Your home, only smarter: the next-gen tech that can transform your daily routine
Time-saving, problem-solving and seriously clever
Smart home appliances are getting, well, smarter. You’ve probably already come across features such as app control, activation timers and voice-enabled AI assistants – now part of everyday life for almost a third of Brits. But the latest generation of intelligent appliances goes far beyond the basics, helping to future-proof homes, streamline family life and make everyday living easier and more efficient. So which are worth investing in? Here are our top picks to elevate the way you live in 2026. Snap them up at ao.com – the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer.
Blueair Blue Max 3250i 110085 Air Purifier
If you haven’t yet added an air purifier to your home, this might just be the year to do it. The new Blue Max 3250i from Swedish brand Blueair is a sleek, smart and powerful option that helps keep your air fresh and healthy. Designed for room sizes up to 48 square metres, it quietly captures dust, pollen, smoke and pet dander, while automatically monitoring air quality and adjusting its fan speed during dips to maintain optimal conditions. You can even track its performance and check when your filter needs changing through the easy-to-use app – perfect for keeping your home feeling clean, calm and comfortable. What’s more, its stylish design will fit seamlessly into any interiors scheme.
Many of us start the New Year aspiring to keep a neater home – and a robotic vacuum cleaner is a brilliant low-lift solution. But if you don’t want to spend hours fiddling with settings and floor-mapping, consider an intelligent AI-powered option, such as the Dreame L40s Pro. This all-in-one vacuum and mop brings together the best advancements in automated floor-cleaning tech. It uses an AI-assisted camera to navigate safely and accurately, cleans its own mop pads, then self-empties into a chic-looking dock. Plus, AO’s Price Match Guarantee* means you won’t find it cheaper anywhere else.
*Terms and conditions apply
AEG 9000 ProAssist TK9NK821B Built In Combination Microwave Oven with Pyrolytic Cleaning
AEG 9000 ProAssist TK9NK821B Built In Combination Microwave Oven with Pyrolytic Cleaning
At face value, the AEG 9000 ProAssist is a fine-looking built-in microwave oven, but it’s what’s inside that really counts. Using an internal camera and AI system called ‘CamCook’, it identifies ingredients and recommends the perfect cooking settings. Over time, it even learns culinary preferences and go-to recipes, so every meal feels tailored to you. With intuitive touchscreen controls and a sophisticated aesthetic, it’s as stylish as it is smart. In short: whipping up your favourite dinners just got easier. Thanks to AO’s next-day delivery**, flexible time slots and expert installation, getting it set up is a doddle, too.
**Delivery charges, production exclusions and geographical exclusions apply
If laborious prep and complicated settings put you off making your own smoothies, fresh dips, sauces and dough, a hardworking appliance such as this Ninja blender might help get some go-to homemade dishes back on the menu. What really sets this blender apart is its smart Auto-iQ system, which offers three automatic blending programmes that adjust to different ingredients – from chunky pulses to silky pancake batter. The result? Perfectly smooth blends with minimal effort. It’s so impressive, it earned a top spot on the GHI list of the best blenders to buy right now.
LG WashTower AI Direct Drive WT1210BBTN1 Washer Dryer
LG WashTower AI Direct Drive WT1210BBTN1 Washer Dryer
Washing machines that automatically adjust their settings based on laundry weight don’t always consider fabric type. That’s where the space-saving LG WashTower Washer Dryer stands out. Its advanced AI Direct Drive technology detects fabric texture and softness, adjusting the drum’s movements to reduce damage by up to 18% – so your clothes look newer for longer. Take advantage of AO’s expert installation service to have it fitted seamlessly into your house in no time.
AO offers a wide selection of home appliances and tech – from vacuum cleaners and air fryers to washing machines and dishwashers – along with a range of ways to pay. Discover the latest smart appliances, customer reviews and smart-living tips at ao.com
The hidden signs of menopause
David Larbi's guide to thoughtful gifting
The supplement helping to streamline your morning
“I always knew I’d adopt a dog – but it took time”
5 reasons to fall in love with Alaska
5 escapes worth making time for this autumn
Three women on opening up their homes to strangers
The secrets of a truly welcoming home