We have our smartphones, our smart TVs, and even our smartwatches. But with many of us spending our fair share of time in the kitchen, it makes sense to have smart kitchen products as well.
The level of convenience these products bring to the table is unmatched. Always forgetting to refill your ice trays? A smart ice maker will prepare the ice for you. Not sure how long it takes to make your pasta al dente? There are smart gadgets for that, too. And the best part is that you can even control most of the devices from your smartphone. To give you an idea of what’s on the market now, we’ve put together a list of the best smart kitchen appliances for various purposes.
8 Best Smart Kitchen Appliances
SAM Smart Cooking Assistant
The SAM Smart Cooking Assistant makes meal preparation a piece of cake (pun intended). This innovative product, which is still in its prelaunch phase, gives step-by-step cooking instructions and personalized recipe recommendations. It also integrates with other smart kitchen appliances to create a seamless cooking experience. But wait—there’s more! SAM uses advanced AI to suggest recipes based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.
It’s worth noting that SAM is still in the prelaunch phase but you can sign up for early access. It will feature a smart station along with a whisk, a chopping knife, and a cooking spoon. The utensils have built-in sensors that capture data, such as temperature and consistency, and transmit it back to the SAM station.
Features
- Hi-tech pressure sensors
- Motion and orientation sensors
- Temperature sensor in whisk and spoon
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB connectivity
- High-resolution and grease-repellant touchscreen display
Pros
- Customizable
- Integrates with various smart home devices
- Automates preheating, adjusting temperature, watching for overflows, and more
Cons
- Only offers three utensils (for now)
- Not available yet
Price range: Not available
Samsung Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
I’m closing in on buying a house and can’t wait to have this Samsung smart fridge in my kitchen. The Bespoke 4-Door French Door is one of Samsung’s smart fridges that comes with Family Hub, a built-in tablet screen that also serves as a memo board. You can also access this board from your smartphone.
The refrigerator even features an internal camera, so if you’re out grocery shopping and not sure if you have tomatoes or orange juice at home, you can just use the SmartThings app to take a peek. And let’s not forget to mention the Beverage Center which includes the AutoFill Water Pitcher and a water dispenser.
Features
- Interchangeable door panels
- Beverage Center and dual auto ice maker
- FlexZone™ compartment with adjustable temperature
- Connects with the SmartThings app
- 29 cubic feet of storage capacity
Pros
- Customizable design
- Smart connectivity for remote monitoring
- Advanced cooling technologies
- Sleek and modern appearance
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Custom door panels are sold separately
- Potential issues with internal lighting
Price range: $3,299 to $3,399
MIA Smart Spice Rack
Imagine you wanted to make cacio e pepe and reached for the pantry only to find out you’re out of black pepper. The MIA Smart Spice Rack, while not released yet, solves that problem and much more. Its spice containers come with weight sensors that send you a notification on your smartphone when a spice is running low. You can then order that spice through the app. MIA also sends expiry reminders to make sure your spices are always fresh.
Powered by AI, this smart product can recognize and suggest spice combinations. Cooking a new dish and not sure what seasoning to add? The MIA will illuminate the containers of the spices you can use. It even learns from your preferences and recommends recipes accordingly.
Features
- App for Android and iOS
- Intelligent sensors
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- 4-shelf wooden rack and 20 glass containers
- Built-in LED lights
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Spices can be individualized
- Smart recommendations
- The app supports multiple accounts
Cons
- Not available yet
Price range: Not available
AeroGarden Bounty Elite
Who says you can’t have a garden right in your kitchen? With the AeroGarden Bounty Elite, you certainly can. This smart home product is a hi-tech hydroponic system that allows you to grow up to nine plants at a time—no soil or sunlight needed. By connecting to your phone through Wi-Fi, it sends notifications when a plant needs watering or plant food.
The AeroGarden also features a color touch screen that gives you step-by-step instructions for the planting process. Meanwhile, the app offers tips on when and how to harvest your plants. And although this product is on the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s a reliable and low-effort indoor gardening system that lets you grow your own herbs and vegetables—imagine the money you’ll save on grocery shopping down the line.
Features
- Stainless steel body
- 50-watt dimmable LED grow light
- Adjustable grow light arm extends up to 24 inches
- App for Android and iOS
- Nine-pod seed kit
Pros
- Quick plant growth
- Vacation mode
- No soil needed
- Alerts for low water
Cons
- Can attract bugs
- Hefty price tag
Price range: $259
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
Nothing makes a glass of lemonade more refreshing than a scoop of crunchy ice nuggets you can chew. But we’re not talking about an ordinary ice maker; the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker connects to your phone through Wi-Fi to tell you when you should add water or when the ice container is full. You can even set up ice-making schedules so that you always have nugget ice when you need it.
As a smart kitchen appliance, the Opal 2.0 comes with voice control and improved status indicators. It also features an extra water reservoir and a compact design to fit nicely on your countertop.
Features
- Built-in Wi-Fi and voice control
- LED display screen
- Pairs with the Smart HQ app (Android and iOS)
- Side water reservoir
Pros
- Sleek design
- Quick ice preparation
- Works quietly
Cons
- Quite expensive
- No app push notifications
Price range: $499 to $505
KIM Smart Culinary Board
Just about anything in the kitchen can be “smart”—a cutting board is no exception. The KIM Smart Culinary Board (to be available soon) is not your ordinary cutting board; it’s an intelligent cooking assistant that integrates hi-tech features to enhance the cooking experience. Featuring a built-in scale and smart sensors, it recognizes and measures a wide range of ingredients and their nutrients. Simply place the food item on the board and let KIM do its magic.
But that’s not all. This smart appliance also provides recipe suggestions. Not sure what to cook? Place the available ingredients you have on the smart board and it will show a list of possible recipes on the display. And don’t worry about damaging KIM with your knife; both the display and the sensors are cut-proof.
Features
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Rechargeable USB-C battery
- Integrated display
- Built-in scale
- Touch sensors
Pros
- Non-slip back
- Eco-friendly materials
- Recognizes over 80 foods with more to come
- Cut-proof components
Cons
- Not on the market yet
Price range: Not available
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Another one of the smart kitchen appliances that deserves a shoutout is the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker. Sous vide cooking involves sealing food in heat-resistant plastic bags and placing it in a water bath that’s heated to a precise temperature. This is possible through immersion circulators such as the Anova Precision Cooker.
This smart kitchen gadget comes with onboard controls on an LED display. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to automate and monitor the cooking process from your smartphone—no need to be in the kitchen the whole time.
Features
- LED display
- Touch buttons for timer, current temperature, set temperature, plus, minus, and start
- Connects to Anova app (Android and iOS)
- 1,200-watt precision cooking
Pros
- Cooks food to perfection
- User-friendly
- You can monitor and automate cooking through the app
Cons
- Wi-Fi setup can be a hassle
- Touch controls are slow in adjusting temperature
Price range: $98 to $124
Cosori Smart 5.8-Quart Air Fryer
If you have a love for fried food but are also conscious of your health, thank the person who created air fryers. These kitchen appliances use little to no oil, making them a healthy way to enjoy your favorite fried meals. The Cosori Smart 5.8-Quart Air Fryer takes this brilliant invention up a notch by offering smart functionalities. It features an LED screen with 11 cooking presets as well as connectivity with the VeSync app where you can control the frying process and look for recipes.
The Cosori Smart Air Fryer is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This means you can automate the frying process with voice commands; just pair the machine with your smart home hub and you’ll be set.
Features
- Temperature range of 170 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Touch-screen display with 11 presets
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Pairs with VeSync app (Android and iOS)
Pros
- Quick preheating and cooking
- Cooks both fresh and frozen foods
- Great value for money
Cons
- Bulky design
- Can get smoky sometimes
Price range: $79 to $180
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Smart Kitchen Appliances for Your Home
Integration and Compatibility
When you’re looking to buy smart kitchen appliances, see if they’re compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem. The product should ideally integrate with platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This allows you to control and monitor your appliance using voice commands or centralized smart home apps. Many smart devices also tend to support various connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee. Ultimately, it’s all about convenience and efficiency.
Features and Functionality
Take a look at what features the smart kitchen device offers to make sure it actually meets your needs and preferences. Look for appliances that come with features like remote monitoring, automated cooking, or personalized settings. These features can save time and effort by automating routine tasks and providing precise control. Compare the specifications of different models to find one that offers the best combination of features for your lifestyle. Of course, advanced features often mean a higher price. So, prioritize the ones that are most important to you.
Ease of Use
What good is a smart kitchen product if you’re not sure how to use it? Choose a device with intuitive interfaces, clear instructions, and user-friendly apps so you can operate it without much guesswork. This includes accounting for the learning curve of the appliance. Products that are too complex may not provide the convenience you’re looking for, defeating the purpose of going smart. Find one that strikes a balance between smart technology and straightforward operation.
Energy Efficiency
The last thing you want is for your smart kitchen appliance to be the main culprit of a hefty energy bill. Many smart appliances come with energy-saving features such as scheduling capabilities, usage monitoring, and optimization settings that help minimize energy consumption. By choosing energy-efficient models, you can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle—while also enjoying the benefits of advanced technology. Check for certifications like Energy Star to make sure the device meets recognized energy efficiency standards.
Price and Warranty
Don’t forget about the cost and warranty of the smart kitchen device. While smart appliances tend to carry a larger price tag than their traditional counterparts, they often provide added value through—as we said—convenience and efficiency. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Find a device that offers the best value for your money, keeping in mind your budget. Also, pay attention to the warranty and after-sales support provided by the brand. A good warranty can protect your investment, guaranteeing you get assistance in case of issues with your appliance.
To Wrap Up
A couple of decades ago, this level of technology only existed in TV shows like The Jetsons. Who knew it would eventually become a fundamental part of our lives? From touchscreen toasters to hi-tech spice racks, smart kitchen appliances are taking over kitchens everywhere, adding a touch of luxury and efficiency. And it’s not just about some cool buttons but rather the ability to control these products in ways that used to be far from possible. The future is right here, and it’s in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are smart kitchen appliances?
Smart kitchen appliances are devices that connect to the internet or a home network to offer advanced features and automation capabilities. They include everything from refrigerators to coffee makers—all designed to make cooking and kitchen management more convenient. Users can control these appliances remotely via smartphones or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Smart kitchen products often come with features like recipe suggestions and real-time notifications.
How do smart kitchen appliances work?
Smart kitchen appliances often work by connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can control and monitor them through dedicated apps or smart home hubs. These devices usually have built-in sensors and software that allow them to communicate with other smart appliances and provide real-time data. Voice commands through virtual assistants can also control these appliances, adding an extra layer of convenience.
What are the benefits of using smart kitchen appliances?
The benefits of using smart kitchen devices include increased convenience, more efficiency, and better control over your kitchen environment. These appliances can automate routine tasks, provide accurate cooking instructions, and help manage grocery inventories. They can also offer energy-saving features, such as turning off when not in use or adjusting settings based on usage patterns. Many smart kitchen appliances even integrate with smart home systems like Amazon Echo to create a streamlined experience.
Can smart kitchen appliances save energy?
Yes, smart kitchen appliances can save energy through various features designed to optimize usage and minimize waste. Smart refrigerators, for example, adjust their cooling based on door activity and can alert you if the door is left open. This helps prevent energy loss. Many devices can even monitor energy consumption to provide tips on reducing usage. By integrating these appliances with smart home energy management systems, you can lower your overall energy consumption and expenses.