Cooking is pure pleasure. Especially, when we observe Christian Thurner at work. In front of him, the new innovative stainless steel steam cooker called Wulcano, still in the pilot production series. The thought out functionality and superb design are really shining through.
It took him two whole years to experiment and trial the system, to introduce the improvements while carrying out a series of tests and looking for the perfect production partner, that can manufacture Wulcano in the highest stainless steel quality at somewhat affordable price. How the pilot series was made, how steaming with Wulcano can be a really special experience and what does it have to do with the „Dumpling Challenge“? The product developer reveals all the secrets.
Drumroll, please. Wulcano is finally here!
You won’t find a lid to put on the Wulcano stainless steel steam cooker. There is only a small silicone marble placed at the top, with a diameter of 16 mm, making sure the steam stays in the system. Under it, you will find tiers – made from steaming rings and trays, and a cooking pot as a base. The idea of a simple and minimalistic design came from the need to bring back the order to the kitchen cabinets. Christian originally developed a stackable steaming set that could be stowed away in an extremely practical way on just 30 x 16 cm.
But ideas are easy, implementation is where it gets hard. The steaming set should consist of 14 elements and the complex deep drawing process required very expensive forming tools. So, Christian decided to rethink and change the design, he made it even simpler and created a version with 3 elements only: the pot, the ring and the tray. Again, stackable and easier to use than ever.
Everything but ordinary.
The application itself is one thing, but the optics are something else. You eat with your eyes first, Wulcano makes sure it starts already while cooking: for Christian, the product developer who studied at the University for Applied Arts in Vienna, good design aesthetics were just as important as the product functionality. He had a passion for cooking since he was a child. Steaming as a traditional cooking technique, creating healthy, but simple food, inspired him for years. He has followed Jamie Oliver’s approach to simple cooking with pleasure.
The steamer or steam cooker originates from China and is made from bamboo. Unfortunately, they are not that easy-to-use in the western kitchen and the fact that the layers are stacked on top of each other means they are not really space-saving. Another thing that makes Wulcano different, is the nozzle effect of the steam passage, which looks like a volcano, and ensures that the steam reaches all levels. Christian has already tried to stack 10 layers on top of each other. What’s special about it? Each layer in our Wulcano steam system is a separate component, which means all of the vitamins and minerals are preserved and the carefully selected ingredients stay full of flavor. And speaking of taste – olive oil is definitely one of the key ingredients for Christian. It shoudn’t come as a surprise really, as a native of South Tyrol, he was influenced by Italian cuisine and grew up using the “liquid gold” with every dish.
Ready for the challenge.
Christian is always thinking big and looking for ways to challenge himself. Among many Wulcano related product innovations, he also had the idea to apply for a record in the Guinness Book of Records with 300 dumplings prepared on just one energy source. Noteworthy: his ecological way of thinking and sustainability of his products always go hand in hand. This is why he created the steamer completely without plastic. Also, it’s super easy-to-clean, it’s dishwasher-safe and fits on any kind of cooktop – from gas to induction. Let’s just say: Wulcano is a brilliant product with amazing features, easy-to-handle and attractive in terms of pricing.
So what is the real challenge than? The challenge of explaining a new cooking system. The challenge of finding people, passionate cooks with whom we can bring steam cooking to a new level. The challenge of making the Wulcano stainless steel steamer big with a little help from the supporters. Challenge accepted! Our Kickstarter campaign will launch on the 20th of September at 8 pm.