POWERbot VR9000
First up, Samsung is getting into a battle bot mode against Roomba with its POWERbot VR9000. The robot vacuum entered the European market earlier in 2014 and it comes to the U.S. in Spring 2015.
Its suction is 60 times more powerful than the competition, according to Samsung. The bot’s brush is wider, too, so it lacks Roomba’s side brushes. Sensors and a camera help the vacuum map its path and help it avoid obstacles, but you can also control it with a remote control if you want. (Just please don’t chase your cat with it.) When the battery gets low, the POWERbot drives itself back to the docking station for some R&R (rest and recharging).
An oven divided against itself
Last year, Samsung made a lot of updates to its gas ranges; this year, it’s doing the same for its electric ones.
Starting in the spring, customers will be able to purchase a Flex Duo oven range with Dual Door. A removable Smart Divider can be used or removed to create three different cooking options in one oven: a small compartment for quick baking; a second, larger compartment for bigger jobs; and a single, big space for cooking something like a turkey when the divider is removed.
The small compartment saves time and energy, and it’s users’ go-to choice most of the time, according to Samsung.
Convertible fridges
Samsung is also offering its popular T9000 refrigerator model in a counter-depth version for the first time in spring 2015. The special design allows the lower right section to convert between a fridge and freezer, based on the owner’s needs. A counter-depth Food Showcase model is now available, too; this fridge has interior and exterior compartments, so easy-to-grab items like sodas and condiments don’t require opening the entire appliance’s door. Also, instead of staring blankly at your food while cold air escapes, you can now do that through the first compartment’s clear door.
Connecting the kitchen
To complement its Chef Collection appliances, Samsung is giving away a Chef Collection version of its tablet, for a limited time. The tablet includes an app, The Chef Collection, with recipes from partners BigOven, Bon Appétit, Chefs Feed, Saveur, and the Culinary Institute of America. Tutorial videos on the chef-level appliances will be updated regularly. The app will be available for download in Spring 2015.
True fanatics can also take a Samsung Culinary Class at French culinary school FERRANDI to get an in-person look at how professional chefs use the company’s appliances.
Update 4/28/2015: The Samsung Flex Duo Range with Dual Door (NE59J7850WS) is available now for $1,900, as is the Samsung 23-Cubic-Foot Capacity Counter Depth 4-Door Refrigerator (RF23J9011SR) for $4,000 and the Samsung Top Control Dishwasher with WaterWall Technology (DW80J9945US) for $1,200.
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