# History of Appliance Innovation

- Link: https://wpvip-analyst-demo.dev/innovation/innovation-history/
- Published: 2026-10-27T14:33:56+00:00
- Author: Travis Ralph

![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ikiuocf6r8/product_images/uploaded_images/america-
2.jpg)

Innovation

# History of Appliance Innovation

More than a century of firsts, from the first electric range to the connected kitchen.

[Present-2000](https://wpvip-analyst-demo.dev/innovation/innovation-history/#era-2000)

[1999-1990](https://wpvip-analyst-demo.dev/innovation/innovation-history/#era-1990)

[1989-1970](https://wpvip-analyst-demo.dev/innovation/innovation-history/#era-1970)

[1969-1950](https://wpvip-analyst-demo.dev/innovation/innovation-history/#era-1950)

[1949-1900](https://wpvip-analyst-demo.dev/innovation/innovation-history/#era-1900)

## Present-2000

### 2025

Smart hybrid heat pump water heater, up to 4.7 times more efficient than standard
electric heaters, with flexible capacity for up to 60 percent more hot water. Named
Smart Appliance Company of the Year.

### 2024

First Spanish-language washer for U.S. customers, a tactile sticker kit for blind
and low-vision users, and a smart indoor smoker with active smoke filtration.

### 2020 to 2023

Ventless heat pump combo laundry, built-in voice assistant on a top-load washer,
antimicrobial dishwashers, over-the-air updates that add cooking modes to existing
appliances, and a kitchen hub with an in-oven camera.

### 2014 to 2019

Launch of the co-creation community and microfactory, nugget ice maker, induction
cooktop, customizable premium finishes, and the first appliances to connect directly
with leading voice assistants.

### 2000 to 2013

Hybrid heat pump water heater, the first washer that talks to the dryer, advanced
water filtration, and the first ENERGY STAR-qualified electric heat pump model.

## 1999-1990

**1999.** Stainless steel lineup and the first speed-cooking ovens. **1997.** Concept
appliances including a web-enabled refrigerator. **1995.** First auto-sensing smart
dishwasher. **1992.** Integrated appliance line. **1990.** White-on-white design.

## 1989-1970

**1987.** Premium built-in line. **1981.** Customer answer center opens. **1978.**
Over-the-range microwave. **1977.** Microprocessor cooking controls. **1974.** Molded
thermoplastic dishwasher tub. **1973.** Dispensing wash system. **1971.** Portable
air conditioner.

## 1969-1950

**1969.** Through-the-door ice and water dispenser. **1963.** First self-cleaning
oven. **1962.** Foam-insulated refrigerator. **1958.** Electric can opener. **1955.**
Mix-or-match appliance colors. **1954.** Portable dishwasher. **1950.** Major appliance
division moves to Louisville.

## 1949-1900

**1947.** Two-door refrigerator-freezer and fully automatic washer. **1935.** Food
waste disposer. **1930.** Room air conditioner. **1927.** The Monitor Top refrigerator.**
1925.** Hermetically sealed home refrigerator. **1907.** Full line of heating and
cooking devices. **1904.** First electric range.