With terms like “Smart-Homes” and the “Internet of Things” thrown around a lot these days, it is safe to assume that the custom designed kitchens of our future are likely to incorporate a fair amount of technology and automation, but exactly what can we expect from that technology?
This kitchen-tech movement is already well underway, with more and more homeowners seeking advanced technology for the heart of their home, and many customers desire some type of technology-driven or smart appliance features in their new appliances.
How about The in-sink dishwasher?
There are a few instances of in-sink dishwasher but in the future, experts believe this will be very popular. Whirlpool envisions an in-sink dishwasher that will have sensors to determine if the dishes are dirty, when the unit is full, and ready to run. It will also be aware of when you leave the home, and automatically close and run itself, if it has any dishes that need a cleaning. Next, they just need to figure out how it’s going to put the dishes away for us!
How about The barcode reading microwave?
Genius! In the future, measures will be taken to prevent food waste, and overcooked food is definitely a target for the reduction of said waste. Not sure how long it takes to heat something? No problem! The microwave of the future will read the UPC barcode on your food item’s package, know what’s inside, and cook it accordingly for you.
The interactive display backsplash
Completely integrated with all of your devices, calendar schedules, health profile, contacts, and more, the backsplash of the future will be there for so much more than aesthetics. Just imagine an interactive touch screen display that will assist you in cooking and preparing foods, present your daily schedule, help you stay on task, play sounds from the baby monitor in another room, present reminders based on your activity and habits, and play visual and/or audio entertainment.
Drum roll…The intelligent tabletop
Another advancement that we can expect is visual projection technology.
Experts have imagined an integrated cooktop table with an overhead camera and projection system that can visually interpret the items on the table, as well as your movements. It then projects suggestions such as recipe steps and guides to assist you in preparing a meal. Simply place your pots, pans, and containers directly onto the table’s surface, and they will be automatically heated to perfection.
And finally…The combination fridge + pantry
In the year 2040, the days of forgotten items going bad in the back of your fridge will be long gone! The pantry and refrigerator will be merged, with the wall and doors removed, for an open shelf and easy to view food storage solution.
Specialised containers will be made to use with the open pantry to keep food items cooled or at room temperature, or whatever will keep it freshest for longer.
The intention here is to reduce wasted food, so there will be less food to store. It is also projected that groceries will be automatically and/or on-demand delivered by self-driving vehicles and drones. This will enable us to keep less food stored, which not only prevents food from going uneaten, but also allows for higher quality (less chemically preserved) food.
Early instances of this advanced technology are already available in the market. Currently, the Smart Fridge does many things that engineers have planned for the coming intelligent cook-tops and backsplashes. However, we are only at the beginning of the “smart kitchen” journey, and we can expect to see even greater advances in the interconnectedness of technology with our lives. The kitchen of the future is on track to help us manage our busy schedules, maintain our health, increase our efficiency, make us better cooks, remind us of things that slip through the cracks, and more… all of course while simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint.
Doesn’t this sound AMAZING?
If you have any questions or need help with a custom design, please get in touch.
Have a great weekend
Clinton and Fiona