BOSCH VARIO, The FIRST KITCHEN APPLIANCE
you need IN ANY KITCHEN
CHALLENGE
A healthy lifestyle heavily depends on eating fresh and nutritious food, but shrinking kitchen spaces make it challenging to know where to start. The goal was to create an adaptable kitchen device that evolves with personal needs and cooking skills. The essence of the challenge was to design the first essential kitchen appliance for any kitchen.
PROJECT OUTLINE
Bosch Vario is the result of a 10 week long strategic design project at Umeå Institute of Design, spring 2016, developed in collaboration with Bosch GMBH. My personal goal in this project was to further develop planning and arranging workshops, design research, branding, model making, and animation skills.
RESULT
VARIO is designed to be the first kitchen tool needed in any kitchen. Utilizing a base plate with an integrated induction ring for heat transfer and a magnetic ring for rotating motion, VARIO combines essential kitchen functions. The ability to use various interchangeable tops extends its multi-functionality.
MEET VARIO
VARIO features a base plate with an induction ring and a magnetic ring, integrating the most crucial kitchen functions. The device supports a variety of interchangeable tops, enhancing its multi-functional capability. Users can place an induction plate for regular pots and pans, a grill plate for high-quality grilling, or a stock pot for making soup. Additional tops like a mixing element for sous-vide or a steam basket for steaming further expand the cooking possibilities.
ADAPTS TO YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS.
Vario's induction base unit uses a magnetic ring, allowing users to switch out the top plate for different cooking methods. Whether grilling salmon, stir-frying with a wok, or steaming vegetables with the steam basket, the possibilities are endless.
“This project uses a technological solution to present a kitchen unit with a multi-functional set of conveniences, but still emphasizes the action of cooking at home. It is a project that reflects a design combining a high-quality product with high-quality performance.”
IF DESIGN AWARD JURY STATEMENT
USER INTERFACE
The integrated weighing unit in Vario recognizes the top plate in use, adjusting the displayed interface to match the specific functions and needs of each cooking plate. For instance, when using the big pot, users can choose to slow cook, boil water, keep food warm, or adjust the temperature.
EXTENDED VERSITALITY
The extension ring on Vario enables simultaneous steaming, cooking, or grilling of multiple dishes. By placing the extension layer on top and inserting the desired cooking pot, users can easily prepare multiple dishes at once. This versatility allows for endless cooking possibilities.
CONNECTED SOUS CHEF
VARIO is supported by a cooking app that connects the entire kitchen. The app suggests suitable recipes based on the user’s input of the cooking top, taste preferences, and cooking skill level. The cooking plates are stackable to minimize storage space. The modular system allows users to start with basic components and expand according to future needs and preferences.
