Mimcook

Spain-based Mimcook develops high-precision, paella-making robotic pans. The product was commercially launched in April 2018, after two years of product development and testing. The pans can be programmed to create and reproduce recipes. The robotic pan notifies chefs when ingredients need to be added, and its sensors adjust the intensity of the fire as programmed, thereby standardizing meals. The company claims that chefs would only need to memorize recipes, allowing even inexperienced chefs to cook paella to the same standard. Mimcook’s primary customers include local and international restaurants and catering companies such as Soloh Group, Ubarrechena Restaurant, and London-based Arros QD. The company reports it has sold hundreds of its pans locally and internationally as of May 2021. The product is shipped to countries that recognize the CE certification, and the company is reportedly working toward obtaining UL certification, which would help expand its reach to include the US.

The company’s product line includes two models, Mimcook Pro and Mimcook Go. Mimcook Pro is a 27.5-inch paella pan in three fire rings that can make dishes for up to 12 people, while its smaller version, Mimcook Go, is a 23-inch paella pan with two fire rings. Mimcook Pro’s pricing ranges from EUR 3,650–EUR 3,800 (approximately USD 4,400–USD 4,650), while Mimcook Go is sold for EUR 2,614 (around USD 3,200).

Mimcook unveiled another paella/rice-making robot in April 2021, developed in partnership with Spain-based robot manufacturer BR5 (Be Robot 5). The robot is equipped with an electronically-controlled stove and a robotic arm to put ingredients into the pan and stir using the attached spoon.

Key competitors: None comparable (Mimcook is the only startup offering paella-making robotic pans)