Samsung Electronics has officially confirmed that CES 2026 will be the stage for its next wave of Bespoke AI kitchen appliances. The company is clearly leaning deeper into artificial intelligence this time, especially with its expanded partnership with Google Cloud. At the center of this announcement is the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, now powered by Google Gemini, which aims to change how food recognition works inside the kitchen. Alongside this, Samsung plans to introduce a new AI Wine Cellar and refreshed cooking appliances that place as much emphasis on software intelligence as they do on physical design.
Taken together, the 2026 lineup feels more intentional than previous updates. It is not just about adding features for the sake of it, but about refining everyday kitchen tasks that people repeatedly struggle with, such as tracking food, managing space, and keeping cooking areas clean.
Key Takeaways
- Google Gemini Integration: Samsung is integrating Google Gemini into its Bespoke AI refrigerators to significantly improve food recognition accuracy.
- Advanced AI Vision: The system can now identify processed foods and items stored in personal containers, without requiring manual input.
- Bespoke AI Wine Cellar: A new wine-focused appliance uses cameras to track labels and recommend food pairings.
- DualVent Microwave: Updated over-the-range microwaves feature a front ventilation wing designed to better capture smoke from front burners.
- Unified Design: The 2026 lineup focuses on a cohesive stainless steel look with reduced depths for a more built-in appearance.
Smarter Food Tracking with Google Gemini
The most notable upgrade in the 2026 Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub is the introduction of Google Gemini. Earlier generations of Samsung’s AI Vision system were limited to recognizing around 37 types of fresh produce and roughly 50 packaged food items. That limitation has now been lifted.
With Gemini handling image understanding, the refrigerator can identify a much wider range of processed foods. It can also read printed or handwritten labels on personal containers, which feels like a small change on paper but could make a real difference in daily use. I think this addresses one of the most common pain points people had with smart fridges, where manual entry often felt tedious enough to ignore altogether.
As items are placed inside the fridge, the AI Vision system automatically logs them into a digital food list. This information syncs with the SmartThings app, allowing users to track expiry dates and receive recipe suggestions based on what is actually available. In theory, this should reduce food waste, although how well it performs in busy households will likely depend on real-world accuracy.
New Bespoke AI Wine Cellar Features
Samsung is extending its AI Vision technology beyond refrigerators with the introduction of the Bespoke AI Wine Cellar. A built-in camera located at the top of the unit scans wine bottle labels as they are stored. The system records exactly where each bottle is placed, down to the specific shelf and compartment.
Through the AI Wine Manager in the SmartThings app, users can view their full wine inventory remotely. The system provides details such as wine type and vintage, and it also suggests food pairings based on the selected bottle. This feels particularly targeted at enthusiasts who want organization without having to manually catalog everything themselves. It may not replace expert advice, but it adds a layer of convenience that was not previously available in home wine storage.
Redesigned Cooking and Ventilation
Samsung is also refreshing its cooking appliances for 2026, including slide-in ranges and over-the-range microwaves. The slide-in range features a cleaner stainless steel finish, a bar-style handle, and a Precision Knob designed to improve safety and control. These changes are subtle, but they suggest Samsung is paying attention to how people physically interact with their appliances.
The DualVent over-the-range microwave addresses a long-standing issue in many kitchens. Traditional ventilation systems often fail to capture smoke and steam coming from the front burners of a stove. Samsung’s solution is a front ventilation wing that extends outward, increasing the area where air is drawn in. According to the company, this allows the microwave hood to capture more smoke than previous designs, which could make a noticeable difference during everyday cooking.
Space-Saving Refrigerator Design
Another highlight of the 2026 lineup is the Bespoke AI 3-Door French Door refrigerator, which appears to be designed with compact kitchens in mind. This model offers a zero clearance fit, allowing installation with side gaps as small as 4mm. Samsung has also reduced the door depth by 50mm compared to earlier versions.
These adjustments make it easier to fully open doors and access drawers in tighter spaces, something that is especially relevant in modern Indian kitchens where layout constraints are common. The AutoView transparent door lets users see inside the refrigerator without opening it, which can help reduce unnecessary energy loss. It is a simple idea, but one that feels practical rather than flashy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Samsung AI Vision?
A1: AI Vision is a camera-based system used in Samsung appliances to identify food items through deep learning. In 2026, it is powered by Google Gemini, allowing it to recognize a broader range of foods, including those stored in non-standard containers.
Q2: How does Google Gemini help in a refrigerator?
Google Gemini enhances image understanding, enabling the refrigerator to recognize brand packaging and read labels on boxes or containers. This improves the accuracy of the food inventory without requiring manual input from users.
Q3: Can the new wine cellar suggest food pairings?
A3: Yes. Using the SmartThings AI Wine Manager, the system identifies stored wines and recommends food pairings based on its internal database.
Q4: What makes the DualVent microwave different from standard models?
A4: Standard over-the-range microwaves often miss smoke from the front burners. The DualVent design includes an additional front ventilation wing to capture more air and improve overall kitchen cleanliness.
Q5: Will these appliances work with iPhones?
A5: Yes. All smart features operate through the SmartThings app, which is available on both Android and iOS. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
