Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Experts say these are the kitchen appliances we’re all going to invest in this year

Smart tech, underground refrigerators, and more

appliance storage on shelves
Tina Dawson / Unsplash

In the ever-evolving world of kitchen appliances, staying ahead of the curve is a priority for those who want to maintain a modern and efficient kitchen. With the continuous advancement of technology and an increased focus on decluttered spaces, the kitchen appliance landscape is constantly changing.

Our experts predict that certain kitchen appliances will become must-haves for homeowners looking to upgrade their culinary experience. From space-saving solutions to cutting-edge smart technology, here’s a glimpse into the best kitchen appliances we’re all going to invest in this year.

Drawer with appliance storage
Raisa Suprun / Shutterstock

Space-saving solutions for appliances are a must

One of the prominent trends in kitchen design and appliances is the push toward decluttered and easy-to-clean spaces. “The selection of plug-in appliances that are available to consumers is becoming out of the control,” said Thomas Borcherding, lead kitchen designer and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. That’s why he stated that homeowners are seeking innovative solutions to keep their culinary sanctuaries organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Recommended Videos

Multifunctional appliances

Multifunctional appliances are the perfect answer to the challenge of limited kitchen space. These versatile appliances can perform a variety of tasks, eliminating the need for multiple single-purpose small appliances. “We are seeing ovens that feature air frying capabilities and fridges that can dispense bubbly water,” Borcherding explained.

Investing in these multifunctional kitchen appliances not only saves valuable countertop space but also streamlines cooking processes.

Kitchen appliance garages

Whether they are custom-built or retrofitted spaces, kitchen appliance garages hide small appliances when they’re not in use. They’re a brilliant way to keep your kitchen countertops clear of clutter while keeping appliances accessible when needed. “While they’ve been around for decades,” said Mitchell Parker, Houzz home design expert and senior editor, “they’re enjoying a resurgence in popularity as homeowners seek to declutter their homes and incorporate more gadgets into their kitchens.”

From blenders and toasters to trendy coffee makers, these storage solutions ensure your kitchen maintains a clean and sleek appearance.

Woman using a smart home device in the kitchen with a toaster
RossHelen / Shutterstock

Smart kitchens continue to gain momentum and intuition

The integration of smart technology into our daily lives is nothing new, and it has found its way into our kitchens as well. Smart kitchens, equipped with intelligent appliances, continue to gain momentum as we seek to simplify and streamline our cooking routines.

According to Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder at Arsight, smart kitchens are on their way to becoming even more intuitive.

“The new age of the kitchen entails voice-controlled home appliances alongside AI-assisted cooking,” he explained. “Which makes the cooking process simpler.”

Connected kitchen ecosystems

Leading the way are connected kitchen ecosystems that enable seamless communication between appliances. For example, your refrigerator can sync with your oven to recommend recipes based on the ingredients you have on hand, while your smartphone can control and monitor various kitchen devices remotely.

Voice-activated appliances

The convenience of voice-activated appliances is undeniable. Smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant can control your oven, adjust your smart thermostat, and even order groceries for you. “We’re looking at a future where you can tell your oven to preheat while you’re still on your couch,” said Barry Gant, founder and CEO at 7 Day Kitchens. “It’s all about making cooking less of a chore and more of a breeze.”

As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, these voice-activated features are becoming increasingly sought after.

Portable induction cooker with skillet
Elena M. Tarasova / Shutterstock

Induction cooktops are easy to clean and save energy

Induction cooking is a revolutionary technology that uses magnetic fields to heat pots and pans directly, resulting in a more efficient and controlled cooking experience. If you’ve seen those sleek, portable induction cooktops used in TikToks and Tasty videos, you know that induction cooktops have been on the market for a while, both as portable options and on traditional stovetops.

Danielle Nash, interior designer and project manager at Freemodel, explained to us that the popularity of these stovetops stems from a few different benefits they provide.

“Induction heating uses a special type of mechanism that only heats the portion of the stove where your induction pots and pans are placed. This saves energy while also making it easier to clean your stovetop.”

But these high-tech stovetops are also safer, according to Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection.

“Induction cooktops are the wave of the future,” she explained. “This is due to new home-building regulations created to phase out gas stoves for safety and sustainability, reducing the risk of fire and eliminating toxic fumes.”

Stainless steel refrigerator and other stainless steel in the kitchen
Alex Qian / Pexels

Underground refrigerators will be the hottest large appliance

While underground refrigerators may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, they are becoming increasingly popular for their energy-saving benefits and convenience. These innovative appliances are built into the floor of your kitchen or even in your yard, like an outdoor cellar, providing a unique space-saving solution.

The constant temperature of the earth below ground helps maintain a stable and low temperature inside the refrigerator. This reduces the need for energy-intensive cooling, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint.

Underground options also eliminate the need for a traditional freestanding or built-in refrigerator, maximizing kitchen space. They can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design, giving you more freedom to arrange your kitchen layout to your liking. Plus, their unique design adds a touch of convenience, modernity, and luxury to your kitchen.

“Undercounter refrigerators will be the trending large appliance of 2024,” Vernazza predicts. “Fruits, vegetables, beverages, snacks, etc., stay cool and provide easy access for young kids and guests.”

In the ever-evolving world of kitchen appliances, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. As you consider upgrading your kitchen this year, keep our experts’ trend predictions in mind to ensure your culinary space remains modern, efficient, and in line with the latest developments in kitchen technology. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a state-of-the-art culinary haven with these exciting kitchen appliance trends of 2024.

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
What’s reducetarianism? Why you’re going to be hearing it a whole lot more
Young woman holding pan with vegan pasta dish

There’s an emerging food trend gaining popularity in 2022: reducetarianism. It’s a diet for those who cut back on eating animal products but don’t go full-blown vegan or vegetarian.

Anyone who reduces their consumption of meat, fish, dairy, and eggs but doesn’t fully stop eating them is a reducetarian. Of course, many people have practiced reducetarianism at some point — the plant-heavy diet itself isn’t anything radically new. But it wasn't until fairly recently that it’s been assigned a term with a definition, launched a movement, and sparked a food trend.

Read more
The 5 kitchen appliances no home chef should ever live without
hydropro plus sous vide machine review delta cooking

Most homeowners who do even a minimal amount of cooking have their favorite go-to kitchen appliances that they rely on for making a nice dinner. If you fancy yourself a home chef and spend most nights in the kitchen, you likely have a robust kitchen appliance list constantly running in your brain. While there are so many kitchen gadgets that can be used for one job or another, there are five that serve multiple purposes. This puts them at the top of our list because of their versatility, function, and time- and space-saving qualities.

With the holiday season in full swing, you may want to splurge on one or all of these items. If so, watch out for holiday deals that can make buying these items not feel like such a punch to your wallet. (Who doesn't want that?)

Read more
If you’re looking for a good reason to go solar at home, we’ve got 7
pool house with solar panels on the roof

If you're considering making the switch to solar energy, you're not alone. In 2020, the solar industry generated more than $25 billion in private investment alone, proving that the future of this renewable energy source is quite bright (pun intended). While doing your part to reduce the global reliance on fossil fuels is a noble reason to make the switch, there are plenty of monetary incentives as well.

With all of these money-saving perks of solar energy, there's no reason not to invest. The planet, and your wallet, will thank you.
Tax breaks
Right now, the government is offering a big incentive for homeowners to convert to solar power. With the federal solar tax credit, you can claim a 26 percent tax credit on any system installed between 2020 and 2022. This means you can save thousands of dollars on the cost of the system and its installation.

Read more