Jenn-Air Gives Voice to Ovens

Appliance maker Jenn-Air is introducing voice command capabilities to its IoT-enabled wall ovens, the company announced this week at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York.

The capability will be offered through a soon-to-be-released "Skill" in Amazon.com's Alexa intelligent assistance service. Simple voice commands to any Alexa-connected device will trigger a variety of actions such as setting timers, temperatures and cooking modes. 

The ovens already are equipped with connectivity to Jenn-Air's own mobile app, which lets users check "doneness" and even start the cooking process remotely. The appliances are also compatible with Nest thermostats and boast a "Culinary Center" that uses advanced algorithms to determine ideal cooking times. 

The company promises that the appliances have been "future-proofed" so they can be upgraded and won't become obsolete too quickly. The ovens range from $3,599 to $5,199 in price.

"These luxury wall ovens offer a unique combination of easily upgradeable connected features," said Jenn-Air marketing director Brian Maynard. "With Nest compatibility, the … Culinary Center and the soon to be available voice commands powered by Alexa, we're getting closer to achieving frictionless, barrier-free cooking and entertaining."

Jenn-Air also announced the introduction of connected refrigerators and dishwashers that will offer various functionality through the mobile app.