3 Ways Generations Differ When It Comes to Home Appliances
Understanding the diverse preferences of home buyers can significantly influence your projects. Appliance choices often reflect generational values and lifestyles, with each generation prioritizing different features, styles, and technologies.
With approximately 20% of each generation of home buyers being somewhat likely or very likely to purchase an appliance in the next 12 months, according to consumer intelligence firm MRI-Simmons, it’s more important than ever to know the preferences of each generation so that you can deliver the appliance innovations they’re looking for.
We sat down with Nate Shotwell, Senior Manager, Marketplace Insights at Whirlpool Corporation, to learn more about what Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and boomers are looking for in their appliances.
Smart Features
It may not come as a surprise that younger generations tend to prioritize smart features.
“Millennials actually have the highest smart appliance purchase rate across all generations in the last year, while both Gen Z and Gen X also over-index their fair share of the smart/connected market,” Shotwell said.
In fact, 75%1 of millennials — who make up the largest share of today’s home buyers — reported that smart home technology is a priority. Smart appliances that incorporate smart features can integrate seamlessly with smart home systems like Matter and help to make life at home easier.
Smart laundry appliances, such as the Whirlpool® 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Front Load ENERGY STAR® Washer with the FreshFlow™ Vent System, can be easily managed through a smartphone via the Whirlpool® App. Users can start, pause, track progress, and receive notifications all through their phone. Plus, it has AI Intelligent Wash technology that uses sensors to optimize settings for each load.
Moving into the kitchen, the KitchenAid® Multifunction Over-the-Range Oven with Infrared Sensor Modes not only has highly sought-after air fry and toaster oven features, it's also equipped with smart features to make mealtime a breeze. Remotely preheat, monitor, and control the microwave oven with the KitchenAid™ App or with simple voice commands through a Google Assistant or Alexa-enabled device, leaving hands free to create.
Design & Aesthetics
When it comes to design, younger generations are more likely to place emphasis on what their appliance looks like. “The importance of product design and aesthetics is higher for younger appliance purchasers."
"For Gen Z in particular, product appearance is the most important brand purchase driver,” Shotwell said.
Functionality isn't the only thing younger buyers are looking for; they want products that look great and fit their style, too.
You can enhance the design of any kitchen for this up-and-coming home buying generation with a pop of color. The KitchenAid® 30" Smart Commercial-Style Gas Range with 4 Burners comes in a range of stunning colors to match any color palette, from bright passion red to neutral avocado cream. It doesn’t skimp on functionality either — it also features two versatile 20,000 BTU Ultra Power™ Dual-Flame Burners with the power and precision needed to successfully sear, simmer, stir-fry, and sauté.
For those who crave a taste of luxury in their home, explore leather panels from JennAir, such as Carbon 30" Cuts By JennAir Leather Panel or 24" Mystic Limited Edition Cuts Leather Panel. The authentic Italian leather in rich black or opalescent azure-green pairs perfectly with warm and cool metals like brass and silver and rich, dark woods.
Purpose-Driven Features
Despite having a range of preferences, there is one thing all generations agree on: About 60%2 of each generation say that appliances have too many features they don’t need. Hence the need for purposeful innovation.
Home buyers don't want more features for the sake of more features — they want carefully designed features that cater to their specific needs.
Purposeful innovation is at the forefront of what Whirlpool Corporation does, using consumer research to develop products that will solve real problems at home. Take the Maytag® Smart Pet Pro Front Load Washer and dryer pair for example. In a study, Maytag found that 59%3 of pet owners agree that shedding pet hair is a problem, and 57%4 are spending more time and energy cleaning up pet hair than they want to — which is why the Maytag Pet Pro system was designed.
The Pet Pro Option in the washer uses additional water and a deep rinse to lift pet hair with help from the built-in Pet Pro Filter, removing pet hair from clothes for a clean you can see.5 In the dryer, the Pet Pro Option captures pet hair in the lint trap from clothes by using the combined actions of reduced heat, extended cycle time, and moisture sensors that detect when a spray of water is needed.
To learn more about Whirlpool Corporation’s newest innovations, check out our Product Showcase page.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
1 Green Builder COGNITION Smart Data Report
2 MRI-Simmons
3 Data from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Maytag from July 26 to August 2, 2022, with a panel of 2,000 dog and cat owners.
4 Data from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Maytag from July 26 to August 2, 2022, with a panel of 2,000 dog and cat owners.
5 Results vary by load size and pet hair type.
6 Not available on select cycles, including Normal. For optimal performance, connect the dryer to a water line.
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PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE
® Carbon 30" Cuts By JennAir Leather Panel
® KitchenAid® 30'' Smart Commercial-Style Gas Range with 4 Burners
® Multifunction Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Infrared Sensor Modes