Today's appliances are doing more than ever before. So if you're looking to save time, boost your home's energy efficiency, and bring in more stylish touches, these items are worth considering. The kitchen remains the hub where most appliance upgrades happen, but there's also plenty of exciting innovations showing up across the home. If you're planning a remodel or just ready to embrace the next generation of home tech, here are the latest trends in home appliances for 2026 and beyond.
Kitchen Innovation: Style Paired with Performance
Induction Cooktops & Ranges
Fast, responsive, and energy-efficient, induction technology continues to dominate the conversation around modern kitchens. These appliances use magnetic energy to directly heat pots and pans, delivering faster boil times and more precise temperature control without the need for natural gas.
Safety is another huge factor. “If you take the pot off, the surface itself won’t stay dangerously hot like a radiant burner,” explains Brandon George, part of the management team at Kleckner & Sons Appliances and Electronics. “It makes cooking safer, especially for families with kids. It won’t start heating if you don’t have a pan on the surface. And the heat distribution is much more even, so there are many benefits that make induction a popular choice.” Kleckner & Sons stocks many brands of induction ranges from entry-level models to premium lines from brands like GE Café and KitchenAid.
Newer models offer WiFi integration, so you can preheat your oven or adjust the burner from your smartphone. That’s great news for multitaskers, busy families, or anyone who doesn’t want to interrupt their latest binge watching.
Oversized Ranges
Homeowners are ditching the standard 30-inch range in favor of 36-inch or even larger models. These expansive ranges often include up to six burners, integrated griddles, or dedicated warming zones. This makes them perfect for home chefs or households that frequently entertain. Thanksgiving prep will never be easier! Dual-fuel options, which combine gas cooktops with electric ovens, are also gaining traction for their precision and convenience.
Counter-Depth Refrigerators with Flex Zones
Counter-depth refrigerators offer a sleek, built-in look without the need for full custom cabinetry. These fridges provide smart interior organization, better visibility, and new “flex zone” drawers that convert from fridge to freezer with a quick tap. Fridges are now offering more convenient water integration with simplified filtration and interior dispensers which keep the streamlined look on the outside. Smart sensors can now even notify you when it’s time to replace your water filter.
Matte Finishes and Expanded Appliance Color Options
The all-stainless kitchen is making way for warmer, more diverse color choices. Matte black, creamy white, deep navy, and even sage green appliances are popping up in both contemporary and vintage-inspired kitchens. Café Appliances in particular are giving homeowners flexibility. “They’ve introduced customizable handles and knobs,” says Brandon, “so if your kitchen has matte black hardware, you can match your appliances by swapping out the handles. It’s personalization at a reasonable price point.” Softer toned finishes also pair beautifully with brushed brass or bronze hardware, and help personalize the kitchen as more than just a functional hub, but a warm and inviting space for gathering.
Beverage Fridges and Drawer-Style Coolers
Homeowners are creating full beverage stations with built-in fridges in breakfast nooks, coffee corners, and dining rooms. Drawer-style coolers keep soda, wine, or sparkling water organized and accessible without crowding the main fridge. These additions are particularly popular in homes with open-concept entertaining areas. Imagine just being a step away from grabbing a refill or letting guests choose their own beverages, without unnecessary fuss.
Dishwashers That Do More… With Less Noise
Today’s dishwashers are smarter, sleeker, and more efficient than ever before. Many new models feature soil-sensing technology that adjusts cycle length and water use automatically, saving both time and energy. Interior redesigns now allow for flexible loading, with third racks for utensils and adjustable tines to fit everything from wine glasses to baking sheets. You’ll also notice more colors and clean finishes. Top controls keep function buttons hidden and dishwasher drawers are especially trending.
“Bosch dishwashers, in particular, have really taken off for us,” adds Brandon. “They’re consistently rated among the most reliable, and customers love how quiet and dependable they are.” For homeowners who prioritize peace of mind and performance, it’s hard to beat.
Smarter Everything in the Kitchen
From touchscreens that create grocery lists to ovens that can teach you how to cook, smart features are increasingly common. Many dishwashers now auto-sense soil levels to optimize cycles, while ovens offer guided cooking modes. WiFi integration is also giving homeowners greater value, with appliances that can be updated over the years, rather than replaced. “GE has built-in connectivity that lets you unlock new features through its app,” explains Brandon. “When ‘air fry’ was first taking off, customers were actually able to download an update to add air fry modes to their oven.” Voice control, app alerts, and compatibility with smart home hubs are other benefits that make it easier to run your kitchen, eliminating extra steps or forgetful moments.
Laundry Room Upgrades
Ultrafast Washer-Dryer Combos
Washer-dryer combos have come a long way! If you’re ready to make laundry day feel a little less like a chore, here’s the perfect solution. These single-unit appliances now wash and dry in around 90 minutes. While these are perfect for small homes and guest suites, even busy families with a dedicated laundry station will find these combos useful.
Quiet, Efficient, and Smarter Than Ever
Many new laundry appliances include noise reduction features and energy-efficient sensors that adapt water and detergent levels for each load. App-based controls let you start a cycle from your phone or receive alerts when your laundry is done. If you’re looking to escape ironing duty, check out the latest in steam closets, which effortlessly refresh and remove wrinkles.
Smart Living for Every Room
Smart Plugs and Mini Switches
WiFi-enabled plugs allow you to retrofit nearly any appliance with smart capabilities. Want to start your slow cooker from the office or make sure your flat iron is off? Smart switches make it possible, all controlled by your phone or voice assistant. Just remember these switches can turn devices on and off, they aren’t yet smart enough to control all of their functionalities.
Kleckner & Sons
Your Family-Owned Appliance & Electronics Store
Kleckner & Sons is a family-owned business specializing in appliances and electronics, serving the Whitehall and Emmaus areas in Pennsylvania. They offer a comprehensive selection of kitchen appliances, laundry machines, and home electronics from various brands. With two convenient locations and trained technicians available for appliance servicing, they provide sales, repairs, and parts supply to meet all your appliance needs.