Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-06
Bosch has aggressively repositioned its Cookit multicooker with a price cut and new AI-driven features, intensifying the rivalry with Vorwerk’s Thermomix TM7 in the German market. Meanwhile, Xiaomi continues to expand its global smart kitchen footprint with new IH rice cookers and air fryers launching in Southeast Asia this week, while Japanese media highlights the shift toward multi-function cooking appliances.
Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-06
Top developments
Bosch Restructures Cookit Offerings with Price Drop and New Features
In a move published just hours ago, Bosch announced a significant restructuring of its Cookit multicooker line, lowering the entry price while introducing new connectivity features and three distinct equipment packages. This strategic pivot aims to capture market share from Vorwerk’s Thermomix TM7 by offering a more competitive price point without sacrificing core cooking performance, directly addressing consumer feedback on value.
Xiaomi Expands Smart Kitchen Portfolio in Southeast Asia
Xiaomi has launched a new wave of smart home appliances in Malaysia, including the Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer Pro and the Xiaomi Smart Double Stack Air Fryer, available for purchase starting September 9, 2026. While primarily focused on laundry and air frying, this launch signals Xiaomi's continued aggressive expansion into the broader "smart kitchen" ecosystem in Asian markets, complementing its recent IH rice cooker releases.
Japanese Media Highlights Rise of Multi-Function Rice Cookers
Local Japanese tech outlet Fav-Log by ITmedia reported on the top-selling rice cookers as of early September 2026, noting a clear consumer preference for models with extensive cooking menus beyond simple rice preparation. The article emphasizes that modern buyers are prioritizing versatility, with compact, multi-function units gaining traction among single-person households and smaller families.
Local view
Germany: The German tech magazine IMTEST has released updated comparisons of cooking machines, highlighting that while the Thermomix TM7 remains a benchmark for performance, the newly repriced Bosch Cookit is becoming a formidable "price-performance" alternative for cost-conscious consumers.
Japan: Fav-Log by ITmedia notes that the "cooking menu richness" is now a primary differentiator in the rice cooker market, moving beyond brand loyalty to feature-specific utility.
Malaysia: Zing Gadget highlights that Xiaomi’s latest launch strategy focuses on bundling high-spec AIoT devices at accessible price points (starting from RM899), aiming to dominate the emerging middle-class smart home segment in Southeast Asia.
Context & numbers
The global residential induction cooktops market is projected to grow from USD 16.49 billion in 2025 to USD 17.54 billion in 2026, driven by energy efficiency regulations and urbanization trends. This growth provides a favorable backdrop for smart appliance makers integrating induction technology into multifunctional units.
On the radar
- September 9, 2026: Xiaomi’s new air fryers and washing machines go on sale in Malaysia, potentially setting a pricing precedent for other Asian markets.
- IFA Berlin 2026: With over 900 Chinese brands expected to exhibit (up from 700 last year), IFA remains the critical venue for observing the next wave of AI-integrated kitchen gadgets from Asia.
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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