In keeping with Mega Group’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends in the home goods industry, our team—represented by Executive Vice President of Retail Services, Marie‑Soleil Calvert, and Director of Merchandising – Appliances, Pier‑Hugo Binette—attended KBIS 2026 in Orlando from February 17 to 19.
Their visit provided valuable insight into how appliances are evolving—growing smarter, more personalized, and increasingly designed with daily life in mind.
AI Steps into Daily Home Life
Artificial intelligence was one of the strongest themes at this year’s show.
Smarter kitchens
Refrigerators now use AI in meaningful ways: suggesting recipes based on the food inside, flagging expired items, and displaying calendars, reminders, and notifications right on the digital door screen.
Some models even act as a smart home hub—for example, letting users start their robot vacuum directly from the fridge interface.
AI is also improving food preservation, with refrigerators automatically adjusting temperature zones based on the items stored in each area.
Smarter laundry
In laundry, AI is redesigning machines for better fabric care and efficiency. New washers and dryers detect fabric type and load size, adjusting water levels, drum movement, and wash/dry times automatically. A new model even introduces UV technology to eliminate bacteria during cold‑water cycles.
Comfort, Quiet Performance & Better Ergonomics
A standout theme at KBIS 2026 was comfort and ease of use. One highlight: a dishwasher operating at just 37 decibels, one of the quietest models showcased—ideal for open‑concept living.
Ergonomic improvements were also evident: rotating trays, lift‑up baskets, and layouts designed to reduce bending and create a more comfortable loading experience.
Manufacturers refined internal layouts across categories—slimmer refrigerator doors, smarter interior organization, and redesigned dishwasher compartments that increase usable capacity without increasing appliance size.
A Strong Move Toward Customization
Customization continues to grow, with more finish options and accents that allow consumers to align appliances with their personal style. Popular colors included forest green, matte white, black, stainless steel, and gold trims. Green also emerged as a broader design influence across appliances and cabinetry.
Better Water & Ice Features
Refrigerators featured new auto‑fill technology that pours the perfect water level automatically,
plus upgraded ice makers that produce multiple ice sizes to match different preferences.
Looking Ahead
The insights shared by Marie‑Soleil Calvert and Pier‑Hugo Binette point to a clear future: appliances are becoming smarter, quieter, easier to use, and more customizable.
KBIS 2026 showcased innovations shaping homes that are more efficient, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
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