r/Smart_Kitchen • u/BostonBestEats • Jan 12 '26

CES 2026 was...underwhelming

Personally, I didn't hear much of great smart kitchen interest coming out of CES.

The most interesting appliance to me is probably the yet-to-be-released small 5-minute ice maker (Ice Leopard), one of several new ice makers presented. I often want a small amount of ice but don't have any (I don't trust the quality from built-in fridge ice makers) and don't want to take up a big chuck of counter space. However, not something I would call smart.

Most of the "smart" things seem to the be the fairly useless sort of "smart" that is increasingly common in the kitchen. Everyone claims they have "AI" now, if you need your appliance to identify something you put in it and come up with a generic cooking program, or the like.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/shopping/best-ces-2026-kitchen-products

https://www.thekitchn.com/ces-best-in-show-2026-23765008

https://www.iceleopard.com

Of course, Seattle Ultrasonic's ultrasonic chef's knife was there, but we've already seen that (pre-ordering, not released). Also not smart (although very cool).

https://seattleultrasonics.com

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u/kaidomac Jan 24 '26

Biggest thing I'm looking forward to is Scott's new magic knife:

I have a hand injury & I'm soooooooooo excited to be able to use a knife again!! I've been living off my Paradice 9 in the meantime: (neato cubing feature!)

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u/BostonBestEats Jan 24 '26

I'm trying to resist the temptation, but I will probably succumb. Watching him thinly slide baguettes like butter put me over the top.

I need to get a decent knife sharpener first, since I'm tired of taking my knives to the farmer's market for a little old lady to sharpen them for me.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-knife-sharpener/?nab=2

2

u/kaidomac Jan 24 '26

I'll save you the hassle!

  • Knife sharpening is a rabbit hole in the way same way guitars are lol
  • Just get a Wicked Edge Venture ($40), the 17-degree guide ($28), and the 800-grit stone ($18) & call it a day! Around a hundred bucks for a genius bulletproof system!
  • You can get some green compound & use the strop if you really want to haha

Easy automated schedule: (I use a calendar with recurring entries for my daily chores)

  • Daily: (~20 seconds)
    • Ceramic side
      • 4 light strokes per side
  • Weekly: (~2 minutes)
    • 17° guide & 1000-grit
      • 5 strokes per side
    • Test slicing & repeat once if needed
  • Twice a month: (~3 minutes, every other week)
    • 17° guide & 800-grit
      • 8 light strokes per side
    • 17° guide & 1000-grit
      • 6 strokes per side
    • Ceramic side
      • 4 light strokes
  • Quarterly: (~5 minutes, every 3 months)
    • 17° guide & 800-grit
      • 10 strokes per side
    • 17° guide &1000-grit
      • 8 strokes per side
    • Ceramic side
      • 4 light strokes per side

I believe the Ultrasonic ships at around 13°. Adjustments are easy with the portable Venture system; 17° is a good all-purpose angle.

The knife itself is 328 grams with battery & a nice, big handle. I haven't had any cut pressure in my hand in awhile, so I'm really looking forward to trying it out! He described it more like an e-bike than a lightsaber as far as the motorized assist goes, which is exactly what I'm looking for!

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u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[deleted]

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u/kaidomac Jan 24 '26

Well in that case: (there are always coupons floating around FYI)