Epicurean high-tech

A microwave oven, sensing the vapor rising from the turkey inside, decides the bird is done and automatically lowers the temperature setting to warm. A dishwasher waits until midnight to start its wash cycle, taking advantage of off-peak electrical rates. A coffee maker stirs into action 10 minutes before its owner awakes, automatically grinding and brewing the morning coffee. Microprocessors are infiltrating kitchen appliances - monitoring their performance, regulating their temperature and timing, and diagnosing their malfunctions.