Delights for tech-savvy foodies and newbies

New devices bring the future to the kitchen

Who needs a fridge magnet for a grocery list when a scanner on your garbage can will remind you what to buy?

How about an egg-shaped gadget that plans your weekly meals and calls up videos to give you step- by- step cooking instructions?

Or how about a device that will prevent you from burning your meals or another one that will dispense an accurate amount of ingredients without having to use measuring cups and spoons?

A new wave of technologies is upping the ante on convenience and efficiency in the kitchen.

“The very nature of the space of the kitchen will begin to change as a confluence of enabling technologies come into the kitchen,” said Michael Wolf, creator of the Smart Kitchen Summit, a forum that explores how technology is changing food and cooking.

Cooking appliances, he said, will evolve and become more intelligent over time to adapt to lifestyles. Cameras built into appliances, machine- learning software, v oi c e - powered devices, guided cooking systems and smart surfaces also will gain a foothold in the kitchen.

“Over the next 10 to 20 years, we’re going to see that change happening in the kitchen,” Wolf said.

Here’s a sampling of products designed to delight tech-savvy foodies and reluctant cooks.

HELLO EGG

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Hello Egg.

This cleverly designed voice- operated device aims to take the hassle out of home cooking, especially when you have a busy schedule. Simply place Hello Egg on your kitchen counter and start talking to it. Its playful animated eye mimics facial expressions by blinking. The virtual assistant will help plan weekly meals according to dietary preferences, organize shopping lists, order grocery delivery, provide recipe videos and back you up with a 24/ 7 cooking experts team. ( helloegg. net: basic version US$ 120; premium US$350)

GENICAN

Of all the mundane things to do in the kitchen, keeping a grocery shopping list is probably one of them. But that’s the inspiration for GeniCan, a device that almost makes throwing away trash fun.

Attach the scanner to your garbage can or recycling bin. It keeps a log on items as you toss them out so you can update your grocery list. When the app is synced with an Amazon account, GeniCan orders items such as paper towels and snacks once they have been thrown away or recycled. An item without a bar code can be added to your shopping list by holding it in front of GeniCan for a couple of seconds and using voice-recognition technology to instruct the device. (genican.com: US$149)

PANTRYCHIC

Foodies of every skill level will probably appreciate this. The PantryChic Store & Dispense System simplifies recipe preparation by automatically dispensing the precise amount of each ingredient from canisters with the push of a button.

The system comes with three dishwasher-safe, BPA- free canisters in small, medium and large. They are stackable to maximize storage space. The recipe app instructs users when to place each canister on the system so it can automatically dispense the right amount.

Wet ingredients are manually poured into the bowl on the base unit’s scale, and an indicator on the app prompts you when to stop. A built- in scale measures and converts volume to weight. ( pantrychic. com: US$299.95)

SPROUTSIO

This app-controlled microgarden makes it easy for you to grow a variety of produce indoors.

The growing device is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, sensors for monitoring plant and ambient conditions, a camera, LED lighting and an electronic mister. The product also includes software services and six months’ worth of seed refills. (sprouts.io: US$799)

ALCHEMA

Make your own craft cider at home with this cool countertop brewing machine that turns fresh fruit into alcohol and creates hard cider, mead or wine. Simply choose a recipe on the app, add fruit, sugar, water and a yeast packet. The app weighs ingredients and notifies you when fermentation is complete and the batch is ready. (alchema.com: US$683.75)

HESTAN CUE

This connected cookware system controls time and temperature so you can always count on a cooking experience that’s just right.

Using Bluetooth technology and embedded sensors, the smart sauté pan, induction burner and recipe app work in unison to assist you in every phase of the cooking process, all with the satisfaction of knowing the products will never burn your food. (hestan.com: US$649.95)