We've seen remote-controlled thermostats, door locks, and even washing machines. Now GE is bringing the convenience to cooking appliances, with the launch of its new wall ovens at the International Builders' Show. The ovens, available in black, white, and stainless finishes, will sell for between $1,000 and $3,500 starting in June.
Perhaps wary that the idea might strike some people as a bit hazardous, with thoughts of their oven being pocket dialed into broil mode while on vacation, GE is carefully positioning the technology as one you'd use while at home. "If you want to preheat your oven while doing laundry, our new GE wall ovens can help," says Jon Bostock, GE's marketing manager for cooking appliances. "Don't worry about burning a casserole while you're doing the things that matter most, such as playing with your daughter in the yard. GE's app will notify you, so you can turn off the oven remotely." Safeguards within the app prevent accidental activation.
Beyond the Wi-Fi capability, the new wall ovens have other noteworthy innovations. The true European convection system distributes heated air from both the top and back wall of the oven depending on the cooking mode, and the fans can reverse direction and operate at seven different speeds. That's supposed to deliver even cooking and faster results.
An industry-first LED lighting strip between the top of the oven door and the bottom of the control panel pulses during preheating and progressively illuminates bar lights during timed cooking. This notification lighting is designed to let you quickly check the status of your meal. And when it comes time to self-clean the oven, its multiple racks can be left in place, for added ease and convenience.