One Kitchen Appliance Trend Appears To Be Going Out Of Date, Here's What's Replacing It

In a market with numerous technology-driven smart devices, finding the right refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, or cooktop can arguably become a stressful endeavor. Indeed, when it comes to buying kitchen appliances, there are a variety of aspects to consider. Reliability and affordability are some of the benefits of buying American-made appliances, but you'll also need to consider appliances that fit into your aesthetic and are practical for you and your family. Colors and materials can come and go, and it appears even touch screens might be another kitchen appliance trend that may be going out of style in favor of those with traditional buttons and knobs.

Touch screens have been among the features in trendy kitchen appliances seen in homes over the last several years. This is especially true for smart appliances that can connect with your phone or other electronic devices. Touch screens arguably provide a modern aesthetic to your kitchen, and they're relatively easy to use. Like other touch-screen-based devices, such as smartphones or tablets, appliances with touch screens are activated with the help of electrical charges created by your fingers. This can arguably prevent accidentally touching keys on a screen from random objects. Smart appliances with touch screens are also usually featured on more energy-efficient models. Nevertheless, some people find touch-screen appliances more challenging to use compared to those that function by pressing buttons or turning knobs.

The drawbacks of touch screens are why some homeowners may opt for versions with buttons instead. First, touch screens are not always foolproof, which can be inconvenient if you want an appliance to act quickly. (If you've ever worked with a touch screen, it requires you to press your selection just right, and sometimes multiple times!) Since the screens must be activated via bare fingers, there are also times when it's inconvenient to access the touch screen — like when you're in the middle of cooking and wearing oven mitts. Knobs and buttons alleviate this challenge. Yet another downside is the fragility of these screens, which can be expensive to replace. Another major issue is accessibility, as touch screen appliances lack tactile qualities that an individual might need to differentiate between functions.

All of these reasons are why traditional button-based appliances might be making a comeback in kitchens. This doesn't mean touch screens are going completely out of style — on the contrary, manufacturers are likely recognizing diverse preferences within the market, reintroducing button features with a more refined aesthetic. These are important factors to consider if you're in the market for a new kitchen appliance, but it doesn't mean you need to go and replace all your touch screens, though. As with any major purchase, the decision to buy a touch screen appliance should be based on your needs and preferences, and not on any particular trend. You'll also want to consider additional tips that can help you get the most bang for your buck when remodeling your kitchen.