SMART POTS CONTROL THE HEAT

At Power's white goods training fair in the last week of March, Miele is showcasing KM 8000 series hobs and the new M Sense technology. Product manager Anders Bjørge says that the kitchen is taking centre stage at Miele this year, with new designs and improved functions on the hobs.

At the heart of the new launch are pots and pans with built-in sensor technology that communicates with the hob and adjusts the power automatically.

More sensors

– All the technology is in the saucepan or casserole, with sensors both in the base and up along the side. That is what adjusts the entire system, says Bjørge.

He describes how the technology works in practice: During testing, milk boiled close to the rim of the pan, but the system stopped abruptly and automatically adjusted itself down before the milk reached the edge.

– Here, for example, you can make an omelette in the morning, go and have a shower, come back after 15 to 20 minutes, and it is still lying there perfectly. It will not overcook, Bjørge tells trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

Existing equipment

The M Sense pots and pans are a supplement, not a requirement. Customers can still use their ordinary pots and pans on the new hobs.

– You can use up to four M Sense pots and pans at the same time. So you have great flexibility, says Bjørge.

M Sense is available on a wide selection of the hobs in the range. Only the top model comes with pots and pans included in the package. The simplest models in the range do not support the technology, but as soon as you move up one level they are M Sense-compatible.

Price and maintenance

According to Bjørge, the M Sense pots and pans are in the same price range as other quality cookware on the market. Miele is launching two variants of frying pans: one without a coating, intended for users who season the pan over time, and one pan with a non-stick coating as we know from other pans on the market for ordinary household use, free from environmental toxins.

Despite the fact that the pots contain batteries and electronics, they can be washed in the dishwasher.

The battery is a standard button cell battery that withstands heat, which according to Bjørge the consumer can easily replace themselves. Battery life is one to two years.

New matt surface

The KM 8000 series of hobs will be available in shops before the summer. In addition to the M Sense technology, they come with a new matt surface as an alternative to standard glossy glass.

– The matte surface is extremely easy to keep clean, and withstands heavier use before it gets scratched. The traditional glossy hobs are also toughened, but the matte surface takes this a step further, Bjørge tells the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.