Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-25
This week's standout stories: Vorwerk rolled out a major AI-powered Cookidoo update for the Thermomix TM7, Panasonic launched a new variable-pressure IH rice cooker series in Japan, and Whirlpool highlighted decades of Italian engineering behind quieter ovens. German testing media also crowned new winners in the multicooker and stand-mixer categories.
Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-25
Top developments
Vorwerk ships AI recipe assistant for Thermomix TM7
Vorwerk is launching a new AI assistant for the Cookidoo app that finds suitable Thermomix recipes based on available ingredients, personal preferences and occasions. The update also brings AI-translated recipes from around the world — including Arabic-language support for the TM7 — according to German and Austrian tech media on September 24–25, 2026. It matters because it deepens Vorwerk's software moat in the multicooker category, where subscription recipes are a key differentiator against Bosch's Cookit.
Panasonic launches variable-pressure IH rice cooker X9E series in Japan
Panasonic released its "Bistro X9E" variable-pressure IH rice cooker series this week, Kyodo-distributed regional reports say. The flagship feature: rice that is no longer freshly milled is cooked "fluffy like new-harvest rice," and the design uses few protruding parts for easier cleaning. The launch renews the long-running Japanese premium rice cooker race between Panasonic, Zojirushi and Tiger.
Whirlpool leans on 60 years of Italian engineering for quieter ovens
A September 24, 2026 Yanko Design feature details how Whirlpool drew on six decades of engineering work at its Italian lab to reduce noise in its W Collection ovens — framing quiet operation as a premium design feature. Noise reduction is becoming a visible battleground in built-in oven marketing as brands look beyond smart features.
German tests: a budget stand mixer beats KitchenAid; F.A.Z. still crowns Thermomix TM7
IMTEST published a new stand-mixer comparison on September 22, 2026, finding that a low-priced alternative delivered strong results and outperformed KitchenAid in its tests. Meanwhile, F.A.Z.'s Kaufkompass September 2026 test of 21 cooking machines re-confirms the Vorwerk Thermomix TM7 as its Testsieger, "making beginners and pros equally happy" — a signal the TM7 remains the benchmark in Germany's multicooker market.
Local view
- German-language IMTEST details the new Thermomix features: an AI cooking assistant, translated recipes from around the world and Arabic support for the TM7, framing it as "the big Thermomix update."
- Japanese regional papers running Kyodo's story (Ryukyu Shimpo, Hokuriku-based webun) are touting Panasonic's X9E rice cookers as capable of making old rice taste "like new rice."
Context & numbers
- In F.A.Z. Kaufkompass's September 2026 test round, 21 kitchen machines with cooking functions were evaluated; the Vorwerk Thermomix TM7 won.
- Bosch has recently repositioned its 1,750 W, 3-liter Cookit into three equipment packages as part of a broader pricing push against the Thermomix (reported by IMTEST within the past three weeks).
On the radar
- IFA Berlin 2026 is approaching; the Home Appliances show area lists kitchen and energy-efficient connected household tech as core categories — expect a wave of AI kitchen launches there.
- Rumor/lead indicator: Chinese brands' presence at IFA is expanding — pre-show reports said Chinese exhibitors grew to around 900 (nearly half of total exhibitors). Watch for Chinese smart-kitchen reveals in Berlin.
- Panasonic's X9E rollout news is still propagating across Japanese regional outlets; full pricing/lineup details for other Panasonic series should surface via Kakaku's rice cooker news feed.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
