AHAM's Blog

Smart Appliances Make Headlines at CES

Smart Appliances were the subject of quite a few news articles, including the City News in Toronto, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today and Consumer Reports, as a result of the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas, NV.

Additionally, click here to view copies of the presentations about smart appliances made during the AHAM-sponsored panel discussion "Window to Tomorrow's Connected Home."

All About Induction Cooking

AHAM has told you about the Five appliance that can help you save money, but did you know there is a type of cooking technology that can save you time, money and piece of mind?  Induction cooking is relatively new and unknown, but induction cooktops are gaining popularity among kitchen designers. 

Induction cooking works by transferring heat directly to your pot or pan through an electric current.  The cooktop will only heat your pan when it is in direct contact with the surface.  For a complete explanation of how this cooktop works, read this helpful article in Kitchen and Bath Business: Understanding Induction. 

So how can an induction cooktop save you time, money and piece of mind?

• Induction allows you to cook your meal faster.  You will have more control over the heat, with the ability to adjust the temperature with more accuracy and bring water to a rapid boil in less than two minutes.  Clean up could not be easier with the flat, ceramic glass cooktop.  You can wipe it clean in seconds, and since it does not get hot, even spills and splatters are easy to clean.
• The direct-to-vessel heating used in induction cooktops does not waste heat.  This makes this technology more sustainable than others, and you will save on your utility bills.
• Finally, since the cooking heat stays contained to the pan, the surface of the cooktop will always remain cool.  Watch the video below from HGTV to see that you can lay your hand on the cooktop next to your pan with no worries!  Your kitchen will stay cooler and you will not need to be concerned about burns from touching the surface directly.

 

AHAM will co-sponsor New Connected Home Appliance TechZone at 2011 CES

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced the launch of the Connected Home Appliances TechZone at the 2011 International CES®,  the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. The Connected Home Appliances TechZone, co-sponsored by CEA, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and The Retail Observer magazine, will feature 10,000 square feet of exhibit space in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for manufacturers of next-generation appliances. The 2011 International CES will be held January 6-9, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

AHAM President Joseph McGuire stated: "The home is an essential component to an effective smart grid. Smart appliances and consumer electronics will allow consumers to save money on their electric bill and use energy in a more environmentally friendly manner. Already a leader in energy efficiency and the smart grid, the appliance industry is paving the way with smart technologies for demand-response capable appliances.  In addition to smart grid enabled appliances, the pavilion will showcase other products and technologies that will appeal to savvy consumers.  The world’s leading technology trade show is the ideal venue for AHAM members and other appliance manufacturers to showcase these technologies and the connected home concept."

The Connected Home Appliances TechZone will feature major and portable household appliances and innovative technologies that integrate with other electronics products to improve consumers’ health and productivity while reducing their environmental impact.

Cooking at home, and other recent trends

Many Americans are cooking at home more often as a response to recent economic challenges.  According to a recent survey by BIGresearch, many consumers consider dining out as an expendable expense, while other modern luxuries like Internet and cable TV are non-negotiable.  Another reason for a rise in home cooking are celebrity chefs, reality cooking shows and the Food Network, which have all helped make cooking popular again.

The housewares industry is also taking notice and making products more affordable and practical, which was evident and this year's International Home and Housewares Show.  Manufacturers are showcasing new programmable slow cookers with digital technology, and colorful, flashy containers to store and preserve leftover ingredients in  your refrigerator.  Designers hope that if the containers are shaped like the foods stored inside, users will remember to use them before they spoil.

You can read more about The Return of Home Economics in this article from MarketWatch.  Other notable points include the recent surge in freezer shipments for people stocking up on frozen food, and new home haircutting tools from Wahl for those now cutting their own hair.  You can also watch video demonstrations on popular haircuts on Wahl's Web site.  Congratulations to Wahl, an AHAM member that is celebrating their 90th year in business.    

The New Slow-Cooker Movement

The Los Angeles Times recently published an article about a new wave of people using their slow-cookers to cook-up a new variety of meals beyond soups and stews.  Check out "Slow cookers have evolved over the decades" to get some new ideas for slow-cooker recipes and learn about the recent rise in popularity.

Grand Ideas

While your idea of “classic grandeur” may not be 472 sq. ft., Joyce Wadler’s New York Times article demonstrates that even if your home is less than palatial, you can still live comfortably and incorporate all your modern convenience appliances… just in smaller sizes. 

Many home appliance manufacturers offer appliances that run the gamut in size... from space-saving 18” dishwashers, 24”– 60” freestanding ranges and 27”-48” wide refrigerators.  So, no matter the size of your surroundings, there are appliances available that will meet your needs!