The kitchen is always evolving — and 2026 will be a year full of exciting changes and enhancements. Upcoming trends are all about blending smarter tools with simpler, more sustainable habits. From the quiet decline of the once-mighty air fryer to the rise of AI-powered appliances and old-school meets new-school techniques, the kitchen is getting an upgrade, all without losing sight of ease, affordability, and health.
The Decline of the Air Fryer
For years, the air fryer brought crispy foods and weeknight shortcuts to millions of households. But in 2026, its popularity will finally start to cool off. Home cooks are beginning to seek more precision from their kitchen tools. Sous vide cookers and countertop combi ovens are stepping up, offering better temperature control and more consistent results — and they’re equally hands-off and easy to use. In short: Convenience is still king, but today’s cooks want accuracy, not just speed.
Meal Prep Made Easy
Even as kitchen tech gets more advanced, the heart of home cooking in 2026 will remain refreshingly simple. With food costs rising and schedules staying as busy as ever, families are leaning into healthy meals that are easy to prep and won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re looking to stretch an inexpensive cut of meat into several dinners, need an effortless way to meet your #proteingoals (because sous vide cooking and meat go together like PB&J), or want to finally master the art of cooking vegetables, Anova has the right tools for the job. Not just the appliances to make it all happen, but cooking guides, recipes, and the Anova app.
Old School Meets New School
Grocery prices have climbed, and home cooks are responding with old-school skills made modern. Fermentation and food preservation are making a big comeback, but now with the help of vacuum sealers and chamber vacuum sealers that make the process easier and more consistent.
From homemade pickles to long-lasting marinades, fermented foods are not just fun projects — they’re tasty, nutritious, and reduce waste. It’s a win for your wallet, your health, and the environment.
Mocktails Take Center Stage
Gone are the days when skipping alcohol meant sipping soda water with lime. In 2026, mocktails will continue to get as complex and celebratory as their boozy counterparts. With alcohol-free spirits, botanical syrups, and creative mixers, zero-proof beverages are finding a permanent spot on dinner party menus and weeknight wind-downs alike. One tool that’ll take your at-home happy hours to the next level? The Anova Precision™ Chamber Vacuum Sealer, which features pre-programmed settings for infusing/extracting and compressing/pickling.
Plant-Based Cooking Goes Mainstream
Plant-based eating continues its upward climb in 2026. Thanks to new protein innovations, accessible recipes, and easy-to-use kitchen tools, people are finding it easier — and more satisfying — to swap in plant-forward dishes a few times a week. If you’re looking to integrate more plant-based meals into your diet, look no further than sous vide cooking. While the technique is often associated with meat, it’s actually great for veggies, too. It turns out cooking carrots and broccoli at a precise temperature helps retain a ton of their flavor.
Home Kitchens = Micro Bakeries
Baking at home isn’t new, but home bakers are more ambitious than ever. Interest in sourdough has outlasted the pandemic lockdown — even Taylor Swift is still into it! — and those who have spent the last few years perfecting their breads, cakes, and other pastries are turning their hobbies into a serious side hustle. Don’t be surprised to see more bakers selling their homemade goods via micro bakeries and farmer’s markets. Looking to take your baking to the next level? The Anova Precision™ Oven 2.0 works just like the ones in professional bakeries, using steam to help baked goods rise and create the perfect crust on your favorite breads.
Smart Appliance Integration
The future of cooking is hands-free, intuitive, and a whole lot smarter. In the coming year, we’ll see a big leap in AI-powered cooking assistants — not just on your phone, but inside your kitchen appliances. Think: Ovens that know how long your frozen pizza needs to turn crisp and golden brown (actually, the Precision™ Oven 2.0 can already do that), fridges that suggest recipes based on what’s inside, and voice-activated controls.
The Connected Kitchen
2026 will mark a shift from “smart appliance” to “smart ecosystem.” Your kitchen is no longer a collection of independent gadgets — it’s becoming a fully connected, communicative space. Your stovetop can “talk” to your range hood, your fridge can sync with your grocery list app, and you can manage it all from your phone or smart home hub from the couch or at the store. The result? Less stress, more flow, and meals that truly feel a little more effortless.
Trusted Experts Still Matter
As kitchen technology evolves and the internet fills with recipe content, it’s more important than ever to trust the source. People are growing cautious about generic advice or AI-generated recipes that may not deliver. That’s why all Anova’s insights come from professionals — chefs, culinary experts, and appliance pros who know what they’re talking about because they’ve lived it. Our goal? Helping you make confident choices in the kitchen, whether that’s leveling up your culinary skills, saving money, or making a mean steak. Meet the new Anova Intelligence Assistant here.
2026’s cooking trends are all about balance: smarter tools, more intentional choices, and a return to trusted techniques and expertise — with some modern-day assistance, of course.