Dacor's Voice Activation Oven App

I’ve written about Dacor’s Discovery iQ line before and received great response. Now instead of a new appliance, Dacor is showcasing a new remote App update designed to add voice activation either in person when the cook’s hands are otherwise occupied or via phone for the on-the-go chef.

The iQ Controller and iQ Remote app, which works with both Android and iOS, allows you have the oven preheated and ready for use as soon as you get home via a simple voice command from your car over Bluetooth.

“The modern home chef values the convenience that connected kitchen appliances provide, which is why we strive to offer smart features like Voice Activation and ongoing software upgrades that will actually improve the overall cooking experience.” – Chuck Huebner, Dacor CEO

Dacor’s 48-inch Discovery iQ range will retail for $12,000, with a 36-inch model priced at $9,000. No pricing information was available for the Discovery iQ wall ovens.

A featured call the Discovery iQ™ Recipe Box allows users to easily store recipes found online directly to the smart range and ovens. The Dacor cooking guide is intuitive and eliminates the guess-work a chef might have trying a new food or recipe.

About Dacor:

American made, family-owned Dacor has been designing and manufacturing luxury kitchen appliances for three generations. Dacor provides a full line of innovative products designed to appeal to a broad segment of the luxury kitchen appliance market. Dacor is proud of their products and innovations, but places the most emphasis on their company value, which is the foundation of Mike Joseph’s leadership – To honor God in all that we do by respecting others, by doing good work, by helping others, by forgiving others, by giving thanks, by celebrating our lives.

November 5, 2014

Miele Knock2Open Dishwasher

Miele G 6000 Dishwasher LEDs |KitchAnn Style

I’ve written about the Miele Generation 6000 appliance range previously discussing their innovative technology in kitchen appliances. Now I am thrilled to introduce their impressive G6995 SCVi XXL K20 Fully Integrated Dishwasher.

This exceptional, fully integrated dishwasher incorporates the new Knock2Open door-opening feature. Now your dishwasher can be fully integrated into a handleless kitchen.

Simply knocking on the panel twice opens the dishwasher.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac0KkIMrfGo]

Another new feature, Time Control, is also available. Time Control uses a row of LED lights on the control panel to show you how long the cycle has left. Even if your panel is fairly tight to your countertop you should still be able to judge the remaining time left in your cycle.

Other features include ComfortClose, for streamlined closing of the door; Reidel-endorsed Perfect GlassCare, for ensuring glassware is cleaned gently; and ThermoSave, to cut electricity consumption by 40%.

Currently the G6995 SCVi XXL K20 is only available in Europe. No word on when it will be available in the US. I’m sure it will be on display at KBIS 2015.

February 5, 2014

Flir One Thermal Image Device

The heat is on with the Flir One Thermal Image Device

The Flir One released the very first personal thermal image device designed specifically for your iPhone 5 & 5s at CES 2014.

As the first and only personal thermal imager for the consumer market under $350, Flir One is compact, easy-to-use, compatible with the iPhone5 and 5s and fits on the phone like a protective case.

Once mounted, the device displays a live thermal image on the phone’s screen, giving users unprecedented ability to “see” in an array of conditions, including complete darkness.

The device combines an infrared thermal camera that converts energy (heat) into an electronic signal which is then translated into an image on to your phone’s screen. With the ability to see heat, it allows you to identify those pesky things like moisture detection, energy loss, and many more creative possibilities.

Cool Features:

•The onboard battery source powers the device for more than two hours of continuous use; can also be configured to boost the iPhone5 and 5s* battery life by 50 percent.

•It can see in the dark, observe invisible heat sources, see through smoke, and even see through some materials. Scene range temperature: 32 °F to 212 °F (O °C to 100 °C)

•MSX Blending (Adds visible spectrum detail to thermal images and enhances resolution)

•Video capture (.mov format), Still image capture, Choice of color palettes (B/W, W/B, Rainbow, Contrast, Arctic, Hot/Cold, Iron)

While the case adds a bit of chunkiness to your svelte handset, it’s a minor trade-off for awesome Predator-like heat vision. And while the iPhone 5 version of the Flir case will be available this summer, the company is working on an Android version as well. 🙂

Whether you want this device to detect a leak, look at deer in the middle of the night, or help you navigate through smoke you have to admit it’s pretty cool.

February 3, 2014

The Docking Drawer

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a contractor scratch his head and look at me with glazed eyes as I try to describe what I need from his electrician to provide a drawer for my clients to charge their devices out of sight.

The Docking Drawer™ from JTech Solutions removes the hassle with a convenient and safe way to integrate a grounded outlet into a cabinet drawer.

The outlet comes with two grounded 3-pronged outlets and two USB outlets with integrated on/off safety switch. The Docking Drawer™ is UL 962 approval pending and max rated for 3A/375w. The circuit is protected by 5A pop out breaker accessible from inside the cabinet.

The Docking drawer is best installed during new construction but can be retrofitted if you can run an electrical line to the rear of the cabinet. The drawer may need to be modified since the device has a limited reach. The device alone costs $139.00.

I think I might need to test one and see how it works with my standard cabinet specs.