Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-27

Top developments

Panasonic launches variable-pressure IH rice cooker "Bistro X9E" series

Panasonic has released its new variable-pressure IH rice cooker, the Bistro X9E series, which can cook rice that has been milled some time ago so it comes out "fluffy like fresh-harvest rice." The design features minimal surface irregularities for easier cleaning. The launch landed right on cue for Japan's new-rice season in late September. Kyodo-distributed coverage put the story in regional papers including the Ryukyu Shimpo and Gifu Shimbun this week.

Xiaomi sets its smart-appliance stage at September 23 autumn launch

Xiaomi's autumn new-product event on the evening of September 23 saw Group president Lu Weibing describe the digital series upgrade as "the beginning of AI transforming smartphones" — from system software to chip hardware, per Sina Finance's appliance hotspot report. While the headline products were phones, the same AI-driven positioning underpins Xiaomi's connected kitchen portfolio, including its IH rice cookers. This matters because Xiaomi's ecosystem pricing keeps pressure on both Japanese rice-cooker incumbents and Thermomix-style multicooker makers.

Midea launches 20+ new microwave models in September 2026

Midea rolled out more than 20 microwave models this September, including variable-frequency Class-1 inverter units promising around 30% energy savings, a "cat-paw" cute-design model for younger buyers, and 20L flat-cavity variants aimed at buyers prioritizing easy cleaning. Pricing varies by channel. The scale of the refresh underlines how aggressively Chinese brands are segmenting the small-appliance market by use case.

Mid-Autumn festival drive lifts Chinese rice-cooker promotions

A mid-autumn appliance promotion roundup this week compared five kitchen products head-to-head, noting Midea's rice cookers support up to 16 cooking modes from rice to soup, with high-conductivity aluminum inner pots that heat quickly. With the Mid-Autumn Festival gifting season underway, these promotions are a key short-term volume window for Chinese kitchen-appliance brands.

Xiaomi IH rice cooker 2 multi-function version gains traction

Chinese consumer community SMZDM users this week again highlighted Mijia's smart IH rice cooker 2 multi-function version, praising its versatility — not just rice but soup, stewing and "dry-water" baking modes — as a value alternative to premium Japanese models. User-driven recommendations like this shape China's fast-moving value rice-cooker segment, directly challenging Zojirushi, Tiger and Panasonic at the entry and mid-price tiers.

Local view

• Japanese regional press (via Kyodo) framed the Panasonic X9E around the consumer benefit of making older rice taste like new-harvest rice — a timely hook as Japan's new-rice season begins.
• Chinese reviewers on Zhihu continue to position Midea as the domestic rice-cooker market leader driving technology-driven category upgrades.

Context & numbers

• Midea's September 2026 microwave wave: 20+ models, Class-1 inverter energy savings of about 30%.
• Midea rice cookers: up to 16 cooking modes highlighted in this week's comparison testing.
• Earlier 2026 benchmark for context: F.A.Z. Kaufkompass tested 21 cooking machines, with the Vorwerk Thermomix TM7 as test winner.

On the radar

• Japan's new-rice season (autumn) is the traditional peak for rice-cooker launches and marketing — expect more Zojirushi, Tiger and Toshiba announcements in the coming weeks.
• China's "Double 11" shopping festival in November is the next major sales window for Midea and Xiaomi kitchen appliances.
• Watch for extended German-language Thermomix TM7 vs. Bosch Cookit coverage as Q4 gifting season approaches.