Skip to main content

The future of the connected kitchen is just a push of a button away

 

Working from home has changed my routines. Now more than ever, I’m using delivery services such as GrubHub, Seamless, and UberEats, not only because I’m strapped for time to make myself something to eat, but because it’s so convenient. Time is money, so the more time I’m able to procure, the better. But here’s the thing: There’s a lot of time spent just waiting.

Recommended Videos

Keurig machines have been showing us a level of convenience when it comes to brewing coffee, but the market for consumables that come in pod form is slowly expanding to other areas in recent years such as beer, tea, and cocktails. Now you can include desserts on that short list. Stuck at home due to the ongoing pandemic has made me realize that the smart home’s expansion into the kitchen space will only be quantified by the convenience of pod-based consumable goods. They save time and offer convenience at the push of a button.

During CES 2021, I was introduced to the ColdSnap — a countertop-sized small appliance that serves up ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, and more in an instant. It seems like a brilliant idea, all things considered. I recently spoke with Matthew Fonte, ColdSnap’s president, who offered insights into the future of the kitchen with the help of smart appliances like ColdSnap.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The premise is simple, a Keurig-like process that can serve up these frosty treats through pods, which in this case is a Red Bull-sized can. You pop in your flavor, press a button, and then watch it dispense with a push of a button. The foundation of the smart home is built on this premise of convenience and simplicity, and the ColdSnap fulfills this to the teeth.

“If you can make something that’s convenient, there’s no preparation, that’s very healthy, there’s no cleanup, and get it on demand when you want it, I think people will pay for it,” said Fonte. Given how K-Cups have proven successful, it comes as no shock that this strategy is being leveraged in other areas. The Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig is an example of this, which whips up craft cocktails at home without the need for a professional bartender.

This trend isn’t going away any time soon, evident in the many smart small appliances released in the last couple of years that follow this strategy. The Buy at Bartesian is yet another connected small appliance that serves up cocktails, while the BeerMKR allows anyone at home to brew batches of their favorite beers. The appeal for these connected beverage and dessert makers will only be enhanced as they become more personalized.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

“If you can make it custom, convenient, and sustainable, I think there will be a market for it. I think that’s the trend,” explained Fonte on the trends he anticipates coming. “The whole idea is personalization. If you want a vanilla ice cream, then say someone else wants chocolate ice cream, everyone can have their respective flavors whenever they want.”

Fonte went on to talk about another indirect positive aspect of the ColdSnap that’s not often mentioned: Its potential to impact our environment. He points out how refrigerators are used to chill beverages and other perishable consumables, which are obviously using energy to keep them operating. The ColdSnap, much like these other beverage makers, doesn’t need to be constantly powered on. Instead, they’re indirectly proposing the idea of reducing our carbon footprint by using them only when they’re needed.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

“What we’re proposing is just freeze it when you need it and eliminate that entire whole cold supply chain.” It’s a poignant statement when you think about the broader picture of how manufacturers produce and store these goods. Storing these pods at room temperature as opposed to keeping them chilled in the fridge does introduce the idea that they’re environmentally responsible.

Even though the ColdSnap isn’t yet commercially available for purchase, the company intends to roll out a beta launch this summer in the greater Boston area. Right now, it seems as though the focus is on the commercial space — more so when the machine itself costs around $1,000 as Fonte detailed. Yes, that price certainly limits its reach, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a consumer-friendly model available in the future. When you package convenience and personalization into the premise, it’s a recipe that’s sure to attract consumer attention.

John Velasco
John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some…
Tineco’s docking vacuum has a special Prime Day price, but you can get it cheaper
A Tineco Pure One next to its charging base.

Vacuums feel like they're getting more and more expensive, and not just robot vacuum and mop combos, but ordinary hand vacs. You can go to Walmart and see bagged, corded vacuums that cost hundreds of dollars. It doesn't have to be that way. Tineco's Pure One vacuum brings power and convenience for the same price that other vacuums have, but with new features instead of going backwards into the world of cords and bags. Usually $459, it is down to $319 for Prime Day (that's a savings of $140 already) and we're happy to report you can get an extra 5% off with the code TIN25PDPR on Amazon. Tap the button below to see the vacuum yourself and snag this great deal, or keep reading for what makes this vacuum truly unique.

BUY NOW

Read more
This AI mower finally got a discount — grab it before it’s gone
m800 doing work on the lawn

If you’ve been holding off on getting a robot mower because you can’t stand the idea of burying boundary wires or babysitting your lawn from a clunky app, Prime Day is delivering for you once again. The Yardcare M800 Plus is one of the most intelligent, user-friendly smart mowers you can buy and now it's on sale. Pick-up the M800 Plus for $719.99, a savings of $180 (regular price $899.99).

A smarter way to mow

Read more
This Beatbot robotic pool cleaner gets all the leaves — 47% off for Prime Day
The Beatbot iSkim Ultra in the swimming pool.

Are you growing tired of gathering the leaves that are floating around in your swimming pool? Then you shouldn't miss this chance to get the Beatbot iSkim Ultra with a huge discount from Amazon's Prime Day. From $1,499 originally, it's on sale at 47% off for a lowered price of only $799. That $700 in savings are among the largest that you can get from the offers for Beatbot robotic pool cleaners during the shopping event -- act now and complete your purchase immediately to make sure that you get this device at nearly half-price.

BUY NOW

Read more