Days after the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced it had finalized its Ki wireless power transfer standard, Midea has debuted its first line of cordless kitchen appliances that wirelessly draw all the power they need using the Ki induction technology.
Cooktops that use electromagnetic induction to heat pots and pans have been available in kitchens for years, but Midea is one of the first companies to leverage that technology to wirelessly deliver power to appliances. Its new Celestial Flex Series includes a blender, steamer, and kettle that simply need to be placed on top of an induction plate to run.
Midea is a member of the WPC and participated in the development of the Ki standard, so it makes sense that it would be one of the first companies to bring this technology to consumers. However, Midea hasn’t shared details on when the Celestial Flex Series will go on sale or how much the convenience of wireless power will add to the cost of these new kitchen appliances.
The company also announced another appliance today that could help further reduce clutter in a kitchen. The Midea One Oven looks like a traditional oven large enough to handle a Thanksgiving turkey, but it’s a multifunction device that also serves as a microwave, a steamer, and an air fryer.
In addition to space-saving benefits, the Midea One Oven features automated cooking programs that take advantage of its various capabilities to prep a meal. It can start by defrosting frozen foods with a microwave cycle and then steam them before finishing with a quick frill under the broiler. Cleanup will also be easier than a traditional oven with the Midea One Oven’s steam cleaning capabilities.
As with Midea’s new wireless appliances, the company hasn’t shared pricing or availability details for its new multifunction oven.
