The Electrolux Inspiro oven

Electrolux launches “auto-focus for chefs”

2008-03-18T09:00:00.017+01:00

Intelligent oven secures great result at the push of one button

Rothenburg, Electrolux is launching the "Inspiro" oven that uses a revolutionary heat management technique, so it consistently achieves the desired result.

Rather than just measuring the air temperature with a thermometer and regulating it with a thermostat, the way a conventional oven operates, Inspiro uses sensors to calculate the precise combination of energy consumption and time needed to bring the food to the correct temperature. This is similar to the way cameras now automatically set aperture, exposure time and focus, depending on the light and what’s in the frame.

“When auto-exposure and auto-focus were new features on cameras, there was a lot of skepticism,” explains Hans Stråberg, CEO Electrolux. “But, with time, auto-focus has been accepted and today it is a standard feature. For the oven and for the camera, it is all about pushing one button to ensure a professional result.”

How does it work?
To cook a lamb joint, for example, select the category “roasting” via the touch control, then choose whether the joint should be rare, medium or well done. The oven indicates which level to put the tray on – in a cold oven.

From that cold start, Inspiro calculates the energy consumption and time needed to raise the temperature of the meat to the desired level. That information is then combined with its database of professional cooking techniques to calculate what combination of heating modes is required (top, bottom, side, hot air, or grill) to ensure the desired result.

When the cooking sequence is finished, the oven stops, and alerts the chef that the food is ready.

“With Inspiro, Electrolux has managed to transfer professional cooking techniques into consumer homes, says German top chef Christian Mittermeier. “No other oven allows you to combine top, bottom, side, and grill for one dish without having to stop and reset the oven. I use Inspiro both at home and in my restaurant kitchen and I’m amazed at the precision of the cooking. For ordinary people it will be like having a private chef at home.”

Inspiro can also operate like a conventional oven if selecting the manual mode. The oven will be for sale all over Europe during 2008.

For more product pictures and recipes click here
or go directly to high res images on Flickr

If the video doesn't work, please reload and try again. If all else fails please click here: Inspiro Interview

Inspiro: How it's made

2008-03-17T11:19:00.002+01:00

The Inspiro is manufactured in the Electrolux factory in Rothenburg. If you come here I will show you, in person, how we build and assemble the Inspiro by hand!

Professional knowledge

2008-03-17T01:04:00.007+01:00

Today I talked with Christian Mittermeier about the Inspiro. He is a German top chef from Rothenburg who tested the new oven and will demonstrate it during the launch.

He told me this:

“As a professional cook, I know which techniques or combinations to use for specific foods, after years of practice, a professional chef learns which heating methods work best to, for example, make chicken juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The Inspiro has this same knowledge, a breaktrough for every home chef"

He was looking very much forward to demonstrate the oven on Tuesday.

Tomorrow...

2008-03-17T00:57:00.003+01:00

Finally back in Rothenburg. The testing of the oven went really well! But tomorrow is the big day, the launch of a revolutionary oven, The Electrolux Inspiro.

'Auto-focus for chefs'

Rothenburg

2008-03-04T14:37:00.003+01:00

3) Just some nice images...

The Nightwatch

2008-03-04T14:31:00.005+01:00

2) The Nightwatch, he will show you all the secrets of Rothenburg.

The Rothenburg bus!

2008-03-04T14:28:00.002+01:00

Stuff I like about Rothenburg:

1) Public transport

First report from my big testing trip...

2008-02-22T17:56:00.004+01:00

Finally arrived in Napels, the weather is good. Today we tried the real pizza Napoletana. I was a bit nervous but the Italians were really impressed, I'm so happy the oven didn't let me down...

Rothenburg

2008-02-20T09:52:00.000+01:00

Rothenburg is a remarkable place, it's as if time stood still. You have to see it to believe it!

Hotel Eisenhut

2008-02-20T09:49:00.000+01:00

I have no idea how Eisenhut translates, maybe Ice Hut? Anyhow, it's supposed to be the place to stay when in Rothenburg!

Autobahn

2008-02-18T11:22:00.000+01:00

Driving to Rothenburg we snapped a few amazing photos out the window with our iPhones. Surreal and inspiring!

Inspiro Oven Press Launch

2008-01-29T13:47:00.000+01:00

Made in Rothenburg!

2008-01-21T19:38:00.001+01:00