Smart oven prepares meals straight from your doorstep

The Tovala oven comes with an optional meal subscription service that allows users to receive pre-packed meals, which can be cooked in less than 20 minutes.

A Chicago-based startup company has given new meaning to quick-fix meals with a cloud-connected oven that will prepare dinner completely without the user's help.

The Tovala smart oven is an all-in-one appliance that boasts steaming, baking and broiling functions. This feature is not so unique in an industry where cooking appliances are constantly upgraded and integrated with the latest technologies. Over the years, smarter models have become the norm, and the sector is forecasted to reach $34.5 billion by 2021.

However, what makes the Tovala oven stand out is a meal subscription service, in which users can opt to have pre-prepared meals delivered weekly right at their doorsteps. Subscription is not required to fully utilize the oven's functions. Kits are priced $36 for three single servings and $72 for three double servings. Recipes include Sweet Chili Salmon, Sunflower Satay Tofu Steak, Curried Turkey Meatballs and Teriyaki Chicken.

For users who have subscribed to get weekly kits, though, the pre-fixed meals are contained in sealed metal tins and a cardboard packaging where a QR code can be found. Garnishes are also available, and can be added to the food before or after the cooking process, depending on the dish.

To cook the food, users only need to remove the outer covers, add the garnishes if necessary, and place the tin inside the oven. On the right side of the oven is a control panel where the QR code can be scanned, indicating the type of dish that is being prepared. With a final press of a button, the oven will automatically tweak its settings and modes to cook the food based on its programmed list of recipes. Each meal takes less than 20 minutes to be ready. Two to four meals can be cooked at the same time.

The Tovala oven comes with an accompanying iOS- and Android-compatible app through which users are alerted when their food is ready, as well as provide detailed descriptions about the cooking process.

The smart oven is now available on the market. Price starts at $399.