(BPT) - Key takeaways:

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

Today's home cooks aren't satisfied with kitchen appliances that just cook food. They're looking for smart appliances with intuitive features that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep inherently more efficient.

This desire is 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. DualVent Technology that whisks away cooking fumes

Great meals can leave behind more than leftovers. Smoke, steam, grease and cooking odors can linger well after the plates are cleared. And with urban living, evolving work-from-home habits and growing health awareness influencing how people use their homes, there has been an uptick in demand for kitchen appliances that keep indoor air cleaner. To maintain healthier, fresher living spaces, more and more people are actively seeking ventilation and cooking technologies that minimize fumes.

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. Intelligent sensors that simplify cooking and perfect every dish

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. Flex Duo™ ovens that can divide and conquer

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. Auto Connectivity that keeps your kitchen in sync

Smart connectivity has become a must-have in modern kitchens, as consumers increasingly expect their appliances to work together as part of a connected home, rather than as standalone products. Demand for smart home integration is being fueled by features like smartphone connectivity, voice control, remote monitoring, personalized automation and energy management and optimization 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 and shop for smart kitchen appliance bundles, visit Samsung.com.

All photos courtesy of Samsung