The 2025 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — At the 2025 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), global appliance manufacturers unveiled their latest innovations, blending cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) with traditional design elements.
While outward appearances suggested minimal changes, the underlying technology signaled a significant leap in smart home evolution.
As North America’s largest kitchen and bath trade show, KBIS attracts industry professionals, including home builders and interior designers, eager to explore the latest trends.
Unlike the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which showcases a broad range of technology from AI to computing, KBIS focuses on home appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. The emphasis remains on practical design, functionality, and user experience rather than pure technological spectacle.
This year’s exhibition featured over 670 brands—the largest in its history—including major South Korean players such as LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics. Companies introduced advanced appliances designed to enhance daily life while preserving the fundamental purpose and usability of household devices.
Balancing AI Innovation with Traditional Design
One of the standout exhibits was General Electric’s (GE) display, which featured an entrance shaped like a human brain—a nod to its AI-driven advancements under the slogan “Elemental Intelligence.”
Now owned by China’s Haier, GE showcased its AI-powered “Flavorly” service, which suggests personalized recipes based on available kitchen ingredients. This feature integrates with GE’s SmartHQ home platform.
Scheduled for release in May, GE’s latest smart electric range exemplifies the convergence of AI and home appliances. The device, connected to the SmartHQ app, allows users to control cooking functions remotely while maintaining the classic knob controls preferred by North American consumers.
Keith Larsen, a senior executive at GE, underscored the importance of practical AI applications, stating, “Consumers are open to new technology as long as it genuinely simplifies cooking rather than complicating it.”
Whirlpool Introduces AI-Optimized Appliances
American appliance giant Whirlpool also introduced AI-driven enhancements, unveiling a new dryer equipped with an AI sensor to automatically adjust drying times. The company’s latest electric range features built-in IoT functionality, allowing remote control via the Whirlpool app.
However, rather than emphasizing technical specifications, Whirlpool focused on how its products improve daily life. Thomas Fawcett, an engineering manager at Whirlpool, illustrated the convenience of AI by suggesting, “Imagine preheating your oven while picking up your kids from school, so dinner prep can begin as soon as you arrive home.” He emphasized that while smart features add convenience, Whirlpool does not pressure consumers into adopting them, acknowledging the resistance among American buyers to altering long-established household routines.
Korean Companies Showcase AI Home Innovations
South Korean manufacturers also highlighted AI integration but positioned it as a means to enhance user experience rather than as an end in itself. LG Electronics introduced its AI Home ecosystem, branding it as “Affectionate Intelligence.”
Central to this concept is the AI Home Hub, which connects with sensors throughout the house, interprets user behavior, and autonomously adjusts home appliances and IoT devices for optimal functionality.
Jung Ki-hyun, vice president of LG’s Platform Business Center, explained the company’s approach: “LG’s AI application is designed to simplify services by leveraging appliance data, making everyday life more intuitive and efficient.”
As AI continues to permeate the home appliance industry, companies at KBIS 2025 demonstrated a measured approach—offering sophisticated smart features without alienating consumers accustomed to traditional designs and routines.
With AI-powered homes on the horizon, the balance between innovation and usability remains key to winning over consumers in 2025 and beyond.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
