How We Fixed the Holiday’s Most Divisive Dish

 More veggies, more flavor, and way less salt—this is green bean casserole done right.

It seems like every holiday season, every gathering is subjected to the "classic" green bean casserole. You know the thing - a giant dish of canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, sometimes bacon, usually fried onion... Always buckets of salt, and the same cloying, sticky mass lacking both flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

2 14-oz bags frozen Prince Charles vegetable blend

1 smoked sausage rope

1 yellow onion

5 ounces shredded cabbage

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus a little extra to grease the dish

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup low sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)

1 cup 2% milk

 salt and pepper, to taste

2 ounces shredded cheddar or Colby jack cheese (optional)

Tools:

Sauté pan with lid

Colander

Cutting board

Knife

Whisk

Tongs

Measuring cups and spoons

9x13 baking dish

The guys in particular are adamantly anti-green bean casserole. One (beloved) grandparent has made it the same Campbell's-approved way for FORTY FIVE YEARS. Dad won't even look at it any more, after a childhood of the siblings sneaking their portions onto his plate. The teen won't touch it, or any other canned vegetable, having been rather spoiled by a combination of hidden vegetables and as-fresh-as-possible at all other occasions. The rest of us look at it and kind of sigh internally, but will consume it in the name of family harmony. There are a few left in the family who truly enjoy it, but we feel it was long past time for a change. 

While it took us a while, we believe we have finally tackled the challenge of a non-standard green bean casserole. Something with visual impact, depth of flavor, and a variety of textures. And also a LOT less salt. Some of us are sensitive to it, after all. In short, we think we've devised something to put on the table next year that hopefully won't be ignored like the usual casserole. Try it on the in between so you have most of the year to make it yours, and you can really take the family by surprise next Thanksgiving.

The big difference maker in this is the fact we're using five vegetables instead of just the bland, mushy singular. Green beans are fantastic - but canned green beans are just sad. Fresh is always the best option, but in the names of frugality (out of season produce is expensive!), availability (does your grocery store have fresh wax beans? Ours doesn't) and convenience, we're opting to use frozen.

If you're not familiar with the Prince Charles blend of vegetables, it's just green beans, wax beans and carrots. We feel like the mix is normally a little light on the carrots, so we like to add in an extra handful of baby carrots. Whether or not you do the same is your choice.

As always, wash any produce that didn't make its way to you already washed, prepped and ready to eat.

Toss your green beans, wax beans and carrots into the sauté pan with just a little water (half a cup at most). Set the heat to medium, put the lid on the pan and let them steam for six to eight minutes.

While they steam, chop your onion, shred your cabbage and cut the rope sausage to whatever size pieces you prefer. In this case, larger chunks of sausage will not affect the cook time, since it's precooked. You can choose any flavor of smoked sausage, but we used the Hillshire Farm roasted garlic chicken sausage.

After you've steamed the vegetable mix, pour it all into the colander to get rid of the excess water, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. If you started with frozen like we did, it won't be cooked through, and this is a desirable outcome. We don't want mushy green beans after they've been baked - the whole point here was to flip the script on squishy, sad casserole - so we don't want them floppy before they've even made it to the oven.

Put the sauté pan back on the stove and flip the sausage, cabbage and onion into it. Add the garlic. Replace the lid and allow that to cook, covered, until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. When the onions are translucent and the cabbage has changed color, use tongs to transfer all of it into the mixing bowl with the beans and carrots. Stir to combine.

Preheat the oven to 350 and grease the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish. Pour the big mixing bowl of veggies into the baking dish and arrange them into an even layer. Add a little salt and pepper, if you so desire.

That same sauté pan, which probably would like to know when it gets a break by this point, needs to go back on the burner, still on medium. Melt the two tablespoons of butter and sift the flour into it, whisking it together to make a roux. As the color starts to deepen, add the smoked paprika, parsley and thyme. Continue to whisk to combine. Measure in your broth and milk, stirring constantly. Make sure to scrape sides and the bottom of the pan as you go, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Once your sauce has reached the desired consistency, pour it evenly over the vegetables and set that poor sauté pan down to cool (its work here is finally done for the day). Grate a thin layer of cheese over the top if desired, move the dish into the oven and allow it to bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

The holidays are all about tradition, but there’s nothing wrong with giving those traditions a little refresh—especially when it means bringing bold flavors and vibrant textures to the table. And just like a good holiday dish, your home’s appliances need a little care to keep everything running smoothly. Whether it’s a finicky oven or a fridge that’s working overtime, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Because the only thing that should be bubbling over this season is your excitement—not your appliances!

Website

Call   (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Berry Bliss: A Delectable Mixed-Berry Clafouti Recipe

Ladle Love: Wholesome Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Fall Comfort Food: How to Make Perfectly Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

5 Ways to Show Your Appliances Some Love (and Keep Them Running Longer!)

Keep Your Home Running Smoothly with These Simple TLC Tips

While your appliances may not be able to say "thank you," they do a lot to make your life easier. And just like any hardworking partner, they deserve a little appreciation! So why not return the favor? This week, we’re sharing five simple ways you can show some TLC to your appliances—because a little care today means a longer, smoother-running life for them (and fewer headaches for you).

1. Make Sure They're on the Level

In any good relationship, balance is key, including your relationship with your appliances! Ensuring that your appliances are properly leveled might not seem like a big deal, but it can greatly impact their performance and longevity.

Take your refrigerator, for example. If it's not level, you may notice that the door doesn’t close all the way, leading to cool air escaping and higher energy bills. You might also have issues with food and drinks sliding around on uneven shelves. For your washer and dryer, being uneven can cause excessive vibrations that rattle the machine. This leads to damage over time to the gears and motors. A wobbly washer can also "walk" itself out of position, pulling on hoses and a risk of leaks or flooding. And let’s not forget your oven—if it’s sitting at an angle, you could end up with unevenly cooked meals. 

The good news? Checking and leveling your appliances is a simple! Many appliances have adjustable feet that you can tweak to ensure they’re sitting evenly. If you’re unsure how to do this, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is happy to help!

2. A Descale Treatment Works Wonders

A relaxing spa treatment can leave you feeling refreshed—and your appliances can benefit from that kind of care. Over time, minerals from your water can build up inside appliances that rely on water flow. Your refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher are some examples. This buildup, commonly known as scale, can slow down water movement, clog hoses, and even cause parts to wear out prematurely. 

If you’ve ever noticed your washing machine taking longer to fill, your dishwasher not cleaning as well as it used to, or your refrigerator’s water dispenser running sluggishly, scale buildup could be the cause. Even if you don’t have hard water, mineral deposits still accumulate over time, making descaling an important part of routine appliance care.

Luckily, keeping buildup at bay is easy! Many appliances have specific descaling products designed for them, and running a cleaning cycle every few months can keep things running smoothly. If you're unsure where to start, a professional technician can help by performing a deep-clean descaling service to get everything back in top shape.

3. Help Them Get Organized

Love isn’t just about grand gestures—sometimes, it’s about the little things, like keeping things neat and organized. Your refrigerator, in particular, benefits from a little tidying up.

An overstuffed fridge isn’t just a hassle when you’re trying to find last night’s leftovers. It can also interfere with airflow, causing uneven cooling. Hot spots and cold spots can develop, leading to food spoiling too quickly or, in some cases, freezing when it shouldn’t. Plus, when your fridge has to work harder to maintain a steady temperature, it uses more energy, which can drive up your electricity bill.

To help your fridge function at its best, take some time to reorganize it:

Keep vents clear so air can circulate freely.

Group similar items together so you can find what you need easily.

Check expiration dates and remove anything past its prime.

Wipe down shelves regularly to keep things clean and fresh.

4. Give Them a Good Scrub

We all feel better after a nice, deep clean—and your appliances are no different! While regular wipe-downs help keep things looking tidy, every now and then, your appliances need a little extra attention to prevent buildup and ensure they keep running smoothly.

Your dishwasher, for example, can collect food particles, soap scum, and grease over time, which can clog filters and reduce its efficiency. Running a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner once a month helps remove grime and keeps it working properly.

Your washing machine also benefits from a good scrub. Dirt, detergent residue, and even mildew can accumulate inside, especially in front-loading machines. Running a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a vinegar solution helps keep unpleasant odors at bay and ensures your clothes come out fresh.

And don’t forget the outside of your appliances! Dust and grease can build up on refrigerator coils, stovetops, and even dryer vents. A quick wipe-down with warm, soapy water or a specialized cleaner can help keep things looking and working their best.

5. Treat Them to a Spa Day (a.k.a. a Maintenance Check)

You might not be able to send your appliances to a spa, but a maintenance check from a professional technician is the next best thing! Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

A trained technician can:

Check for signs of wear and tear before they turn into major problems.

Ensure all parts are functioning properly and efficiently.

Clean internal components to remove buildup and improve performance.

Make small adjustments that can extend the life of your appliances.

Think of it like a wellness check-up—your appliances might seem fine, but routine maintenance can catch minor issues before they become major headaches. Whether it’s a refrigerator that isn’t cooling quite like it used to or a dryer that’s taking longer than normal, a professional tune-up can keep everything in peak condition.

A little love goes a long way—especially when it comes to your appliances! Keeping them leveled, descaled, clean, and well-organized can make a big difference in their efficiency and lifespan. And when it’s time for a little extra care, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help! Whether you need a maintenance check, a repair, or just some expert advice, our technicians are ready to keep your home running smoothly.

So go ahead—show your appliances some love today! They’ll thank you with years of reliable service.

2025 Home Trends to Watch—And Maybe Avoid

These 2025 home trends may not be as practical as they seem.

We’ve spent a lot of time this month talking about trends, but now it’s time to take a step back and look at the other side of the coin. While innovation brings exciting new possibilities, not every trend is as practical as it seems at first glance. This week’s article isn’t about shooting down the latest and greatest—if you’re set on having the most up-to-date tech in your home, go for it! Instead, think of this as a friendly warning bell, highlighting the potential downsides so you can make informed decisions before jumping on the bandwagon.

Minimalism Takeover

“We’ll also see handles disappear from everything, so all it takes is a simple tap of your elbow to open a fridge or cupboard.”

That’s all well and good—until a) you lose power, or b) you have intelligent pets or small children. We’ve already seen issues where animals lay in front of refrigerator sensors, causing unexpected malfunctions. Now, with push-to-open cabinets and appliances, your pet or toddler could have full access to everything inside. Say hello to Spot ransacking your pantry.

The Multifunctional Trap

Appliance manufacturers want their products to do it all, and in theory, that sounds great. But here’s the catch: an appliance should master its primary function before it starts moonlighting. If an oven already struggles with uneven heating, why should we trust it to also air-fry? Similarly, washer-dryer combos continue to be a letdown. Innovation requires trial and error, but when something is clearly not ready for prime time, why rush it to market?

Smart Sinks—Because We Needed Another Problem

Why? No, really—why? The idea of a smart sink may seem futuristic, but it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Clearly, the inventors never owned a cat or a curious toddler.

Courtesy of Moen

Motion control? Great—until you accidentally trigger it every time you walk by. Voice activation? That means some part of the system is always listening. And let’s not forget: these sinks rely on electricity, adding yet another smart gadget to drain power (and your wallet). Plus, what happens when the sink is full of dishes? Does it activate every time a plate shifts? We have questions.

Induction Cooking—The Hidden Costs

Induction stoves are rising in popularity, but as with any new tech, there are plenty of ways to get swindled. A few major pitfalls:

Courtesy of LG

• Cleaning Scams – Some companies push overpriced “specialized” cleaners, claiming they’re essential for your cooktop. Spoiler: they’re not.

• Pan Confusion – If you don’t fully understand how induction works, you might assume anything labeled “induction-safe” is a good buy. But quality varies wildly, and even high-end brands can produce pans that chip or warp after minimal use.

Matte Black Madness

Stainless steel had its era of impossible-to-keep-clean fingerprints, and now we’re doubling down with matte black? It looks sleek—until you actually try to maintain it. Smudges, streaks, and dust will turn your dream kitchen into a never-ending cleaning project.

Dedicated Coffee Stations—But Didn’t We Already Have Those?

Courtesy of Bosch

Let’s be real—most homes already have a dedicated coffee spot: wherever the coffee maker sits. Now, we’re seeing trends pushing built-in coffee stations, and we can’t help but ask: why? An informal poll among our team confirms that coffee makers tend to stay put. Adding a dedicated trend (or worse, a built-in unit) just complicates cleaning and maintenance. And let’s not forget—standalone coffee makers are already doing a fantastic job brewing better coffee than the big chains.

Even More Smart Appliances—At What Cost?

We touched on this last week, but let’s expand on the issue.

Every new smart appliance adds another layer of complexity, and not just for your home—also for your electric bill. These gadgets constantly communicate with your Wi-Fi, consuming power even when not in use. And if the power goes out? Many require recalibration, adding another headache.

Then there’s the network issue. Unless you purchase a matching kitchen suite (which most people don’t), your smart appliances may not seamlessly communicate. Different brands compete, not collaborate, leaving you with a fragmented system.

And here’s a concern you might not have considered: many smart devices emit their own Wi-Fi signals, which, with the right technology, can be used to map your home. Yes, that means your “helpful” appliances could potentially compromise not just your cybersecurity but also your physical security.

At the end of the day, trends come and go—but making informed choices about what you bring into your home is what truly matters. If your appliances start acting up (whether they’re trend-forward or not), our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We’ll make sure your kitchen and laundry room are running smoothly—no unnecessary bells and whistles required. You can give us a call and we’l work with you to find a time and date that works for your schedule. 

Call: (214) 599-0055
Website

Additional Reading 

Kitchen Trends for 2023

Outdated Kitchen Appliance Trends 

Our 9 Favorite Home Design Trends For 2022

How to Make a Crescent Veggie Bacon Ring That Even Picky Eaters Will Love

A simple, creative recipe that combines veggies, bacon, and cheese in an irresistible way.

Sometimes, inspiration comes from the weirdest places. This recipe is, in part, inspired by a computer game we played as kids and somehow continue to play now (despite the elapsed time being measured in decades). One available character enjoys bacon and broccoli omelettes. While this hardly counts as an omelette, containing only one egg, and has much more potato and onion than bacon or broccoli, none of that changes where the idea was inspired. And honestly, getting the teenager to eat vegetables can still be a bit of a chore. Hiding the veggies inside a distracting presentation sometimes does the trick. Excessively carb-heavy foods can also do the trick. This is both visually interesting and carbohydrate-laden, and the teenager ate a double serving. The metric holds.

Ingredients:

8 slices of bacon

1 12-oz bag frozen broccoli cuts

3 red potatoes

1/2 yellow onion

8 ounces Colby jack cheese

1 can of crescent rolls

1 large egg

2 tablespoons 2% milk

1 tablespoon dried parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

Tools:

Cutting board

Knife

Cheese grater

Vegetable peeler

Measuring cup(s) and spoon(s)

Frying pan with lid

Baking sheet or pizza pan

Small bowl

Plate with paper towel (for bacon)

Whisk or fork

Tongs

Parchment paper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

As always, wash your produce before beginning! This step isn't necessary for the frozen broccoli and will instead make it soggy - but if you instead choose to use fresh broccoli, please wash and allow to dry thoroughly.

Peel your potatoes and dice them finely. The smaller the pieces are, the quicker they'll cook. Give the yellow onion half the same fine-dice treatment, and chop your broccoli to the desired size. If you're not sneaking veggies into the dish, feel free to leave larger florets for the visual impact. 

Fry up your bacon slices in the frying pan on medium-high. Don't drain off the grease when you remove the bacon slices - you'll need it for the veggies.

Set the bacon to the side (use the paper towel on a plate to absorb any excess oil) and transfer your chopped vegetables to the frying pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Seriously, generously! However much you think is enough, be prepared to add more. Taste a little and decide.

Reduce the heat to medium and cover. Allow to cook until soft, stirring occasionally with the tongs. This may take several minutes, depending on the size to which you diced your vegetables and the size and material of the pan.

Since you've got a few free minutes while you wait on those vegetables, it's a good moment to take that block of cheese and grate it. We're sure you've heard it before, but freshly grated cheese melts so much better than the stuff in the plastic bag in the grocery store. It's extra work, sure, but the improvement in the end product is so worth it. 

Spread a sheet of parchment paper out on the counter or table. Pop the can of crescent rolls and separate the triangles. Lay them on the parchment in a star configuration with an open center. Have the corners of the base of each triangle overlap a little so that they stay connected while they bake.

Make sure your crescents are close enough together to fit on your baking sheet. We prefer a pizza pan, since we're making a ring, but not every household has one rolling around a cabinet and we get that. A baking sheet is fine so long as you have enough space to support your ring without crushing it into an oval.

Gently transfer your crescent ring to the baking sheet or pizza pan. It's fine if the points of the triangles are drooping over the sides, since you'll fold them inward shortly. Place a slice of bacon on each triangle. If you've cooked the bacon extra crispy, like we did, press down a little on the center to break the bacon strip so it will fold easier when you close up the ring.

Take the rest of the bacon and chop, tear or smash it. Set that aside for now, but you'll want it again soon.

Crack the egg into a small dish and measure in the milk. Whisk the egg and milk together. Once the veggies are soft, pour the egg and milk mixture over and stir. Don't worry about cooking the egg through entirely; it's more just a binding agent.

Scoop a spoonful of the egg and vegetable mixture onto each triangle. Try to distribute it as evenly as you can, but there's pretty much always going to be one that's accidentally heavier than intended - usually right as you get started or as you reach the bottom of the pan. You can move little bits around with the tongs to try and even it out, but try not to break it up too much (we want the egg to sort of  hold it together).

That bacon you pulverized a minute ago? Sprinkle it all over the egg and vegetable mixture. Add your dried parsley at this stage, too. It's fine if some ends up in the center of the ring, but try to get most of it to stick to the egg.  

Sprinkle the majority of the cheese over the hot egg and vegetable mixture. Reserve a little for the top of the crescents. Fold each crescent triangle over toward the center. Break the bacon strips in an extra spot or two if necessary, just be sure not to stretch the crescent too thin in bringing the point to the middle.

Spread the remaining cheese over the top and pop it in the oven for 22 minutes. Allow it to cool for at least two minutes before cutting and serving the crescents.

Who says getting creative in the kitchen can’t be both delicious and practical? This crescent veggie bacon ring isn’t just a hit with picky eaters; it’s a surefire way to use simple ingredients to make something unforgettable. And while you focus on whipping up dishes like this, let Appliance Rescue Service take care of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your kitchen appliances running smoothly. Because whether it’s your oven, fridge, or dishwasher, our team is here to ensure your culinary adventures never miss a beat. 

Website

Call (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Cheese Lover's Dream: A Must-Try Cabbage Bake

Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Bake for Chilly Nights

A Taste of Autumn: Easy Chicken Bake with Spinach and Artichokes

2024 Kitchen Trends: What Lived Up to the Hype—and What Fell Flat

From outdoor living to bold appliances, we’re breaking down which 2024 kitchen trends lived up to their promise—and which ones missed the mark.

Every year, the design world teases us with big promises for the trends that will dominate our homes. In 2024, these predictions painted a bold vision of where kitchens, living spaces, and appliances were headed. But now, with 2025 in full swing, it’s time to ask: did these trends deliver?  From redefining the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living to embracing bold colors and biophilic touches, 2024 brought us a mix of inspiring trends and practical innovations. 

But not every idea hit the mark! In this round-up, we’re diving into the hits that elevated our homes and the misses that made us shake our heads. Whether you’re looking to refresh your kitchen, revamp your outdoor space, or simply keep tabs on what’s in and what’s out, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights—and the ones we hope won’t make a comeback.

Flew

Outdoor Connections

The line between indoor and outdoor living has never been blurrier—and we’re here for it! From outdoor kitchens to springtime living room,  connecting these spaces has made our homes even more expansive. Whether it's hosting a summer barbecue or starting your day surrounded by an oasis, this trend turns your home into a destination. When you add in phantom screens for ultimate flexibility, you've got the perfect blend of function and beauty.

In 2024, experts predicted that indoor-outdoor living would reach new heights, with seamless spaces becoming the ultimate luxury feature. And they were right! 

Lighting Enhancements

With the enhancements in lighting over the last few years, layered lighting is having a moment. You have task lighting for precision, accent lighting to make the mood, and massive windows for natural brilliance. What  really makes the difference, is tunable lighting. This is more than just being able to say Alexa turn the lights blue. This is white lighting that lets you shift between cool or warm, natural or artificial. It's incredibly beneficial, energy efficient and surprisingly helpful  in making a space suit your needs. 

2024 promised advancements in lighting technology that would transform the way we experience our homes—and tunable lighting has delivered. 

Induction Cooking

If you've read our 2025 trends article then you know that induction cooking is the cooking trend of the year. We are quite excited to see this technology stepping into the spotlight and are excited to see the way that it changes kitchen safety in the years to come.

A sleek and lovely induction stove courtesy of Rangemaster

When 2024’s kitchen trends forecasted the rise of induction cooking, it seemed like a tech-forward dream. Now, in 2025, it's clear the buzz was well-deserved.

Low Maintenance Minimalism

In 2024 minimalism was everything. More importantly though and the key difference here, was that it wasn't just about making your kitchen empty. It was about making your life in the kitchen easier. Functional layouts and fewer nooks to clean means you spend the time in your kitchen enjoying the space. 

Minimalism wasn’t new in 2024, but the shift toward functional simplicity was a predicted game-changer—and it’s delivered.

Courtesy of KIron SajoL

Universal Design

Although not directly relevant for us, a growing trend that we noticed in 2024, was how many people are adjusting their homes to a universal design. People are once again focusing on aging in place and staying in the home that they're in throughout multiple stages of their lives, if not all of them. But that includes more than just our elders, that also includes design for if you sustain an injury and need mobility aids for a time. Universal design works for everybody and means that your home isn't just beautiful it's functional and this is a trend we hope continues for many years.

 The prediction that more homeowners would adapt their spaces to fit all life stages has proven true, with functional, inclusive layouts now more common than ever. It's a trend that prioritizes practicality over aesthetics alone, and one we hope continues to grow.

Small Space Solutions

2024 marked the beginning of appliance manufacturers delivering on small clip powerful appliances. We're seeing half fridges, drawer dishwashers, and countertop ovens that are just as powerful as a standard size. This makes living spaces more versatile and able to be used for multiple functions without losing necessities.

Predicted to gain traction in 2024, compact yet powerful appliances have carved out their place in 2025. 

Punches of Color

We are so happy that people were bringing in color left right and center in 2024! White and gray and stainless steel and flat neutrals is boring let's be real. With as much time as we spend in our kitchens it should be full of bold vibrant colors, or comforting pastels, or whatever else takes your fancy. Whether it's wrapping your oven in the hottest shade of Barbie pink you can get your hands on, or purchasing a stunning cobalt blue Smeg fridge, it adds joy to the space.

Color was expected to make a triumphant return in 2024, and homeowners didn’t disappoint! Bold hues and pastels have replaced the monotony of neutrals, breathing life into kitchens.

Bringing Nature Into Your Home

Let's be honest: was as much time as we spend at our work we could all use more nature in our lives. The design concept biophilia isn't just a trend that has been growing, it is becoming a lifestyle, even a movement. It's natural woods like oak and walnut paired with living walls of moss and succulents. Some are starting to shed the sterile nature of their kitchens to embrace a lived in warmth. Bonus points for the way this makes you want to stay and spend time in these spaces.

What Flopped 

 Sustainability Ascendant

 Pause for a moment. How many times have you asked yourself, or the salesperson, ‘how was this built’ or ‘is it made from sustainable materials’ ? Go ahead, we’ll wait.
Now, we are ALL for the idea, but it should be a standard part of all things, not something that’s added to your bottom line as part of a marketing line. 

While 2024 brought more discussions about sustainability, the reality is bittersweet. The idea of eco-friendly materials has yet to become a universal standard, often showing up as an added cost rather than a baseline expectation. We hope this evolves into a lasting change rather than remaining a buzzword. 

Multizone Adjustable Refrigerators

We love this idea, legitimately. And, we want to say that as a concept, the multizone refrigerator is amazing. We have to point out though that making the zones more flexible also presents an issue for keeping your fridge food safe. 

Dark Matte Finishes

This. Just no.
Think about how hard it is to keep a stainless steel appliance clean. Dark appliances, specifically matte ones, are so much worse. Most cleaning sprays leave behind residue. It’s meant to be a protective coating typically. But on a dark matte surface? You end up getting dingy appliances very quickly. This is going to lead to one of a few scenarios. 

• You have to clean twice. Once with your cleaner of choice and a second time with water to remove that residue. 

• An entire new industry pops up to charge more to a targeted niche, and you pay more. 

Predicted to be sleek and modern in 2024, dark matte finishes have proven impractical in real life. 

Sleek Built-In Styling

This is great in the moment. BUT if you want to fix it? If you want to change things out? Hidden appliances are going to end up being a nightmare. 

Built-ins were forecasted to dominate in 2024, but as predicted, they come with a hidden downside—difficulty in repairs and upgrades. 

Steam Revolution & Sous Vide 

Ahh we love these so much.  They’re fantastic! Especially from a health perspective. However. If it’s too complicated, how many of us walk away from a complicated tool? 

Predicted to revolutionize cooking, steam ovens and sous vide systems have incredible potential, but their complexity has limited their appeal. Many homeowners love the health benefits but admit they can be intimidating to use, proving that ease of use is still a major factor in adoption.

What We Want Gone 

Composting Emerges 

Courtesy of Couleur

This just isn’t safe. This is /asking/ for your kitchen to be a germ and pest magnet, no matter how  much you clean it. This should not be on the counter. It shouldn’t be under the counter. Compost should be outside. At that point, we’re fine with the idea! We’re all for composting and growing your own garden. Just don’t keep compost in the kitchen. 

Smart Features With Connectivity 

Courtesy of Gerd Altmann

Smart features are great.  They can save a lot of time, but… the focus for everything is on either solving problems we don’t have or on creating problems.
Also at what point do we stop adding smart features? Is it when a power outage means you can't do anything in your house? Is it when the features become so invasive that somebody hacking your printer can lead to them knowing your bank details? Or maybe it's when we get to the point that the power grid cannot go 24 hours without failure?

As we step further into 2025, looking back at 2024's home trends is a lesson in how the design world evolves. Some trends exceeded expectations, becoming everyday staples, while others fell short or created challenges we didn’t anticipate. The good news? Homeowners have more options and inspiration than ever, from universal design to nature-inspired spaces. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re here to help ensure the appliances at the heart of these trends are running smoothly, so your home continues to be a place of beauty, comfort, and function. Whether you're embracing the next big thing or sticking with the classics, we’re here for every stage of your home journey.