Jan 16, 2026
If we look back twenty years, the kitchen in most homes was primarily a work area. Today, it has become the true heart of the home: a space where technology, design, energy efficiency and a more conscious lifestyle converge..
This transformation is visible in Europe, Latin America and Asian markets alike. The kitchen is no longer an "auxiliary space" but has become the hub around which daily life is organised.
Technological innovation and smart cooking
The integration of smart technologies has become one of the main drivers of the market. Ovens that automatically adjust the temperature according to the recipe, induction hobs with safety sensors, and refrigerators capable of managing food inventory via mobile apps are now part of everyday life.
In this context, the demand for comprehensive and coherent kitchen solutions is logical. The interest in comprehensive proposals, such as Oechsle kitchens, reflects a clear consumer preference: reliable, functional systems adapted to intensive daily use, where technology simplifies life rather than complicating it..
Currently, more than 40% of new mid-range and high-end kitchen appliances incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity. In countries such as Germany and Italy, the focus is on saving time and energy. In Spain, meanwhile, urban reality introduces a key factor: more compact kitchens.
Sector studies indicate that:
Around 55% of new kitchens in large Spanish cities are designed for built-in appliances.;
Almost one in two buyers opt for multifunction appliances due to lack of space.
Energy efficiency as an economic factor
Sustainability is no longer an abstract concept. European energy efficiency regulations have had a direct influence on the design of household appliances. Today's refrigerators consume between 30 and 40 per cent less electricity than models from a decade ago.
This difference is noticeable in the household budget. Replacing an old refrigerator with one with a high energy rating can reduce annual electricity costs by between 80 and 120 euro.
Therefore, it is not surprising that interest in refrigerators on sale continues to grow: consumers seek to balance the initial cost with long-term savings.
Functional design and customisation
Design is no longer a secondary consideration. Over 70% of European shoppers say that the appearance of household appliances is just as important as their technical featuress.
Modularity and the ability to adapt to different lifestyles—large families, single-person households, or rented accommodation—have become decisive factors.
A European designer recently summed up this evolution with a revealing statement: "We used to design kitchens around gas cookers; today, we design them around smartphones.".
The figures confirm this.:
Around 35% of smart appliance users control their devices via apps at least once a week.;
One in three detects a technical problem first through a notification, rather than through noise or smell..
Thus, the kitchen ceases to be just a place for cooking and becomes an intelligent assistantthat works for the benefit of those who live in the home.
Market growth by region
According to estimates by industry analysts, the global market for kitchen appliances is growing at an average rate of 4–5% per year, remaining one of the most stable segments within the household appliance industry..
Aggregate data show uneven progress across regions.:
Europe: average growth of 3.5–4% per annum
North America: 4–5 %
South America: 6–7 %
In Europe, over 60% of buyers no longer consider kitchen renovation as simply replacing old appliances, but as a long-term investment in comfort and reducing future expenses.
In simpler terms, many consumers sum it up like this: "We want it to work well, for a long time and without complications.".