HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (May 6, 2011) — Traditionally known for going against the grain, luxury-appliance brand Thermador (http://www.thermador.com) and its executive chef are embracing the grain beginning this month in an effort to help address the nation’s obesity epidemic.

Thermador Executive Chef Brad Petersen will be starring in a new TV show focusing on the use of grains in cooking, which, numerous studies have shown, creates a more nutritious diet and leads to an overall healthier lifestyle. Set to premier May 12 on Brigham Young University’s television network (BYUtv), “Fusion Grain Cooking with Chef Brad” is currently being filmed at Thermador’s Gallery & Training Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Our goal is to get people away from eating processed foods without compromising taste,” said Petersen, who’s worked with Thermador in various culinary capacities for nearly six years. “The focus is to educate people on the practice of cooking with grains, fusing grains with everyday food people eat, and creating meals that are rich in complex carbohydrates and high in fiber, which is a great combination and a key to healthy cooking.”

“Filming in Thermador’s test kitchens and using its professional-grade appliances will only add to the show’s cooking prowess,” added Peterson.

The half-hour show, which will reach BYUtv’s more than 57 million households, is based on the principle that “food doesn’t have to lack taste to be healthy,” emphasizing the notion that many of the foods people eat can be significantly enhanced — both in taste and nutrition — with a knowledgeable use of grains. The show’s pilot episode was filmed in December with Petersen, who also lectures at BYU during the summer.

All episodes are being filmed in the Thermador Professional Theater kitchen of the brand’s training center in Scottsdale, where Petersen is based and regularly creates recipes for Thermador and hosts the brand’s culinary events. The kitchen set houses all of Thermador’s newest appliances, including the new Steam & Convection Oven, unveiled late last year as the luxury-appliance industry’s first oven to combine steam cooking with convection.

“Chef Brad’s culinary philosophy and style of cooking have always embodied Thermador’s brand values — that’s why he’s the brand’s executive chef and perfect for the new BYUtv cooking show,” said Zach Elkin, director of the Thermador brand. “Cooking and ‘fusing’ grain into everyday meals is a unique and innovative concept. Similarly, Thermador is the leader in kitchen innovations for the home cook, demonstrated by more than 11 decades of appliance designs that have reshaped the modern kitchen.”

A native of Arizona, Petersen has been Thermador’s executive chef for nearly three years. He is the author of two cookbooks, and has appeared previously on television, radio and in print. He has also demonstrated his cooking skills on QVC and radio commercials.

“Fusion Grain Cooking with Chef Brad” is scheduled to air Mondays on BYUtv. The network is carried on DISH and DirecTV, and reaches more than 33 million households. Additionally, various cable television providers across the United States make BYUtv available to more than 24 million homes.

About Thermador

Thermador has been providing real innovations for real cooks for more than 75 years. The iconic line of cooking, cleaning, refrigeration and ventilation products remains committed to empowering culinary enthusiasts to be their best through continuous innovation breakthroughs – from the world’s first wall ovens and gas cooktops with the patented Star® Burner to a speedcooking oven that reduces cooking time by 50 percent.

Thermador is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a fully-owned subsidiary of Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group, the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world. For more information, visit www.thermador.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/thermador and @ThermadorHome, respectively. For Thermador customer service, call 1-800-735-4328.