The Future of the Multi-Function Oven
At Kenwood Cookers we were interested to learn recently about a 2019 survey of multi-function oven users to establish more information about what’s coming next for the range cooking sector. As part of this survey, 1000 consumers across the UK who bought a multi-function oven within the last 18 months were asked to help pinpoint additional features or refinements that customers expect from their future appliances - and which functions they currently value the most. The survey found that the most highly rated features are a multi-function oven positioned in one of the cavities, the versatility of two or more oven cavities and a partitioned grill, as well as easy clean qualities.
When questioned as to what their present multi-function oven could improve on, the most common response was that it could be faster – with just over 50% of respondents hoping for quicker cooking. Meanwhile, 26 per cent were looking for a physically larger appliance with more substantial cavities. Respondents generally agreed that connectivity would be a big consideration for them when investigating the options for their next range cooker, with nearly three quarters suggesting they would be looking out for some form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or connectivity capability.
On the issue of most appealing connectivity methods, more than a third confirmed that they most desire a range cooker equipped to connect to their smart phone or home assistant, including Alexa. The research questioned consumers about desirable innovations in their other appliances - such as laptops, phones, tablets and virtual assistants - they would hope to see incorporated into a multi-function oven. Showing the enduring appeal of smart looks, many emphasised a wish for range cookers to be highly customisable, perhaps featuring graphics and removable door covers.
In common with our own findings, it seems that many consumers like the idea of altering the appearance of their appliance at will. Another attractive prospect was the addition of a weight recognition feature – gaining inspiration from the laundry sector, by enabling oven cavities to weigh items (say, joints of meat) and dynamically adjusting temperatures or cooking times accordingly. Some customers we’ve spoken to are warming to the prospect of speech recognition. As an aside, the survey echoes our own experiences, in that range cooker customers tend to be getting younger - with the 25-34 demographic accounting for the biggest proportion now.
The last couple of years has even seen the introduction of Bluetooth connectivity to some range cookers. At Kenwood, we recognise that there exists a strong appetite for further innovation – and we fully intend to be part of that transformation. So, be sure to return to our media pages to keep up with new functionality as it appears in our range!
Sources: https://rangecookers.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-future-of-multi-function-oven.html