Renovating your kitchen isn’t just about picking new cabinet colors or flooring—appliances are where the real magic and innovation happens. With each new year, the appliance trends forecast a wave of fresh ideas reimagining the look, feel, and function of the modern kitchen. This year, appliance trends are all about blurring the lines between beauty and usefulness.
If you’re wondering what is the latest trend in kitchen appliance colors, or chasing a magazine-worthy mid century modern kitchen, or building a suite of must have kitchen appliances, keeping up with these appliance trends can turn your kitchen remodel into a true lifestyle upgrade. These are the six hottest kitchen appliances to make your next remodel smarter, sleeker, and more enjoyable.
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Shop In-Stock AppliancesPanel Ready Appliances Are the Ultimate for Customizability
Panel ready appliances are dominating kitchen appliance trends lately. Why? This appliance finish option turns fridges and dishwashers into seamless kitchen extensions with custom fronts to match cabinetry. Instead of breaking up visual flow with stainless or black, panel ready designs let you choose custom cabinet faces, whether that’s warm wood, a pop of color, or a minimalist finish. They’re the champion of flexibility, letting you refresh your kitchen’s vibe by simply swapping out a panel, not the entire appliance.
Design-wise, panel ready kitchen appliances open up spaces by blending in, putting less strain on the eyes. Not to mention, they offer infinite options for creativity: Go for a traditional inset panel for a timeless kitchen, or push boundaries with modern, bold colors. A favorite designer trick is pairing a panel ready appliance with custom handles, like oversized brass or geometric black finishes, creating a stunning focal point without screaming, “This is an appliance.”
Beyond aesthetics, panel ready appliances promote smart floor plans. For example, placing panel ready refrigerator in the center of a wall of cabinets makes it feel intentional and less like a “plug-in”. And if you’re obsessed with open layouts, panel ready dishwashers and fridge drawers help maintain the sleek lines that make every inch feel bigger. This adaptability is a key reason why custom panel appliances are still one of the hottest kitchen trends for homeowners.
Get the Look: Sub-Zero® Classic Series 48 in. 29.1 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This Sub-Zero Refrigerator
The Sub-Zero Classic Series CL4850S/O is more than just a fridge—it’s a statement of luxury, craftsmanship, and food science all in one. The massive unit with over 29 cubic feet of fridge capacity easily accommodates family groceries, party platters, and specialty ingredients with space to spare. But the magic is you’ll hardly know it’s there with its panel-ready front. Inside, a Sub-Zero dual-compressor and dual-evaporator system keeps fresh and frozen foods in separate climate zones, minimizing temperature swings and odors while extending the life of produce and proteins. Air purification technology (originally engineered for NASA!) removes ethylene gas, bacteria, and mold spores, so berries and greens stay fresh much longer than in conventional models.
Complement it With: Bosch 800 Series 24" Custom Panel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
The Bosch SHV78DM3N is a true benchmark for modern kitchens, combining German engineering with contemporary design. Its panel-ready facade means you can seamlessly match it with any custom cabinetry for that perfect, integrated look, making it almost invisible in open-concept kitchens—a huge plus for interior design and remodeling.
Inside, Bosch loads it with premium features: The innovative CrystalDry technology dries plastics thoroughly, and InfoLight projects a soft red beam onto the floor, so you know when it’s running. The third rack offers extra space for utensils and small items, while fold-down tines accommodate large pots and odd-shaped platters. Advanced leak protection and energy-efficient Eco cycles give peace of mind for busy families. This dishwasher stands out for near-silent operation, flexible interior storage, and the ability to handle any after-dinner mess you throw at it, all while blending into your unique kitchen’s style.
White Appliances Are a Whole New Genre
If you think white appliances are builder-basic or retro, it’s time to check what’s new in kitchen appliances. The trend has evolved, and today’s buyers can say hello to matte white, off white, and ultra-sleek glossy finishes that add new depth to white appliances. Matte whites diffuse light for a softer, more sophisticated vibe, while gloss finishes add sparkle and make small spaces look bigger. Both resist fingerprints and make everyday maintenance easy.
Mixing and matching finishes (even within the same appliance suite) used to a cardinal sin, but with these newer variations, it’s more of an expression. Try a glossy white range with matte handles or a matte white fridge with brass accents for an eclectic kitchen that feels curated, not cookie-cutter. White serves as a beautiful neutral base for pops of color in backsplash tiles, open shelving, or textile choices. It’s also the go-to for Scandinavian-inspired interiors, as well as spaces craving more light.
Designers love white appliances because they can be paired with nearly any style, from mid century modern kitchen appliances to vintage farmhouse or minimalist new-builds. Popular pairings include matte white with rich walnut or oak accents, or high-gloss white surrounded by marble and chrome for a futuristic feel.
Learn More: Are White Appliances Right for Your Kitchen?
Get Inspired: Cafe™ 24" Matte White Top Control Built In Dishwasher
This Cafe matte white dishwasher redefines the classic look for today’s home chefs and design-lovers. Its top control interface maintains a clean visual profile, while the interior boasts powerful jets, custom zones for fine glassware, and fold-down tines for full-sized pots or serving pieces. What puts this model on every “must have appliances” list is the hardware customization, giving buyers the ability to update a kitchen’s personality with just a few accents. Place this dishwashing machine in a modern farmhouse with gold pulls, or use it as a complement in a Scandinavian minimalist space for a fresh take that feels undeniably current.
⭐Featured Cafe CDT858P4VW2 Review:
“This dishwasher works beautifully. I am so happy with it. My dishes come out sparkling clean. I love the silverware rack in the top and the rack that goes up and down to accommodate taller pots and pans. Very quiet too. Would recommend it!”
Drawer Appliances Are Buzz Items
Drawer appliances have quickly become one of the must have appliances for homeowners looking for ergonomic design and workflow. Drawer dishwashers and microwave drawers are especially hot-ticket items that have long been by pro chefs and cooking influencers for the ease they bring to daily routines. Instead of bending, lifting, or reaching, you can simply slide out a drawer at hip height for quick, comfortable access. This makes them ideal not just for main kitchens, but also for secondary bars, prep kitchens, or even in-law suites.
Drawer Dishwashers: Unlike traditional dishwashers, these are able to run small, efficient loads throughout the day or isolate delicate glasses from pots and pans. They’re perfect for busy households or entertainers, cutting laundry lists of chores and water usage. Place two drawer dishwashers side by side for double-capacity or install one in an island for a dedicated drink dish station.
Drawer Refrigerators: Whether as a companion to a full-size refrigerator, a handy place for charcuterie items, or a separate beverage station, refrigerator drawers are incredibly convenient. From the pantry to a rec room or simply under a kitchen island, drawer refrigerators are popping up everywhere as useful add-ons in the kitchen that are worth exploring.
Microwave Drawers: These specialty microwaves eliminate awkward overhead obstructions and free up countertop space to let a backsplash shine. Plus, microwave drawers are safer for kids, more accessible for all ages, and free up counter space for coffee, prepping, or baking. Use a microwave drawer at a snack station, in a butler’s pantry, or built into your kitchen island to create separate “work zones.”
Learn More: Drawer Dishwasher Cost vs. Performance
For Extra Fridge Storage: Fisher & Paykel Series 5 24" Stainless Steel Single DishDrawer™ Dishwasher
Shop This Fisher & Paykel Dish Drawer
This sleek Fisher Paykel Series 5 DishDrawer is a clear example of what today’s buyers are looking for: An ergonomic design that visually interesting. Instead of bending to reach a traditional pull-down door, the gentle drawer motion lets you load and unload standing upright, which is great for families teaching kids to help in the kitchen or for older adults. The design fits neatly under counters, prep spaces, or beside a built in coffee bar.
The interior excels at flexible use, from drawer cycles designed to handle full-sized dinner plates, pitchers, and heavy pans, to cycles that can run quick, light loads after breakfast. And with special noise insulation means, you won’t even notice it’s running, even in an open floor plan. For homeowners looking to add a “secret weapon” to their appliance checklist or increase capacity without sacrificing space, this DishDrawer delivers a blend of function, style, and total convenience.
⭐Featured Fisher & Paykel DD24SAX9 N Review:
“We have the dishwasher in our RV. It is EXTREMELY quiet and does a great job of washing our dishes.”
More Space for Quick Meals: KitchenAid® 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Under Counter Microwave Drawer
Shop This KitchenAid Microwave Drawer
Looking to reclaim premium counter space while embracing the latest appliance trends? This KitchenAid microwave drawer is our pick for the job. Designed for true under-counter installation, this microwave drawer fits neatly within kitchen islands, peninsulas, or secondary eating zones. The drawer design is a game-changer for safety (no more hoisting hot bowls overhead) and accessibility, while on the inside, microwave sensors deliver precise, even reheating, and the easy-touch buttons ensure a smooth open/close motion every time. The sleek stainless finish is a match for nearly any cabinet color and style. Minimalist kitchens love this appliance because it disappears until you need it, letting other, more beautiful surfaces take the spotlight.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KMBD104GSS Review:
“Great product! I love the sleek design. The unit fits well into my kitchen island and allows it to be accessible for use without taking up valuable counter space. The "open" and "close" buttons make the product unique. The top-loading feature makes it easy to use the unit for items of varying sizes. I have only had the product for approximately 1 month so there are still many features to discover, but so far, very pleased.”
Custom Handles Provide Big Impact
Hardware is having a major design glow-up. Once an afterthought, custom handles have become a top way to personalize your kitchen and keep it fresh, especially as trends shift toward more originality and “designer” details. Leading brands now offer a spectrum of handle shapes, sizes, and finishes. Think brushed brass, copper, matte black, or even mix-and-match options.
What’s great about custom handles is how effortlessly they bridge design themes. Updating handles can bring together an off white refrigerator with and existing oven or subtly echo other finishes in your lighting, faucet, or cabinet hardware for a cohesive look. Swapping out hardware is also a quick, cost-effective alternative to a full appliance swap when you want to update or “seasonally refresh” your kitchen’s personality.
✅Pro Tip: Use a bold finish as a statement on just one appliance—like a standout fridge—while keeping everything else muted for balance. This small design change can turn a kitchen from nice to “magazine-worthy.”
Create Accents: Café™ 36 in. 22.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
This Cafe French door refrigerator checks all boxes for function, from its spacious interior with over 22 cubic feet of capacity, to adjustable spill-proof shelves, rapid-chill drawers, filtered water/ice, and TwinChill evaporators keeping food fresher, longer. But what really sets it apart is the full suite of customizable handles and hardware. Whether you want matte black for industrial edge, aged brass for warmth, or contemporary copper for extra pop, you can adapt this fridge to suit your current style or the next trending appliances wave.
⭐Featured Cafe CXE22DP2PS1 Review:
“I love my new refrigerator! Aside of the beautiful aesthetics, it's everything you would want in a fridge and more. The humidity controlled drawers actually keep my produce fresh longer, the lighting inside is just the right level of brightness to illuminate the products so you can find what you're looking for without being too harsh on your eyes. The versatility of the middle drawer to become a freezer has been so helpful already! My husband's favorite feature is the auto sensing water dispenser. Absolutely recommend this refrigerator!”
Learn More: Commercial-Grade Stoves for Home Kitchens: A Dealer's Guide
Smart Appliances Are More Than Gimmicks
Gone are the days when “smart” just meant an app. The latest trends in appliances and kitchen tech put real, usable power in your hands. The latest smart appliances offer next-level convenience, like:
- A fridge with AI cameras tracks food inventory and can sync with a smartphone for real-time access while shopping, so you never forget what you need while shopping for groceries.
- Smart ovens feature wireless controls that can preheat or monitor cooking virtually anywhere, from bed to the backyard. Some even include built-in cameras to watch bakes and entrees without ever opening the door.
What’s new in kitchen appliances besides Wi-Fi connectivity? Convenience-wise, we love systems that can “talk” to each other. Start cooking, and your vent automatically clicks on. Finish a wash of laundry, and have a dryer can waiting with the compatible drying setting based on fabrics and wash times. Smart diagnostic tools can save you time and money, easily troubleshooting issues and even sending maintenance data directly to service teams.
Functionally, smart appliances help with energy management and maintenance reminders. For families and entertainers, these appliances offer voice controls, recipe integration, and “remote guest” features that truly modernize the kitchen experience. Combine a few for the ultimate toolkit, such as a smart fridge, a camera-enabled oven, and a smart dishwasher that schedules itself for off-peak hours.
Upgrade Today: Samsung Bespoke 36 in. 22.5 Cu. Ft. Charcoal Glass/Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Samsung Refrigerator
This Samsung Bespoke French door fridge is an icon of customizable, smart technology. The exterior comes in a unique blend of glass and stainless steel, but Samsung’s famed panel-swapping system means you can reinvent the look with different colors and finishes over the years—an industry first. Internally, it’s loaded with organization: adjustable shelves, fold-away racks for tall items, and deep bins for oversized groceries.
But it’s the tech that’s center stage here. Smart View interior cameras mean you can check what’s inside on your phone while shopping, and AI-powered notifications help you track expiration dates or set reminders. The fridge provides direct access to recipes, grocery lists, and Smart Home systems, making it a hub for the latest kitchen trends.
⭐Featured Samsung RF23BB8900QK Review:
“We bought this to match my stove and absolutely love this fridge! Everything works as it should and having the ability to watch a video while making dinner is one of my favorite features. Standing at the grocery store and not remembering if we needed milk, open the app and viola I can see if we need milk or not! Best purchase ever!”
Bake Smarter: GE Profile™ 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built In Single Oven
Consider this every kitchen techie’s dream and a baker’s new best friend. The GE Profile PTS9000SNSS has one of our favorite new baking functions, an integrated HD camera that streams a live view of your bake to your smartphone or tablet. No more opening the door, losing heat, or taking a quick peek.
Wi-Fi and app controls mean you can start, stop, preheat, and monitor progress remotely, and voice controls are compatible with major assistants. Tailor-cooking modes, bake timers, guided recipes, and a true convection fan make it great for beginners and pros alike.
⭐Featured GE Profile PTS9000SNSS Review:
“…bought this to match my stove and absolutely love this fridge! Everything works as it should and having the ability to watch a video while making dinner is one of my favorite features. Standing at the grocery store and not remembering if we needed milk, open the app and viola I can see if we need milk or not! Best purchase ever!”
Learn More: 6 High-End Kitchen Appliances That Define Luxury Living
Trends come and go, but these six categories are shaping the future of kitchen design and setting a new standard for function and style. Popular appliances are now defined by their ability to blend seamlessly, customize easily, and give homeowners lasting value through upgraded materials, smarter features, and undeniable good looks. Keep your remodeling checklist focused on these trends and your kitchen will serve up fresh style (and serious function) for years to come.
In the appliance industry forecast, smart features and timeless designs are what to watch out for before remodeling your space. Staying updated on what is new in kitchen appliances can help you avoid common regrets, like those on the list of things I wish I knew before remodeling my kitchen.
Why Trust the Experts at Specialty?
For over 20 years, Coloradans have relied on us for the best in home appliances. We believe in providing a personalized experience for every customer. Our experts take the time to listen to your needs, preferences, and budget constraints, offering tailored recommendations and solutions that fit your unique requirements. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or replacing a single appliance, you can trust our experts to provide honest, unbiased advice that prioritizes your satisfaction. A factory-certified team ensures a hassle-free experience, meticulously handling every detail from delivery to installation. Plus, with our wide variety of brands and models, you'll have access to the latest innovations, stylish designs, and reliable performance.
At Specialty Appliance, integrity, accountability, and teamwork are at the core of everything we do. We're committed to empowering you to make smarter choices and providing an exceptional customer experience. Proudly serving communities across Colorado, we're dedicated to being your trusted partner for appliance excellence.
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Whether you’re interested in in stock appliances or want to learn about the latest appliance trends from the experts, we're here to help. Discover the Specialty Appliance difference today at one of our five showrooms across Colorado.
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