaningful Experiences. After a year like 2020, the future kitchen user will want a seamless cooking experience that allows them to get food on the table quickly when they need to or have an enjoyable cooking project if they so desire. They will want more choices and the ability to add more variety to their meals. When they are able to entertain again, they do not want to be bothered by notifications or prompts to buy something; instead they want their appliances to do their job and leave them to their conversation.

Upcoming Generations of Foodies. The GenZ generation – most of which are in their teens and early 20s now – is being called the most food-exposed (and technology-exposed) generation than ever before. Unlike their more practical Gen X parents, GenZ is learning through social media that food can express value systems and identities and give them a sense of meaning. Both millennials and GenZ-ers are looking for easy ways to cook foods from around the world, with less impact on the environment. They will also be the ones to adapt quickly to the smart kitchen, especially if it helps them stick to their values – like eco-conscious cooking – or helps them entertain their friends.

Figo is a sous vide appliance that also vacuum seals and cold stores automatically. Controlled via app, Figo can also cool cooked food for storage if it is not consumed that day.