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Household Appliances

Char-Broil Launches WiFi-Enabled Smokers

Char-Broil, one of the world’s oldest and most respected outdoor cooking companies, made it easier than ever today for consumers to monitor and control the smoking process with the launch of the Simple Smoker ($299) and Digital Electric Smoker ($399) with the Char-Broil app and SmartChef technology. The first of their kind, these smokers sync to your smart device over Wi-Fi utilizing the Char-Broil app, which allows connected users more convenience and freedom than ever before. Users of all skill levels will have an outdoor cooking experience that is all about leveraging innovative technology to consistently create superior taste, perfect cooking techniques and enjoy an effortless smoking routine.

“Although smoked food is universally loved, the complexity and time commitment of the smoking process has always been a barrier,” said Brendan Anderson, Vice President, Marketing and Product Management of Char-Broil. “The two new connected Char-Broil SmartChef smokers make it easier than ever to make perfectly cooked smoked meals without being time consuming. We want to inspire a new generation of smoker consumers who want to monitor their smoker, anytime and anywhere on their connected devices.”

Adding to Char-Broil’s portfolio of innovative products and features consumers can get real-time cooking info through the Char-Broil app and make adjustments as needed, including:

  • Meat temperature
  • Estimated cook time and done time
  • Chamber temperature

When users are connected to their home network, they have the ability to control and adjust these settings at their fingertips. But – unlike other competing products – once users are out of their network range, they can continue to monitor the smoker from the Char-Broil app.

Signaled by an integrated meat probe, the app will send notifications at key cooking times, so users never need to worry about overcooking or continuously checking their meats. The app also provides a preprogrammed library of recipes for the amateur or adventurous cookers and is compatible with iOS and Android phones.

The Simple Smoker and Digital Electric Smoker can be used on patios, balconies, rooftop terraces and decks of all sizes. Their performance features include:

  • Integrated meat temperature probe: The probe senses the internal meat temperature throughout the cooking cycle and sends the info to the Char-Broil app. When the target internal meat temp is reached, the app sends a notification indicating that the food is done cooking and automatically drops the smoker temp to a warming temp until you are ready to eat.
  • Standard 120V power: The smokers operate off a standard 120V electrical outlet, making temperature control easy to maintain and giving cooks the freedom to move away from their smokers for long periods.
  • The Digital Electric Smoker: The bigger of the SmartChef Smokers has a large four-cup capacity wood chip box that will smoke up to 6.5 hours at 225 degrees, which is about eight times longer than competing electric smokers.
  • The Simple Smoker: Features an intuitive and easy-to-use design with the versatility to smoke at low temperatures or roast with high heat.

Both are perfectly suited for holiday meals and everyday use. The Digital Electric Smoker gives users long lasting smoke and more capacity allowing for large meal preparations, while the Simple Smoker offers convenience and versatility, allowing users to slowly smoke a brisket at a low temperature or safely fry a turkey to perfection without oil.

The Simple Smoker and Digital Electric Smoker are available for purchase on the Char-Broil website and Amazon.

LG Unveils Winner of ‘Designed to Inspire’ LG Studio Kitchen Design Competition

LG Electronics USA and Hearst Magazines announced that Petya Toncheva took the top prize in the “Designed to Inspire” LG Studio Kitchen Design Contest, held in cooperation with the New York (NY) Metro Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The contest challenged up-and-coming ASID New York Metro Chapter designers to create a “forever kitchen design” reflective of their personal taste and lifestyle, using the new premium LG Studio kitchen appliance suite as the centerpiece.

Toncheva’s design was judged by a panel of industry experts, including renowned designer and LG Studio Artistic Advisor Nate Berkus and representatives of LG and Hearst Magazines titles ELLE DECOR, HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful and VERANDA. The entries were judged based on creativity, innovation, overall kitchen workflow and integration of LG Studio appliances. LG and Hearst Magazines recognized three finalists and featured their winning designs in a gallery display at a VIP “Designed to Inspire” event in New York.

Berkus advised on the design of the recently announced LG Studio suite, ensuring the products embody a pro-style, sophisticated design that serves as the centerpiece for a timeless kitchen design. The new line is designed with seamless integration in mind and includes a counter-depth refrigerator, gas and electric slide-in ranges and an over-the-range microwave. A sleek design aesthetic is reflected throughout the appliance suite, which features such premium elements as a flat-door design; beautiful and functional LED lighting; pro-style metal knobs, handles and control panels; and a horizontally-brushed, stainless steel finish.

“Your kitchen is the hardest working room in your home, so you need it to be really functional, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful as well. The idea is to create a space you love now, and will love for years to come,” said Berkus. “It’s been so great to see all the contest entries and how the designs complement the carefully crafted elements I chose for LG Studio’s newest appliance line. What stood out for me about Petya’s design was the level of creativity she brought in creating a timeless kitchen that features the perfect combination of high function and high design.”

Verona Classic Professional Range Now Available in All Electric

Verona, crafted in Italy but made for the U.S. market, launches a new fully electric 36-inch professional range as a part of the Verona Classic series. The contemporary lines and stunning details combine the very best of industrial design and cooking performance without the need for a gas connection. Offered in three colors, including stainless steel, matte black and gloss red, the fully electric Verona Classic model features a sleek plinth leg, beveled doors, and stainless steel and elegant shaped stainless steel control knobs. The black ceramic glass cooktop is equipped with five sealed elements including a powerful dual element in the center.
VeronaThe range is fully equipped with a multi-function European convection oven that is easily programmed with the digital clock and timer, delivering the ultimate in professional performance. The multi-function convection oven provides seven cooking modes including three baking modes (Bake, Fan Oven, Convection Bake); three radiant modes (Broil, Convection Broil, Dual Broil) and a Defrost mode.
A full width compartment provides expansive storage capacity while an included Glide Rack makes cooking large, heavy items almost effortless.
Other Details:
  • Programmable Digital Clock and Timer
  • Multi Function European Convection Oven
  • One Glide Rack and one Pullout Rack
  • Easy-Clean Porcelain Oven Surface
  • Full width storage compartment
  • Plinth legs with an optional wrap-around toe kick
  • Closed door broil
  • Suggested retail price starts at $3849

Jenn-Air Sponsored Chef Gala Raises $1.25 Million for Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, partnered with luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air to host a unique dinner in Los Angeles that raised more than $1.25 million for the organization. Using Jenn-Air ranges and cooking tableside, 100 top chefs created signature four-course meals for individual guest tables at this inaugural event, held on October 8 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

Hosted by late night comedian Conan O’Brien and featuring a performance by musical guest P!nk, the event drew a Who’s Who of Hollywood to honor Autism Speaks Co-Founders Suzanne and Bob Wright and commemorate the organization’s 10th anniversary. Similar chef galas in New York have raised nearly $8 million for the research, awareness and advocacy initiatives of Autism Speaks.

As exclusive appliance sponsor, Jenn-Air provided nearly 50 ranges and a suite of kitchen appliances as an auction prize for the event. Also included in the prize is dinner for eight prepared in the top bidder’s home by Chef Antonia Lofaso, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 4 and chef/owner of Scopa Italian Roots. Funds from this and other auction items have been designated for such Autism Speaks initiatives as summer camp for kids with autism, the genome research program known as MSSNG, and providing iPads to individuals who struggle to communicate.

“Autism touches all of us, whether personally or societally,” notes Brian Maynard, Jenn-Air Marketing Director and auctioneer of the evening’s culinary prize. “As a brand committed to making chef-worthy appliances and giving back, this was a natural fit for Jenn-Air.”

In addition to Lofaso, participating chefs included Art Smith, Table Fifty-Two; Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station; Brian Malarkey, Herringbone; Govind Armstrong, Post & Beam; Jet Tila, Food Network; Joachim Splichal, Patina; Josiah Citrin, Melisse; Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill; Michael Voltaggio, Ink.; Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza; Neal Fraser, Redbird and many others. Collectively, they have earned James Beard awards, Best New Chef titles and rave reviews from diners in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, Denver and points in between.

LG Electronics Launches New LG Studio Line of Premium Kitchen Appliances

LG Electronics USA today announced the nationwide retail availability of the latest additions to its LG Studio premium kitchen appliance suite.

The new Nate Berkus-inspired line of LG Studio appliances includes a counter-depth refrigerator, gas and electric slide-in ranges and an over-the-range microwave, all featuring a distinctive style palette aimed to complement any high-end kitchen design.

Renowned interior designer and LG Studio Artistic Advisor Nate Berkus advised on the design of the kitchen appliances, ensuring they embody a pro-style, sophisticated design. Berkus’ influence can be felt throughout the 2015 LG Studio line-up and is exhibited in the appliances’ premium, flat door design; beautiful and functional LED lighting; pro-style metal knobs, handles and control panels; and a premium, horizontally-brushed stainless steel finish.

“I’ve always believed that every kitchen should incorporate timeless elements that will make for a beautiful, well-functioning kitchen for years to come,” said Berkus. “The carefully crafted elements of the new LG Studio line that I advised on were developed with this in mind.  From the sleek, flat-door design of the new refrigerator to the more distinctive, detailed elements and finishes of the ranges and microwave, these products are the perfect marriage of high function and high design that will deliver big for homeowners each and every day.”

Complementing Berkus’ design philosophy and evident in the new LG Studio suite of appliances  are technological advances that bring a new level of convenience and functionality to the modern, premium kitchen:

  • LG Studio Slide-in Ranges. These large-capacity pro-style slide-in ranges – available in both gas and electric configurations – feature flat-design control panels and robust, durable metal knobs. SmoothTouch™ glass controls allow the adjustment of settings with the touch of a finger. With a depth in line with any kitchen countertop, the ranges provide a streamlined, custom appearance reflective of a more pro-style, timeless feel. These units include LG’s ProBake™ Convection technology that delivers even cooking results on every rack. Inspired by professional ranges, LG moved the heating element from the bottom of the oven to the back wall to achieve optimal heating distribution and consistent browning on the top and bottom of every dish, from savory dinners to delectable desserts. The ranges also feature EasyClean®, the 10-minute, fastest oven cleaning feature on the market that offers easier, more convenient cleaning thanks to LG’s innovative oven enamel technology. The technology works in three simple steps: users simply spray water to the interior walls of the oven, start the EasyClean function to allow the oven to heat up, and after 10 quick minutes, the mess inside the wall can simply be wiped away. The simplified process is a result of LG’s innovative oven enamel technology, eliminating the need for chemicals of high heat to rid the oven of grime.
  • LG Studio Counter-Depth Refrigerator. This three-door, 23.5-cubic-foot French Door refrigerator features a sleek flat door design, water dispenser with premium stainless steel finish, LED lighting and solid, distinctive door handles – all meticulously designed to enhance any kitchen décor. The unit’s cabinet-depth styling also ensures it can stand flush with any countertop for a sleek, seamless built-in look. LG’s flagship Door-in-Door® technology on this ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerator provides better organization and easy access to consumers’ favorite items. The refrigerator also includes LG’s Slim SpacePlus® Ice system, a streamlined ice-making system inside the door that allows users to still have usable door bins and an obstruction-free top shelf, further maximizing storage space. This model also features LG’s Smart Cooling Plus technology, which is designed to maintain optimal temperature conditions within the refrigerator. LG’s highly efficient Linear Compressor and Dual Evaporators react quickly to humidity and temperature levels to maintain foods’ freshness.
  • LG Studio Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This premium over-the-range microwave features a sleek flat door design, metal dial knob, glass touch controls, distinctive handles and a stainless steel finish. The unit is equipped with convection technology, which allows the microwave to serve as a second oven perfect for baking and roasting any favorite dish.

“The LG Studio line marries LG’s flagship technological advancements with a sophisticated, integrated design that inspires innovation in the heart of the home,” said David VanderWaal, Vice President of Marketing, LG Electronics USA.  “The new Nate-inspired appliances are crafted from the highest-quality, premium materials and incorporate thoughtful, innovative features for a kitchen homeowners are proud to own, use and show off.”