New GE induction cooktops use swiping controls
Smartphones are permeating our lives and appliances in more ways than one. While things like cars, lamps, and thermostats are integrating smartphone features, some are taking inspiration from another angle. GE's next generation of inductions cooktops, for example, are said to be inspired by the ease of use of touchscreen interfaces prevalent in our smartphones. GE's new Glide Touch Controls lets users slide, sweep, or touch controls to their precise preferences, without worrying about knobs or getting the controls dirty permanently.
According to GE, inductions cooktops are finally catching on, with an increase of 10 percent market share and has even doubled in the US alone. Part of the appeal, aside from the fancy design of the tops themselves, are the ease of use and precision that they offer. Adding familiar touch controls to the mix emphasizes that point and GE is confident this feature will be a big seller when the new cooktops launch.
Of course, touchscreen are notorious for their fingerprint smudges and naturally, touch controls here will be even more. But worry not, dear cooks. GE claims that these touch controls are just easy to clean as the tops themselves. And with no crevices and cracks, there really is no room for dirt and crumbs to hide.
In addition to the cooktops, GE is also revealing some additions to the cookware. A new stainless steel griddle was made to perfectly match the new induction stoves without burdening cooks with their weight. A sous vide accessory is also available, touted to be the first of its kind to work specifically for induction methods.
The new GE induction cooktops will be available starting May this year under three brands with different sizes and, of course, different prices:
• Monogram, 30-inch: $2,600
• Monogram, 36-inch: $3,100
• Café, 30-inch: $2,000
• Café, 36-inch: $2,300
• Profile, 30-inch, Black: $1,500
• Profile, 30-inch, Stainless Steel: $1,600
• Profile, 36-inch, Black: $1,800
• Profile, 36-inch, Stainless Steel: $1,900
SOURCE: GE