A new induction stove blends cutting-edge technology with a dash of nostalgia. Developed by Berkeley-based startup Copper, the Charlie range aims to make kitchen electrification more accessible and appealing to home cooks who are hesitant to bid their gas stoves farewell.
At the heart of Charlie is a built-in 5kWh battery, allowing the stove to deliver high power without requiring electrical rewiring and new circuits to handle induction's power requirements. Charlie simply plugs into a standard 120V outlet, and the battery handles peak power demands. The battery has another significant benefit: it enables the appliance to draw power during off-peak hours when renewable sources are more widely available. During power outages, the battery allows for three to five meals to be cooked before running out.
While pushing for a fossil-free future, Copper doesn't shy away from traditional aesthetics. The range features old-fashioned knobs and handles crafted from reclaimed wood. It's a design feature that not only adds a touch of warmth but also eliminates the common annoyance of touch controls, which often don't work when wet, don't respond as expected and aren't as intuitive as physical dials.
By rethinking the user experience on multiple levels, from easy installation and off-peak charging to tactile knobs, Charlie lowers both practical and psychological barriers to home electrification. Prices start at USD 5,999 and Copper is currently taking pre-orders for its second production run. Could your product benefit from integrating the best of old and new? For inspiration from a different industry, check out Olympian Motors, a startup building 'EVs for drivers sick of screens.'
