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Below is our recent interview with Steve Preiner, Director of Marketing at BSH Home Appliances:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to Thermador?
A: Thermador has been around for over 100 years, and is responsible for some of the industry’s innovative “firsts” – the built in cooktop and wall oven combo, built in bottom freezer fridges, ranges with built-in steam ovens, and zoneless induction cooktops are a few. It’s the brand for people who really cook, and appreciate the difference in features and performance.
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Q: You’ve recently launched completely redesigned collections and the new Home Connect™ system; could you tell us something more?
A: Home Connect is a smart home ecosystem that lets you control and monitor your appliances, but it also integrates with other popular apps, so it becomes part of a larger system with more capability. You can make a cappuccino from the screen in your Tesla, preheat the oven while on your way home with a pizza, or check how long until your laundry is done. Have the lights dim to let you know the dishwasher is finished (in case you can’t hear it). Home Connect opens up so many possibilities, and will continue to grow as more applications are developed. Once your appliances are connected, we can also perform remote diagnostics in the event of an error message. Something as simple as cleaning the filter in your dishwasher can be diagnosed by our customer service team without a visit by a technician. Think of the dreaded “check engine” light in your car. It usually means a trip to the mechanic to diagnose the problem. What if you could log in remotely and have that mechanic “look” at your engine to determine if there’s a real problem or it’s as simple as the gas cap isn’t on tight?
Home Connect was developed to answer the needs of consumers, who are looking for a comprehensive smart home solution. In our research, 50% of consumers said they plan to buy a smart home product within the next 12 months. 25% said it will be an appliance. And, 68% said they would like a “master control” for all of their smart products, and Home Connect is designed to fill that need.
Q: Can you give us insights into your products?
A: Thermador appliances are designed for those who really like to cook. Our unique Star gas burner challenges conventional round burner design and offers better heat distribution and more burner ports. It’s a design innovation that really works. Similarly, we build in useful conveniences like ‘nudge to open’ fridge doors, that can be operated if your hands are full. Smart induction cooktops that sense where the pot is placed, and deliver power to that area, and even adapts to the shape of the pot or pan (ie: square roasting pans). It evens senses when you slide the pot around and it follows it, maintaining the heat setting. This is an example of smart tech that makes everyday functions easier and more intuitive. Download recipes, cooking tips and nutritional information, all within the app that controls your appliances, so it’s part of an integrated system.
Q: Who are your partners?
A: We work with a variety of developers, including EVE (Enhanced Vehicle Environments), IFTTT, NEST, Amazon (US only at this point), Drop, and more.
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Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: The launch of these new models together with Home Connect, will move Thermador forward into the next phase of appliance development. Increased capabilities will become common place, and we will continue to work with our partners like EVE, to bring greater functionality to consumers. We already have refined unique technologies like our Zoneless Freedom induction cooktop, increasing the capacity of the cooking surface and adding convenient features that make cooking more intuitive.
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