The surge in research and development in home appliances in China may be attributed to the success of Dingfu induction heat rice cooker. (Photo : Reuters)
A top-end electric rice cooker launched in April last year by Foshan-based home appliance maker Midea has created a wave of R&D electric cookers which are made in China and aimed at both domestic and overseas markets, China Daily reported.
Huang Bing, Midea's chief product manager, has spent years working in the Midea Group's research and development laboratory to build and design new electric rice cookers, among other things.
For the past two-and-a-half years, Huang managed the electric heating appliances product development division of Midea.
"China-made rice cookers are now time-tested, their high quality is specially designed for Chinese consumers," Huang said. "The latter have developed different needs in cooking rice. For example, they want the cooker to also make soups. So, we have to develop products that can meet their various needs."
Li Guolin, general manager of Midea's consumer electric appliances division, said that in the second half of last year, the sales of the Dingfu induction heating or IH rice cooker have exceeded 100 million yuan. The rice cooker was sold at 2,999 yuan ($460) each.
According to the report, the Dingfu rice cooker uses various heat settings during cooking and applies what is considered the best water-to-rice proportion.
The report said that Midea, whose manufacturing base is located in Foshan, Guangdong Province, is also interested in the production and design of small smart appliances.
"We always prioritize the task of producing best cooking solutions for Chinese consumers," Li said.
The manager said that the company has more than 100 researchers in its R&D team who are working to build the world's finest electric cooker.
"It normally takes more than two years for the research and development of a new variety of rice cookers," Li added.
At Midea's consumer electric appliances factory, several workers are employed in its laboratory to test new types of rice cookers.
The company mainly sells its rice cookers in China where consumers prefer certain flavors of cooked rice as well as its soft and natural goodness.
Since its launch last year, the Dingfu rice cooker has been among the top 10 brands in China's major e-commerce platforms such as Tmall.com and JD.com, the report added.
To identify the origin and varieties of Chinese rice, Midea researchers have reportedly spent eight years to develop a map.
"The map gives us a good understanding of Chinese rice, allowing users to cook the grain in a way that retains its natural flavor," Li said.
An increasing number of Chinese consumers have been reportedly buying small home appliances like the Dingfu smart cookers in overseas markets such as Japan, the report said.
"It will take some time for Chinese consumers to know more about China-made cookers. Our products are good both quality- and design-wise," Li remarked.
