What to expect from kitchen appliance technology in the year ahead

Steve Macdonald

Hoover Candy’s Director of Freestanding UK & RoI, Steve Macdonald has worked for the Group for c. 20 years. His focus is to ensure that the 2 brands continue their successful growth in the UK and RoI kitchen appliance market

The range and use of kitchen appliances are changing and will continue to shift in 2020. The emergence of new technology, with a focus on connectivity and Smart technology, will cement itself as products such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home continue to gain traction with consumers. Professional-style appliances that bring restaurant-style cooking to the home will also be a key theme that we see consumers demand more off, as an interest in wellbeing and nutrition continues to be a focus for them.

Uptake on the latest kitchen appliances will revolve around the market becoming aware of what is on offer. While the use of appliances controlled through voice control has skyrocketed in recent months, we’ll see a greater update as consumers become more aware that this type of technology exists.

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The use of technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), offers many benefits including providing solutions to long-standing consumer problems. As this technology continues to develop over the coming year, we’ll see

Beyond simple voice-assist technology, artificial intelligence (AI) will be the area where we see the most impressive technology launches of 2020.

As the leading company in this area, we’ve launched the AXI range of Artificially Intelligent appliances and includes washing machines to tumble dryers, dishwashers and even fridge freezers, with more planned in 2020. Consumers can now talk to their AXI washing machine to start a cycle, as well as the appliances giving helpful advice such as the best wash programmes and tips for stain removal. Connectivity to the internet also allows the washing machine to suggest optimum washing times based on the latest weather forecast to ensure that users have chance to dry their laundry.

As we move into AI territory, the focus will shift to having a main hub that controls all kitchen appliances and links them to one another, rather than just to the consumer.

So, for example, in a connected kitchen, it could be an oven or a fridge that keeps track of all the other smart appliances in the kitchen. This could mean keeping track of ingredients and lists, expiry dates, what’s been cooked and which appliances need care or maintenance as well as updating shopping lists with regularly purchased items. The one appliance acting as a central hub should not only store all of this information, but also have the ability to share it with users.

This isn’t something that’s currently available on the market, but something we know some manufacturers, including Hoover, are working on this year. It’s very much what we’re moving towards.