LAS VEGAS — Whirlpool is showing off an interactive cooktop concept at 2014 International CES that not only turns a typical kitchen surface into a stovetop, but also a place to check the weather, find recipes on Pinterest, research cooking tips and post pictures to Facebook.
Although the concept isn't a reality just yet, Whirlpool is calling it the "kitchen of 2020," which could integrate hands-free devices and touchscreens into the kitchen itself.

"The Whirlpool Interactive Cooktop concept is inspired by the desire and potential for integrating all at-home technologies into one kitchen appliance in a way that makes cooking, multitasking and entertaining easier and more enjoyable," a company spokesperson told Mashable. "It also cuts down on time spent planning and preparing meals, so families have more time to enjoy cooking or eating with each other."
The surface can also be activated with the touch of a finger or via voice activation.
But much closer to reality — and also on display at CES — is Whirlpool's upcoming connected refrigerator, which streams music from any Bluetooth-enabled device. The Whirlpool Refrigerator with CoolVoxT Sound System features Harman/Kardon speakers and works with smartphones and tablets to play music, podcasts and other audio through the refrigerator. Pricing details have not yet been announced.
"Whirlpool’s goal is to design products that are focused on our consumer’s needs to sense and adapt to their life — the way they cook, clean and entertain — the way they want to live," the spokesperson said. "Smart appliances are a constantly evolving part of that process and remain a focus for the brand, when it comes to product innovation."
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Image: Whirlpool
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