Souschef
SOUSCHEF is a product that incorporates:
- A sous vide cooker
- food vacuum sealer
- steam cooker
What is sous vide cooking?
Sous vide cooking is a method that involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a precisely controlled water bath. The food is seasoned, sealed in a bag, and submerged in the water, which is maintained at a constant temperature. This gentle cooking process ensures even and consistent results. The food retains its moisture, tenderness, and flavours due to the airtight environment. After reaching the desired internal temperature, the food can be finished with high-heat techniques for added colour and texture. Professionals and enthusiasts favour Sous vide cooking for its reliability and ability to deliver consistently delicious dishes.
Exiting products and solving the problem
A unique and original idea I wanted to create a cooking product that is suitable for the kitchen and incorporate all these products into one unit instead of the user having to use them separately. Available products were found to be an eyesore in the kitchen and made to be stored away and not left on the counter like SOUSCHEF. Many of them take inspiration from professional kitchens, so they are not styled to be a statement on the countertop like a coffee machine. The size of the sous vide cookers were also too big, so I ensured SOUSCHEF was large enough for the home cook and their family.
Having the 3 in 1 product means more counter space is clear and encourages the user to use SOUSCHEF more as it is meant to be left out. The aesthetic was vital, and with a neutral colour scheme and simplistic design, SOUSCHEF is suitable for the home cook and their kitchen.
Steamer
The steam cooker uses the exhausted steam from the sous vide water bath. As the steam rises, it enters a chamber where food can be steamed. This original idea allows for once again one less product in the kitchen but also adds to the healthy cooking aspect. In addition, sous vide cooking uses no transfats, which is ideal for a healthy diet.
Consumer Interaction
Consumer interaction was a big part of the function. The user is presented with a large chrome handle that opens the water bath when raised. The mechanism is a simple rack and pinion that uses a rubber belt. The gear ratios had to be calculated so that when the handle is raised to a certain point the bath open all the way. This gives a sense of satisfaction to the user instead of a primary drawer-style mechanism.
Interface and smartphone app
The interface is simplistic and easy to use, with clear graphics and instructions. An accompanying app was also developed so the user does not have to be at the cooker when operating. Since the water has to be preheated, the user can be on the way home and preheat the cooker from their smartphone so it is ready to use when home. The app also gives updates so the user receives a notification when the cooking process is done.
Design work