Appliance innovations at CES 2022

While TVs and speakers might take centre stage at CES every year, there’s another category that sees plenty of innovation at the show: appliances. And this year, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to appliance innovations, from stylish new major appliances to fun and exciting small ones.

Major appliance innovations

Samsung Bespoke appliances

The big announcement from Samsung when it comes to appliance innovations is the extension of its Bespoke design to include not just one French Door refrigerator but many in the line, including both three- and four-door models as well as full and counter-depth sizes, and even the high-tech Family Hub refrigerator. Each has a flat-front design and allows you to choose from one of 11 colors and either glass or steel finish, allowing for thousands of customizable combinations. There will also be exclusive limited edition artist panels from which to choose. Inside the fridges are upgrades like the Beverage Center and Dual Auto Ice Maker that allows for both cubes or ice bites, along with FlexZone for keeping food at the optimal temperature so it stays fresher, longer.

Also in the Bespoke line will be Samsung washers and dryers, which will boast the same flat-front design and come with an AI-powered Smart Dial so you can easily prioritize frequently used settings. They will learn your usage habits over time and help ensure you get laundry done as quickly and efficiently as possible. An Intelligent AI OptiWash function, meanwhile, optimizes wash settings, time, and detergent levels for each load. When the units are stacked, you can leverage MultiControl to control both the smart washer and dryer from the washer control panel. The washer can also hold enough detergent for up to 20 loads so you don’t have to add some for each wash.

Samsung upgrades Family Hub refrigerator

In addition to being available in a Bespoke option in 2022, the Family Hub fridge will support Samsung TV Plus this year so you can access free video content in the kitchen. It will also come with Samsung SmartThings software embedded inside. There are also upgraded internal cameras so you can keep an eye on not only what is in the fridge but also expiration dates, which could be a lifesaver while at the grocery store.

LG InstaView double oven range

Over at LG, the company has some exciting appliance innovations in the cooking space, including its InstaView Double Oven Range, which seamlessly integrates with the new LG ThinQ Recipe service. InstaView technology, first incorporated into LG refrigerators, lets you knock twice on the glass to illuminate the interior so you can see inside without having to open the door. This is critical while cooking and baking as it allows you to keep an eye on things without having to let hot air escape. It also includes LG’s ProBake Convection technology for thorough, even, and quicker cooking through precise temperature and airflow control. The oven has Air Fry and Air Sous Vide modes as well that leverage ProBake technology.

Small appliance innovations

LG over-the-range microwave

The Over-the-Range microwave, meanwhile, employs proprietary Steam Cook technology for making juicier, healthier food inside, and includes a Slide-Out ExtendaVent, which helps reduce smoke and lingering odours in the kitchen after cooking. The EasyClean interior makes it simple to remove caked on food and grease using just a damp cloth. The stainless-steel and tempered glass LG WideView Window adds to the attractive look.

Panasonic HomeCHEF 7-in-1 Compact Oven

Panasonic’s HomeCHEF 7-in-1 Compact Oven is designed for all levels of cooks, aiming at simplifying the process through one-button access to a variety of cook modes. Plus, it focuses on healthier dishes via new steam cooking, along with convection for faster time-to-table. It has an 800mL water tank and powerful boiler for cooking using steam, which helps retain nutrients, moisture, and flavour. There’s a high steam function for things like meat and root vegetables and a medium option for shrimp, chicken breasts, and other foods that cook for up to an hour. There’s also two-level convection cooking with increased fan structure that allows for more even cooking, and a wider range of temperatures, up to as hot as 445°F. It also uniquely has fermentation and stew modes for baking things like croissants and making soups, respectively. It even has a steam convection mode and can function as an air fryer. With 18 preset options for everything from steamed fish to cheesecake, it’s a versatile small appliance that can even be used to clean baby bottles and other items via sanitization options. The large 20L capacity is enough to make large quantities at one time.

Panasonic Smart Microwave

Kicking things up a notch in the smart and high-tech appliance innovations department for 2022 is the Panasonic Smart Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven, which works with Alexa for voice control using any Alexa-enabled device or the Alexa app. Once connected, you can choose from more than 100 commands, like “Alexa, reheat for 30 seconds,” and “Alexa, defrost one pound of ground beef.” If you’re multitasking for a big meal, or at the table and not yet ready for dessert, simply say “Alexa, warm food for 15 minutes” or “Alexa, melt one cup of chocolate in the microwave.” As a microwave, you get 1,200 watts of power via inverter microwave technology, 10 power levels, and six dedicated buttons, from quick 30 second reheat to turbo defrost and popcorn. You can even set a standing time for items that need to sit after being cooked, for anywhere up to 1.5 hours; and delay cook if you want to make sure your hot apple pie is perfectly warm and crisp once dessert is ready to be served. Panasonic touts another stand-out feature as The Genius, a built-in sensor that automatically measures the humidity in food and calculates cooking time, whether you’re reheating, defrosting, or cooking.

Vacuum innovations

Samsung Bespoke Jet cordless stick vacuum

Another item in Samsung’s growing Bespoke line is the Jet cordless stick vacuum, which comes in a variety of customized designs and colours. Once you’re done cleaning, dock it in the All-in-One Clean Station, which not only recharges but also automatically empties the bin. It offers 210 watts of suction power and its multi-layered filtration system can trap 99.999% of fine dust. With a 120-minute run time and washable filter, choose one of three Bespoke colours.

Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni robot vacuum

Ecovacs is a leader in the robot vacuum space, and its latest model is designed to both vacuum and mop. It returns to a dock where the bin is automatically emptied. Once a vacuum session is done, you can follow it up with a wet mop using the dual spinning mop heads that rotate at a rapid rate of 180 revolutions per minute. But the best part: the docking station also washes and dries the fabric mop heads so you don’t have to do it manually. The dock has a dust bag, and two water tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty. An on-board water reservoir automatically replenishes the water level when it gets low. It also features automatic floor mapping and works with a companion app.

BONA BV351AA robot vacuum cleaner

A CES Innovations Awards honouree, the BONA robot vacuum cleaner is designed for large households, and features obstacle avoidance and AI visual recognition with TOF technology. The laser navigating robot cleaner is stylish and adds an interesting twist not seen in other robot vacuums: sterilization via UV, which can help improve the health of your environment in addition to the cleanliness.

Roborock Dyad robot vacuum

Another robot vacuum that can both dry vacuum and wet mop is the Roborock Dyad, which has two motors that work to power three rollers, one in the front and two in the rear, to effectively clean while rotating in opposite directions to get into every nook and cranny. This also allows it to clean both wet and dry messes at the same time. Because the two rear rollers span the width of the head, the vacuum can clean along edges, right up to the wall to get into those typically hard-to-reach spots. Using adaptive cleaning intelligence, it can also automatically detect tough stains and increase water flow and suction power for a better clean. You can switch to drying mode only, after which the Dyad will suction wet messes into its dirty water tank and release fresh water to the floor to remove dirt. This means you can clean up a spilled bowl of cereal, for example, in one shot, grabbing both the cereal pieces and the milk. The rollers self-clean at the push of a button, making the process effortless. The battery can run for up to 35 minutes per session, which the company claims is enough to clean a home or space up to 3,056 square feet in size. An LED screen on the unit shows what cleaning mode it’s in, battery life, and notifies when built-up dirt is detected. There’s even a voice alert system to let you know when the water tank needs to be refilled or when the battery needs to be charged.

Other appliance innovations

Samsung Bespoke Cube air purifier

Samsung is continuing its Bespoke trend across smaller appliances, too, including the Bespoke Cube air purifier, which will come in two interchangeable patterns. It offers a four-step filtration process, works in rooms up to 350 square feet in size, and even has a Pet mode for specifically ridding the room of pet dander, hair, and other related allergens.

LG PuriCare AeroTower air purifying fan

LG has an innovation in the air purifier category as well, but its model also functions as a fan that can flow both heat and cool air. It has three modes: heating, fan, and diffusion. LG’s Air Valley technology provides a Coanda effect, providing a consistent, comfortable breeze flowing through a room. At just 23dB of wind noise, you can comfortably run it in a room while tending to other tasks without the noise disturbing you. The AeroTower works with the LG ThinQ app for monitoring status and adjusting settings in real time from virtually anywhere.

Bottom line

From refrigerators to washers and dryers, robotic and cordless vacuums, air purifiers, and more, there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to appliance innovations in 2022, with designs that will turn heads.

Check out plenty of major appliances, small appliances, vacuums, and more at Best Buy Online.