We’ve said it time and time again. When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, don’t put off choosing and ordering appliances. All of the moving parts of your project depend on the precise size, arrangement, and capabilities of your most essential equipment.

If it’s been a couple of years (or decades) since you last picked out a new refrigerator, you’re in for a few surprises. Keep reading to learn the smartest reasons for switching to smart appliances, with features that prove we’ve finally arrived in the future.

What is a smart appliance?

Smart appliances are ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more that leverage Wi-Fi, apps, and/or Bluetooth technology for communication and operation. This allows you to customize their features and control them from apps or other screens. It also offers unprecedented levels of monitoring and safety.

The biggest benefits of smart appliances

Anyone in the market for new kitchen appliances is going to be inundated with specs and raves over various smart features. Here’s why people who already have them wouldn’t trade them for the world.

1. Energy efficiency and sustainability.

Many suggest that smart home features can add a few percentage points to your property value. However, the real value for choosy homeowners is reduced energy usage and the ability to track that usage. 

If you’re looking to make your home more sustainable and reduce your carbon footprint, or just want to optimize usage to save on utilities, smart appliances are the way to go.

Must-have: Energy-efficient dishwashers. These can reduce water usage by up to a third and use less energy overall. At the same time, features like custom cycles ensure dishes still get sparkling clean. 

2. Fresher food and recipe success.

Smart appliances are practically kitchen assistants by now. Remotely preheating ovens, programmable recipe instructions, and even auto-recognition that helps you choose the best temps and times make real home-cooked meals easier than ever. 

This way, busy hosts can entertain guests while cooking. Less-experienced cooks, distracted parents, and anyone who comes home tired after a long day have a little extra help getting dinner together.

Must-have: Refrigerators with food tracking. Never wonder what’s for dinner or overbuy at the store again. Some smart fridges reduce food waste by keeping an eye on expiration dates and suggesting ingredient combinations for quick meals.

3. Quiet operation and seamless integration. 

Your home is an ecosystem. Smart appliances with app connectivity offer remote operation and communication with other systems in your home, bringing peace of mind as well as convenience. Choose appliances to add to Nest, Alexa, or HomeKit. 

How do noise levels impact your ecosystem? Smart appliances are usually designed to be quieter than their predecessors. It’s a perk many don’t notice until the buzz of the refrigerator or hum of the dishwasher is gone. 

Must-have: Voice assistant compatibility that supports your routines. Having your coffee brewed before you make it down the stairs in the morning or starting the dishwasher from the couch is an accessible luxury.

4. Enhanced safety and maintenance.

With greater intelligence comes effective communication. Today’s ranges, dishwashers, and refrigerators can warn you of issues like leaks, flames, and malfunctions. 

This isn’t just useful for potential disasters. You’ll benefit from something as simple as a warning that the refrigerator door is slightly open. Predictive maintenance warnings tip you off before problems grow and become too costly.

Must-have: Automatic shutoff. Forgetting to turn off an appliance or operating it when it needs maintenance is dangerous. This feature averts crises in busy households or seniors maintaining independence.

Choosing smart appliances for your kitchen remodel

See a fancy fridge with all of the bells and whistles on the showroom floor? Before you commit, consider these tips for choosing smart appliances.

  • Integration with technology you already use. Is it compatible with existing smart home systems, or will you need a hub?

  • Confirm energy efficiency. Does it have the ENERGY STAR rating?

  • Bring your measurements to the table. Are the dimensions a good fit with your kitchen layout and planned work zones?

  • Don’t go for the model with the most features. Are the majority of the features relevant to your routines and lifestyle?

Pro tip: You don’t have to buy all of the same brand in the exact same finish. If the look of your new smart appliances is extra important, you can customize their exterior finish and hardware during your remodel. 

Genius idea: The Designery customizes your new smart appliances. 

A low-profile dishwasher with a perfectly flush fit? Range hardware that matches the cabinets? A refrigerator that’s indistinguishable from the rest of the cabinetry? That’s just a taste of what you’ll find when you work with The Designery on your kitchen remodel. 

We offer the latest in safe, energy-efficient, convenient smart appliances. We go the extra mile by ensuring your new kitchen appliances blend seamlessly with your design aesthetic. 

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation or visit your local Designery showroom.