By downloading a new app, GE is offering consumers a chance to “upgrade” the GE wall oven they already have. The app gives you remote control of your wall oven, via a smart phone, whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or leaving work. Sounds a bit risky to us.
By downloading the GE Brillion mobile app, owners of GE Profile wall ovens can preheat, set the timer, check cooking status, receive notifications, and more while they’re out and about. GE says it’s the first time features and capabilities have been added to its appliances after they’re installed in the home. The app can be used with these models: GE PT9550, GE PK7500, GE PT9050, and GE PK7000.
When we tested the GE PT9050FSSS wall oven last summer, we found that the baking, broiling, and self-cleaning were impressive and the oven capacity was large, making this $2,600 wall oven very good overall and a recommended model. The GE PT9550FSSS, $3,600, double wall oven is also recommended. At the time we tested the remote control feature, it only worked with a home’s Wi-Fi network, not from some coffee shop—a safety feature that made sense. We envisioned consumers preheating their ovens while folding laundry in another room or checking the remaining roasting time while playing with the kids in the backyard.
But maybe this is where cooking appliances are headed. Dacor is exhibiting a smart oven at the International CES 2014 in Las Vegas this week that’s compatible with iOs and Android smart devices, letting you turn on your oven remotely and texting you when the roast is ready.
—Kimberly Janeway
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