The beloved kettle could soon be a thing of the past, according to new research suggesting that Gen Z will drive the disappearance of traditional kitchen appliances over the next 50 years
A study commissioned by home retailer Wickes and developed in collaboration with Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan, a design historian at the University of Portsmouth, paints a futuristic picture of the “kitchen of 2075” — one shaped by sustainability, digital living, and minimalist design.
Professor Sugg Ryan explained that “the kitchen has always been a mirror of the times – from the post-war prefab kitchen to today’s open-plan living spaces.” She predicts that “by 2075, the kitchen will be a multifunctional hub that reflects Gen Z’s values – sustainability, wellness, and digital connectivity.”
The End of the Kettle and the Rise of Smart Design
Wickes’ survey of 2,011 adults, including 1,010 aged 18–27, found that 24% of Gen Z respondents believe the kettle will be obsolete by 2075, while 20% predict the same for bulky fridges and freezers. Instead, future homes will feature sleek, multi-functional units hidden behind handleless cabinetry that open via touch or voice command.
Hot water will flow instantly from touch-enabled taps, eliminating the need to boil a kettle, while large ovens and microwaves — once kitchen staples — may also vanish. 23% of Gen Z foresee these appliances being replaced by AI-powered cooking systems that integrate seamlessly into the modern home.
The Kitchen as a Digital and Sustainable Hub
According to the report, the kitchen of 2075 will include:
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AI chefs and nutrition planners on holographic or ultra-thin displays to guide cooking and handle grocery shopping
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Hydroponic gardens growing fresh herbs and greens without soil
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Zero-waste systems, such as worktop-integrated waste-to-energy chutes converting scraps into power
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Clutter-free “appliance garages” with hidden multi-use tools
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Content creation zones with built-in ring lights and camera mounts for cooking videos or live streams
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Mood-responsive LED lighting powered by solar panels
A wall-embedded camera will automatically record TikTok-ready cooking videos, while an AI-powered cooker will combine air-fryer and convection functions to ensure perfect results every time.
Meanwhile, a hydroponic garden beneath the counter will provide easy access to herbs in optimal growing conditions, and a waste-to-energy system will recycle food scraps into heat and electricity.
From Robo-Butlers to 3D Food Printers
As AI and robotics continue to evolve, experts even predict the arrival of C-3PO-style robo butlers to assist with daily kitchen tasks.
“By 2075, the kitchen won’t just be where we cook – it will be the smartest room in the house,” said Dan Ferrari, Head of Kitchens at Wickes. “Hidden appliances, self-cleaning surfaces and AI chefs will take care of the hard work, while modular layouts and mood-responsive lighting will adapt in seconds to whatever the day brings. For Gen Z, the kitchen of the future is effortless, sustainable and always ready for its close-up.”
Another emerging innovation is the 3D food printer, expected to become as common as an oven by the 2030s. Lynette Kucsma, co-founder of Natural Machines, believes these devices will revolutionize home cooking. “Rather than be over-reliant on packaged, processed foods, people can personalise their meals, eat more healthily, improve kitchen efficiency, and lower food waste,” she said.
