28.10.2011
We all enjoy a good gossip while we’re cooking, but now you can talk directly to your kitchen… in French!
A ‘talking kitchen’ has been created that gives cooking instructions in French to help students learn the language.
A computer is fitted into the kitchen which allows the cooks to select any French recipes they want to follow. Digital sensors are built into the utensils, containers and other kitchen equipment to communicate with the computer and make sure the right instructions are given at the right time.
The kitchen tracks the French-learning-chef’s movements and actions using Wii-like sensors and apparently speaks in a similar way to a car sat-nav.
Portable versions of the technology are being installed at Newcastle College, where the technology was trialled, and at the Institut Francais, a London-based charity dedicated to teaching French.
The user can ask for an instruction to be repeated or translated into English at any time so it’s easy to use and makes sure the French is easy to learn – it certainly makes learning more fun and easy to put the language into practice!
18.10.2011
Magnet has teamed up with some of the world’s leading appliance manufacturers to launch the UK’s first ever kitchen scrappage scheme.
If you buy a new kitchen from Magnet in October you’ll have the option to get your existing appliances replaced with £1,560 of brand new energy efficient appliances – free of charge! As part of the scheme, Magnet will also remove your old kitchens appliances and dispose of them according to EU regulations.
Research has shown that by replacing an old fridge, oven and washing machine with more energy efficient models, the average household will save £73 per year in electricity bills – that’s 18% off the annual bill.
And it’s not just about how much money that can be saved, replacing old appliances can reduce your household’s carbon footprint by 500 KgCO² per year – that’s the equivalent of three petrol tanks worth of CO² saving!
Alongside the scrappage scheme, Magnet is still offering 50% off all cabinets during the autumn half price sale. Furthermore, if you buy now, youcan have a brand new energy efficient kitchen installed in time for Christmas.
The pack consists of AEG appliances including Dishwasher, Single Fan Oven and Built Under Larder Fridge – all of which boast the most energy efficient specifications currently on the market.
For more information visit www.magnet.co.uk/kitchenscrappagescheme
For full Terms and Conditions visit www.magnet.co.uk/terms-and-conditions
10.10.2011
Magnet is pleased to announce a one year collaboration with television presenter Anna Ryder Richardson, best known for her role on the award winning 1990s BBC series Changing Rooms.
Anna will be contributing to this very blog as well as filming some great styling videos for us, so keep an eye out for some fantastic tips and tricks for your home!
Anna says: “Interior design has been at the heart of my career for over 15 years and it’s something I’m still very passionate about.
“I was really excited to being working with Magnet. This will be the first campaign of this magnitude that I have worked on that uses a mixture of both traditional and social media.”
Anna currently presents for Daybreak and has also appeared on Whose House, All The Right Moves and House Invaders. Anna’s love of animals has now become a part of her working life after she and her husband bought a zoo in South Wales three years ago.
07.10.2011
We’re really excited about the new recipe book that is being published to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mrs Beeton’s first publication.
The book is full of classic, British recipes, which have been updated for the twenty-first century kitchen.
Mrs Beeton How to Cook is packed full of modern advice on how to source good food, plus a detailed insight into ingredients and equipment.
Featuring family classics such as Leek and Potato Soup and Steak and Kidney Pudding, to dishes that will be sure to put your culinary skills to the test, such as Grilled Lobster with Parsley and Garlic Butter.
With its timeless appeal and variety of dishes, this very special recipe book belongs in every kitchen.
Mrs Beeton How to Cook will be available from Waterstone’s from 13th October!