Devices are becoming more and more intelligent by the day—from smart thermostats that learn your temperature preferences to compact, sleek designs that make appliances less of a focal point. One example: more affordable counter-depth fridges that sit flush with cabinet fronts. “They’re an excellent way to instantly remodel a kitchen on a budget because of their clean, built-in look,” says Lee Lagomarcino, marketing director of refrigerators at GE Appliances. Dishwashers are also growing less obtrusive, thanks to pocket handles and near-silent cycles. “They keep getting quieter because of the way we live now:
In an open floor plan, people may watch a movie 10 feet away from where the dishwasher is running,” Eric Hagerman says. Meanwhile, in the laundry room, a second washer can be added without taking up too much space, thanks to models such as the LG SideKick Pedestal Washer and Samsung FlexWash washer. But the biggest game changer might be Wi-Fi-enabled voice control, which has gone mainstream due to Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa. “Alexa was just the beginning,” says Dan DiClerico, smart home strategist and home expert for HomeAdvisor. “We’re seeing whole-house solutions where all components—climate, security, appliances, entertainment—are controlled by voice command.”
