Recipes for success: Built-in ovens with smart features that matter

KitchensFeatures Mon 14th Dec 2020 by Emma Hedges

Recipes for success: Built-in ovens with smart features that matter

Recipes for success: Built-in ovens with smart features that matter


Feature by Emma Hedges | Mon 14th Dec 2020

Editor of KBBFocus Emma has been writing about design and interiors for over 25 years. A former editor of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine, her work has been published in a wide variety of leading trade and consumer titles. More



One thing is certain – even the most reluctant at-home chef has been forced to get to know their oven over the last few months, and this has been a revelation for many. But with the latest updates featuring intuitive control, and technology that not only makes life easier, but enables users to excel in the kitchen, built-in ovens now offer real benefits to consumers – and a key opportunity for retailers. But in order to avoid blinding a customer with science it is necessary to be across the technology.

“With so much tech on the market now, it’s important for retailers to understand what brands’ key selling points or propositions are,” says Chris Grundy, product manager built-in cooking for Hoover. “For example there’s a price differential of just £33 between smart and non-smart Hoover and Candy models, so there’s a clear opportunity to upsell to customers who want to ‘futureproof’ their purchase.”

This Hoover H-OVEN 300 model offers WiFi connectivity so that the user can control the appliance away from the kitchen, as well as have access to more than 200 recipes

“It is imperative for retailers to participate in training opportunities that are provided by manufacturers, so that they know the appliances inside and out,” says Whirlpool brand manager Charmaine Warner. “Whirlpool has invested heavily in the development of its E-Learning platform, which is accessible 24/7 and may be accessed any time to suit the staff and the business, from wherever they are based.”

The Whirlpool Absolute single multifunction oven benefits from pre-set automatic cooking programmes, a fast pre-heating function and the brand’s 6th Sense technology for intuitive ease of use

“Technology is ever-evolving and making sure you and your team are up to date with the latest innovation will pay dividends with the enthusiasm it will generate,” says Kimberley Garner, Hotpoint brand manager. “In-store demonstrations are always effective, however this can be more difficult due to current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines,” she adds. “What is possible is to engage a home economist to demonstrate appliances by cooking a variety of dishes, the results of which can be filmed and used on retailer websites and social media to attract potential customers.”

The Class 9 built-in suite of appliances from Hotpoint offer the user an array of options for all their culinary needs – pictured are the pyrolytic multifunction single oven on the left, and the combination steam oven and combination microwave oven in the centre

Laura Jones, head of products at Smeg UK, agrees. “Instead of a physical event, why not host a virtual one? Online cookery classes, gin and wine tastings have all become popular over the past few months, and require less time investment from your guests,” she says.

Smeg’s new VIVOscreen ovens feature SmegConnect and are WiFi-enabled, and also allow the user to add and personalise recipes, try out some preloaded ones and share ingredients needed for a dish to ensure they have the groceries needed

A key element to get across is that most of the products now offer game-changing functionality when it comes to cooking standards, and as many homeowners have been doing more cooking at home recently, this kind of support and capability is more valued than ever. “Ovens can now be controlled via smart technology, meaning consumers are able to ‘pilot’ their own cooking process, so even the most amateur of chefs can cook beautifully,” concludes Bertazzoni UK & Ireland MD Maurizio Severgnini.

Bertazzoni’s Modern Series 60cm multifunction oven has a Steam Assist function that makes food softer and tastier by injecting steam into the cavity

Fisher & Paykel’s black touch-screen oven is designed to be ‘human-centred’ and features three modes for guided cooking – Cook by Function, Cook by Food Type and Cook by Recipe

Miele Generation 7000 VitroLine ovens with FoodView enable users to keep an eye on time-sensitive food such as soufflés via a smartphone, and a TasteControl function to allow food to remain in the oven without overcooking

The Bosch Serie 6 built-in oven has an AutoPilot function that lets the user choose the dish they’re cooking and it will select the perfect heating mode, temperature and cooking duration

Indesit’s Aria built-in oven features the Turn&Cook programme that automatically sets the perfect temperature and cooking time for over 80 recipes

Tags: features, kitchens, built-in ovens, indesit, bosch

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