Kitchen

• preparing food
• cooking

A smart oven or hob is an oven or hob which has extra 'smart' features such as:

• Remote operating through an app this allows them to be turned on, adjusted or turned off without needing to go to the kitchen meaning that if someone has difficulty standing or walking the time they need to spend in the kitchen or number of times they need to go to the kitchen can be reduced. Some can also be controlled remotely from anywhere with an internet connection which means that someone not in the house could help with cooking a meal so long as they have the log in details.
• The option to use voice commands to set times, adjust temperature and change the cooking settings, this is usually through linking with a smart speaker. There are also talking induction hobs designed for people with visual impairments, which provide spoken feedback for all functions.
• Additional features such as advance cooking functions and access to a library of recipes. 
• Energy efficiency settings on smart ovens and hobs.
• Child lock settings.
• Automatic Shut-Off if it is left unattended for a certain period or if no cookware is detected on the hob. 
• AI or Camera Functions: Some models can recognise food types and adjust cooking automatically.

They are usually available in shops which sell ovens, hobs and air fryers. You can also find and buy these products by searching phrases such as 'smart ovens', 'smart hobs' or 'smart air fryers' on the internet.

• Convenience: Smart ovens can be controlled in different ways such as via an app or smart speaker, allowing preheating, adjusting temperatures, and monitoring cooking progress from anywhere.
• Precision Cooking: Built-in sensors and temperature probes ensure precise cooking by automatically adjusting time and temperature. This helps achieve consistent results, whether baking, roasting, or air frying.
• Convenience: Pre-programmed cooking modes and guided cooking features simplify meal preparation.
• Safety Features: Smart ovens often come with safety features like auto shut-off and child locks, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Energy Efficiency: These ovens are designed to be energy-efficient, potentially saving money on energy bills.

• Setting up and use: It may take time to get used to all the features and work out how to use them. Does the person who will be using it have the ability to learn how to use new functions or can they be set to work automatically by someone else. Consider what functions are necessary for the person who will be using it and focus on them. Think about whether help is needed to set it up and who could provide this?
• Maintenance: To keep the advanced features up to date they will need updates. Are these easy to do and is there someone who will make sure these are done?
• Reliance on Connectivity: Smart features usually require Wi-Fi and sometimes need an app on a smartphone or other smart device so if the internet/ mobile phone signal stops working there may be difficulty controlling them remotely or accessing advanced features (basic features don't require Wi-Fi). Think about how likely this is to happen, is the internet at the person's house reliable, do they have power cuts often?
• Cost and value for money: These are usually more expensive than regular ovens/ hobs due to the extra features and advanced technology but can save money through efficiency. Check whether ongoing updates are included in the costs. Consider guarantees and customer service provision of the company that makes the product.