Natufia to feature the world’s first fully-integrated and automated hydroponic kitchen garden at KBIS 2020

Luxury smart home appliance brand Natufia will be exhibiting at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Jan. 21 to 23 in booth SL1625. The company will feature the Natufia Kitchen Garden, which is the world’s first fully-integrated and automated hydroponic kitchen garden.

The technology of the Kitchen Garden automatically maintains the perfect light, temperature, water and pH level to ensure optimal health for the plants. It also optimizes all minerals, nutrients and vitamins for the non-GMO leaves and flowers. Since it is controlled indoors, homeowners do not need to worry about pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. These are year-round, 24/7, kitchen-to-table ingredients without the concern of weather challenges or seasons.

“The Natufia Kitchen Garden goes beyond farm-to-fork and provides herbs and plants from kitchen-to-table,” said Gregory Lu, Natufia co-founder. “Moreover, it reduces waste in the food supply chain and gives the homeowners year-round control over what they want to grow, regardless of climate or season. ”

“With the combination of our robust technology and high-end design, you can now practice a sustainable lifestyle and eat healthy while minimizing your environmental impact through packaging, pollution, food miles, food waste and toxins,” said Lu.

The seeds are strictly non-GMO, certified both organic and Demeter—today’s most strict certification for seeds. They come in individual, patented seedpods and can grow anything from basil to lemongrass. The unit simultaneously grows 32 plants in handmade ceramic cups. The watering is fully automated, cascading from the top, down to each cup. This ensures that each plant receives the necessary amount of water and nutrients, which are dissolved directly into the water. Each Kitchen Garden can produce enough plants and herbs to ensure two harvests a day.

Also, by connecting it to the Wi-Fi, owners can monitor and control the machine through the cloud. It even has three playlists to play music for the plants: classical, ambiance and nature sounds.

Additional benefits and features include:
Specially developed LED lights mimic nature and provide the optimal range of the light spectrum for plant growth.
Tinted glass so people can see their plants growing in real time.
Food-grade stainless steel for aesthetics and a clean environment for plants.
The unit can be integrated seamlessly into any high-end kitchen design, similar to other appliances.
Natufia was recently awarded Best in Category for “Socially Responsible Design” at the WestEdge Design Fair, and a Product Innovator Award 2019 from KBB Magazine. For more information about Natufia, please visit https://www.natufia.com/.

White appliance prices jump in Japan over past 10 years

Prices of refrigerators, washing machines and other “white goods” are rising in Japan, pushing up the earnings of domestic electronics makers.

The average price of washing machines has soared about 90% over the past 10 years, while air conditioners and refrigerators have risen about 20%. Once the target of operational restructuring efforts by manufacturers because of their low profit margins, white goods are now being marketed in Japan as high value-added products. This is in contrast with television sets and other “black goods,” which are facing fierce competition from South Korean and Chinese makers. Retail prices of washing machines in Tokyo averaged 188,324 yen ($1,742) in 2019, up about 90% from 101,207 recorded in 2009, according to a report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Average prices of refrigerators and air conditions increased 24% and 18%, respectively. Prices climbed in all locales despite regional differences in price growth, the ministry said. In contrast, TV prices dropped sharply. Flat-screen TVs temporarily rose as high value-added products when they replaced picture-tube TVs, but plummeted to the price of their forerunners in 2010 due to widespread acceptance. The average retail price of TVs with liquid crystal displays stood at 48,243 yen in 2019, down about 50% from 2009. The price plunge in TVs reflects intense global competition in the sector. Widespread commoditization of materials has effectively made flat-screen TVs indistinguishable except for power sources. Following the lead of South Korean manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, Chinese makers like Hisense and TCL have entered the market. Japanese makers have tried to distinguish themselves from overseas rivals by introducing advanced functions ahead of the pack, but have since lost even this edge. A case in point is LG’s organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, TVs featuring high-defintion 8K picture quality. But Japanese refrigerator and washing machine manufacturers have been largely immune to foreign competition in the domestic market due to cost of exporting these heavy, bulky items. In addition, white goods — unlike TVs — require overseas makers to develop products that fit Japanese homes and lifestyles. Many electronics makers in Japan have restructured their home appliance operations, with Toshiba even selling its appliance wing, Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services, to China’s Midea Group. Companies that have remained — including Panasonic, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric — have focused more on functionality than pricing to meet changing consumer lifestyles. “Time saving” and “user friendly” have become keywords in the marketplace, especially as the number of two-income families rises — up about about 20% over the past decade.

This washing machine by Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services, now part of China’s Midea Group, can be operated remotely by smartphone. In February 2019, Mitsubishi released an intelligent refrigerator at a retail price of about 290,000 yen. This was 102,991 yen more than the price of similarly sized refrigerators from rivals. Mitsubishi’s product is equipped with artificial intelligence that predicts how users will consume ingredients, defrosting items in the freezer in a timely manner. Meanwhile, Panasonic introduced a smart washing machine that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, including automatically adding detergent and other cleaning agents. The retail price of the unit is 380,000 yen — about 110,000 yen higher than products with similar functionality. The unit is selling well, according to an official from a large retailer, because consumers like the fact that “washing is done when they return home.” Demand for pricey appliances is also strong owing to consumer willingness to spend on highly functional products. But experts question how long the trend will continue. Noting that home appliance replacement cycles are lengthening due to higher quality manufacturing, Toru Miyamoto, senior analyst at market research firm GfK Japan, said, “The pursuit of high functionality is reaching its limit.” As the country grays amid a sharp decline in birthrates, the domestic market has been drying up. The number of households is forecast to decrease about 5% in the next 20 years. Moreover, the large domestic brands are seeing rising competition from upstarts such as Iris Ohyama and its cut-rate appliances, with the along with the emergence of appliance sharing.

LG To Develop First Indoor Vegetable Cultivator

LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement. The revolutionary built-in column-style indoor gardening appliance employs advanced light, temperature and water control, convenient all-in-one seed packages and a growth-monitoring app to help users cultivate nutrient-rich and flavorful greens inside their own homes.

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LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement.
LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement.
LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement.
LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement.
LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement.
LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an indoor gardening appliance at CES® 2020, its first foray into the booming indoor gardening movement.

LG’s indoor gardening appliance enables even the most novice of gardeners to experience the joys of having a green thumb. Designed for the millions of consumers worldwide who seek the peace of mind in knowing exactly what’s in their food and where it comes from, the innovative indoor gardening appliance cultivates crisp, fresh herbs and vegetables all year-round; perfect for urban dwellers or anyone interested in pursuing a healthier, greener lifestyle.

Utilizing flexible modules, the appliance replicates optimal outdoor conditions by precisely matching the temperature inside the insulated cabinet with the time of day. LED lights, forced air circulation, and wick-based water management allow seeds to transform quickly into ingredients for delicious recipes and dishes. The advanced gardening system is capable of holding up to 24 all-in-one seed packages1, enough for a family of four to enjoy the health benefits and culinary advantages of cooking with home-grown produce.

LG’s leadership and know-how in appliance technologies are apparent in the indoor gardening cultivator. A key component of the automated gardening solution is LG’s non-circulating water supply technology, which evenly distributes the exact amount of water that the plant packages require. This core technology prevents algae growth and prevents unpleasant odors for a hygienic environment where natural herbs and leafy vegetables can grow. A companion smartphone app helps users manage and monitor their plants, offering useful guidance at each step along the way to ensure a successful harvest every time. In addition to the seeds of your choice, the all-in-one seed packages contain peat moss and fertilizer, making it easy for immediate planting. Initial packages will include 20 different varieties including romaine and other types of lettuce, arugula, chicory, and basil.

LG’s first home gardening cultivator will be on display during CES 2020 from January 7-10 at booth #11100 in Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Follow all of LG’s CES activities and announcements on social media using #LGCES2020.

KitchenAid makes its Stand Mixer further more customizable

Many versions and colours are already available of the most of KitchenAid small appliances. But the company wanted to offer further nice opportunities to its customers and presented a system to engrave the trimband of its Stand Mixer with a special message. This is an added option to the possibility to select colour and bowl, already offered by the brand.
So now everyone can create a unique stand mixer by choosing colours, engraving the trimband and selecting from several unique bowls to complement design. The Stand Mixer customization tool is available in the U.S. at KitchenAid.com/custom.
The new on-line tool allows customization of an iconic kitchen staple for over 100 years. There are 30 colours to choose from, 14 bowl options and 10+ attachments to create a truly unique stand mixer
«As the heartbeat of every home, the kitchen is the place where makers showcase their passion – said Nikki Lockett, U.S. Marketing Leader for KitchenAid Small Appliances. – With the ability to personalize the trimband with messages or add a custom bowl, KitchenAid is giving those another opportunity to showcase their creativity in the kitchen.»
Stand Mixer is available in 30 colour options such as Blue Velvet, Pistachio, Contour Silver and the classic Empire Red. It can be completed with different bowl styles, a variety of beautifully designed chip-resistant ceramic bowls, traditional or quilted stainless steel. New 5 Quart Ceramic Bowls released in 2019 include White Mermaid Lace, Confetti Sprinkle, Great Valley and more.
The latest news, the opportunity of engraving the trimband, allows to express any kind of message, such as greetings or congratulations for a birthday, graduation, wedding…but also a personalized note, a special message or commemorate an important life moment. The engraving, up to 24 characters, will be located prominently on the trimband.

Smeg received the Good Design Award for excellence in design and innovation

Design and innovation of the Smeg Italian style have been recognized by the Chicago Athenaeum, that has celebrated its Good Design Awards 2019. Smeg and its products have been selected among over five hundred companies by an international jury composed of architects, designers and creative directors.

Smeg Gas hob of the Linea series
The company products that have received the prestigious award are: the SFP9395X1 oven with Classic aesthetics with 90x60cm dimension, the SFP6606WTPNR 60 cm oven with Dolce Stil Novo aesthetics and a new display, the PX175L hob with Linea aesthetics and the Portofino aesthetics FA490RRD refrigerator rewarded for aesthetic research and high technological innovation in the field of household appliances.
Among the small appliances, the awards were assigned to the MFF01 milk frother and the CGF01 coffee grinder with high performance and distinctive design.
In January 2019 the official awards ceremony will be held with the “Good Design Night” event in New York City and then all the winning products will become part of the museum’s permanent collection in Chicago.

Special initiative for LG ProBake Convection range

LG Electronics USA, in collaboration with BuzzFeed’s Tasty, important social food network, celebrated the National Cookie Day with a first-of-its kind subscription-based cookie baking kit program. The exclusive co-branded cookie kits make baking easier than ever with Tasty-approved seasonal recipes designed to be baked in LG ovens and ranges featuring the brand’s exclusive ProBake Convection® technology that delivers even baking results on every rack, every time.
Created with the intention of bringing professional-level results to every household, the two brands have launched the “LG | Tasty Cookie Club,” offering seasonal cookie baking kits – Tasty’s first-ever food-based subscription box. Each kit includes step-by-step recipe instructions, precisely proportioned organic, natural ingredients, as well as stylish cooking tools that can be used long after the cookies have cooled.
When prepared with the “Official Oven of the Tasty Kitchen,” LG ProBake Convection – the brand’s gold standard in convection technology – users can enjoy more precise baking results in less time compared to traditional baking. Inspired by pro-style ranges, LG ProBake moves the heating element from the bottom of the oven to the back wall along with a fan that circulates the warm air for optimal heat distribution and faster cooking times compared to a conventional oven.
Consumers have the option to purchase a stand-alone cookie kit or a year-long, quarterly-delivered subscription, both of which are shippped directly to consumers’ doorsteps. Creations to choose from are the “Ultimate Gingerbread House Cookie Kit” for winter, “Unicorn Pinwheel Swirl Cookie Kit” for spring, “Everything but the Oven Chocolate Chippy Cookie Kit” for summer, and the “Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Cookie Sandwich Kit” for fall.
Consumers purchasing qualifying LG ProBake range-ovens or built-in wall ovens through the month of December will receive a complimentary year-long cookie kit subscription.

BORA Professional 2.0: The elegant cooking surface with built-in extractor

The user can control this innovative system through a simple and intuitive interface located on the front surface. It has an electric opening system that automatically connects the different cooking areas with the opening and closing lid. When finished cooking, it closes again, leaving the space completely flat and without gaps between the joints.

BORA , a specialist brand in cooking systems with built-in extraction, introduces the new Professional 2.0 system with electric surface extractor and intelligent operating guide. A true high-end modular system consisting of six components.

BORA Professional 2.0 is the improved version of the first BORA extraction system and stands out for its innovation, functionality, simplicity and maximum performance . A closed system itself consisting of a hob, extractor, motor, duct (BORA Ecotube), filter and wall box (BORA 3box).

Its electric opening system guarantees greater comfort in the kitchen by automatically connecting the different cooking zones with the opening and closing lid. At the end of the cooking process it closes again , leaving it completely flat and without space between the joints. In the surface extractor, under the filter, we find a grease collecting tray.

One of the most powerful features of the Professional 2.0 system are the controls with the user interface of the front surface, which allow an intelligent operation guide : for the first time we find intelligence applied to the control elements, turning BORA Professional 2.0 into development most innovative of the moment. Likewise, the plate temperature is indicated on the control, allowing its adjustment from it with a combination of tactile operation and by turning . Other operating programs, including control of the surface extraction system, are also directed from here.

The existing cooking surface and the cooking zone allow high performance, placing BORA Professional 2.0 surfaces and cooking zones among the largest available in the market. BORA Professional 2.0 provides the client with greater freedom when designing their kitchen since all the pieces of the system are combinable with each other. A product with cutting-edge technology and the most innovative.

The discreet and elegant design of the new BORA Professional 2.0 has been developed thinking about the day-to-day life of the user, granting functionality and versatility thanks to its slight elevation of the extractor and the most powerful technical characteristics of the moment. BORA Professional 2.0 can be combined with a wide variety of different hobs without sacrificing high quality.

State-of-the-art smoke extraction system
It has controls with an intelligent operating guide and an electric closing lid . For the improvement of BORA Professional 2.0, a proprietary duct system with a wall box optimally adapted to it has been developed. With BORA Ecotube and BORA 3box it is now possible to find a system that perfectly meets the high requirements in terms of efficiency, ease of assembly and flexibility and that presents an optimized and comprehensive solution.

BORA Professional 2.0 at a glance
A true closed system in itself with a hob, extractor, motor, duct, filter and wall box. The cooking plate and the surface extractor communicate with each other.

In addition, it is characterized in that it allows a very simple impieza thanks to the wider extraction opening and the elements of easy extraction. On the other hand, the cooking plates located among the largest in the market ( dimensions with extra depth of 54 cm ). The closure cap is also available in black.

As a novelty, it includes a compact system for floating worktops with BORA Professional recirculation system.

Beko new hob and hood

Beko presents its latest additions to the cooking range. The first launch is the induction hob HII63200FHT with 3 cooking zones: a double compatible with pots and pans of greater or lesser size and the IndyFlex ® zone that groups two square cooking zones allowing them to operate independently or together as a single larger one. It has an overflow safety function and automatic shutdown.

For those who prefer to cook with gas, the new HILW75222SL is a plate of 5 glass fires with wrought iron supports. Among the 5 fires stands out the high-power wok burner that is located in the center of the plate and with which you can cook quickly without decreasing food nutrients.

In this line, Beko adds to its cooking range a second gas plate: the HILL7522S, has a new configuration that leaves the wok burner placed on the left , giving it greater autonomy.

Both plates have self-ignition integrated in the control and a safety valve in burners, so that if the flame accidentally goes out the gas outlet is automatically interrupted to avoid leaks.

Close this list of novelties of cooking the bent black glass hood HCA92640BH from Beko, equipped with carbon filters for air recirculation.

Miele recognized best brand by Euroconsumers BeXt

Significant recognition for Miele, named the best home appliance brand in the quality and reliability categories at the Euroconsumers BeXt Awards – the network of consumer associations of five countries (Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Italy)
The awards assigned by Euroconsumers to manufacturers of household appliances and digital devices are the result of two years of comparisons, analysis, laboratory tests on over 2,000 products and collection of opinions from over 90,000 consumers.
In the world of household appliances, tests were carried out on washing machines and dryers and Miele stood out in the “best quality” and “reliability” categories, reconfirming its focus on creating products that meet the highest standards in terms of durability, performance, comfort of use, efficiency and service, to offer its customers quality products, reliable and in line with new market trends. «We are proud to have achieved this important recognition and trust and appreciation shown by consumers, which have always been at the center of our strategy and corporate philosophy: Immer besser. Ana Barreda Carretero, Head of Product Management for Miele commented – With each new product we try to better meet the needs of our customers, anticipating the future to cover already needs that will be born tomorrow and proposing intelligent solutions and performances out of the ordinary to simplify everyday life.»