If you’re the kind of homeowner who keeps an eye on the latest tech, loves smart-home upgrades, and wants appliances that go beyond the basics, the next generation of appliances is worth paying attention to. From AI-powered performance to voice control and customizable designs, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for innovation. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or just replacing one appliance, these trends offer a practical look at how smarter, more connected features are changing everyday life at home.
1. Connected and Voice-Activated Control
Expect more appliances to come equipped with AI that adapts to your usage patterns, adjusting wash times, optimizing cooking modes, and improving efficiency based on real-time data. Wi-Fi-enabled appliances with app control and voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Assistant) are moving from "nice to have" to standard across brands and categories.
2. User Interfaces with Touch or App-Based Displays
Control panels are evolving, with more appliances featuring touchscreen controls or companion apps that provide real-time updates, cycle status, and maintenance reminders.
Control panels are getting more innovative and more user-friendly. Many of 2026's appliances now feature sleek touchscreens and Wi-Fi-enabled apps that let you control and monitor everything in real time, from cycle status and temperature settings to maintenance alerts. The LG ThinQ Washer and Dryer and the GE Profile Oven both offer intuitive touch interfaces and app connectivity for hands-free convenience. On the refrigeration side, the Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator includes a large touchscreen display that acts as a command center for your kitchen.
3. Built-In Look with Custom Finishes
Integrated, panel-ready, or flush-mount designs will continue to trend, especially among premium brands, allowing refrigerators and dishwashers to blend into cabinetry.
4. Laundry Built for Pet Owners
Appliances are getting more specialized, and the Maytag® Pet Pro System is a perfect example. This washer (and the dryer) is designed to remove five times more pet hair, using a built-in pet hair filter and an XL lint trap. It's a game-changer for households with furry family members. It saves you from needing to rewash items or grab the lint roller as often.
5. Air and Water Filtration Built In
Speaking of filters, more refrigerators and laundry units will offer upgraded filtration systems to improve food preservation, water quality, or allergen reduction. For example, some refrigerator models feature multiple filtered zones to prevent odors from mixing. Because no one wants "flavored" ice.
6. Multi-Function Ovens and Ranges
Combination steam ovens, convection plus air-frying modes, and smart temperature zones are now being built into next-gen cooking appliances to give users more flexibility in a single unit.
7. Energy-Efficient, Eco-Conscious Designs
Models with advanced eco modes, lower water usage, heat pump technology (especially in dryers), and compliance with energy standards will continue to be included in new releases.
8. Flexible Storage and Climate Zones in Refrigerators
New refrigerator designs include customizable drawers that convert from fridge to freezer, as well as flexible cooling zones that adjust with the push of a button based on the items stored. For example, the GE Profile Quad-Door Refrigerator features a fully convertible section that switches from fridge to freezer mode with the touch of a button. It's fantastic for freezer space, entertaining, and meal prep when needed. Meanwhile, the stylish Café 4-Door Refrigerator offers precise temperature controls and a spacious interior with flexible shelving, making it easy to store everything from canned sodas and wine bottles to party platters and delicate produce in exactly the right conditions.
9. Quieter Operation
Sound-dampening technology in dishwashers, washers, and dryers is improving. Many 2026 models are expected to emphasize ultra-quiet performance.
10. Smart Diagnostics and Remote Monitoring
Appliances can now detect issues early and notify users via app, helping prevent breakdowns and reducing maintenance surprises. Even notifications about small tasks, like needing to clear the dryer lint filter, can go a long way in keeping your appliances performing at their best.
Curious which of these features are already available or coming soon? Visit a Judd & Black appliance showroom in northwest Washington to explore the latest models and get advice from our knowledgeable experts. We're here to help you find the right appliance with the future-ready features that fit your home, lifestyle, and budget.