IRVINE, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2012) — Interest in kitchen remodels is heating up as both kitchen and bath remodeling projects have increased by 17 percent from two years ago[1], and a new study conducted by luxury appliance brand Thermador (http://www.thermador.com/) reveals what today’s American kitchen remodelers are looking for more than ever is induction cooktops.

Thermador conducted a nationwide survey of homeowners ages 35-54 who are looking to do a kitchen remodel over the next 12 months. Of the respondents, 88 percent are interested in experiencing new induction cooking technology after learning of its many benefits — including generating heat faster, adjusting temperature instantaneously and its being safe to the touch. Additionally, the survey found that a whopping 93 percent of these homeowners would purchase an induction cooktop if cost were not a factor.

“More thought than ever is being put into the American kitchen as it continues evolving into the centerpiece and main gathering place of today’s home,” said Zach Elkin, director, brand marketing of Thermador. “With home improvements being top-of-mind among today’s homeowners, the kitchen comes to the forefront. As more homeowners discover the many benefits of induction cooking such as its ease of use, safety and striking design potential, this technology is set for a bright future — a future Thermador is prepared for.”

Of those surveyed, 60 percent say a contemporary/modern kitchen style is most appealing to them in their remodel — a style that certainly lends itself to the sleek look of an induction cooktop.

Induction cooking is perhaps the most revolutionary advancement in cooking technology, efficiently using magnetic fields to directly heat cookware along a flat surface. Up to 90 percent energy is used, compared to less than half when cooking with gas. This means cooking with instantaneous and evenly distributed heat across all cookware. Besides the performance, an induction cooking surface remains cool to the touch, translating to safer cooking and no more burned-in spills.

Induction technology is at a fever pitch today with innovations such as the Thermador Freedom® Induction Cooktop, the world’s first induction appliance to eliminate conventional cooking elements and offer one limitless cooking surface with an intuitive touchscreen interface. Home cooks now have the flexibility with a cooktop that intelligently recognizes cookware size, shape and position to deliver heat without boundaries. The cooktop debuted this year at the International CES in Las Vegas to rave reviews and currently is available at an MSRP of $5,499.

“A product like the Freedom Induction Cooktop does more than offer limitless cooking possibilities, it also does the same for kitchen design,” said Malte Peters, senior product manager for Thermador. “Kitchen designers are quickly gravitating to this revolutionary appliance because of its instant appeal and natural ability to quickly become the centerpiece of any luxury kitchen.”

To locate the nearest Thermador dealer offering the Freedom Induction Cooktop, or any number of other Thermador induction cooktops, please visit http://www.thermador.com/dealer-locator.

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 the first full-surface induction cooktop.

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.

[1] National Association of Homebuilders, NAHB Survey, May 2012