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

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

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

Oven manufacturers have been ratcheting up the smarts, too. Ovens have had cameras for a while, but more innovative algorithms are learning to better use them. Doneness detectors, which monitor the food as it cooks for signs of doneness and alert you when it's getting close, are designed to prevent burning and overcooking. 

KitchenAid, Sharp and LG are just a few of the kitchen brands that are integrating a doneness detector into their upcoming ovens.

4. Bottle and straw washers in washing machines

One of our favorite upgrades was Midea's straw washing station in its new washing machines, set for release this year. Straws are notoriously tricky to clean, but this dedicated spot on the bottom rack shoots water directly into your reusable straws, ridding them of grime, mold and other buildup.  

5. Built-in basket to save your sweaters

Whirlpool unveiled the industry-first built-in delicates basket. A simple design that allows you to wash delicate sweaters and shirts with a regular load. The basket keeps those items free from the hard pummeling that happens in a standard wash. It's also good for keeping socks together, so matching is easier when it's time to fold.

6. Nugget ice maker for the fridge

With all the enthusiasm around nugget ice, it's hard to believe we're just now getting our first fridge with a built-in nugget ice maker. Whirlpool's latest release pumps out crunchy, chewable ice from a front dispenser and standard cube ice from the bottom freezer.

7. Washing machine UV cleaning

While it struck me as a little gimmicky, Whirlpool has introduced the world's first UV-cleaning washing machine, which blasts clothes during a wash to kill bacteria. The idea is to combat bacteria without using scalding hot water, which can be harder on fabrics.

8. Built-in sous vide tank

Sous vide cooking has been adopted by home cooks and pro chefs alike. The low-and-slow water bath typically requires specialized equipment, but SKS's new feature-rich stove has a sous vide tank built into the cooktop. 

The catch? The stove, which has gas and induction burners and loads of other innovative features, costs a whopping $12,000.

9. Bottom dishwasher rack that flips up for easy loading

Kenmore's soon-to-be-released dishwasher features a straightforward update that makes loading and unloading a breeze. The bottom rack slides out and flips up to the same height as the top rack. It's sure to be a welcome innovation for those with back problems or mobility issues.