5 Smart Kitchen Appliances That Actually Save You Hours in 2025

Global sales of smart kitchen appliances will reach $231.6 billion by 2028, analysis suggests. The kitchen technology landscape has changed markedly since the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where AI-powered cooking devices dominated industry attention.

These intelligent kitchen appliances offer more than futuristic appearances on countertops. The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer prepares a perfect steak filet in just 55 minutes, significantly quicker than traditional sous vide methods. AI-driven systems adjust cooking parameters automatically, preventing burnt dishes and ensuring consistently well-cooked meals.

Modern kitchens now feature refrigerators that track grocery inventory without manual input and grills that recommend recipes based on scanned ingredients. These devices save substantial time for busy households. This examination covers five kitchen gadgets that genuinely deliver on their promises to return hours to your day in 2025.

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer

Image Source: DREO

The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer combines precision cooking with digital technology in a 6-quart device. Unlike standard air fryers, it uses water atomization, temperature probing and algorithmic cooking to deliver consistent results. The appliance has found favour with both casual cooks and food enthusiasts seeking to reduce cooking time while maintaining food quality.

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer cooking technology

The ChefMaker's CombiCook technology translates professional cooking methods into algorithmic processes through three interconnected systems:

The high-precision Cook Probe monitors both core and surface temperatures simultaneously, providing accurate status readings throughout cooking. This dual measurement allows the appliance to determine food doneness precisely at any point.

The Water Atomization System delivers exact moisture amounts from its 6.7-ounce water tank. This system serves two purposes: it replaces evaporated moisture and lowers chamber temperature when needed to prevent exterior charring while the interior cooks properly.

The Super Convection Element creates surrounding heat that maximizes thermal transfer while reducing temperature variations. This ensures even cooking from all angles - something conventional appliances often fail to achieve.

These systems communicate through the CombiCook Algorithm, which converts temperature data into doneness status, calculates cooking duration, and directs both heating and moisture systems. The multi-stage cooking technology separates the process into distinct phases that mirror professional techniques, balancing:

• Doneness (internal temperature)

• Browning (exterior appearance)

• Juiciness (moisture retention)

• Aroma (flavor development)

The appliance offers three cooking modes:

Chef Mode includes over 40 ingredient-specific cooking programs developed by professional chefs. These presets account for different ingredients' cooking properties, allowing novices to prepare complex meals with minimal effort.

Classic Cook provides eight traditional methods including air fry, broil, roast, toast, bake and dehydrate with adjustable time and temperature settings.

Probe Cook focuses on temperature control, allowing users to set target internal temperatures rather than relying on estimated cooking times.

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer time-saving features

The ChefMaker's main time-saving benefit comes from automated operation. Users select a program and attend to other tasks while the device handles the cooking process.

The elimination of preheating represents a significant time advantage. While conventional ovens typically require 10-15 minutes to preheat, the ChefMaker begins cooking immediately, reducing total preparation time.

The Dreo App enhances efficiency with:

• Video-guided recipe instructions

• Real-time cooking updates and notifications

• Remote monitoring (though starting requires pressing a button on the device)

• Favourite recipe storage

The app's "Creative Cook" feature allows users to create multi-step recipes using different functions - essentially programming customized cooking sequences. These can be saved for future use, eliminating the need to recall complex instructions.

The ChefMaker's AI-driven algorithms adapt to each food item's characteristics. When cooking steaks, for instance, the device adjusts based on the cut's specific composition. This produces consistent results regardless of thickness or fat content, removing guesswork and repeated checking.

While some presets take longer than conventional methods - a salmon steak might need 35 minutes versus 10-12 in a standard air fryer - the hands-off approach significantly reduces active cooking time. The consistent results also eliminate time wasted on unsuccessful meals.

The 4.3-inch display with straightforward interface streamlines operation. Despite sophisticated functionality, the control panel remains intuitive.

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer pricing and availability

The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer retails for USD 359.00, placing it in the premium segment of the kitchen appliance market. The price reflects its advanced features compared to standard air fryers.

Discounted options are frequently available:

The appliance is available in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom through various channels:

• Directly from the Dreo website

• Amazon and other online retailers

• Select brick-and-mortar stores like Home Depot

Each purchase includes the ChefMaker unit, a flat cooking tray, a grilling rack and a temperature probe. All components except the main unit are dishwasher-safe.

While the ChefMaker costs substantially more than basic air fryers, many users find the price justified by its chef-mode automatic cooking programs - a feature that distinguishes it from competitors. When considering time saved from monitoring and reduced cooking failures, the value becomes clearer for busy households.

For those uncertain about the investment, the ChefMaker regularly appears in sales and promotions, sometimes available for under USD 210.00 during limited offers.

Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator

Image Source: Samsung

The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator marks a significant advance in food storage technology compared to conventional units. This 29 cubic-foot refrigerator combines sophisticated cooling systems with AI-powered tracking to change how households manage food inventory. As kitchens increasingly connect to digital networks, this premium appliance offers practical solutions for streamlined food management.

Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator smart cooling system

The foundation of this refrigerator is its precision temperature and humidity control system operating across three zones, designed to maintain optimal freshness. The cooling performance keeps various food types in ideal conditions.

Central to the cooling system is the FlexZone™ drawer—a versatile compartment offering five temperature settings that adapts to different storage needs. This customizable middle drawer serves multiple functions:

• Standard refrigerator storage for everyday items

• Fruit and vegetable storage with optimized humidity

• Meat and seafood preservation with colder settings

• Soft freeze option for items requiring gentler freezing

The refrigerator features a Beverage Zone™ with two temperature settings specifically calibrated for drinks and desserts. This ensures beverages remain perfectly chilled without freezing.

A built-in UV Deodorizing Filter actively maintains air freshness throughout the refrigerator. This system requires no replacement, using UV technology to clean the filter automatically, eliminating maintenance concerns.

The Digital Inverter Compressor, backed by a 10-year warranty, enhances efficiency and cooling system longevity. This technology adjusts power usage based on cooling demands, contributing to the appliance's ENERGY STAR® certification.

Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator grocery tracking and automation

The integration of AI Vision Inside™ technology represents a significant advancement in kitchen appliances. This system automatically identifies items placed in the refrigerator, creating a digital inventory without manual input. According to Samsung, as of March 2024, this technology recognizes over 33 different food items—primarily fresh fruits and vegetables—with regular updates expanding this capability.

This technology works with the Family Hub™ system to provide practical benefits:

1. Automated inventory management: The system tracks food items as they enter and leave the refrigerator, maintaining an up-to-date digital record.

2. Expiration date tracking: Users can set expiration dates for items, receiving timely notifications about food that needs to be consumed.

3. Shopping list integration: The refrigerator automatically suggests adding expired or removed items to your shopping list, accessible via the SmartThings mobile app.

4. Recipe recommendations: Based on available ingredients, the system suggests recipes from the Samsung Food community with thousands of options.

Voice control capabilities through Bixby or compatible platforms allow hands-free operation. Users can ask questions like "Do I have chicken?" or request "Add milk to my shopping list" without touching the panel.

Wi-Fi connectivity extends the refrigerator's capabilities beyond food management. Through the SmartThings app, users receive alerts about open doors, unexpected temperature changes, and filter replacement needs. The SmartThings AI Energy Mode helps reduce energy consumption by up to 10%, offering both ecological and economic benefits.

Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator pricing and design

The Samsung Bespoke refrigerator represents premium kitchen technology with corresponding pricing. The standard 29 cu. ft. 4-Door model typically costs between $2,500-$3,500 depending on configuration and features. Models with advanced features like AI Family Hub™+ and AI Vision Inside™ command higher prices.

Design customization stands as a primary selling point for these refrigerators. The appliance offers flexibility with:

The physical dimensions remain consistent across models at approximately 35 7/8" W x 73" H x 34 1/4" D, requiring adequate space for installation. Before purchase, kitchens must accommodate these dimensions plus necessary clearance (typically 3 ¾" next to walls, 2" in the rear, and 3/8" on sides and top).

Additional practical design elements include:

• Auto Open Door technology that fully opens with a light touch even when hands are full

• Flat panel door design with recessed handles that blend seamlessly into kitchen aesthetics

• Dual Auto Ice Maker providing both standard cubed ice and specialized Ice Bites™ that chill drinks faster

• ADA-compliant easy-to-reach controls accessible for everyone

Installation requirements include access to a standard 110v grounded 3-prong outlet and a 1/4" stainless steel water line connected to a working shut-off valve. The refrigerator includes a UL-listed 6' water line, but the water line must be within 6 feet of the appliance location.

The Beverage Center™ offers dual convenience with both an internal water dispenser and an AutoFill Water Pitcher that automatically refills, eliminating the need to manually fill water containers. This feature, along with the customizable panels, shows how these refrigerators combine practicality with personalized design.

Brisk It Zelos 450 Smart Grill

Image Source: Brisk It Grills

The Brisk It Zelos 450 represents a significant entry point into smart outdoor cooking technology for grilling enthusiasts. This electric wood pellet grill combines AI systems with cooking automation, handling complex tasks with minimal human input. Unveiled at CES 2025, the grill brings advanced technology to an accessible price point.

The core of this device is the Vera 2.0 AI system, which "monitors, controls, and automates the cook for you" at the push of a button. Rather than simply maintaining set temperatures, this system creates an adaptive cooking environment that responds to specific requirements.

Vera 2.0 introduces two notable features absent in conventional grills:

• Smart Image Recognition allows users to photograph ingredients, generating customized recipe suggestions based on available items.

• Recipe Re-creation transforms existing recipes into versions the grill can automate fully.

The Zelos 450 operates across temperatures from 180-500°F, accommodating everything from slow smoking to high-heat searing. Its 450 square inches of cooking space provides sufficient capacity for family meals, while the pellet fuel system delivers authentic wood-fired flavor unavailable with gas grills.

Perhaps most valuable is the system's ability to compensate for human errors. If users forget to wrap meat, baste a roast, or return home late, the AI adjusts cooking parameters automatically to prevent ruined meals.

The companion app functions as the control center for this cooking technology. Through WiFi connectivity, users can manage settings remotely, receive progress updates, and access timely reminders for manual interventions like wrapping or spritzing meats.

The step-by-step automation proves particularly useful. Once selected, the grill handles the entire process—ignition, preheating, and precise cooking sequence execution. This "One-Click BBQ" approach demonstrates how smart devices can genuinely save time rather than adding complexity.

Notifications provide valuable alerts about cooking progress and required actions. Even when these prompts are missed, the system automatically adjusts parameters to maintain food quality, making the grill suitable for households where constant monitoring isn't practical.

The app enables communication with Vera AI through a messaging interface that accepts typed or voice commands, simplifying complex cooking tasks without requiring technical expertise.

Priced at USD 399.00, the Zelos 450 offers exceptional value compared to other smart grilling options. This price sits substantially below both Brisk It's premium models and competitor products:

The Zelos 450 costs approximately half the price of standard smart grills while maintaining advanced AI capabilities. According to the manufacturer, the device was specifically designed to bring sophisticated features to a more accessible price point without compromising essential functionality.

The grill is scheduled for release in Q1 2025 with availability through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe's, and directly from Brisk It's website.

While addressing outdoor cooking needs, the Zelos 450 applies AI principles similar to those found in the Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer and Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator. All three appliances share a common purpose—using intelligent technology to reduce active cooking time while maintaining or improving food quality.

Agari Smart Oven

Image Source: Homecrux

The Agari Smart Oven uses 3D scanning and precision algorithms to deliver restaurant-quality results at home. This countertop device combines advanced scanning capabilities with pressure cooking and AI-driven automation to significantly reduce cooking time while maintaining food quality.

Agari Smart Oven 3D scanning and AI cooking

At the core of this device sits a sophisticated 3D scanning system that analyzes food with remarkable precision. The technology employs dual high-precision cameras alongside an infrared sensor to create a detailed three-dimensional model of food. This system measures exact dimensions and starting temperature before sending this information to the AI cooking system.

Once scanned, the Agari's AI algorithm identifies the specific food type. The responsive touchscreen displays what the AI has recognized, showing the food's dimensions and calculated cooking time. This eliminates guesswork entirely—users simply place food inside, press a button, and the AI manages all cooking parameters automatically.

Unlike traditional cooking methods that demand constant attention, the Agari's AI determines optimal cooking by:

• Identifying the specific food type

• Measuring its exact dimensions

• Determining its initial temperature

• Creating a customized cooking program

The system recognizes various proteins and vegetables, then adjusts cooking parameters automatically—matching results from professional kitchens using ovens costing upwards of $25,000.

Agari Smart Oven time-saving pressure and steam tech

The most notable feature is its breakthrough pressure-steam system operating below water's boiling point. This method preserves natural juices better than conventional approaches while reducing cooking time by more than 3X compared to traditional sous-vide at equivalent cooking temperatures.

The patent-pending double-wall design enables what competitors cannot—a rapid transition from gentle precision cooking at 84°C/183.2°F to intense searing heat at 285°C/550°F in under 60 seconds. This dramatic temperature shift creates the ideal combination of crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior that professional chefs aim to achieve.

With forced air convection at high temperatures, the Agari simultaneously sears all exposed surfaces after precision cooking. This replaces multiple cooking devices—eliminating the need for separate sous-vide equipment, pressure cookers, and searing pans.

For vegetables, the combination of precision 84°C cooking followed by instant reverse sear at 285°C develops peak flavors in just 60 seconds, substantially reducing preparation time compared to standard methods.

Agari Smart Oven pricing and launch details

The Agari Smart Oven will be available for $849.00 starting in April 2025. Initial release will occur through Kickstarter with special pricing for early adopters.

The North American unit operates on standard household 120V 15amp power with a standard plug, drawing approximately 1500-1800 watts during operation. International versions for 220V-240V markets with appropriate plug configurations will follow.

When compared to other smart kitchen appliances like the Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer or the outdoor-focused Brisk It Zelos 450, the Agari addresses different cooking needs while following similar principles of AI automation. Whereas the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator focuses on food storage management, the Agari transforms meal preparation.

What distinguishes this device is its simplification of complex cooking methods—handling everything from temperature control to timing, removing the need for constant monitoring. Given the technology inside, many early reviewers find the price justified for serious home cooks seeking professional results without specialized training.

Chef AI Smart Oven

Image Source: CNET

Chef AI has developed a kitchen device that eliminates cooking complexity more thoroughly than other smart appliances, following two years of development work. The Chef AI Smart Oven operates with almost no buttons or screens, instead relying on artificial intelligence to manage the entire cooking process.

Chef AI Smart Oven intelligent food recognition

The technology features a built-in thermal camera working in conjunction with weight sensors in the appliance's legs. This combination creates a recognition system that identifies foods with exceptional precision - detecting even specific ingredients like olives on a pizza.

Food recognition occurs automatically when items enter the oven. Unlike other devices requiring manual program selection, the Chef AI immediately:

• Identifies the exact food inside

• Calculates cooking time without user input

• Sets appropriate temperature and cooking method

• Determines nutritional information including calories and sodium content

This intelligence exceeds the capabilities found in other scanning devices, making meal preparation notably straightforward.

Chef AI Smart Oven hands-free automation

The most striking aspect of this appliance is its comprehensive automation. The system includes:

1. Doors that open and close automatically when users approach or walk away

2. A single start/stop button as the only physical control

3. Custom chip processing that removes the need for temperature probes

The companion app functions as the primary interface for any adjustments needed. This represents a more complete automation approach than other devices that still require significant user intervention.

Chef AI Smart Oven pricing and future integrations

The manufacturers aim to make this technology accessible, with an expected retail price of approximately USD 450.00. This positions it in the middle range of smart cooking devices.

What makes the Chef AI system particularly notable is its design flexibility. Though initially developed as an oven, the technology could potentially integrate into various cooking appliances. This adaptability points toward a future where this recognition system might enhance multiple kitchen devices - perhaps eventually working alongside other smart appliances to create a fully connected cooking environment.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

The kitchen technology landscape has shifted dramatically, with these five devices saving genuine time rather than merely adding complexity. The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer](https://amzn.to/44fMO1U) removes cooking uncertainty through precise temperature management and water atomization. The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator](https://amzn.to/4cSh3hz) fundamentally changes grocery management with AI Vision technology tracking food items without human input. The Brisk It Zelos 450](https://amzn.to/3YjGx1j) brings outdoor cooking into the smart home era at a price point substantially below competitors.

Each appliance addresses distinct cooking challenges. The Agari Smart Oven scans food three-dimensionally and cooks it three times faster than traditional methods. Chef AI practically eliminates human involvement with its thermal recognition system that operates without buttons or manual controls.

Despite rapid changes in kitchen technology, these five devices represent meaningful advancements rather than superficial additions. They return hours previously lost to food monitoring and adjustment. More critically, they deliver consistent results that prevent wasted ingredients and repeated cooking attempts.

Time remains our scarcest resource. These kitchen investments deliver returns through recovered hours and reduced preparation stress. Kitchen upgrades should align with specific household cooking patterns and available budget.

The question facing households is not whether these technologies work - they clearly do - but which specific cooking tasks would benefit most from automation in daily routines.

FAQs

Q1. How do smart kitchen appliances save time? Smart kitchen appliances save time by automating cooking processes, providing precise temperature control, and offering features like food recognition and inventory management. For example, the Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer eliminates preheating and uses AI-driven algorithms to adjust cooking parameters automatically.

Q2. Are smart kitchen appliances worth the investment? While smart kitchen appliances often come with a higher price tag, they can be worth the investment for those who cook frequently or value convenience. These appliances can save time, reduce cooking errors, and often produce restaurant-quality results. However, the value depends on individual cooking habits and budget considerations.

Q3. What features should I look for in a smart refrigerator? Key features to look for in a smart refrigerator include AI-powered food recognition, automated inventory tracking, customizable temperature zones, and integration with smartphone apps. The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator, for instance, offers AI Vision Inside™ technology for automatic food identification and inventory management.

Q4. Can smart ovens really cook food faster than traditional methods? Yes, some smart ovens can significantly reduce cooking time. For example, the Agari Smart Oven uses a combination of 3D scanning technology and a pressure-steam system to cook food up to three times faster than traditional methods while maintaining quality.

Q5. How user-friendly are these smart kitchen appliances? Most smart kitchen appliances are designed to be user-friendly, often featuring intuitive interfaces and companion smartphone apps. Some, like the Chef AI Smart Oven, take user-friendliness to the next level by operating almost entirely without buttons, relying instead on AI to handle most aspects of the cooking process automatically.