Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-10-03
Seven new smart kitchen appliances worth buying in 2026 are reshaping home cooking with AI vision systems, energy efficiency, and connected features. IFA Berlin 2026 showcased nearly 900 Chinese brands among 1,800 exhibitors bringing AI-powered ovens and multicookers to market. Induction cooktops continue their rapid adoption across Europe, now commanding 38.6% market share as consumers prioritize safety and sustainability.
Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-10-03
Top developments
BGR Highlights 7 New Smart Appliances Worth Buying in 2026
BGR published a curated list of new smart kitchen appliances released this year that merit serious consideration. The roundup emphasizes that 2026 has delivered standout products across cooking categories, though specific models and prices were not disclosed in available excerpts. The timing reflects growing consumer demand for connected kitchen solutions as smart home adoption accelerates.
German Multicooker Market: Thermomix TM7 Retains Leadership as Bosch Cookit Competes
IMTEST's September 2026 test of seven multicookers with cooking functions found the Vorwerk Thermomix TM7 remains the benchmark, winning favor with both beginners and professionals. The F.A.Z. Kaufkompass tested 21 models in their September 2026 evaluation, reaffirming the Thermomix TM7 as the overall winner. Bosch Cookit offers a competitive alternative, with cookit.kaufen's 2026 comparison highlighting functional and pricing differences between the two category leaders.
IFA Berlin 2026: Nearly 900 Chinese Appliance Brands Drive AI Kitchen Innovation
IFA Berlin 2026 featured approximately 900 Chinese exhibitors among 1,800 total participants—up significantly from 700 Chinese companies last year—cementing China's near 50% share of the world's largest electronics trade show. The Home Appliances show area focused on connected and energy-efficient solutions including AI-driven kitchen technology. This expansion underscores the globalization of smart cooking innovation and intensifying competition in multicooker and induction markets.
LG Signature Smart Oven Shown at CES 2026 Features AI Baking Monitor
LG unveiled its Signature smart oven at CES 2026 with in-built camera and Gourmet AI technology that monitors baking progress, sends app alerts through ThinQ, and automatically adjusts settings. This represents the emerging category of AI vision-enabled ovens that recognize contents and optimize performance—a significant shift beyond traditional timers and thermostats. Such autonomous capability addresses a key consumer pain point: preventing burnt or undercooked dishes.
Japanese Rice Cooker Awards Spotlight Premium Models from Zojirushi, Panasonic, Tiger
Japan's Goods Press published its 2026 appliance awards just five days ago, highlighting flagships and high-value rice cookers as the category shifts beyond basic functionality toward multi-grain versatility and precise temperature control. The same week (October 2), a TRILL survey of 300 Japanese consumers named Zojirushi the top rice-cooker brand, with Panasonic second and Tiger Magic Furnace third. This stable hierarchy reflects decades of brand loyalty in Japan's most competitive small-appliance segment.
Local view
Germany: IMTEST (September 2026) remains the primary voice testing multicookers, confirming Thermomix TM7's continued dominance while highlighting Bosch Cookit's competitive feature set and pricing.
Japan: Goods Press (September 28, 2026) and TRILL (September 29, 2026) both published updated rice-cooker guides, reinforcing Zojirushi, Panasonic, and Tiger as the trio dominating Japanese consumer preference.
China: Sina and Weibo coverage within the past week emphasized energy-efficient cooling and heating appliances (air conditioning, hot water heaters, microwaves) but did not surface fresh rice-cooker or multicooker product announcements. Kitchen appliance discourse focused on older autumn promotion cycles rather than new model debuts.
Context & numbers
Induction Cooktop Adoption:
- Europe holds 38.6% of the global household induction cooktop market in 2026, driven by strong consumer preference for energy-efficient and eco-friendly appliances.
- U.S. market: USD 1.47 billion in 2025, forecast to reach USD 3.23 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 8.19% (2026–2035).
- Induction adoption in California stands at 10% and is growing steadily, particularly in newer high-efficiency housing focused on sustainability.
Trade Shows:
- IFA Berlin 2026: ~1,800 exhibitors (900 from China), Home Appliances focus on connected and energy-efficient solutions.
- AWE 2026 (Appliance & Electronics World, Shanghai): 150,000 m² planned, 1,200+ exhibitors, 280,000 expected visitors.
On the radar
- AI Oven Rollout: LG's Signature smart oven camera technology is moving from CES showcase to retail availability; watch for Samsung, Bosch, and Miele to announce similar vision-enabled models in Q4 2026.
- Chinese Multicooker Push: With 900+ brands at IFA 2026, expect Xiaomi, Midea, or emerging kitchen-tech startups to challenge Thermomix and Cookit in European markets by early 2027.
- Induction Regulation Wave: EU ecodesign and energy-labeling directives continue favoring induction; gas stove restrictions may accelerate adoption in France, Germany, and Benelux through 2027.
- Rice-Cooker IH Expansion: Chinese brands (Xiaomi, Midea, Cuckoo) are actively promoting IH (induction-heating) rice cookers with app control; Japanese incumbents likely to respond with price adjustments or feature bundling in Q4 2026.
Data as of October 3, 2026. Article covers announcements and reviews published after September 26, 2026.
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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