The High-Tech Oven Trend Coming To Kitchens In 2026 That Saves Countertop Space

A new year is quickly sneaking up on us. For some, that means planning for the holidays or snagging a sequined outfit for the midnight festivities. But for home chefs who daydream about ideas for a kitchen remodel, a new year also means the chance to see what new innovation awaits in the kitchen appliance space.

A peek at the Instagram of actress Kate Hudson is giving us our first clues at 2026 kitchen trends. In one recent post, she showed off a gorgeous renovated kitchen, complete with fun blue marble countertops and a refrigerator interior so well organized that you know she must follow the fridgescaping trend that has people sprucing up their fridge. 

But appliance aficionados will spot what could be the crown jewel of her new kitchen — a compact speed oven. The high-tech oven doesn't just heat up super quickly. It can also do the jobs of other appliances, potentially allowing you to ditch your other devices and create extra counter space in the process. If 2026 keeps giving us innovation that makes dinner faster and counters less cluttered, we'll be the first to say we're excited about the new year.

Speed ovens work by combining microwave energy with traditional oven convection heating. Like microwaves, the oven will heat your food from the inside out. But since it has also convection heating technology, your food will receive circulated heat to provide cooking from the outside, as well. This allows food to cook faster than it would in a standard oven — especially since many models need far less time (or sometimes even no time!) to preheat.

Plus, since heat from convection functions isn't responsible for all the cooking, that energy can instead go toward browning or crisping your favorite foods. Cook up your Thanksgiving turkey in a speed oven, for instance, and you can expect a tender interior with crispy brown skin. Speed ovens are also versatile. In addition to being able to microwave, roast, broil, and steam, many can also function as toasters and air fryers. Home chefs may find they can ditch their other appliances and just rely on a speed oven, creating more space on countertops. And since many models can built into the wall, it can be a smart way to more efficiently use all of the kitchen space. 

There are two factors holding speed ovens back from total domination: size and cost. Speed ovens aren't typically the cheapest oven options on the market, and they are usually more compact than convection ovens. That means you'll lose cooking space. But some people who don't need a giant oven might consider the higher price tag worth it in the long run, thanks to faster cooking, fewer appliances, lower energy use, and more efficient use of kitchen space.