AI Appliances Aren’t Exciting Buyers…Yet
Artificial intelligence is being embedded into all sorts of appliances. Now sellers need to get customers to care about AI-powered laundry.
To help you understand the trends surrounding AI and other new technologies and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts. (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe.) You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest…
It’s increasingly common to see appliances and other household gadgets powered by AI. The problem is that buyers aren’t that interested in purchasing them so far. Consider that only 12% of robot vacuum buyers said that AI functionality was important to them, according to a recent report by market research firm NIQ. For washing machines, it was only 7%.
“Consumers are often not choosing the machine for its AI capabilities,” says NIQ. “However, AI functionality is the enabler of many of the conveniences that are important to consumers.”
But manufacturers still think they can stoke interest in AI products by shifting the focus to the benefits that AI enables.
Most consumers want appliances packed with features, so look for manufacturers to push harder on all the features AI adds in marketing campaigns next year. AI is often behind the conveniences that are important to consumers, such as improved efficiency, reduced water usage and other benefits that do resonate with shoppers.
Consider that LG touts its washing machines and dryers that use AI to analyze fabric types to enhance efficiency and minimize damage while washing. Samsung has smart refrigerators with cameras inside that recognize 37 fresh food items and identify 50 packaged foods, which can help inventory groceries to reduce food waste and save money. GE has an AI chatbot that offers personalized coffee recipes for the company’s smart coffee maker.
Other prominent examples include AI robot vacuums recognizing different types of dirt to switch from mopping to vacuuming, air-conditioning units that learn room usage patterns, and food processors that optimize settings. There are also scales, air purifiers, blood pressure monitors and toothbrushes with apps and AI features.
The NIQ report, which provides an outlook for 2026, sees a long-term opportunity for AI appliances: “Expect certain smart products to increase strongly in the long term, as they better understand the very relevant benefits that AI functionality delivers.”
Current economic conditions have sellers coping with increasingly value-conscious shoppers, who prioritize durability, high quality and features over a brand name, says NIQ. Sellers may have to thread a needle with some consumers wary of anything related to AI. Some may simply use the term “intelligent” in marketing materials. Others won’t mention AI or intelligence at all, instead just focusing on value and novel features.
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Related Content
- Will AI Take Care of You in Old Age?
- Should You Get a Home Warranty?
- Best Tech ETFs to Buy Now
- Worried About an AI Bubble? Here’s What You Need to Know
- The AI Boom Will Lift IT Spending Next Year
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

John Miley is a Senior Associate Editor at The Kiplinger Letter. He mainly covers AI, technology, telecom and education, but will jump on other business topics as needed. In his role, he provides timely forecasts about emerging technologies, business trends and government regulations. He also edits stories for the weekly publication and has written and edited email newsletters.
He holds a BA from Bates College and a master’s degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University, where he specialized in business reporting. An avid runner and a former decathlete, he has written about fitness and competed in triathlons.
-
Ask the Editor: IRAs, 401(k)s and RMDsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on IRAs, 401(k)s and required minimum distributions
-
Got $100 to Gamble? These Penny Stocks Could Be Worth the RideVolatile penny stocks are high-risk plays with potentially high rewards. If you have $100 you can afford to lose, these three names are worth a look.
-
Being an Executor is a Thankless Job: Do It Well AnywayYou can be a "good" executor of an estate, even though carrying out someone's final wishes can be challenging.
-
What to expect from the global economy in 2026The Kiplinger Letter Economic growth across the globe will be highly uneven, with some major economies accelerating while others hit the brakes.
-
21 Money Moves Smart People Are Making Before 2026These steps can help trim your tax bill, boost your savings, lower your health care costs and set you up for financial success in 2026.
-
Giving Tuesday 2025: 'Every Small Act Makes a Major Difference'GivingTuesday encourages generosity in any form, from donating to charity to helping your neighbors.
-
How to Position Your Portfolio for Lower Interest RatesThe Federal Reserve is far from done with its rate-cutting regime. This is how investors can prepare.
-
Moves to Manage the Soaring Costs of Owning a CarIt's costing more and more to keep a car on the road, but you can drive some costs down. Here's how to get a better deal on insurance premiums, repairs and gas
-
The AI Boom Will Lift IT Spending Next YearThe Kiplinger Letter 2026 will be one of strongest years for the IT industry since the PC boom and early days of the Web in the mid-1990s.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Here's How You Can Use AI to Improve Your FinancesApps can help with budgeting, saving and investing, financial coaching and debt management. But providing your personal information can also raise your risks.
-
5 Simple Fixes to Save on Heat Bills This WinterWith fuel prices expected to rise 10% or more this winter, making your home more energy efficient will really pay off.