Tag: technology

Sneak Peek: Monogram Kitchen Island

 in Event, Monogram, Technology

Written by Courtney Kruer, Commercial Development Program – Monogram

Need another reason to believe that Monogram is Elevating Everything in the kitchen? We have it for you. Meet the exclusive Monogram Kitchen Island that was debuted at KBIS this January.

Monogram transformed a typical meeting room into a retro, speakeasy-styled, VIP lounge with the lit up Kitchen Island as the focal point of the dimly lit space. The brand went all out with Flapper girls, signature cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and of course, a cop to break up the “prohibited” speakeasy party at the end of each exclusive session.

So what exactly is the Monogram Kitchen Island? Brought to the KBIS show as a concept piece to get feedback on how we can perfect this luxury item before the launch, it’s a multi-functional 3.6’ x 7.87’ sheet of the finest black glass-ceramic that is much more than just your standard kitchen island. The elegant Monogram Kitchen Island includes fully integrated induction cooking technology. Therefore, the entire surface is seamless, but has the Monogram five burner induction cooktop with glide-touch controls built right into part of the sheet of glass. This means you can also utilize the WiFi capabilities of our exclusive First Build induction cooking probe for sous vide cooking to achieve perfect cooking results every time you cook. The Kitchen Island also includes a warming zone built into the island that’s perfect for entertaining your guests, whether it’s warming appetizers or keeping your chocolate at the perfect temperature for fondue.

Since all of this technology is seamless, when you’re not cooking, the entire surface acts as your island countertop, workspace, or favorite spot for poker night with friends. However, it doesn’t just have induction cooking technology built-in. The 6 mm thick glass ceramic also has wireless charging capabilities in spots throughout it. So not only can you charge your phone by laying it on the wireless port, but it can also effortlessly power your cordless countertop appliances that are becoming more and more common in everyday consumer’s homes. Talk about wowing your guests in so many ways with something that none of them have.

While this debut of our Monogram Kitchen Island was a concept, we plan on launching the luxury appliance by 2019 due to the overwhelmingly positive response we got at KBIS from designers, dealers, builders and more. Stay tuned for the final launch details on exactly how big it will be, what color options will be available, what shapes it may come in, and what other exciting capabilities could get added to the centerpiece that could Elevate Everything in the kitchens of tomorrow.

Mind-Blowing Technology

 in Event

New Jersey-area kitchen and interior design Remya Warrior attended the Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles, C.A., earlier this month. On her blog Remya shared her thoughts about one of the conference sponsors, Monogram. As she said, “Technology is definitely the future and when a company makes a product that is practical as well as sustainable, then you have my VOTE.”

Read the rest of Remya’s blog and let us know what you think.

Prototype Kitchen Island Captures the Imagination

 in Event

Margaret Charette with design firm Britto Charette attended the Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles, California, earlier this month and had the chance to see Monogram’s newest kitchen design concept. From touch screens that deliver step-by-step recipes to counter-top herb gardens grown by LED lights, Monogram is taking a look at how hi-tech kitchen design can create a healthier lifestyle.

Read Margaret’s thoughts on this new concept in her blog post and share your thoughts!

Connect with your kitchen

 in Monogram, Technology

In today’s world, we are all connected in one way or another to everything around us, so why not be connected in your kitchen as well.  Thanks to Monogram’s WiFi Connect, you can talk to your appliances from anywhere – giving you the ability to monitor and control your appliances with your smartphone.

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How will Monogram’s connected appliances help you? So many ways!

Ovens:

  • Preheat your oven, no matter where you are
  • Set timer alerts when you are baking or roasting
  • Change the oven temperature from anywhere

Dishwashers:

  • See cycle time remaining
  • Lock and unlock door
  • Track pods and rinse aid
  • Get alerts if something is preventing you from the best wash

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Learn more and share your thoughts on the NKBA Connect blog today.

The Smart Kitchen Evolution

 in Technology

Written by Molly Ford, Monogram Experience Center intern

We have all seen the home become increasingly “smarter,” or more device-central, but large kitchen appliances have not kept up at the rate that smaller technologies have developed. The heart of the home is finally seeing some long-anticipated upgrades that bring the kitchen up to speed with the rest of the house. The idea of connecting intuitive technologies with powerful appliances creates an impressive duo- with relatively untapped potential.

The Amazon Echo has been on the scene for about a year, and has rapidly grown from a novelty gadget to a hub for home-automation. The Echo is a voice-enabled wireless speaker – think of a stand-alone Siri with a longer list of skills. Here at the Monogram Experience Center, we wanted to see how we could use the Echo in our day-to-day work and personal lives. We have made “Alexa,” the Echo’s trigger name, our assistant chef, secretary, entertainer, and more.

Alexa will provide us with meal ideas, food storage information, beer and wine pairings, measurement calculations, create a synced grocery list, among a constantly growing list of skills. These are fun to play with, and legitimately helpful, but the real “smart kitchen” came when we connected the Echo with our wall ovens.  We can control these ovens with our voice saying something like,

“Alexa, turn on the upper oven to 350 degrees and set the timer for 45 minutes.”

Alexa will confirm and immediately start the oven. Similarly, we can control the range hood and lights, and the team is constantly collaborating with developers to add kitchen elements to blend appliances with devices.

Voice-enabled appliances are a just a peek at how technology could change the way we cook and spend time in the kitchen, and we are eager to see the next convenience we can offer our customers.  The program is still in it’s infancy, but we expect to see everything but the kitchen sink connected to our Echo soon – and who knows, they might throw that in too!

The Amazon Echo and our Monogram wall oven in the Monogram Experience Center.

The Amazon Echo and our Monogram wall oven in the Monogram Experience Center.

Coffee Time

 in Technology

Written by Wilberto Badilla, FirstBuild Digital Storyteller

Every year, especially in the warmer months, coffee drinkers look towards the colder counterpart of their usual cup of joe: iced coffee. In many cases, iced coffee is just older coffee that is poured over ice. In recent years, a challenger to the cold coffee throne has emerged and its name is “cold brew.” Cold brew has gained popularity exponentially in the last four years, and a simple trend analysis shows that it has no signs of slowing down.

So what is cold brew? Cold brew is coffee that is brewed for extended periods of time using room-temperature water. The result is a more balanced, less acidic, and in general, different flavored beverage to both hot coffee and iced coffee.

As mentioned, the traditional process is an extended one, often taking 24+ hours to brew a batch of cold brew coffee. This presents a problem for those out there who want their coffee “now” – as we’ve grown accustomed to – as well as for coffee shops who essentially have to estimate the next day’s demand for the cool beverage.

Enter FirstBuild and the Prisma Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Prisma makes cold brew coffee in 10 minutes, a drastically shortened timeframe to the more traditional 24 hour brew time. FirstBuild engineers have developed a vacuum pump system inside Prisma’s base that degasifies the water within the brewing chamber and increases the solubility of coffee compounds.

To this point, being able to brew a batch of cold brew right when you want it has been impossible. Although Prisma is still a prototype, it does function and produces great-tasting cold brew coffee. In fact, Prisma took home 2nd place in the “Best New Product” category at CoffeeFest, two months ago.

Prisma was released via crowdfunding on Indiegogo in August, which allows interested individual to get in early in exchange for a lower price than the eventual $299 retail price.

To learn more about Prisma or to sign-up for future updates, visit our website!

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Semantic Lighting – An Illuminating New Concept

 in Event, Technology, Trends

I recently attended the 10th annual LEDucation seminar in New York City to learn about new trends in lighting technology. I expected to hear a lot about connected homes and lighting controls, but there was one big new concept that caught my imagination.

Since the invention of the light bulb, the ability to light our surroundings has revolutionized how we live. Now, those on the leading edge of lighting innovation believe that illumination will take on a more personal role in our lives, predicting and connecting human needs with lighting systems. This new concept is called “semantic lighting.”

These new lighting systems, through the use of sensors, identify what is being lit and with the help of algorithms, why it is being lit. This “system intelligence” means that lighting needs can be predicted and adjusted automatically, making them more human-centric. And in this day of growing human-machine interactions, who wouldn’t appreciate an application made primarily for our individual comfort?

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At LEDucation, customization of lighting levels, color, hue and effect were presented.

 

The Monogram Craftsmanship Story

 in Monogram

“Sophisticated styling and exceptional craftsmanship set Monogram apart from all other appliance brands. We don’t cut corners. We polish them to seamless perfection.”

This year Monogram decided to let you peek behind the curtain to learn more about their design and manufacturing processes … telling the story of the craftsmen (and women) whose minds and hands bring these unique appliances to life.

The story behind all Monogram refrigerators is just one example. Each Monogram refrigerator is constructed by expert craftsmen, with painstaking attention to detail. The Monogram team interviewed individuals integrally involved in the building and design of these refrigerators, from Louisville, Kentucky, to Selmer, Tennessee.

“I know the work is done when the edges are smooth and clean. Of all the jobs I’ve had in this factory, this one is my favorite. I like the flow of it.” – Thomas Crewse, stainless steel welder

“I wanted the owner to know right away, before even touching it, that this fridge was made from quality materials.” – Sally Pipkin, industrial designer

“My father was an engineer, and I’m following in his footsteps. I’m inspired when I see a product I worked on in people’s homes.” – Dave Schofield, design manager

Built by hand in the heart of America using glass and metals, the Monogram French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is the embodiment of artistry and workmanship. Follow along on www.monogram.com over the next few months to hear more stories about the men and women responsible for crafting the Monogram appliances destined for your home.

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