Now that the coronavirus pandemic is finally (if intermittently) over, there’s a lot of pent-up demand for certain home improvements — especially when it comes to the kitchen. the 2022 Houzz Study on kitchen trends in the United States reveals that major kitchen renovations – which involve adding new appliances – have increased by 14% over the previous year. And kitchen appliances are the second most common feature that homeowners splurge on when remodeling.

So what is the trend in kitchen appliances? Technology and hygiene both play an important role, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) 2022 Design trends report. “Consumers are more eager to embrace new technologies, innovative ways to provide multi-functional options to maximize their space to fit any occasion and are opting for surfaces and designs that make cleaning easier, as well as healthy. and wellness,” NKBA CEO Bill Darcy noted in a statement accompanying the report’s release.

Given changing consumer tastes, the following new appliance trends have crept into the kitchen design shows of 2022 and, soon enough, into your home.

Appliance manufacturers focus on hygiene

The pandemic has made the public more aware of germs, transmission and health in general. Appliance makers have been working on ways to provide a cleaner, healthier experience in the home kitchen. Expect to see more antimicrobial surfaces and appliances like the GE Profile UltraFresh System™ dishwasher with Microban® antimicrobial technology. It sanitizes dishes, of course, but also reduces bacteria growth in and on the appliance itself.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has been working for the past 18 months on a new clean air standard, AHAM-AC-5-2022, to measure how quickly appliances can disinfect pathogenic viruses, such as than COVID -19. This is the first time a standard has been created for microbiological pollutants and could be part of a device’s data sheet in the future. Already, some appliances, like the Falmec range of air-purifying range hoods, include built-in charcoal filters for added purity.

Now that everyone has learned to keep hands and surfaces clean, the traditional appliance surface or door knob can go the way of the dodo. The sweeping controls found in Dacor’s induction cooktops make it possible to wipe down all surfaces without missing any nooks or crannies.

Appliances help you eat healthier

Steam has played a big role in sanitizing the world for the past two years and of course in cooking food for a few centuries, that is, on the stove top. But if you haven’t heard of the steam oven, you’ll know soon enough. They work by siphoning water from a small water tank or canister into a built-in boiler, heating it to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and releasing the steam into the oven. Proponents say it cooks food faster than dry convection air, lessens the need for oils or fats, and preserves juiciness and nutrients. Moreover, the same steam function can effortlessly clean the appliance itself after cooking is finished.

A few models worth exploring are the combination steamer from Fisher & Paykel and the 48″ dual fuel version from Dacor. Add the range hood under the Hauslane cabinet. It has a steam clean function that cuts through and sanitizes the stubborn grease that builds up on most range hoods.

Finally, keeping food fresh has been a concern during the pandemic as people seek to stock up or spend less time in crowded supermarkets. Appliance makers are sending help, via integrated vacuum sealers that extend the life of foodstuffs. Wolf has just introduced a vacuum drawer that saves counter space by blending seamlessly into your cabinetry. should keep your food healthy and fresh longer.

Fridges Become Cooling/Entertainment Stations

Families working and studying at home need to get creative with their living spaces. Coffee, snack and refreshment stations have become more popular as new places to take a break from home. This has led to an explosion of stylish beverage fridges that complement the main fridge, designed to fit into a homework room, home office or other space away from the kitchen.

The coolest styles have glass doors so you can see what’s inside. The Comfee 115-120 Can Beverage Refrigerator is one of Amazon’s best sellers. It’s similar to a vending machine, but you can help yourself without needing spare change.

As for ordinary refrigerators, they are now turning into entertainment centers. In a kitchen near you in 2022: the Samsung Family Hub, which supports Samsung TV Plus. That’s right, you’ll be able to watch videos for free, stream music, and view photos. SmartThings software will also be integrated and will work with internal cameras that monitor expiration dates and the status of food in the fridge. You can even see inside the refrigerator without opening the door.

Steel shades are the desired look

On the design side, heavy metal still reigns supreme. Stainless steel remains the most popular finish for kitchen appliances. The Houzz Kitchen Trends survey found nearly three-quarters (74%) of homeowners are choosing stainless steel, a three-point increase in 2022 from 2021. However, there are innovations in tone traditional silver. For example, Jennair’s new steel finishes, called Rise and Black, showcase darker hues reminiscent of metallic slate or black, and lacy or geometric textures.

Devices are smarter, faster and more versatile

The connected kitchen continues to grow in availability and popularity. According to the Houzz Kitchen Trends survey, 35% of remodeling homeowners say that at least one of their upgraded appliances includes high-tech/smart features.

Some of the big hits from the January 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) include:

• Smart microwaves: LG’s InstaView® Over-the-Range microwave integrates with the LG ThinQ™ Recipe service. You can find, plan and order recipe ingredients by connecting the smart microwave to Walmart or Amazon Fresh. The microwave knows how to follow a recipe with minimal input. It even incorporates steam to ensure dishes are moist.
• Faster Gadgets: The Graphene Kitchen Styler is a new appliance that can cook food on graphene, a high-tech material (a derivative of graphite) that heats up to 200 degrees Celsius in 90 seconds or less. He’ll be able to make toast in no time, as well as cook meats and boil water.
• Easier access: LG’s Instaview Double Oven uses special technology that lets you watch your food cook inside, whether you’re roasting, air frying or using sous vide, simply by pressing the extra-large glass repeatedly.
• Several cooking methods: A combination toaster/convection oven? It’s so 2010. Breville’s Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a countertop that offers 13 different ways to prepare meals, can be set with voice commands, and pairs with an app that displays video recipes.