Many options for kitchen appliances
and freezers are also a trend. Definitions vary, but a widely accepted one is that instead of a single appliance with both refrigerator and freezer, each is a separate unit. “They allow you to customize the size you want,” Cardillo said.
“Tall column refrigerators are definitely in demand,” Marker said.
But columns aren’t for everyone. “Refrigerators with French doors are still popular,” MacDonald said. “You have more space because of the double doors. We’re also seeing a lot more units with the freezer on the bottom.”
DISHWASHERS
Dishwashers have become smarter and more efficient. Automatic dispensers, for example, can match the amount of detergent needed with the level of soil on the dishes, Dominguez said.
Some dishwashers also sense how dirty the water is becoming and keep the water temperature hotter longer when dishes are more soiled, Dominguez said. Some even have reservoirs on the side that store hot water for when it’s needed, so cooler water doesn’t have to be heated up again during a cycle. “The biggest energy consumption is heating the water,” Dominguez said.
Detergent matters, too. Some manufacturers are producing detergents that are calibrated to different water qualities, Dominguez said.
Drying cycles have changed. Instead of a plastic tub with a heating element in the bottom, many dishwashers today have stainless steel tubs without a heating element. The hot water that washes the dishes also heats the metal walls, which stay hot after the wash cycle is finished. A fan then circulates the heat to dry the dishes. “It’s more energy efficient,” Cardillo said.
Happily, many dishwashers are no longer noisy. “With the quietest ones, you don’t even know they’re on,” MacDonald said. easier and more convenient. More homeowners today are choosing ovens that are mounted into the wall or a cabinet. “You don’t have to bend over to reach into them,” MacDonald said.
But units that sit on the floor are preferred by some. “Ovens with French doors are still a big hit,” Cardillo said.
Double ovens can be convenient. They allow a homeowner to cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time, Dolnick said.
Convection ovens are trending. Temperatures stay more consistent than with conventional ovens, because with a conventional oven, the heat source is stationary, while with convection, a fan circulates the hot air. “The heat is distributed evenly,” Dolnick said. “It cooks faster, and you don’t have to baste.”
Steam ovens are another option. They have reservoirs filled with water, which heat from the oven turns into steam. “Steam ovens keep food moist and are a healthy way to cook,” MacDonald said.