New technology enables wireless powering to compatible countertop equipment.
Countertops are becoming more sophisticated, smarter, and more powerful. In recent years, we have integrated cooking power into built-in induction stoves, lighting power into hidden switches, and phone power into integrated chargers. The latest power play comes from Porcelanosa and has the potential to further expand the porcelain slab countertop and kitchen technology category.
Empowering people in the kitchen
The Spanish household goods maker has debuted an integrated power supply for countertop appliances, now available in the U.S. market as well. In a recent release, the company described his SmartKitchen in the Gamadecor division as follows: “A new invisible induction system for worktops acts as both a stove and a charging point for appliances.” (We call them “worktop” countertops.) Integrated into porcelain slab countertops A built-in control panel allows users to power up a compatible blender or other compatible small countertop appliance.
The look of the panel is modern and touch-based. Small appliances operate in close proximity to a hidden power source (which can deliver up to 2,000 watts, according to the manufacturer), but must be compatible with wireless inductive energization technology. ScienceDirect explains this this way: “Inductive power transfer (IPT) uses magnetic fields to transfer electrical energy…no electrical connections are required.”
This type of technology is already used not only in the home, but also in outdoor systems. Charging small appliances is a modern service that can be performed without batteries, cables, or power cords. Anyone who deals with tangled messes or curious, agile tabby cats will appreciate the simplicity of this system in the kitchen.
Industry reaction
SmartKitchen won a design award at the 2020 European Show. This is the first time I've seen it in the US. Bringing electrical and plumbing technology across oceans is complicated by various standards and regulations. Now that we're here, this system could even win an American award.
Joe Simpson, ceramic tile consultant and editor of Diary of a Tile Addict, calls the Porcelanosa integrated power supply a more sophisticated alternative to pop-up power outlets, calling it “a must-have for high-end kitchens.” We call it “A masculine kitchen accessory that won't leave you feeling uneasy.'' (Kitchens in Europe and England, where Simpson is based, don't necessarily have the built-in “fit” kitchens that we Americans know.)
Caroline Broderick, editor-in-chief of Pro Remodeler, says she's seeing growth in this category. While the product itself has been available for some time, we are now seeing surface manufacturers partnering with manufacturers of hidden guidance systems and using it within their own products. We are confident that it will become even more popular in the coming years as this means it is reliable and accessible for contractors and their clients. ” (As a trend watcher in another trade publication, I tend to agree.)
At the same time, Broderick knows that contractors and other home improvement professionals who read her publications have questions, concerns, and skepticism about the longevity and performance of emerging technologies. “Everything new comes with it, but when it's expensive and attached to a fixed part of the kitchen, the risk is even higher.” She points out that anything new presents challenges for contractors and their installers. Masu.
“This means additional time and possibly education will be required to understand the installation. If not, the remodeler will need to find someone knowledgeable about these projects, but , my guess is that this is less common. It also means more money, but if the client is willing to pay that premium, the contractor will be happy to comply.” the editor added.
Sean Fisher, a general contractor in the San Diego area, is already familiar with this type of system, he says. “Induction technology has been around for a long time and is proven. There are usually manufacturer and product-specific concerns when it comes to warranties and service in the event of product failure or problems.”
He believes that will appeal to the wealthiest segments of the market. “Budget is almost always a concern, especially for cutting-edge products and products that are new to market,” he says. Given its newness, Fischer expects adoption to be concentrated at the “very upscale, high-end end of the spectrum, where style is probably more important than function.”
(Another challenge for SmartKitchen to overcome is the lack of online information about which countertop appliances in the U.S. can currently be used with new countertops.)
conclusion
“I think Porcelanosa (Gamadecor brand) smart kitchens will set the pace in this space,” Simpson predicts. “We are a very strong company driven by marketing and innovation. [and] It is rich in resources. ”
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Author's Note: Broderick, Fisher, and Simpson were interviewed via email in May 2024.
