Smart kitchen tech has moved far beyond timers and touchscreens. Today’s appliances link with hubs, follow voice commands, and use AI to help with timing, temperature, and food management. Wi-Fi ovens can adjust cooking modes on the fly, fridges can track items, and dishwashers can run cycles when energy rates drop. When these devices work across Matter and major platforms, the kitchen becomes easier to manage and more efficient.
This guide covers the main categories, how each device works, what to look for, and a full comparison table.
Why smart kitchen tech matters
Smart appliances bring consistency to everyday cooking and food storage. When connected through a home hub, they support routines that fit your day rather than forcing you to plan around them.
These devices can:
- Track energy use and shift tasks to off-peak hours
- Sync timers and cooking steps with phones or smart displays
- Suggest temperatures and modes based on food type
- Reduce wasted food
- Notify you of issues such as doors left open or burners running
The best results come from appliances that support shared standards like Matter or work through a dependable hub.
Smart ovens and ranges
Wi-Fi ovens offer remote control and automated cooking. Some models detect food and adjust heat without manual input. They often include downloadable modes that update over time.
Key features
- Temperature adjustments from phone or hub
- Multi-stage cooking (preheat, bake, broil, keep warm)
- Internal cameras for monitoring progress
- Self-diagnostics for maintenance
- AI-recommended presets
- Matter or cloud integrations depending on brand
Benefits
Smart ovens cut down on overcooking, simplify preheating, and help manage timing when meals include several dishes at once. They can also send alerts to any device in your home, so you never miss a timer.
Connected refrigerators
Connected fridges focus on food tracking, energy savings, and safety. Many models include cameras that let you view shelves from your phone. Some pair with barcode scanning or inventory apps.
Key features
- Interior cameras
- Temperature and humidity alerts
- Door-open warnings
- Energy usage reports
- Integration with shopping lists
- App-controlled modes (vacation, fast-cool, party mode)
Benefits
These fridges let you check supplies while shopping and reduce food waste. Alerts help maintain safe temperatures during storms or outages.
Smart dishwashers
Dishwashers now track water and power use and adjust cycles based on load size. Integration with hubs allows silent-hours scheduling, which is helpful if you run the machine late at night.
Key features
- Soil sensors
- Cycle suggestions
- Leak detection
- Push alerts for finished cycles
- Energy reports
- Remote start and lockout modes
Benefits
Smart dishwashers waste less water and finish cycles at the ideal time. Leak detection can prevent major damage.
Smart microwaves and small appliances
Microwaves, air fryers, toaster ovens, and multicookers add value when linked to routines.
Even basic plugs with energy monitoring can make older appliances smarter.
Smart small appliance features
- Voice-triggered cooking
- App-set timers
- Barcode or QR-based preset downloads
- Integrations with routines (auto-warm food when you get home)
- Energy tracking through smart plugs
Benefits
These appliances deliver steady cooking results for reheating, air frying, and slow cooking. They also become safer when you can confirm whether they’re on or off from your phone.
Matter, hubs, and interoperability in the kitchen
Kitchen appliances vary widely in communication standards. Some rely on cloud services. Others support local protocols.
What to look for
- Matter support: Keeps appliances usable across hubs without app juggling.
- Thread support: Gives low-latency control for devices that use sensors.
- Local automations: Helpful for essential tasks such as fridge alerts and oven timers.
- AI suggestions: Useful for cooking modes, inventory tracking, and routine creation.
Hub compatibility
- HomeKit: Strong for local routines and privacy. Excellent with Thread-enabled appliances.
- Alexa: Broadest compatibility for kitchen brands. Many oven and microwave skills.
- Google Assistant: Strong voice control and natural language. Useful for quick cooking queries.
Build a smart kitchen routine
Morning
- Lights fade on in warm tones
- Coffee maker powers on through a smart plug
- Fridge sends a low-supply reminder for breakfast items
- Oven preheats for meal prep if scheduled
Afternoon
- Fridge pushes notifications about nearing expiration dates
- Dishwasher checks if off-peak rates are active
- Microwave suggests presets based on common items
Evening
- Oven sets timers and temperature targets through voice commands
- Dishwasher runs after dishes are loaded
- Fridge switches to quiet mode
- AI assistant checks all appliance states before bedtime
Comparison table: smart kitchen categories
| Appliance Type | Common Features | Energy Tracking | AI Use Cases | Hub Integration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Ovens | Remote control, timers, cameras | Yes | Cooking presets, temp adjustments | High | Frequent home cooks |
| Connected Fridges | Inventory, alerts, cameras | Yes | Expiration tracking, shopping lists | Medium–High | Families, meal planners |
| Smart Dishwashers | Soil sensors, leak alerts | Yes | Cycle suggestions | Medium | Water-savers, quiet homes |
| Smart Microwaves | Timers, barcode presets | Limited | Reheat modes | Medium | Students, small kitchens |
| Small Appliances via Smart Plugs | On/off, scheduling | Yes | Basic advice | High | Budget upgrades |
What to check before buying smart appliances
- Power needs: Confirm amperage and circuit requirements for ovens or large appliances.
- Connectivity: Strong Wi-Fi or Thread coverage matters in kitchens with thick walls or metal surfaces.
- Safety: Look for built-in sensors like temperature probes, door-open detection, and leak alerts.
- Software updates: Choose brands known for long-term support.
- Data flow: Some features depend on cloud services. If you want more local control, check compatibility with Matter or HomeKit.
Energy-saving potential
Smart appliances help cut bills in several ways:
- Fridges that tune compressors for steady cooling
- Dishwashers that shift cycles to off-peak hours
- Ovens that reduce preheat time and improve heat consistency
- Small appliances that turn off automatically through smart plugs
Tracking data week by week reveals patterns. Once you know which devices draw the most power, you can adjust usage or swap appliances.
Future trends in smart kitchens
AI is playing a bigger role in cooking suggestions, food inventory, and appliance diagnostics.
Matter will continue to simplify cross-brand setups, reducing app clutter.
Manufacturers are adding better sensors, such as weight detection in fridges and thermal imaging in ovens.
Over time, kitchens may sync with personal routines, dietary goals, and shopping subscriptions with less manual entry.
Final guidance
Choose appliances that fit your cooking habits before prioritizing features.
If you want strong compatibility now, pick models with Matter support or clear plans for it.
For older appliances, smart plugs and sensors can provide useful upgrades without a full replacement.