Not to long ago, the kitchen was just a place for cooking and meal preparation. Today, however, kitchens have evolved into something much more. Kitchens have transformed into smart, connected spaces that offer unprecedented convenience and efficiency. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), appliances are no longer just tools; they are intelligent companions in our culinary journeys.
Welcome to the era of smart kitchens, where tech enhances every aspect of your cooking experience.
IoT – Connecting the Culinary Dots
At the heart of every smart kitchen lies IoT, a network of interconnected devices that communicate with each other and with you through the internet. Let’s take a look at how it’s been transforming kitchens.
Remote Control Access
Imagine preheating your one on your way home after a long day of work, or even just checking the contents of your fridge while grocery shopping. Well, you don’t need to imagine it, this is a reality right now with most modern appliances. The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator, for example, with a few taps on the hub screen, you can sort through breakfast, lunch, dinner or even skip ahead to dessert and find your next recipe. But, with this particular appliance, the Samsung Family Hub will even gather the ingredients needed from the recipe and send them to your virtual online shopping list for your next grocery run.
Recipe & Cooking Assistance
Have you ever found yourself struggling to decide what to cook with the ingredients you have on hand? IoT-connected appliances can now suggest recipes and provide other tips and tricks to help you cook up a meal based on what’s currently in your refrigerator!
Some smart appliances and their manufacturers also offer cooking assistance. For example, with Cafe, you can use your ingredients and follow a video-guide recipe and your Cooktop burners will automatically adjust time and temperature with the use of a smart pan, making for a perfect meal every time. Going a few steps further, you can even connect and control two cooktop burners as one, to then create a bigger cooking surface for your pans or griddles.
Energy Efficiency
Smart appliances can optimize their energy usage based on your habits and preferences. So, your dishwasher can be set to wait until electricity rates are lower, or you can set your oven to automatically shut off when your roast is perfectly cooked, saving you from a take-out night and a high bill. Thankfully, all modern smart appliances are operated through their respective Smart App provided by their manufacturers. So, whether you have purchased an appliance from LG, GE, Thermador, or Frigidaire, you can rest assured there is an app with tips and tricks to be more energy efficient.
AI – The Kitchen's New Sous Chef
While IoT connects your appliances, AI provides the brains. AI is making every kitchen device smarter, more intuitive, and better at understanding your needs.
Food Recognition & Dietary Guidance
As previously mentioned, some AI-powered fridges can recognize the items inside and suggest recipes based on what you have. Did you forget what that mystery ingredient is? Your fridge can identify it for you.
Let’s use the Samsung Family Hub for example, one of many modern refrigerators out there today that let you see inside from anywhere, so you never need to guess if you have everything you need for your next meal. IoT-enabled appliances can then keep track of those ingredients and alert you when you may be running low on certain items or even suggest recipes based on what’s inside.
Now, for those with specific dietary restrictions or health goals, AI can provide personalized nutrition recommendations and suggest recipes that align with your needs. As we mentioned, some appliances can provide recipes that are already preset, but you can search within these recipes and pick out the ones that you want to focus on or have appeared on a rotating basis based on your dietary restrictions or goals.
Preventive Maintenance
AI is also responsible for monitoring the health of your appliances. So, should your Dishwasher be on the brink of breaking down, its embedded software will alert you in advance via your mobile phone about any maintenance issues and help you avoid unexpected repairs. If you don’t act on these preventive measures, your appliances will begin to work less efficiently, requiring them to consume more energy than normal just to complete a simple task, which of course will lead to an increase in energy bills.
Final Thoughts
As IoT and AI continue to evolve, the possibilities for smart kitchens are limitless. Imagine a kitchen that can anticipate and accommodate your needs, preparing your meals to perfection, and helping you move forward to a healthier lifestyle. However, always be sure to choose reputable brands and regularly update your devices to ensure they are protected from potential bugs and glitches.
These intelligent systems offer convenience, efficiency, and personalization, taking our culinary experiences to new heights. As technology continues to advance, the kitchen of the future promises to be an even more exciting and indispensable part of our lives.
Embrace the future and get ready to cook smarter!
