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Signature Kitchen Suite premi- um appliances, developed by LG Electronics, are Wi-Fi connected with SmartThinQ. The gas cooktops in the line, available in 30" and 36", include the UltraHeat Burner, capa- ble of reaching 18,500 BTUs. Also featured are metal knobs that light when burners are on, and burner-on monitoring. Circle No. 195 on Product Card The Kalamazoo Smoker Cabinet from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet features an undercounter cabinet design that mirrors the company's cabinetry collection. It provides a sealed charcoal system that ofers a 225°F smoking temperature for more than 10 hours on a single load of charcoal. Three large shelves are included to hold food. The unit is also available in a cart version on wheels. Circle No. 194 on Product Card Fisher & Paykel's cooktops are designed to provide power, precision and heat control. Gas cooktops include 24" 4-burner, 30" 5-burner and 36" 5-burner versions, while the electric 5-element and induction 5-zone versions are ofered in 36". In addition, the frm ofers the 36" Cook- Surface Cooktop, which combines the performance of gas cooking with an easy-clean ceramic cooktop. Circle No. 193 on Product Card Dual-port Culinary Burners are a staple in the line of gas cooktops from Wind Crest by CNP Industries. The burners provide a range of output, from an UltraLo of 140 degrees up to 20,000 BTUs. The dual orifces control the output with a slight adjust- ment of the control knob. One-piece grates, ergonomic oversized control knobs and single-point electronic igni- tion and reignition are also featured. Circle No. 192 on Product Card The Texan Electric Grill from Kenyon International provides fame-free, no-smoke grilling. Temperatures for the two large grilling surfaces are controlled independently through a waterproof touch-control system. Non-stick grates impart grill mark- ings and seal in juice, and provide ease of cleaning, the frm says. The grill features an automatic shut-of. Circle No. 191 on Product Card Sharp Electronics' next generation Microwave Drawer Ovens incorpo- rates a low-profle stainless steel design, with a concealed control panel. The control opens up to a 45-degree angle, then folds away for a clean look. The Microwave Drawer ofers fexible placement options, and can also be installed below or adjacent to a wall oven. It is available in 24" and 30" sizes. Circle No. 190 on Product Card The Vario 400 Series Cooktops com- bine professional-grade technology with sculptural design. For the frst time, the Vario grill, Teppan Yaki, steamer or deep fryer can be freely combined with induction or gas cook- tops in 15" and 36" widths to create a unit. The precision crafting of the 1/8"-thick stainless steel allows for the appliances to be surface mounted with a visible edge or fush mounted. Circle No. 189 on Product Card Italian manufacturer Tecnogas Superiore has developed two lines of gas ranges to be distributed by Almo Premium Products. NEXT ranges (shown) feature a contemporary design and a Panorama wide-screen window. They are available in 30", 36" and 48", with the 48". The DECO line, in 36" and 48", ofers Classic Black, Brown, Red or Cream, and brass, gold or chrome trim. Circle No. 188 on Product Card "With the development of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, the technological possibilities are endless for cooking appliances," says Bergeth. "Current technology allows for clear understanding and easier use of controls, such as the touch screen on the Jenn-Air Connected Wall Oven," he notes. This screen has technology under glass, which allows users to slide a bar on the touch screen to achieve the desired temperatures without entering numbers. "We know people are used to sliding open their phones – why not do the same in other devices?" Lighting is another aspect of technology that has seen advances. "With the advent of LED lighting, we can now focus design eforts on the interior of our appliances to deliver a theater-like visual experience when looking at food from inside an oven," says Bergeth. Technology is also important at Caliber, states Nichols, as this gives home chefs control and confdence in preparing the dish they are emulat- ing from the cooking show they were inspired by the weekend before. And, as an added beneft, it can also ofer time savings. "On the outdoor side of our business, we've found that many of those who are running slow- cooked foods on appliances like our Kamado Pro Smoker are using Wi-Fi- and bluetooth-enabled probes and devices so that they can spend more time with guests and not have to tend to the dish constantly," he concludes. MEANINGFUL TECHNOLOGY Advances in technology permeate every aspect of daily life. Although these advances are sometimes more gimmicky than practical, others make the operation and use of an appliance easier, and ofer a real beneft to the consumer. Digital displays, touch screens and programs that simplify the cooking process are among the technology manufacturers see in demand. "Digital controls are helping making the interaction with the applianc- es easy and immediate," states Bertazzoni. "Technology allows for better control and more sophisticated cooking techniques as well," she adds. "We've become accustomed to touch screens that are intuitive and easy to use from our connected devices like mobile phones," says Maynard. "Since Jenn-Air frst introduced our intuitive, 7", full-color, touch-anywhere LCD display in 2010, touch screens have certainly be- come more prevalent on appliances." "In addition," says Maynard, "the 'Internet of things' is top of mind in a range of product categories and we are seeing more connected appliances being introduced that enhance the user's experience." Jenn-Air focuses on technology and connected products that ofer real benefts, such as being able to turn the appliance on or of from a connected device, or automatic registra- tion of the appliance, Maynard adds. 56 Kitchen & Bath Design News • March 2016 PRODUCT TREND REPORT