TITLE: Samsung to Unveil AI-Enhanced Kitchen Appliances at CES 2026

Samsung Electronics announced plans to reveal its latest kitchen appliance innovations at CES 2026, focusing on vision-based AI enhancements powered by Google Gemini and Google Cloud. The upgrades aim to simplify food management and elevate user experiences in home kitchens.

The company will highlight improvements to its AI Vision feature, first introduced in previous models. This technology, now integrated with Google Gemini for the first time in a refrigerator, expands food recognition capabilities. Previously limited to 37 fresh food types and 50 pre-registered processed items on-device, the new version will identify a broader range of items, including processed foods without prior registration. It will also detect user-labeled items in personal containers, automatically adding them to the food list for easier inventory tracking.

AI Vision in Bespoke AI Refrigerator

At CES 2026, Samsung will demonstrate the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub equipped with the upgraded AI Vision. The system uses deep learning models to recognize ingredients more accurately, supporting clearer food list management. Visitors will see demonstrations of new use cases, such as personalized recipe suggestions based on detected inventory, pointing toward a more intuitive AI-driven kitchen.

Jeong Seung Moon, executive vice president and head of the R&D team for the Digital Appliances business at Samsung Electronics, stated that the company has pioneered vision-based AI in kitchen appliances. He noted that the collaboration with Google Cloud will drive further innovations to enhance consumer experiences in the coming year.

Bespoke AI Wine Cellar Introduction

Samsung will also exhibit a new Bespoke AI Wine Cellar incorporating similar AI Vision technology. A top-mounted camera will scan wine bottle labels upon storage or removal, updating the SmartThings AI Wine Manager app. The system tracks bottle locations by shelf and compartment, allowing users to locate items without manual searches.

Through the app, available on Android and iOS devices with a Samsung account and Wi-Fi connection, users can access wine details and receive pairing recommendations based on their collection. This feature requires exposed labels for recognition and functions only on withdrawable shelves. The multi-pantry drawer provides separate food storage tracking via dedicated imaging.

Design and Functionality Upgrades

The CES showcase will include refreshed designs for a unified kitchen aesthetic, emphasizing stainless-look finishes. The new Bespoke AI 3-Door French Door refrigerator features a zero clearance fit, requiring minimal side gaps of about 4 mm and reduced door depth by 50 mm compared to prior models. This allows doors to open up to 108 degrees for full access to drawers, depending on installation. An AutoView transparent door enables quick checks of contents without opening.

The upgraded slide-in range adopts a stainless-look across its control panel, knobs and door, with a new bar handle and Precision Knob for added safety. Samsung will unveil two over-the-range microwave models: the Air-Fry OTR and DualVent OTR. The DualVent model's revised hood includes a front ventilation wing alongside bottom vents, improving smoke capture from front burners on ranges, where cooktop depths often exceed hood reach.

These appliances are designed for cohesive integration, with the French Door refrigerator needing at least 916 mm width and 1798 mm height for built-in setups, including top gaps of 20 mm.

Forward-Looking Developments

The announced products and features are in development, with plans, timelines and specifications subject to change. Future availability is not guaranteed. As of April 2025, current AI Vision recognizes 37 fresh items like fruits and vegetables but lists unknowns if unidentified. It excludes door bins and freezers, and packaged items must maintain form for up to 50 saved entries.

Samsung's booth at CES 2026, held in Las Vegas from January 7-10, will offer hands-on experiences of these innovations. The event underscores the company's push into AI-integrated home appliances amid growing demand for smart kitchen solutions.