Kohler, Kitchen Innovations Awarded at KBIS 2026
Kohler was awarded Best of Show for its booth design at the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) for the fourth consecutive year. The broader Best of KBIS 2026 awards highlighted products that blend style and technology, with brands like ROBAM showcasing AI-powered kitchen appliances.
- Kohler's award-winning 15,600-square-foot booth, titled "Step into Possibility," was designed as an immersive walk-through home called the "House Party." It featured seven distinct spaces, including kitchens, baths, and bars, created in collaboration with seven different designers like Moniomi and Studio McGee. - The Best of KBIS awards are judged by a committee of design professionals and industry experts who evaluate products based on criteria such as aesthetic value, functionality, innovation, and sustainability. Products submitted for consideration must have been introduced to the market after January 31, 2025. - The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is a significant event for design and construction professionals, with the 2026 show held in Orlando and attracting over 43,000 registered attendees and nearly 700 exhibitors across more than 500,000 square feet of exhibition space. - ROBAM's R-Box Combi-Steam Oven was a finalist for a Best of KBIS award. The appliance utilizes AI for precise cooking control and integrates steaming, roasting, and frying functions. - In addition to the Best of Show award, the Best of KBIS program recognizes products in six other categories: Style Statement: Kitchen, Style Statement: Bath, Sustainable Standout, Wellness Trailblazer, Game-Changing Innovation, and Most Functional Find. - Kohler's "House Party" exhibit showcased new products, including the Synthos Workstation Sink, the Audrine Sink Collection in partnership with Studio McGee, and the Anthem Duo digital shower control. The space also highlighted sustainable initiatives like the KOHLER WasteLAB, which creates products from recycled manufacturing materials. - Overall technology trends at KBIS 2026 included space-saving concepts like countertops with hidden induction cooktops and refrigerators with barcode scanners for grocery list integration. High-speed cooking technology was also a focus, with ovens combining microwave, convection, and infrared heat. - The Best Booth award criteria include exceptional creativity, innovative product display, thoughtful design, and an outstanding attendee experience.
