Abstract: A stand mixer includes a base configured for resting on a surface and a mixing head coupled to the base so as to be moveable between a lowered, operative position and a raised, non-use position. A locking mechanism is engageable between the base and the mixing head and has a solenoid having an operative end moveable between a rest condition and an actuated condition and a swing arm pivotably mounted with respect to the solenoid. The swing arm is moveable between a locked position, wherein the swing arm is engaged between the mixing head and the base, and a release position, wherein the swing arm is disengaged from the base. The solenoid acts on a lever end of the swing arm to move the swing arm into the release position when the solenoid is in the actuated condition.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a body. The food processing apparatus includes a first connection interface disposed on the body and configured to selectively receive a mixing tool. The food processing apparatus includes a drive unit disposed in the body and configured to rotate the mixing tool via the first connection interface. The food processing apparatus includes a second connection interface disposed on the body and configured to selectively receive an attachment having an electrical component. The second connection interface includes an electrical interface. The food processing apparatus includes a power circuit configured to supply electrical power to the electrical component via the electrical interface.

Abstract: A countertop appliance is provided that has a motor and an actuator for setting an operational criteria of the motor, such as motor speed. The position of the actuator can be set physically by a user adjacent to the countertop appliance or via a signal received from a remote device, such as a smartphone or a home automation device. If a signal is received remotely, the physical position of the actuator is updated to show the updated operational criteria of the motor for the countertop appliance. An option feature of a confirmation interface is provided on a housing for the countertop appliance in which a user adjacent to the countertop appliance can confirm or reject an update to the operational criteria of the motor.

Abstract: A deflector assembly for an appliance includes a deflector having a rim forming a geometric shape and configured to engage a panel and a chute extending from a portion of the rim. The chute includes an upper surface that extends at an oblique angle from the rim. A lighting unit has a light source. The light source is disposed proximate to a junction between the rim and the chute.

Abstract: An appliance for heating a food product includes a housing having an interior defining a heating cavity, a lid enclosing an upper opening of the heating cavity, a water supply including a portion directed through the lid for introducing water to the heating cavity, a heating element adjacent a lower portion of the heating cavity, and a steamer basket receivable within the heating cavity. The steamer basket defines a body with a perforated lower wall positionable above the lower portion of the heating cavity such that the food product is suspended above the lower portion of the heating cavity during heating of water therein and such that steam generated by heating water within the lower portion of the heating cavity permeates the food product for heating thereof.

Abstract: A countertop appliance comprises interchangeable containers including a first container and a second container each having a base. The first container includes a first magnet coupled to the base of the first container at a first distance and the second container includes a second magnet coupled to the base of the second container at a second distance. A housing includes a motor and an attachment portion. The interchangeable containers are selectively and operably coupled to the attachment portion of the housing. An analog magnetic sensor is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the housing. The analog magnetic sensor is configured to detect the first magnet at the first distance and the second magnet at the second distance. A controller communicatively coupled with the analog magnetic sensor is configured to identify one of the interchangeable containers based on the detected distance of one of the first magnet and the second magnet.

Abstract: A deflector assembly for an appliance includes a deflector having a rim forming a geometric shape and configured to engage a panel and a chute extending from a portion of the rim. The chute includes an upper surface that extends at an oblique angle from the rim. A lighting unit has a light source. The light source is disposed proximate to a junction between the rim and the chute.