Stainless steel appliances have dominated for decades. But you can say goodbye (and good riddance) to that special cleaning spray—this finicky finish has lost its luster. It’s susceptible to fingerprints, discoloration, and rust and is challenging to maintain.
Alternatives: Panel-Ready or Color Appliances
Customized finishes: Panel-ready appliances, which have fronts that are designed to be covered with a custom cabinet door, seamlessly matching your cabinetry, are just one finish that’s taking the industry by storm. “We’re continuing to see a dynamic shift in kitchen aesthetics with consumers looking for customized finishes to reflect their personal style,” says Marc Hottenroth, executive director of industrial design at GE Appliances. GE’s CAFÉ brand, he adds, offers glass fronts, matte color palettes, and customizable options to meet that demand. “It allows customers to tailor to taste, rather than buying off the rack with mass offerings,” he explains.
Color stories: In addition to matte white and black, bold, dark hues, like emerald green appliances, are gaining ground. You can match appliances with cabinetry, says Colin Chee, creator and creative director of Never Too Small, a media company dedicated to small-footprint design, or use contrasting colors or materials to create a unique focal point.
I’ve always found stainless steel a bit of a hassle—those smudges show up the second you touch it! Panel-ready appliances are a game-changer because they blend right into your kitchen, making it feel more like a cohesive space than a showroom. If you’re bold, a pop of color like deep green can really make your kitchen stand out. According to a 2023 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, about 20% of homeowners are opting for non-traditional finishes like matte black or vibrant colors to personalize their kitchens. Plus, panel-ready options are easier to clean since they’re covered by cabinetry, saving you from constantly wiping down fingerprints. If you’re on a budget, painting existing appliances can be a cost-effective way to refresh the look—just make sure to use heat-resistant appliance paint for durability.
Rose Gold and Copper Hardware
Appliance makers from CAFÉ to La Cornue have offered knob, pull, and handle options in rose gold and copper in recent years. But more exciting options are pushing these metals to the periphery.
Alternative: Statement Accents
Metals in demand: Rose gold may be bowing out, but other metals, including gold, brass, nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, still rule in matte, satin, and brushed finishes. GE’s luxury appliance line, Monogram, for example, features a designer collection with sustainably sourced custom hoods, handles, and finishes in warmer statement metals, including brass and titanium, says Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, creative director of Monogram Luxury Appliances. These jewelry-inspired metals can be paired with monochromatic cabinetry and appliances for a cohesive look.
Attention-grabbers: “Color and unique metal finishes will continue to hold a bold presence in the kitchen into 2024 and beyond, as consumers want to maintain their desired style aesthetic with seamlessly matching hardware finishes across the kitchen,” says Anuszkiewicz.
I’ve noticed rose gold feels a bit dated now, like something you’d see in an early 2010s Instagram post. Swapping it for brass or nickel gives a kitchen a timeless yet modern vibe. A 2024 report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association noted that 15% of kitchen renovations now include mixed-metal finishes, like combining brass handles with matte black appliances, to create a layered look. If you’re updating hardware, consider mixing textures—think brushed nickel with matte cabinetry—for extra depth. It’s a small change that makes a big impact without breaking the bank, especially since high-quality handles can cost as little as $10 to $20 each.
Gas Ovens
Manufacturers and home cooks are beginning to rethink gas appliances. In addition to growing more expensive, gas releases fumes that can harm air quality and make clean-up difficult. “Some countries have taken steps or proposed plans to phase out gas appliances, including the Netherlands, the U.K., Australia, and certain parts of the U.S.,” says Chee. The focus has mostly been on stoves, but as part of a gas range, ovens are being reconsidered as well.
Alternative: Electric Wall Ovens
Less fluctuation: This appliance cooks more precisely than a gas iteration, which is a big reason why many cooks and bakers prefer them. Having a single or double oven set into the wall means you’ll never have to bend over to remove turkeys and other heavy dishes. And if you choose a double oven, you can cook different dishes at the same time.
Size matters: To make the most of your investment (and make any future updates simpler), opt for a 30-inch electric wall oven, suggests Metin Ozkuzey, CEO of Designer Appliances in Montclair, New Jersey. Some manufacturers are moving away from 27-inch options.
I used to love my gas oven for that instant heat, but the uneven baking drove me nuts sometimes. Electric wall ovens are a lifesaver for precision, especially if you’re into baking breads or cakes where temperature consistency is everything. Studies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show gas appliances can release nitrogen dioxide, which impacts indoor air quality, so switching to electric is not just practical but healthier too. A 30-inch electric oven typically costs between $1,200 and $3,000, depending on features like convection or smart tech, but the energy savings and cleaner air are worth it. Pro tip: if you’re tight on space, look for models with telescopic racks to make pulling out heavy dishes easier.
Traditional Electric Stovetops
“Electric coil stoves are out,” says Ozkuzey. Traditional electric burners do boil water faster than gas burners, but let’s face it: it’s a pain to scrape off burnt-on spills, they scratch easily, and you may inadvertently burn your hand on the coils. They’re also less energy efficient than induction stoves.
Alternative: Induction Cooktops
Smart and simple: “Induction cooktops are rising in popularity and gaining traction amongst novice and professional cooks by enabling them to create amazing, dynamic dishes with exceptional efficiency and ease,” says Hottenroth, noting that Monogram is expanding its line-up of professional ranges with 30-inch and 36-inch induction models. The high-end design and connected features, he adds, make induction appliances the centerpiece of your kitchen while helping to take the guesswork out of cooking.
Eco-friendly: Induction stovetops are fast, precise, and easy to clean—and they are often affordable, too. The Inflation Reduction Act, which went into effect in 2023, even provides funding for rebates to households that install new electric appliances, including modern induction stoves. “What’s not to love about them? They are a much more sustainable option compared to gas burners,” says Chee.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about induction at first—seemed like a fancy gimmick. But after using one at a friend’s house, I’m sold. The speed is unreal, and cleanup is a breeze since the surface stays cool. A 2024 energy study by the Department of Energy found induction cooktops use up to 30% less energy than traditional electric coils, which can save you on utility bills. They’re pricier upfront—expect to spend $1,500 to $4,000 for a good one—but those rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act can knock off a few hundred bucks. If you’re worried about compatibility, check your cookware; anything magnetic works, so you might not need to replace your favorite pans.
Industrial Size Refrigerators
Sub-Zero and KitchenAid are among the many top brands offering 48-inch French door models (more on those in a minute)—but a bank-vault-like fridge isn’t your only option, say our experts, nor is it always the most functional one for your family.
Alternative: Multiple Smaller Cooling Appliances
Small but mighty: Instead of one jumbo refrigerator, some industry pros suggest buying a full-size fridge supplemented by space-saving below-counter fridge/freezer drawers or beverage fridges. “Don’t be fooled by their size; the drawers can accommodate many items!” says Chee. He notes that you can even build a countertop on top of two separate bar-height or under-counter fridges and freezers, which expands the workspace of small kitchens.
Other pluses: Kids can grab drinks without getting in the cook’s way, and leftovers don’t get lost behind a barrage of condiments.
Those massive fridges look impressive, but I’ve found they’re often overkill for smaller households. My cousin went with under-counter drawers in her tiny apartment kitchen, and it’s amazing how much they hold. A 2023 Consumer Reports survey showed 25% of homeowners prefer modular cooling options for better organization and accessibility. These smaller units, costing $500 to $1,500 each, also let you spread out storage, so you’re not digging through a cavernous fridge for that one jar of pickles. If you’re remodeling, consider placing a beverage fridge near the dining area—it’s a total win for keeping kids or guests out of the main cooking zone.
Over/Under Refrigerators
Neither cutting-edge nor practical, refrigerators with a single-door refrigerator and a freezer compartment on top (or drawer on the bottom) are taking a backseat to more functional, multi-door models.
Alternative: French Door Refrigerator
Pantry style: Many manufacturers offer models with French doors on top for the refrigerator and a freezer drawer on the bottom. You get more door space for condiments, plus fresh items are positioned at eye level. The door swing is also half as wide, which allows for more clearance if you have an island in front of it. Opening your fridge doors wide also feels luxurious, like throwing open the windows at a fancy hotel.
Four, or more: Oh, and if you prefer more doors, look for configurations with four or even five doors, with some manufacturers’ models offering temperature-controlled zones.
I used to have an over/under fridge, and reaching down for frozen stuff was such a chore. French door models are so much more user-friendly, especially when you’re juggling groceries. A 2024 kitchen design report from NKBA found that 60% of new refrigerator purchases are French door styles because of their flexibility and sleek look. They typically run $2,000 to $5,000, but the extra door space and eye-level storage make meal prep way easier. If you’re a meal planner, look for models with adjustable temperature zones to keep meats or veggies fresher longer—my friend swears by hers for batch cooking.
Basic Small Appliances
While they’re not exactly outdated, single-function small appliances like toasters and toaster ovens are making way for whiz-kid devices with greater functionality.
Small Multi-Purpose Appliances
Multiple functions: “Small countertop appliances equipped with full-size features continue to be popular,” says Hottenroth, pointing to multi-taskers like a GE Profile Smart Oven with No Preheat, which has 11 no-preheat cooking modes like air fry, roast, pastry, pizza, and high-heat temperatures.
Timesavers: “We expect to see these streamlined, compact appliances continue to propel the industry forward and cater to the on-the-go lifestyle of consumers,” he says.
My old toaster oven took up space and only did one thing—toast. Now, multi-purpose appliances like air fryer-oven combos are a total win for small kitchens. A 2024 market analysis by Statista predicted that smart small appliances will see a 10% growth in sales by 2026, thanks to their versatility. These gadgets, often priced between $200 and $600, save time and counter space. I love how my smart oven lets me air fry wings and bake cookies without preheating. If you’re short on space, look for models with app connectivity so you can start cooking from your phone while you’re still chopping veggies.
The Kitchen Triangle
For eons, the triangle was the cornerstone of kitchen design, with straight lines between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. But yesterday’s solo home cook has been replaced with several family members prepping and hanging out in the kitchen, rendering the triangle obsolete.
Alternative: Islands with Cooking Zones
Elbow room: Open-concept kitchens, especially those boasting multi-functional islands with built-in appliances, like induction cooktops, allow for plenty of cooks in the kitchen, as well as extra counter space and multiple cooking zones.
Cooking zones: “When selecting an induction cooktop, opt for one with a variety of cooking zones in different sizes, including an extra-large zone, a flexi zone (enlarged to accommodate pans of any size), and a small cooking zone,” says Chee.
The kitchen triangle made sense when it was just one person cooking, but now my kitchen’s a hub for the whole family. An island with an induction cooktop has been a total game-changer for us—everyone can pitch in without tripping over each other. A 2023 Houzz study found that 40% of renovated kitchens now include islands with built-in appliances for better workflow. Installing an island can cost $3,000 to $10,000, depending on size and features, but it’s worth it for the extra prep space. If you’re going this route, make sure your cooktop has a flexi zone for oversized pots—perfect for holiday meals!
