1. Washing and Drying Machines

In this category, the term "artificial intelligence" has been mentioned more frequently lately, and the word AI is often highlighted directly in the model's name or key technology. A prime example is the series of washing and drying machines Samsung Bespoke. The company emphasizes several key technologies:

  • AI Wash — This is a system that determines the load weight, fabric type, and dirtiness, and based on that, recommends optimal cycle parameters (water level, wash intensity, time, rinsing). Formally, it is indeed an intelligent system: it analyzes data from multiple sensors and selects the optimal scenario. Practically, most such decisions are based on preset algorithms and matching tables.
  • AI Energy Mode — A mode that evaluates energy consumption through the SmartThings app and attempts to optimize it to reduce costs.
  • AI Home — A central interface with a display offering recommendations, personalized cycle advice, and wash reports.

A similar situation exists with LG's AI DD technology. According to the manufacturer, the system analyzes not only the weight but also the fabric's softness, selecting the optimal drum movement algorithm to minimize clothing wear. Marketing materials mention "deep learning" and analysis of vast data sets on fabric types. In reality, the machine relies on load and rotation resistance sensors to determine the density and structure of laundry, then selects from preset motion profiles.

Modern washing machines offer an intelligent wash function,
where the system determines the load weight, fabric type, and dirtiness to select the optimal cycle parameters.

Other manufacturers often use the term “intelligent washing” for such systems. Another common feature is automatic dosing, like i-DOS in Bosch models. In this case, the appliance independently calculates the necessary amount of detergent based on parameters like fabric type, load weight, water hardness, etc. It is convenient: the user only needs to periodically refill the detergent tray, and the machine will dose it for each wash. However, there is no real artificial intelligence involved here.

Even further from real AI is the AI diagnostics technology offered by many manufacturers. Essentially, it's a monitoring of drum imbalance and basic error analysis, repackaged in an appealing name.

As for dryers, AI is most often associated with more accurate determination of residual moisture and automatic adjustment of drying time. Some manufacturers also add the capability to synchronize the dryer with the washing machine, where the dryer receives data about the fabric type after washing and automatically suggests an appropriate mode. In any case, the foundation here is sensors and data processing algorithms, not autonomous learning during operation.

Conclusion: all the above features are indeed useful, simplifying use, improving washing and drying quality, and saving water, electricity, and detergents. However, in most cases, it's not about a "thinking" machine, but rather a more complex system of sensors and software algorithms.
Popular Washing Machines

2. Dishwashers

Dishwashers do not exploit the AI theme as actively, often focusing on smart sensors, applications, and automation. Though some brands directly mention the presence of artificial intelligence in names and specifications. For instance, the Samsung AI Wash system determines the degree of dish dirtiness and automatically adjusts water temperature, cycle duration, and the number of rinses, aiming to optimize the process for a specific load. In practice, this is a common automatic mode, where the machine, using optical turbidity sensors, analyzes how dirty the water is after a preliminary rinse and, based on this, adjusts the program's intensity and duration, water volume, and electricity consumption.

Conclusion: The feature truly works and saves resources by reducing cycle time when cleaning lightly soiled dishes and, conversely, increasing wash intensity if there are many heavily soiled dishes. However, this too, strictly speaking, is adaptive automation rather than AI.

The main "smart" feature in dishwashers is automatically determining
the degree of water contamination using optical turbidity sensors.
Popular Dishwashers

3. Vacuum Cleaners

Robot vacuums are perhaps the most convincing category of devices where the use of AI truly changes product quality. Firstly, it is used for navigation and mapping. Gadgets process data from LiDARs or cameras in real-time and make trajectory decisions, applying neural network algorithms to build room maps, plan routes, and adapt to changing environments. As a result, the vacuum moves thoughtfully, not chaotically, precisely following the route, avoiding obstacles, and not wasting battery charge unnecessarily. Secondly, advanced models come equipped with an AI camera, allowing them to see obstacles (wires, socks, children's toys) and avoid them rather than get stuck, recognize pets to avoid disturbing them during cleaning, and identify dirty areas, automatically increasing suction power in those zones. Additionally, the camera may help recognize the type of flooring to adjust suction power.

AI in robot vacuums is used for navigation, recognizing obstacles, and identifying dirt.

An interesting example of AI application is the flagship robot vacuum Roborock Saros Z70. Its main feature is a robotic arm that "sees" objects on the floor and manages them autonomously, using the camera, sensors, and AI. The system is pre-programmed to identify 108 object types, but users can designate up to 50 new ones in the app to teach the robot and expand its capabilities.

Vacuum cleaner with robotic arm Roborock Saros Z70.

By the way, upright vacuums also often have dirt sensors that recognize the degree of dirtiness on a surface and automatically adjust the power based on it. Usually, manufacturers position this as an intelligent mode rather than AI capabilities.

Conclusion: In this case, AI is not a marketing gimmick but a real technology that makes cleaning more effective.
Popular Vacuum Cleaners

4. Refrigerators

One might wonder why a refrigerator would need artificial intelligence. But some companies assure customers that it's necessary. When talking about intelligent compressor management, temperature and humidity control in different zones, adapting cooling modes to camera load — all these genuinely improve product preservation and reduce energy consumption. Such systems are found in mid to high-end models. For example, in Samsung refrigerators, AI Hybrid Cooling technology predicts temperature changes and adjusts modes using an inverter compressor for more stable temperature and smaller fluctuations inside the compartment. However, in most cases, this is a combination of sensors, signal processing logic, and pre-defined algorithms, enabling the refrigerator's state analysis and operating optimization within specified scenarios.

A separate category is premium refrigerators like Samsung Family Hub and LG InstaView, equipped with large displays and cameras. Press releases claim that models with integrated AI features can recognize products inside, alert to expiry dates, suggest recipes from available ingredients, and even create shopping lists. It looks and sounds interesting, but in practice, important nuances emerge. Product recognition demands good visibility and proper placement, expiry dates often need to be input manually, and repairing the screen on a refrigerator door in case of damage is very costly.

AI-equipped refrigerators, according to manufacturers, can recognize products inside,
alert to expiry dates, suggest recipes, and create shopping lists.
Conclusion: Basic "smart" climate control is undoubtedly a plus, though it is only slightly related to AI. Meanwhile, refrigerators with displays, cameras, and AI look intriguing but are more like expensive toys for entertainment.
Popular Refrigerators

5. Ovens

In the segment of ovens, the term "artificial intelligence" is encountered infrequently, but it does appear. In Samsung appliances with the AI Pro Cooking function, the built-in camera recognizes food and dishes (chicken, pizza, casserole), then the system automatically selects settings. Additionally, the camera allows remote monitoring of the cooking process via a mobile app and recording videos of the process for personal archives or a blog. The minus is the price: ovens with such systems are noticeably more expensive than regular ones.

Ovens from Samsung with AI Pro Cooking function can recognize food and dishes using the built-in camera,
automatically selecting optimal settings for them.

Other manufacturers also have similar features, however, they are often not marketed under the "AI" label. For instance, the PerfectBake sensor in Bosch ovens measures the intensity of steam inside the chamber and independently determines the baking readiness without a timer. This makes the baking better since the temperature and time are tailored to the product's actual condition rather than average recipe recommendations. The temperature probe Bosch PerfectRoast monitors the temperature inside a piece of meat and automatically ends the cycle once the desired doneness is achieved. Again, this is a result of sensors and automation, not something the brand tries to market as exclusive and innovative.

Conclusion: Such features do simplify cooking and reduce the risk of burnt or undercooked dishes, but whether it's worth paying extra for them is the buyer's decision.
Popular Ovens

6. Coffee Machines

In the coffee machine segment, the concept of artificial intelligence is practically unused, though there are intelligent features that prove genuinely beneficial, especially for demanding users.

Chief among them is an algorithm that picks grind, dosage, and temperature settings per specific bean variety. It's crucial, as different beans require various grinds for optimal extraction, and doing it manually is a task for a barista, not an average user. Additionally, advanced models feature user profile systems that memorize strength, volume, and temperature preferences. One button press gives each user "their" coffee. From a technical standpoint, it's extended setting memory, but marketing materials often mention "personalization" and "intelligent tuning". Another interesting option is voice assistant integration.

Some Bosch models with Home Connect support voice commands, including integration with Alexa or Google Assistant.

Conclusion: This is a representative example of how brands add genuinely useful features but don't try to market them with trendy terms.

Smart coffee machines can adjust settings for specific bean types, memorize user preferences,
and even support working with voice assistants.
Popular Coffee Machines

7. Small Kitchen Appliances

Blenders, microwaves, grills, multicookers — this category uses the "Smart" label most liberally. Fortunately, brands seldomly use the "artificial intelligence" phrasing since these appliances don't have much room for maneuver: their tasks are predictable, usage scenarios are limited, and most "smart" functions are easily achieved with standard electronics and pre-set algorithms. For instance, "smart" blenders often offer basic automated programs, microwaves might have moisture sensors adjusting the heating time and power, and grills feature a simple pressure sensor to determine steak thickness and select an autoprogram.

Nonetheless, pioneer products with more advanced capabilities do exist. For example, the smart grill Brisk It’s Origin employs generative artificial intelligence as a steak cooking assistant: it autonomously regulates temperature, manages fuel, and memorizes user preferences. As you might have guessed, its cost is high (about $850), and it is not particularly popular.

Grill with artificial intelligence Origin-580 automatically adjusts temperature,
manages fuel, and memorizes user preferences.
Conclusion: If you see the "AI" or "Smart" label — chances are, someone is trying to charge you for inefficient and often unnecessary features.

8. Hair Dryers

Hairdryer and styler manufacturers rarely use the term "artificial intelligence", but in the premium segment, the technology intelligent temperature control is quite common. In practice, it's about adaptive temperature control: sensors monitor the airflow temperature and prevent overheating, protecting the hair.

Conclusion: This is a truly useful feature that protects the hair from excessive heat and the detrimental effects of high temperatures. But it is high-quality automation — nothing more.

Many advanced hair dryers increasingly use intelligent temperature control.
Popular Hair Dryers and Stylers with Hair Temperature Sensor

9. Irons

It might seem that irons are the most conservative appliances, immune to fashion trends and AI capabilities because they do not need them. Nonetheless, there is an interesting exception — the Philips PerfectCare 9000 PSG 9050 model. The manufacturer calls it the only steam generator that knows exactly what you are ironing. Equipped with a camera integrated into its soleplate, during ironing, it uses AI to recognize the fabric type and consequently, automatically selects the optimal heating and steam parameters. The user doesn't need to decipher clothing labels, sort laundry, or switch modes — the iron handles it all. The obvious downside is the cost — equivalent to about ten ordinary irons without a camera and AI.

The Philips PerfectCare 9000 PSG 9050 iron uses a built-in camera and AI to recognize fabric types
and automatically selects the optimal temperature and steam settings.
Popular Irons

10. Conclusion

In summary, AI in home appliances is not a myth, but neither is it what marketers portray. It is effective and genuinely needed in only a few devices, while in most cases, the term hides sensors, adaptive algorithms, and pre-installed programs that operate according to pre-enclosed rules. Therefore, before purchasing, it's crucial to think carefully: what tasks does the AI perform? Are these functions useful to you specifically? And is it worth it to pay extra for all of this?