The 5 Kitchen Appliance Trends You'll Regret Not Choosing in 2026 — This Is How to Futureproof Your Cooking Space

The world is rapidly changing, and over the past year, AI has become practically inescapable. And while many of the advances within this sphere have been somewhat... troubling, the one area I feel safe to both embrace and celebrate this modern technology is within the kitchen. Although I'm not keen on the idea of AI taking over my job, I'm more than happy to hand it some power over my meals — especially if it's there to make me a faster and better cook.

It's not just AI that's dominating the recent releases from our favorite kitchen appliance brands, though; there are plenty of fascinating developments on offer, many of which reflect our growing interest in the health of both our bodies and the planet. We're seeing more eco-conscious, health-forward appliances entering the market, and I, for one, am absolutely loving it.

The way we eat forms an integral part of our day-to-day experience, and these appliances might just be reshaping that, and (hopefully) for the better.

1. Health-Focused Appliances

If the early 2000s can be characterized by a 'cut, cut, cut' approach to diet culture, the 2020s can be characterized by the holistic, 'intuitive eating' movement. We no longer fear carbs or sugar; we embrace the idea of balance and understand the healing power of enjoying food. This shift is now being reflected in the kitchen appliances we invest in.

The idea that food can be both exciting, delicious, and healthy has increasingly become the accepted norm, and we're looking for appliances that help us to achieve this. One appliance that really encapsulates this shift is the beloved Ninja Creami.

Matt Thomas, category lead for small electricals at John Lewis, notes, "Interest in ice-cream makers is also on the rise — sales were up 17% last year and look set to grow further as customers experiment with protein-packed ice-creams and healthy smoothies."

Tools that allow us to create our favorite sweet treats from home, with complete control over the ingredients we put in them, will be increasingly celebrated this year. I've been lusting over the home ice cream maker for years now, and I think 2026 might have to be the year I finally invest.

2. Do-It-All Products

Few kitchen appliances have made as much of an impact as the air fryer. Despite being on the market in some form since 2010, it wasn't until the pandemic that the machines received their iconic status. And for good reason, too.

They're great for small kitchens and cut down on time, energy, and mess. But times have changed, and the latest advancements have adopted everything we love about the air fryer and evolved it into something even better.

Now, we're increasingly searching for appliances that offer us more. We don't want to have six different machines — we want one super-efficient one that can do it all. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the rise in combination ovens.

These smart designs combine air-fryer, steam cooking, microwave features, and more, and streamline them into one space-conscious design. John Davies, marketing manager at Smeg, explains: "While an air fryer is convenient for those starting their cooking journey, today’s ovens are increasingly multi-functional. It’s less about choosing one or the other and more about finding an oven that can do it all."

This trend reflects a move towards quality over quantity. We want well-made, intelligent machines that last, and can do more than we'd ever expect.

3. AI-Assisted Tech

AI doesn't have to be scary. When used well, it can be something that makes your life easier, and that's certainly the case with the latest smart kitchen tech.

"Looking ahead, AI-driven integration is shaping the next generation of kitchen appliances," says Simon Plumbridge, director at Gaggenau.

Much like other smart tech devices, AI ovens and kitchen appliances offer smartphone compatibility, meaning you can now turn on your oven to preheat without leaving the couch, or even check on the bake of your cakes while doing the washing.

And it doesn't stop there. "We are seeing the rise of connected ecosystems where appliances communicate with one another," adds Simon. "For example, warming drawers will automatically activate when an oven programme finishes, ensuring food is held at the perfect temperature without intervention."

AI-powered kitchen tools aren't about replacing human touch; they're about optimizing it, so that you can leave the boring parts to the machine, allowing you to spend more time on the things that you love doing.

4. Eco-Conscious Designs

"Energy efficiency has become a baseline expectation rather than a premium upgrade," says Louis Vanderman from Woodmere.

Whether it's searching for sustainable materials or energy-efficient heating methods, caring for the planet is becoming a core pillar in the way people design their homes, which is also now reflected in the kitchen appliances we look out for.

"Clients are increasingly choosing induction cooking, advanced ventilation, and next-generation refrigeration that reduce running costs while maintaining high performance. Sustainability is no longer a design compromise; it’s part of good kitchen planning," says Louis.

This can also be observed in the rise of waste-conscious appliances, such as the Krushr kitchen recycling tool, and other similar tools. We expect to see a great emphasis placed on recycling, composting, and reducing food waste in the year ahead.

"Reducing food waste will continue to be a global focus, with smart refrigeration technology helping households extend freshness and plan meals more efficiently," says Miele's Tom Hopper. There will also be an increased focus on sustainable ways to dispose of kitchen waste.

5. Professional Quality, for Homes

Perhaps it's The Bear effect, but people are becoming increasingly keen to invest in professional-grade appliances, looking at chefs' kitchens and the best restaurants for inspiration. Among these desired items, Louis lists "Steam ovens, precision cooking functions, and high-performance extraction."

These sit alongside a general desire for high-quality products that look as good as they perform, so that you can feel confident leaving them out on full display, even when not in use.

"Today's kitchens reflect personal style as much as cooking habits," explains Danny Winer, ceo and founder of Gordon Ramsay-backed cookware brand, HexClad. "We engineered the highest-performing cookware available, then made it beautiful enough to stay on display. HexClad cookware is designed to be used and to be seen."

Another great example of this is the heightened interest in the classic range oven, just one of the traditional kitchen features that is rapidly gaining popularity again. This trend clearly demonstrates that, despite all the modern innovations, some of us still long for a return to the tried-and-tested classics, as seen with the increased interest in vintage kitchen items and other classic cooking techniques.

Something about the combination of eco-friendly advancements, professional-grade features, and an emphasis on sweet treats has me feeling incredibly positive about the future of kitchen appliances.

But, before you splash your cash, you might want to consult our list of kitchen appliances you don't need when working with a tight budget.