Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-10
Bosch has aggressively repositioned its Cookit multicooker with a price cut and new AI features, directly challenging Vorwerk's Thermomix TM7 in the German market. Meanwhile, Panasonic launched its new X9E rice cooker series in Japan with nationwide tasting events, and Tiger Magic Bottle released a steamless electric kettle. In China, consumer guides are highlighting IH induction technology as the key differentiator for modern rice cookers.
Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-10
Top developments
Bosch Cookit Price Cut and New AI Features
Bosch has restructured the availability of its Cookit kitchen machine, lowering the entry price and introducing new functions to compete more effectively with the Thermomix TM7. The device is now available in three distinct equipment packages, aiming to capture a broader segment of the German market that previously found the Thermomix too expensive or complex. This move comes as German testers like IMTEST continue to compare the two giants, noting that while Thermomix remains the premium choice for versatility, Bosch is closing the gap with improved app integration and cooking performance.
Panasonic X9E Rice Cooker Launches with "W-Odori" Tech
Panasonic officially launched its new variable-pressure IH rice cooker series, the X9E, in Japan this week. To promote the launch, the company is hosting tasting events in five major cities from September to October, allowing consumers to experience the new "W-Odori" (W-Dance) heating technology firsthand. The X9E series aims to maintain Panasonic's reputation for superior texture by using precise pressure control during the boiling and steaming phases.
Tiger Magic Bottle Releases Steamless Electric Kettle
Tiger Magic Bottle (Tiger Corporation) announced the release of the PCZ-A080, a new gooseneck-style electric kettle designed to minimize steam output. This product targets users who want precise pouring control without the humidity and heat associated with traditional kettles, a niche growing among urban apartment dwellers in Japan. The release highlights Tiger's continued innovation beyond just rice cookers into other kitchen essentials.
Local view
In Germany, the rivalry between Vorwerk and Bosch remains the dominant narrative in kitchen tech media. IMTEST reports that the Thermomix TM7 continues to be rated as the best overall kitchen machine with cooking function, citing its superior design and expanded feature set compared to the TM6. However, the updated Bosch Cookit is gaining traction as a cost-effective alternative, particularly for users who prioritize app-driven recipes over the Thermomix's extensive community ecosystem.
In Japan, local media coverage focuses on the experiential marketing of new rice cookers. Shitakoe notes that Panasonic is betting on direct consumer engagement through tasting sessions to differentiate its X9E series from competitors like Zojirushi and Tiger, who rely heavily on established brand loyalty and technical specifications like vacuum insulation or specific inner pot materials.
Context & numbers
The global induction cooktop market continues to expand, driven by energy efficiency regulations and a shift away from gas stoves, particularly in North America and Europe. Induction technology transfers up to 90% of energy to food, compared to 40% for gas, making it a key focus for both standalone hobs and integrated multicookers.
In China, consumer interest is shifting toward IH (Induction Heating) rice cookers as a standard for quality. Recent guides from platforms like Smzdm emphasize that IH technology provides uniform heating, which is critical for achieving consistent results compared to traditional bottom-heating models. This trend aligns with Xiaomi's recent launch of rice cookers featuring wrap-around 3D IH heating.
On the radar
- Panasonic Tasting Events: Consumers in Japan can attend Panasonic X9E rice cooker tasting sessions in five cities through October 2026.
- New Rice Cooker Models: Hiro Corporation is scheduled to release the Modere HK-RC558, a 5-cup microcomputer rice cooker, on September 15, 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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