Are People Actually Buying High-Tech Kitchen Appliances?
In its 2024 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study, Houzz touched upon the factors driving consumers to purchase new appliances for their kitchen. "This year, a significant 69% of renovating homeowners cited functionality as their top reason for selecting a new appliance, an increase of 5 percentage points from the previous year. Similarly, the quality of the appliance is an important consideration for 65% of homeowners."
Top Reasons for Choosing New Kitchen Appliances During a Remodel
Homeowners seek an improvement in functionality, quality, and overall look and feel of a new appliance when buying a product. It comes as a surprise to many that a low 22% of those surveyed cite energy efficiency as a consideration factor. Furthermore, cost and size ranked low at 27% and 23%, respectively.
The survey also cites a noticeable rise in the popularity of smart appliances, range hoods, garbage disposals, cooktops, wall ovens, and beverage refrigerators.
The rising popularity of large kitchen islands is also surely playing a role in how consumers choose appliances during a remodel or renovation. 38% of respondents seek to include a microwave in their island, while 34% plan to install a dishwasher. This aligns with the expectation of 26% of respondents to include a garbage disposal in their kitchen-island-based sink. Only 13% of respondents plan to install a cooktop in their kitchen island. (And, as a personal side note, if you do install a cooktop on your island, consider an induction range. *chef's kiss*)
Related: Houzz’s Kitchen Trends Study Notices Trend in Kitchen Island Size
Top Choices for Appliance Upgrades
Houzz data shows that major kitchen appliances like new dishwashers and new refrigerators/freezers are at the top of the list, followed closely by the microwave.
Dishwasher(s)—75%
Refrigerator/freezer—75%
Microwave—73% (votes for a solid microwave/convection oven combo!)
Range hood—62%
Range—60%
Garbage disposal—55%
Cooktop(s)—42%
Wall oven(s)—34%
Beverage fridge/wine fridge—22%
Washer/dryer—13%
Ice maker (stand-alone) or pebble ice machine—7%
Warming drawer—7%
Trash compactor—3%
Pizza oven—1%
Wait, we didn't replace our dishwasher when we remodeled our kitchen—Why?
Our dishwasher was the only appliance we didn't upgrade during our kitchen remodel. It was five years old, not high-end by any means, but the stainless steel was still flawless, the system did its job, and, most importantly, all standard dishwashers are a very uniform size. Unlike other appliances such as the new counter-depth refrigerator and the double oven, the specs of a newer dishwasher model were no different—we weren't adding a compact washer. It could easily fit in the new cabinetry just as it had in the old kitchen. Consider that if you're planning a remodel.
Related: Is Using a Dishwasher More Efficient?
Homeowners Seek High-Tech Features in Appliances
Wi-Fi is in. 44% of homeowners opt for appliances with high-tech capabilities, a 5% increase over last year. Nearly a third (30%) now choose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, and some prefer those that are controllable via smartphone or tablet (29%).
Smart features show growing appeal. While still trending low, the survey shows growing interest in features such as touchscreen displays (17%), smart home connectivity (12%), and built-in apps (10%) and cameras (1%).
Permanent charging stations. To enhance connectivity, 50% of homeowners install permanent docking and charging stations during a kitchen remodel.
Hey Alexa, play Oingo Boingo. Upgraded kitchens also often include extra features like electronic home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home (37%), Bluetooth or other wireless speakers (32%), and stereo systems (17%)
High-tech faucets. Faucets receive their own category in the report, with 49% of homeowners seeking extra features in their upgraded fixtures. 22% seek touch-free tech, while 21% vie for water efficiency and a fingerprint-free finish.
