The kitchen plays a central role in many household activities. As such, it has become a favorite location for home remodels and upgrades. 

Despite consumer price sensitivity, homeowners seek functional upgrades that improve connectivity, comfort, and convenience. This has prompted manufacturers to create smart kitchen appliances that help meet those needs. 

Refrigerators 

The ’50s saw kitchen appliances become more stylish, thanks to innovations like glass shelves and easy-to-clean drawers. Colorful appliances were popular as well, with pastel hues such as petal pink and turquoise blue making a stylish statement. 

The 2020s are seeing an emphasis on white kitchens, but with a modern touch. Smooth matte textures and gold hardware add a fresh take on traditional white kitchens. Black stainless steel is also gaining popularity, with its rich matte finish putting a new twist on traditional stainless steel. 

Manufacturers introduced refrigerators with customizable knobs that change hue to match other kitchen elements. Touch and swipe controls are a big trend, too. Induction cooking continues to grow as a safe, precise and efficient cooking method. Interactive cooktops nestled within kitchen island countertops keep surfaces seamless and simple to clean. 

Microwaves 

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation that has shorter wavelengths than radio waves. They travel in a straight line and are not deflected by Earth’s surface or the ionosphere as lower-frequency radio waves do. They are widely used in modern technology including point-to-point communication lines, wireless networks, microwave radio relaying networks, radar, satellite and spacecraft transmission, medical diathermy and cancer therapy, and more. 

In the ’80s, homeowners went for sleek, minimalist white, bisque, and black finishes in their kitchens. This trend continues into the 2020s, with appliances in matte black or stainless steel gaining popularity. 

Another popular kitchen appliance trend for the 2020s is smart home technology. This is where appliances can communicate with each other, allowing them to perform tasks on your behalf. For example, you can set your microwave to cook your dinner at a specific time or have it alert you when your coffee is ready. This also allows you to track energy usage and remote monitor your appliances. 

Dishwashers 

A dishwasher is a must-have for most families and can help eliminate germs, particularly in kitchens. Today’s smart dishwashers include features like a soil sensor

that knows how dirty your dishes are and adjusts wash time and water usage accordingly. Some also have a quick wash cycle, sanitize setting and more. 

Other high-tech dishwasher trends for the 2020s include built-in units that hide under the counter or feature low profile handles for a seamless aesthetic. Many even have a hidden drawer for extra storage. 

Another trend is a sleek and sophisticated look that includes black stainless steel appliances. It’s a rich color that puts a new spin on the classic stainless-steel finish. Many of these kitchen appliance trends were on display at the KBIS 2020 Kitchen and Bath Show in Las Vegas. Adding state-of-the-art home appliances can increase the value of your home. For more information about the latest products and how to use them, contact a Howard’s expert. 

Cooktops 

The smart appliance market is forecast to expand exponentially during the 2020s. This includes smart refrigerators, smart dishwashers, smart cooking ranges, and even smart coffee machines. 

Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerators, for example, offer easy and fun functions such as recipe suggestions based on what is in your fridge, family scheduling, photo storage, and entertainment at your fingertips. Other brands, like LG ThinQ, integrate smart technology into their entire home appliances suite for a more seamless experience. 

A major trend to keep an eye out for in 2020 is the use of color and material options on smart appliances. Brands such as Dacor and True Residential now offer cooktops in a variety of hues to complement a modern kitchen design. 

If a high-tech look isn’t your style, consider hidden or built-in smart appliances. These models blend seamlessly into the cabinetry and give a clean, streamlined aesthetic to your kitchen. This is especially important in kitchens that merge into living spaces.

Many kitchen appliances are covered under a home warranty but having the right plumbing is important to note. “Does a home warranty cover plumbing?” This is an important question to ask your warranty company in case these high-tech appliances need to be replaced or repaired.