Just like fashion and home décor, each new year brings with it new home appliance trends. While it’s not necessarily practical to remodel your kitchen every year to adopt a popular style or feature, sometimes appliances do need replacing. The next time you’re ready to invest in a new one, consider it an opportunity to take advantage of the latest and greatest innovations.
Here, we spoke to a professional kitchen designer and an interior designer about what trends we’re most likely to see everywhere in 2025—and why they’re in such high demand.
Microwave Drawers
Microwaves have historically been a countertop appliance—or placed over the range—but more and more people are now choosing microwave drawers. What’s the difference? A microwave drawer pulls out like a drawer instead of having a door that opens to the side. “Aesthetically, it’s more pleasing and often hidden on the side of an island,” says Scarpulla. It’s also more accessible, as it’s easier than reaching up above a range to use a standard microwave.
Sustainable Appliances
Some newer appliances have added technology that improves efficiency and sustainability. These eco-friendly features are popular among homeowners, especially ones that help reduce waste. For example, Sub-Zero recently introduced a refrigerator with NASA-inspired technology that scrubs the air of impurities and helps extend the freshness of produce, according to Matt.
Slide-In Ranges
Slide-in ranges, or backless stoves, have controls on the front of the range. “This allows for the tile backsplash and pot filler to be the focus, rather than the stove controls,” says Barbra Scarpulla, a designer and project manager at Brattesani Designs. A slide-in range gives clients the freedom to choose a full stone backsplash with a shelf, for example, creating a bit more visual appeal and intrigue than a traditional range.
Refrigerator Drawers
More and more people are building designated bar areas as a place for entertaining guests. Under-cabinet refrigerators and refrigerator drawers are popular choices for these wet bars—they make hosting easier by eliminating the need to make frequent trips to the kitchen, says Scarpulla.
Smart Appliances
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Smart appliances help simplify lives and make everyday tasks easier. While they’re already popular in residential kitchens, interior designer Hilary Matt sees no sign of this trend slowing down, and she expects it to gain even more momentum in 2025. New technology is being added to these features all the time, making the latest and greatest smart appliances even more in demand.
Ice Makers
For many people, the ice maker that comes standard with a freezer or refrigerator just can’t keep up with a household’s demand. The solution is under-counter ice makers, which are standard in many restaurants and are slowly but surely making their way into residential kitchens. Some prefer tabletop ice makers, but they can be bulky and unreliable, according to Scarpulla.
Outdoor Appliances
Backyard grills were once considered a luxury. Now, outdoor kitchens have taken al fresco entertaining and meal prep to a whole new level. “From undercounter refrigeration to specialized grills and other cooking tools, these additions minimize trips inside and elevate your entertaining setup,” says Matt.
Panel-Ready Appliances
Some appliances can be customized with an outer panel that matches the existing cabinetry in a kitchen—and they’re becoming increasingly popular. These appliances are typically the same depth as the counters, and help create a more minimalist, streamlined aesthetic, says Scarpulla. Many different types of appliances come panel-ready, including standard refrigerators, wine refrigerators, dishwashers, and even ice makers.
