According to designers, here are three smart kitchen findings to watch in 2018 and beyond. 

1. Millennials and Gen Xers will fuel smart kitchen adoption.

Millennials are now the largest generation, and 62 percent of them are anticipated to have a “high interest” in smart kitchen features. Generation X is even more interested, coming in at 69 percent. Combined, the two age groups account for more than 60 percent of all home sales and home purchases. These powerhouse generations aren’t shying away from new technology in the kitchen, especially when it solves a common problem.

2. Consumers value convenience above bells and whistles.

Brands should avoid tech for tech’s sake. While technology is important, it isn’t the main driving force behind why people are adding smart features to their homes. In fact, almost 75 percent of those surveyed said convenience is the top motivation for wanting smart kitchen products. Leverage technology to streamline consumers’ lives and help meet their existing needs.

3. Five areas of smart kitchen products have immediate growth potential. 

By satisfying current needs, today’s technology will pave the way for higher level technology in the future.

Now, top opportunities for smart kitchen innovations include products to make meal cleanup easier, cooking odor controls to limit smells in the hub of the home and faster cooking options to make mealtime easier.  

Smart kitchen innovation opportunities will continue to evolve, and we will monitor what designers are seeing in smart kitchen spaces. 

[1] All designers were interviewed in Q3 2017.