While the Internet of Things will eventually get us to that point, a new device called Countertop ($199.95) by Orange Chef aims to make the kitchen much smarter without replacing any of the appliances you already own. The gadget works with Crockpot slowcookers, Vitamix blenders, fitness trackers like Jawbone UP and platforms like Apple Health to essentially help users decide what to eat.
For example, Countertop knows when you get back from a run (if it's synced with a fitness tracker) and makes suggestions based on your lifestyle habits, like sleeping patterns and movement. It syncs with a corresponding iOS app and then offers up smoothie recipes and walks you through how to make one.
The base of the Countertop has an NFC reader for adapters and comes with load sensors to measure ingredients. Countertop also notices if you often substitute lettuce for kale in certain recipes and will understand what type of ingredients you prefer and typically keep in the house. Eventually, it makes the algorithm that makes recipe suggestions even stronger.
The Countertop is the latest string of kitchen-related tech accessories to make the home smarter. Last week, Meld announced an automated knob that makes small adjustments to your stove's temperature to take the guesswork out of cooking, so your meal comes out just as it should. It keeps track of the cooking process and ensures the stove's burners are turned to correct heat settings.
We may not have a refrigerator tweeting us grocery lists when we're at the store just yet, but the Countertop is a part of the bigger wave of introducing more higher-tech gadgets into the kitchen.
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