Key takeaways:

• Home cooks want appliances that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep simple.
• Samsung's new Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection feature smart innovations that simplify the daily cooking routine.

Today's home cooks are looking for kitchen appliances that do much more than cook food. They're seeking smart appliances with intuitive features that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep inherently more efficient.

It's part of a broader shift in how Americans are using their kitchens. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, 100% of surveyed industry professionals agree that lifestyle-enhancing features will be popular over the next three years, as kitchens become more personalized, multipurpose hubs.

Smart tech-enhanced appliances like Samsung's Bespoke kitchen appliances now pull double duty, simplifying everyday cooking with smart innovations that make your daily routine easier. Here are four important features to look for in smart kitchen appliances:

1. Capture smoke, steam and odors with DualVent Technology

Are you frustrated with the smoke and heavy steam that permeate your kitchen while cooking and linger long after dinner? You're not alone. The surge in urban living, evolving work-from-home habits and growing health awareness have led to an uptick in demand for kitchen appliances that keep indoor air cleaner. This has more and more people actively seeking ventilation and cooking technologies that eliminate grease, smoke and cooking odors to maintain healthier, fresher living spaces.

Traditional over-the-range microwaves can vent some of the smoke and vapor from your kitchen, but you may still find that they stick around, along with stubborn cooking smells. To tackle smoke, steam and odors during and after cooking, look for a microwave that works twice as hard with dual vents. Samsung's new Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology combines a powerful front-burner vent — where most cooking happens — with standard bottom vents for a fresher, more comfortable kitchen.

The dual-vent system pulls smoke and steam away from the front and back burners simultaneously, which is especially useful during high-heat cooking and large-meal prep when you have multiple pots and pans heating at once. Compared to conventional over-the-range microwave models without DualVent, Samsung's Bespoke model captures up to three times more cooking smoke.

Best of all? There's no need for manual adjustment. The powered vent cover automatically opens when ventilation is activated and closes when turned off for added convenience.

2. Cook smart and faster with sensor technology

Getting the timing just right in the microwave can be tricky. Every dish heats differently, which means preset cooking times don't always deliver the best results. Thankfully, Samsung's Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology eliminates the guesswork.

Instead of stopping, adjusting and restarting the microwave, the model's Sensor Cook detects the moisture released by your food and adjusts the cooking time and power level accordingly. And thanks to the microwave's 2.1-cubic-foot capacity, you can cook large dishes and family-sized meals with ease.

3. Cook multiple dishes in an oven that's designed to flex

If you live in a busy household or are a frequent entertainer, you know that multitasking in the kitchen is essential for a successful meal. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or an elaborate holiday feast, you can save time and effortlessly cook two dishes at once — even if the recipe calls for different temperatures — with Samsung's new Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection.

The spacious oven comes with a removable divider, allowing you to seamlessly split it into two independent cooking zones with separate temperature controls. Available in both gas and electric models, this flexible dual-by-design oven maximizes oven space and streamlines meal timing, so you never have to compromise between roasting savory vegetables or baking a sweet dessert.

Pro tip: Want to speed up meal prep? The Flex Duo Oven features a no-Preheat Air Fry Max mode. It's the ultimate shortcut for serving wholesome, crispy family meals on a tight weeknight schedule.

4. Enjoy connected convenience with smart tech integration

Smart connectivity has become one of the most sought-after features in today's kitchen appliances, as more consumers expect their devices to work together as part of a connected home rather than as standalone products. Demand is being fueled by features like smartphone integration, voice control, remote monitoring, personalized automation and energy management that make everyday cooking more convenient. That's why Samsung's Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Flex Duo Oven are part of the brand's intelligent SmartThings ecosystem.

Using the Auto Connectivity feature, the microwave can pair directly with the oven range, automatically activating the hood fan and lighting the moment the cooktop turns on. You can also use the SmartThings app to control the microwave remotely, explore personalized recipes and monitor energy usage right from your smartphone for a streamlined, stress-free experience.

Your kitchen appliances should work just as hard as you do. When they pull double duty, they make everyday cooking easier, no matter your skills or schedule.

Samsung's Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection are available to purchase now. To learn more about the Bespoke line, visit Samsung.com.

All photos courtesy of Samsung