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11 must-have refrigerator design trends in 2026
The refrigerator is the heart of your kitchen. It stores fresh and frozen ingredients, chills dough for your favorite baked recipes and keeps wine and other beverages crisp. If you’re shopping for a new refrigerator in 2026, knowing the trending features and styles can help you find the appliance that matches your kitchen design and the way you create. Explore this guide of must-have refrigerator trends to get started.
Refrigerator trends to look for this year
There are many different features, configurations and designs to choose from when you’re looking for a new refrigerator. Discover some of the trends to keep on your radar in 2026 with the list below.
1. Built-in refrigerators
Fully integrated design remains a trendy choice in modern kitchens. Keeping your kitchen appliances nearly flush with the surrounding cabinetry gives your space an open, airy feeling, reducing the appearance of clutter. Built-in refrigerators can give you the elevated look you want without sacrificing functionality.
Shop KitchenAid®built-in refrigerators
KitchenAid® built-in refrigerators are designed with a blend of style and purpose, and offer a premium look that can make a statement in your kitchen. Discover intentional storage and food prep zones—like the Under-Shelf Prep Zone and Sliding Storage Trays on select KitchenAid® refrigerators—that help you stay organized and make space for everything you create in the kitchen.
2. Humidity-controlled drawers
Refrigerators with functional features that may keep food fresh for longer will likely continue to trend in 2026. Humidity-controlled drawers have adjustable airflow, so you can expose food to different levels of humidity for optimal fresh storage.
You can store everything from leafy greens to your favorite fruits in the FreshSeal™ Humidity-Controlled Crisper Bins on select KitchenAid® refrigerators, which help keep ingredients fresh thanks to FreshSeal™ gaskets that keep humidity locked in.
3. Fingerprint-resistant surfaces
Since a stainless steel finish continues to remain a classic choice, fingerprint-resistant versions of this sleek finish are rising in popularity. These surfaces are coated in an easy-to-clean finish that helps turn smudges and smears into a problem of the past.
KitchenAid® refrigerators with the PrintShield® Finish resist smudges and fingerprints due to the specialized coating that makes cleanup easy. All you have to do is wipe your refrigerator down with water and a soft cloth to help restore its shiny, buffed appearance.
4. LED lighting
Not only does LED lighting throughout the refrigerator and crisper drawers give your appliance a sleek and modern look, it also increases visibility. This can make it easier to reach for your favorite ingredients and help prevent items from getting lost in the shuffle.
Plus, LED lights are up to 90% more energy efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs, so you can reduce your carbon footprint while gaining more light inside your appliance. Select KitchenAid® refrigerators come with LED Lighting that gradually increases to full intensity, making it easy to find items.
5. Panel-ready appliances
Like built-in refrigerators, panel-ready appliances are likely to continue in popularity in 2026. Panel-ready refrigerators are made to be covered with a custom cabinet door rather than a more traditional black, white or stainless steel finish. This helps the appliance blend in with the rest of your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a seamless and elevated feel.
6. Multi-door configurations
Multi-door refrigerators offer an elegant appeal as well as additional storage options. French door, 4-door and 5-door configurations continue to maintain their popularity as 2026 approaches. These refrigerators generally offer plenty of refrigeration and freezer space, with some models featuring additional temperature-controlled zones, which helps make food preparation and storage easy.
Shop KitchenAid®French door refrigerators
KitchenAid® French door refrigerators help keep ingredients at their flavorful best, with spacious fridge space with room for wide items above and a handy freezer drawer below, so there’s less bending down to reach your fresh ingredients. FreshSeal™ Humidity-Controlled Crisper Bins on select KitchenAid® models help keep ingredients fresh, thanks to FreshSeal™ gaskets that keep humidity locked in. For added convenience in your daily routines, Max Cool on select KitchenAid® refrigerators helps quickly chill recently loaded groceries by setting the refrigerator compartment to the lowest temperature level for up to 24 hours.
7. Quality ice makers
Though refrigerators with built-in ice makers aren’t a new concept, the trend for 2026 includes in-door ice makers that produce quality ice much more quickly, as well as refrigerators that create and store large quantities of ice. Some refrigerators, like this KitchenAid® French door model, include a Freezer Ice Maker that can store up to 7 lbs of ice and make up to 3+ lbs of new ice per day, so you can have ice on hand whenever you need it.
8. Additional storage
Incorporating an undercounter refrigerator, wine cellar or beverage center can add a polished touch to your kitchen. Additional refrigeration space allows you to keep appetizers, beverages or wine centralized in one location so guests can easily refill their glasses without having to rely on the full household refrigerator.
Shop KitchenAid®undercounter refrigerators
KitchenAid brand offers a selection of undercounter refrigeration options that can turn almost any area of your home into an entertainment space. The Temperature Monitoring System on select KitchenAid® models uses sensors to monitor temperatures inside the refrigerator for added peace of mind. If the system detects temperatures above 45°F for more than 4 hours, an over-temp alarm and indicator light will alert you that service is needed. Plus, the Fully Flush Installation with Hidden Hinges on select KitchenAid® undercounter refrigerators provides a built-in look within a standard 24" base cabinet, so your style stands out, not the appliance.
9. Customization
Today’s refrigerators go beyond function, with some offering customizable accents, handles, colors or panels that bring a cohesive aesthetic to your kitchen and spark fresh inspiration. Select KitchenAid® refrigerators, for instance, can be personalized with optional KitchenAid® Hardware Accessory Kits in Brass, Stainless Steel, Bronze and Black Ore.
“KitchenAid brand now offers new, easily interchangeable handle and knob options (different options available, depending on the appliance), allowing you to refresh your kitchen’s look effortlessly and affordably, without the need to replace all of your appliances,” says Whirlpool Product Marketing Senior Manager Joao Wiese.
10. Color
Today’s refrigerators still celebrate the timeless appeal of stainless steel, but can also come in a range of new colors and finishes that blend bold texture with enduring style. Select KitchenAid® refrigerators are available in classic stainless and black stainless, as well as striking hues like Juniper and Black Ore, helping your kitchen stand out as much as the meals you craft within it.
“KitchenAid brand is making its debut in the customizable appliance market with two new color options: Juniper, a rich deep green, and Black Ore, a sleek metallic black,” Wiese says. “Now you can bring even more of that color into your kitchen.”
11. Cooling systems and features
While every refrigerator is unique, today’s trending models use uniquely designed cooling technologies to help keep beverages crisp, ingredients fresh and dishes stored at their ideal temperature. The Preserva® Food Care System on select KitchenAid® refrigerators, for instance, helps keep ingredients fresh and flavorful. This single evaporator system uses sensors to continually monitor temperature levels in both the refrigerator and freezer and adapts the flow of cold air between them to maintain optimal temperatures throughout.
What refrigerator colors are trending?
Stainless steel will likely continue to be popular in kitchens in 2026. The classic look and ability to seamlessly complement a variety of wood tones and design aesthetics make it an easy choice that eclipses appliance trends with timeless style.
Traditional stainless steel can elevate and brighten your kitchen, while black stainless steel makes more of a bold statement. With select KitchenAid® refrigerators, you can opt for the easy-to-clean PrintShield® Finish on stainless and black stainless steel so you can focus less on cleanup and more on creating your next spread. Or, incorporate hues like Juniper and Black Ore, available on select KitchenAid® refrigerators, that can breathe life into your space.
What is the color of the year for kitchens?
Kitchen colors circling the trend forecast include bold shades like rich green, dusty orange and deep blue—and your refrigerator finish can enhance your new kitchen color scheme. Stainless steel reflects light to help brighten the room, while black finishes can enrich the color scheme to create depth, and nature-inspired neutrals like Juniper—on select KitchenAid® refrigerators—offer a lush, satin metallic finish for an elevated aesthetic.
What refrigerator types and styles are trending?
French door refrigerator configurations continue to be a popular appliance choice going into 2026, thanks to their large capacity, easy access and contemporary design. French door refrigerators are easy to organize, so your most-used ingredients are easy to reach.
However, 4 and 5-door styles seem to be gaining traction due to their extra storage, unique design and versatility. These refrigerators often offer additional or unique refrigerated and frozen sections, so you can stock up on fresh produce at the farmer's market and store large dishes you make ahead of your next get-together.
Shop KitchenAid®multi-door refrigerators
KitchenAid® multi-door refrigerators help put your food in sight and within reach, with soft close pantry doors on select models that provide even more convenience. The Flexible Temperature Zone on select KitchenAid® models allows you to turn your right-hand freezer into a fridge at the touch of a button, while the Removable Beverage Caddy on select KitchenAid® refrigerators allows you to store and serve 6 standard wine bottles or cold drinks at the optimal temperature.
Top refrigerator features in 2026
From thoughtfully designed cooling systems and temperature-controlled zones to convenient lighting and unique storage spaces, learn more about some of the top refrigerator features below.
Temperature-controlled zones: Some refrigerators include temperature-controlled zones that let you fine-tune conditions for meats, produce, and beverages, helping every ingredient stay at its chilly best. The FreshChill™ Temperature-Controlled Full-Width Pantry Drawer on select KitchenAid® refrigerators, for instance, makes it easy to customize storage temperatures for different types of ingredients, helping to maintain freshness.
In-door ice makers: Conveniently placed ice makers can help save space while producing a steady supply of uniform cubes, ideal for everything from evening cocktails to morning smoothies. Select KitchenAid® refrigerators offer Large Capacity Ice Storage that holds up to 4 lbs of ice and creates an extra half shelf of storage space.
LED lighting: Illuminating shelves and drawers, LED Lighting can transform how you see and access your ingredients. The Ultra-Bright LED Lighting on select KitchenAid® refrigerators turns on when the refrigerator or freezer door is open, making it easy to find items inside.
Panel-ready finishes: Achieve a seamless, built-in aesthetic that creates a unified look across your cabinetry and appliances with a panel-ready refrigerator, like these models offered by KitchenAid brand.
Specialized storage zones: Some refrigerators are designed with purposeful spaces for every ingredient, making organization effortless and ingredients easy to find. For example, keep serving platters and ingredients easily accessible with the Wood-Look Sliding Storage Tray—available on select KitchenAid® models—that removes fully for easy cleaning.
How to choose the best refrigerator for you
The best refrigerator for you is the one with features and design that matches your needs, style and the way you create. Consider your kitchen’s size to determine proper refrigerator dimensions, aesthetic and layout, as well as the functions that matter to you.
Get more help choosing the best refrigerator for you with a refrigerator buying guide.
Explore KitchenAid®refrigerators
Whether you choose a built-in or freestanding, French door or side-by-side refrigerator, KitchenAid brand has the refrigeration options you need to turn your kitchen into a creative oasis. Browse select KitchenAid® refrigerators with features like Humidity-Controlled Crispers, the Preserva® Food Care System that helps keep ingredients fresh and flavorful, or the Under-Shelf Prep Zone, ideal for marinating meats or chilling doughs.
