Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-10-15
Tiger Corporation has unveiled its first "16-in-1" automatic cooking appliance, the GRISIA, featuring dual-sided induction heating to eliminate manual flipping. Meanwhile, Vorwerk continues to solidify its market dominance in Germany with the Thermomix TM7 named top test winner, while refurbished TM6 models are being aggressively marketed at lower price points to capture budget-conscious consumers.
Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-10-15
Top developments
Tiger’s GRISIA redefines automatic cooking with dual-sided IH
On October 15, 2026, Tiger Corporation announced the launch of the "Multi-Grill Cooker GRISIA (CLX-A400)," scheduled for release in Japan on November 21. This industry-first appliance combines a carbon heater on top and an induction heating (IH) unit below, allowing for simultaneous two-sided grilling without the need to flip ingredients. The device offers 16 cooking functions, aiming to deliver professional-grade results with minimal user intervention. The estimated market price is ¥49,500.
Thermomix TM7 remains the benchmark in German multicooker tests
Recent tests by IMTEST have reaffirmed the Vorwerk Thermomix TM7 as the overall winner among kitchen machines with cooking functions. Despite strong competition from alternatives like the Lidl Monsieur Cuisine Compact, which was named the best value-for-money option, the TM7 retained its status as the premium choice for both beginners and professionals. The test highlights the TM7's superior handling, cooking precision, and app integration compared to rivals like Bosch and WMF.
Vorwerk expands reach with refurbished TM6 models
Vorwerk is actively marketing refurbished "TM6 ReNewed" units in Germany, priced starting at €799. These units retain the core 500-watt motor and over 20 cooking functions, along with access to the Cookidoo platform featuring more than 100,000 guided recipes. This strategy allows Vorwerk to compete more effectively against lower-priced competitors like the Bosch Cookit and Lidl’s offerings by offering a lower entry point into their ecosystem while maintaining a two-year warranty.
Midea pushes titanium-coated IH rice cookers in China
Chinese appliance giant Midea is promoting its new 2026 line of pure titanium IH rice cookers, emphasizing health benefits through a coating-free, non-stick design. The marketing focuses on "low sugar" cooking modes and durability, targeting consumers increasingly concerned about chemical coatings in traditional non-stick pots. This aligns with broader trends in the Chinese market where high-end IH rice cookers are gaining share over standard microware models.
Local view
In Japan, media outlets such as Nikkei and Yahoo! News Japan are highlighting Tiger’s GRISIA as a significant innovation that addresses the common pain point of uneven cooking and the need for constant attention (flipping) in grill-based appliances. The launch is framed as part of Tiger’s broader strategy to expand beyond traditional rice cookers into versatile automatic cooking devices. In Germany, IMTEST and ad-hoc-news focus heavily on the price-performance ratio of multicookers, with the refurbished Thermomix TM6 being positioned as a smart financial decision for those unwilling to pay the premium for the new TM7.
Context & numbers
The global household induction cooktop market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.0% from 2026 to 2033, driven by technological advancements and energy efficiency demands. In China, the rice cooker market saw retail sales of 48.5 million units in 2025, with a total value of ¥19.8 billion, showing steady growth as consumers shift toward higher-end IH models. The Tiger GRISIA enters this growing IH market with a mid-premium price point of approximately ¥49,500 (~$330 USD), positioning it between standard rice cookers and high-end multifunctional ovens.
On the radar
- November 21, 2026: Official Japanese launch date for the Tiger GRISIA CLX-A400. Early adopter reviews will be critical for determining if the dual-sided IH concept gains traction outside Japan.
- Refurbished Appliance Trends: Watch for increased availability of Vorwerk TM6 ReNewed units in other European markets, potentially undercutting new competitor launches.
- Induction Adoption: Continued monitoring of regulatory shifts in Europe and Asia that may accelerate the replacement of gas stoves with induction hobs, benefiting IH-based rice cookers and multicookers.
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.
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