KBIS 2026 was full of industry firsts and offered a sneak peek at the future of home tech. CNET was on the ground to get an up-close look at some of the best large-appliance features coming in 2026.
Updates and innovations for the fridge, oven, dishwasher and laundry systems were on full display, and we've rounded up the best and most compelling features to make life a little easier for the average homemaker.
1. Fridge barcode scanner for easy grocery list making
A handy built-in scanner helps keep track of grocery items as you run low. GE Profile
This technology was first unveiled at CES but GE Profile was on hand at KBIS to showcase its proprietary grocery barcode-scanning fridge. The smart fridge features a small scanner on the front door that lets you scan groceries as you run low. From there, you can add them to a grocery list on your phone or buy directly through the brand's Instacart integration.
2. Smart AutoFill water dispensers
Intelligent autofill allows you to set a glass or bottle down and walk away while it fills. KitchenAid
Fridges are getting smarter and that includes the water spouts. We saw multiple fridges, including those from GE and KitchenAid, with intelligent autofill technologies that use cameras or weight sensors to determine exactly how much water to fill in a bottle or glass. When it's 90% full, the water stops, allowing you to do other things while the filling continues.
3. Oven doneness detectors
Several ovens on display at KBIS feature doneness detectors that alert you when food is browning, so you don't overcook. David Watsky/CNET
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