As more millennials enter the housing market, smart appliance trends are making their way into homes. From robots that clean to refrigerators that tell you what’s inside, these tech-friendly appliances are a hit with consumers. New home warranties may include these high tech home appliances.
Consumers want innovations that go beyond simple connectivity and offer functional benefits. For example, some new smart fridges provide recipe suggestions and family scheduling.
1. Voice-Controlled Appliances
Many appliances are becoming smarter with the help of AI, including dishwashers, microwave ovens and coffee machines. This is thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) where devices are connected and share data over a home network.
Many manufacturers are also introducing appliances that offer a range of functions. This allows homeowners to perform a number of tasks with one appliance, such as a microwave oven that can grill and bake. A smart dishwasher, for example, can monitor how dirty it is and adjust its wash cycle or sanitize setting accordingly.
These smart features are helping to drive growth of the market for high-tech home appliances. However, it’s important to remember that just because an appliance is smart, doesn’t mean it needs to be a showpiece. Many consumers prefer functional
appliances that are easy to use. This is especially true for kitchens that are merging into living spaces. A good option is hidden or built-in appliances that blend seamlessly into your kitchen’s cabinets for a clean aesthetic.
2. Smart Sensors
Homeowners expect smart features in their appliances but want those innovations to be meaningful within their lives. They’re not looking for “gadgets,” and they want innovative technologies that are customizable, intuitive, and easy to use.
Adding state-of-the-art technology to your kitchen can increase the value of your home and make life easier. However, before you invest in high-tech appliances for your home, be sure to ask if they are covered by your home warranty.
The global smart kitchen appliance market is expanding, as consumers are increasing the number of connected devices in their homes. They also expect smart products to integrate with a wider internet of things (IoT), enabling them to control multiple appliances with just one device. Smart devices in the kitchen can also save energy and improve safety. For example, they can automatically shut off when a cook leaves the room or prevent a stove from being accidentally turned on. Additionally, they can monitor and respond to environmental conditions like temperature or humidity.
3. Wireless Kitchens
The kitchen is a hub where families gather and meals are cooked, but smart technology has yet to fully permeate this space. However, the future is looking bright for this room because wireless technologies will eliminate the need for cords and free up counters and storage space.
Experts expect the global smart kitchen appliances market to grow by nearly 20 percent from 2017 to 2027. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of intelligent appliances that are powered by a wireless power transfer standard.
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) is developing a cordless kitchen standard called Ki that will allow for the wireless charging of compatible devices such as rice cookers, toasters, ovens, coffee makers, air fryers, and more. Appliances that support this standard will be distinguished by a mark and logo, similar to the Qi standard for mobile phones. The WPC will demonstrate Ki at this week’s IFA Next event in Berlin. This will give consumers a preview of the future of their kitchens, without wires everywhere.
4. Hidden or Built-In Appliances
Many homeowners want to hide their smart kitchen appliances or at least make them blend in with the rest of their décor. This allows them to add a sleek, modern look to the room while adding technology that can be used for convenience and security.
Examples of hiding appliances include refrigerators that double as walls and pantry doors, hidden microwaves inside cabinet drawers, and cooktops covered with cutting boards when not in use. Other popular appliance hiding techniques involve converting wall ovens into warming and microwave units, concealing appliances behind paneled cabinets, and incorporating artful ventilation hoods as room accents.
Another trend that will be increasingly popular is the use of compact or multi use appliances that have the capabilities of full-sized appliances. This includes small dishwashers that tuck away in closets or bathrooms and the new Whirlpool 2.8- cubic-foot Smart All-in-One Washer and Dryer that washes, dries, and tumbles laundry all in one unit. These are ideal for homes with limited storage space.