RH Hall prepping bar code-scanning Maestrowave

Microwaves with built-in bar code scanners aren't exactly entirely new, but it looks like those in the foodservice industry will soon be getting a new button-less fix to call their own, this one coming from RH Hall. As with similar units, RH Hall's so-called "Maestrowave" lets you simply swipe a package of food in front of it, with then automatically setting the appropriate time and cooking power. Unfortunately, it's still in the prototype stage (which could account its current low-budget sci-fi prop look), although the company says they expect to have it ready by the first quarter of next year.

[coffee @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:01PM]

because the packaging is so hard to decipher on a burrito?

//picture of burrito. picture of microwave. huge "1 min" next to it.

[Xee @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:35PM]

Only thing I can think of is people leaving in assisted-living homes or just elderly people in general who may have a problem otherwise with the instructions.

That, or just incredibly lazy people.

[Jesse S @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:03PM]

What's the point of making it interfaceless? For one, the food packages are barely ever right on cooking times, and second, pre-packaged food isn't the only things people cook in their microwaves.

Honestly, I see this as useless, even if it is for the foodservice industry and not regular people. It still needs an interface.

[Chris @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:19PM]

I don't think an interfaceless version would be sold to consumers. and if the microwave has the product times built in, then they would be "right" for that microwave. no more worrying about the "not all microwaves are the same" warnings to get a properly heated meal

[Captain Obvious @ Jun 22nd 2007 5:25PM]

I know lots of people in the food service industry, and they will be happen to learn that they are not regular people.

[Jesse S @ Jun 22nd 2007 6:35PM]

Haha, obviously I meant the average consumer over a cafeteria/business.

[Chris @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:17PM]

not all stores have clear time markings, and not all products follow the stores marking.

this could also improve efficiency and reduce waste from line cooks pressing the wrong button

[Spyvie @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:18PM]

The city of Seattle recently banned microwave popcorn because of numerous fire alarms caused by overcooking. I myself have had to evacuate my workspace in just such a scenario.

I, for one, welcome our new bar code scanning oven safety overlords.

[Spyvie @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:20PM]

A clarification:

Seattle baned m-pop in city office builings, not the whole city

[Mile @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:53PM]

Further Clarification:
Seattle banned m-pop for Spyvie in city office builings,

[Mile @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:48PM]

I could have used this last weekend when I came home drunk and accidentally set my microwave for 19 hours. You shouldn't even be allowed to set a microwave for 19 hours. It should refuse and just say "USE OVEN".

[Technohazard @ Jun 22nd 2007 7:49PM]

Did you get drunk and try to put your head in the microwave oven for 19 hours?

In the future, you will be able just to scan the barcode on the back of your neck and the microwave will just nuke you till you stop moving. Unless, of course, you're in the foodservice industry.

[William F Neal @ Jun 22nd 2007 9:50PM]

he got that from last comic standing...

[Phour ZwanZig @ Jun 22nd 2007 5:13PM]

Why ask why or how for the food ind. cuz i think it could be helpful..

Most important reason I can see would be less chance of contamination.. Cuz you arent pressing things.. (yes I know the handle..)

[andy78 @ Jun 23rd 2007 1:47PM]

ocd, much?

[Phour ZwanZig @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:12PM]

Huh.. OCD?

[Darryl @ Jun 22nd 2007 7:39PM]

Well this is my dads company and basically its going to be a good thing, when its launched. Its not going to end up in consumers hands at all, its an industrial microwave which will speed up time in kitchens in restauraunts, pubs and other eaterys.

It'll eventually end up attached to combination ovens, steam ovens and other such appliances, giving it versatility. Also the food packages that go inside the machine, will be specialist food items that are ordered. Not regular microwave meals.

[Shawn @ Jun 22nd 2007 7:53PM]

what if i scan the barcode to a book? will it go to 451 degrees and burn it for me? or what about grandma's meds? also how am i suppose to put a live frog in the microwave so the cleaning lady has to work for her minimum wage?

i applaud the effort but it just hasn't gone far enough... wifi on everything and IPs for all! I need an IP to get snmp info from my toast and graph it!

[Timerider @ Jun 22nd 2007 9:15PM]

There's already a microwave that does this and its been out for years. It has a keypad to type in the time if there's no barcode.

[Timerider @ Jun 22nd 2007 9:19PM]

"Microwaves with built-in bar code scanners aren't exactly entirely new,"

Never mind.

[Ryan @ Jun 22nd 2007 9:32PM]

No buttons? Then what do I do if I want to heat up some leftovers that I threw away the packaging to? The bar-code scanner is fine, but at least include a number pad too.