It’s Technology Month at Winning Appliances, so we thought it was a high-time to unpack a few common pieces of tech-speak for you. In doing so, we’ve chosen a few examples that keep coming up as sources of mystification:
Pyrolytic Ovens:
Pyrolytic ovens are often billed as having a “self-cleaning” function - well, they at least have one that makes cleaning very much easier. When activated, the pyrolytic process applies high temperatures to the oven interior, turning food residue to ash which can be easily wiped away from the surfaces with a damp cloth. And yes, it’s safe!
Steam Oven:
Ah, the steam oven - the hot “new” cooking method on the block. With so much emphasis on “innovation” when it comes to this cooking technology, it can be easy to forget that its origins can actually be traced back a few thousand years.
It’s the way it has been integrated with multi-function technology that is so innovative in the 21st century, ensuring you can easily enjoy the health and taste benefits of steam cooking.
Combi-Steam Oven:
These refer to ovens that combine both steam and convection oven capabilities in the one unit. That means you get the best of both worlds: enjoying their ability to bake, combine steam/convection cooking or function just as a steamer.
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Steam Injection:
You’ll also hear about Ovens that enable the chef to add a “burst” of steam into the oven cavity so as to add just a touch of moisture to your dish - you can find this described as a “steam injection” or a “steam assist”.
For more information, check out our buyer’s guide to choosing the best steam oven.
Induction:
This is an extremely popular technology, despite the mystery that still surrounds it for a lot people. Simply put, induction cooktops use a magnetic field to directly heat up the base of compatible cookware. While electric and gas cooktops transfer heat to the base of your pot or pan, induction cooktops are able to remain relatively cool to the touch. As a result, they offer extremely precise, efficient and powerful heatups (and for more explanation about the difference between Induction and Gas, check out our guide to choosing the best cooktop.)
..."Free" Induction:
Siemens have developed a particularly impressive strand of induction cooking - it's called freeInduction. Here, you aren't restricted to predefined cooking zones - you can position up to four pots or pans anywhere you want: the induction hob automatically detects the number, size and position of the cookware, delivering heat exactly where needed.
(Image courtesy of Siemens.)
“Smart” appliances:
You’ll hear more and more about this terminology - it refers to appliances which incorporate computer and communications technology to become more efficient and effective. Typically, this means they can be connected to other devices or networks wirelessly (via Wi-Fi, 3G and so on) - and in doing so, can operate to some extent interactively and autonomously.
That means new standards of functionality - fridges that can tell your phone what you need to buy when you're at the shops and so on.
One example of Smart technology is the Wireless Meatprobe:
(Image courtesy of Miele.)
This is a helpful device that will inform you when your meat, fish or poultry is cooked to perfection. The most sophisticated examples of these, from a brand like Miele, can communicate with the oven wirelessly to tell the countdown indicator - and then you - exactly when the meat will be ready.
Sous-Vide:
As with steam cooking, there is nothing new about this cooking process whereby food is placed in a plastic pouch and then placed in a steam environment ... it's the sophisticated way Sous Vide techniques have been applied to contemporary design that is so innovative. AEG are one of the brands currently making the method more accessible with advanced technology, with their Precision Vacuum Sealer Drawer helping you easily seal in the moisture and flavours of ingredients, ready to be placed in your oven.
(Image courtesy of AEG.)
There are also plenty of buzzwords in the laundry category - probably mainly because manufacturers have to try very hard to make washing clothes sound exciting. To be fair, some of the latest technology is actually quite impressive:
SensoFresh Programme (Siemens):
Billed as the "latest revolution in laundry care", SensoFresh has been developed by Siemens as a means to refresh clothing and rid them of odours, when you don't have time to wash them. This programme, which can also be used on non-washable items like suits, can be found on washers such as the Siemens iQ800.
PowerWash (Miele):
If you're after genuinely amazing economy - look out for Miele's innovative PowerWash 2.0. The secret is that it incorporates something called "Spin&Spray" technology, which enables a very low water level to be used, thereby saving energy when heating up. You will enjoy excellent results along with exceptional efficiency. Find it on machines such as the Miele 9kg W1.
iDos (Bosch):
Bosch have also deployed an enigmatic but oddly cool sounding name here for this outstanding innovation. This technology epitomises the way Smart technology has made a big impact on laundry. Here, integrated sensors detect the type of fabric, the load volume in the drum and the amount of soiling to individually adjust the detergent dosage. You'll enjoy it on machines such as the Bosch Series 8.
And that's just a few of the many examples of confusing appliance technology out there. At Winning Appliances, we're always happy to help clarify things - if there are any others you need explaining, please contact one of our experts either via our website or by visiting your nearest Winning Appliances showroom.
