It might seem like common sense, but it’s only recently that scientists have started to study how food temperature affects the quality of food. This was with a little nudge from innovators like the creator of a temperature controlled coffee mug that can be controlled via application. Temperature-centric products like this believe that the last drink or bite should be just as warm and inviting as the first. How to accomplish this will probably always be a matter of debate (look at here).
The idea started when the creator of a smart-mug began experimenting with ways to keep a regular kitchen plate warm and it expanded from there. The research from other scientists was separate from this, of course, but it follows the same logic. If the first bite of food is delicious, why shouldn’t the last bite also be as good as the first. There is certainly the technology out there to make this possible.
The question that determines the success of the product will of course be how much extra people are willing to pay for plates that keep food warm. Another interesting question will be exactly how the plate will be able to keep food warm while still allowing the person to comfortably handle it during their meal. People will need to physically touch the plate and pick it up, so how hot should it be in order to be safe and comfortable for the person dining?
For entrepreneurs interested in this kind of market, another question is going to be how much interest in the product there will be. Yes, it’s established that temperature affects food quality, but are some people going to be willing to pay less and be satisfied with that first few glorious bites of food during a meal. Settling for less is something that some people will have no choice about. The new technology will cost additional money that some people simply might not have to spend just to get a through-and-through good meal.
For those people out there who can afford the technology, though, it looks like it will be a promising venture. Temperature controlled coffee mugs have already made a great start in the new market, and so it might be that this enthusiasm will carry over into other heated utensils and dinnerware that keep our food tasting its best throughout even the longest meal. And of course, the safety standards for these products will have to be investigated and approved by the relevant authorities.
Batteries have been considered as a way to keep food heated on a dinner plate, and it worked for the creator of the smart mug in the short-term. How well that converts over to a large market remains to be seen. For now, it’s nice to know that scientists are working on the specifics behind the new kind of high tech dishes that will power our meals to the digital era. As more innovators get into the act, new inventions will certainly give us all something to look forward to.