Experts constantly seek better ways of electrical living, GE Consumers Institute, 1948

History of Appliance Innovation

GE Appliances transforms imagination into exceptional products. Learn more about our tradition of innovation and the many appliance “firsts” GE has unveiled.

Present-2000

2023

GE Appliances named Smart Appliance Company of the Year for the fifth time by IOT Breakthrough Awards Program

2023

GE Profile UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology

GE Appliances announced the new GE Profile UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology, the ultimate one-and-done solution that eliminates the laundry day hassle of transferring the load, washes AND dries a large load in about two hours*, saves space and disrupts traditional design limitations by allowing users to do laundry from anywhere with a water hook-up and 120V outlet. Best of all, it offers Greater Energy Savings with ventless heat pump technology and a High-Airflow Ventless Drying System that delivers 50% more energy efficient drying**

*Tested using a 10lb DOE (Department of Energy) or typical mixed load on the Normal Wash + Dry Cycle Eco Dry setting. **Efficiency rating as compared to the requirements for ENERGY STAR qualification for standard electric dryers.

2023

GE Profile™ Smart Mixer with AutoSense

GE Appliances launched the Smartest Mixer in the U.S.*, the GE Profile™ Smart Mixer with Auto Sense that was named a CES Innovation Award Honoree and took home 8 other editorial awards during CES. The GE Profile Smart Mixer uses cutting-edge technology to give users the confidence to mix, whip, cream, and emulsify to perfection every time so they can focus on the joy of baking.

*Sold in USA. Smart features include: Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and OTA- data sources, NPD,52 weeks ending July 31, 2021.

2022

GE Appliances named Smart Appliance Company of the Year for the IOT Breakthrough Awards Program for fourth year running

2022

GE Profile™ Top Load 900 Series

GE Appliances debuted the first washer with built-in Alexa. The GE Profile Top Load 900 Series is the first-ever washer with a built-in Alexa, which recognizes up to 70,000 utterances for more than 150 hard-to-wash fabrics and almost 450 stains, allowing users to set the washing machine to the optimal settings through voice.

2021

GE Appliances named Smart Appliance Company of the Year for the IOT Breakthrough Awards Program for third year in a row

2021

GE Profile™ UltraFresh System™ Dishwasher with Microban® Antimicrobial Technology

GE Appliances launched the GE Profile™ UltraFresh System™ Dishwasher with Microban® Antimicrobial Technology, the first and only dishwasher that helps prevent bacteria growth. It is engineered to stay fresher and cleaner thanks to Microban® Antimicrobial Technology built into the high-contact touchpoints and a first-of-its-kind UltraFresh System™ for dishwashers that helps to stop the causes of odor by pulling in fresh air and water in between cycles.

2021

Over-the-Air Software Updates

GE Appliances was the first in the industry to deploy cooking modes such as Air Fry, Turkey Mode and Steakhouse Mode as over-the-air software updates to previously purchased appliances so they continue to get better over time.

2020

GE Appliances wins Smart Appliance Company of the Year for the second year in a row in IoT Breakthrough Awards Program.

I O T Breakthrough Award

2020

GE Appliances introduces the Next Gen Kitchen Hub Micro at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Kitchen Hub

This version is equipped with a built-in microwave and additional third camera inside the oven that’s integrated into Artificial Intelligence computer-vision-cooking technology, creating a cutting-edge digital cooking experience that allows users to determine when their meals are done while viewing the inside of the oven from their couch

2020

UltraFresh Front Load Washer

UltraFresh Front Load Washer

GE Appliances shuts the door on odor with the revolutionary UltraFresh Front Load Washer. Designed with the UltraFresh Vent system with OdorBlock™, the product uses first-of-its-kind technology to help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria without the need for owners to wipe down their machine or leave the door open after each load.

2020

Small Appliances

Small Appliance Innovation image

Building on a long history of innovation, GE Appliances announces new business launch into small appliances that expands product offerings beyond major household goods.

2019

GE Appliances wins Smart Appliance Company of the Year in IoT Breakthrough Awards Program

2019

CAFE Customizable Stainless

GE Appliance’s CAFÉ brand introduces first-ever Customizable Stainless to Professional Collection of Appliances

2019

GE Appliances wins Best of IBS Award for Best Kitchen Product, CAFÉ 4-in-1 Wall Oven with Advantium Technology

CAFÉ 4-in-1 Wall Oven with Advantium Technology

2019

Oven with Air Fry Wings

GE Appliances launches Air Fry technology in wall ovens in the CAFÉ and GE Profile™ lines of built-in wall ovens, giving consumers a convenient, clutter-free option for healthier eating

2019

Kitchen Hub

GE Appliances’ industry-exclusive Kitchen Hub, a 27-inch smart screen equipped with voice and gesture commands, becomes available to consumers

2018

Monogram® introduces Column freezers and refrigerators.

Monogram Column Freezers

2018

Matte White and Matte Black finishes

GE Appliances launches CAFÉ product brand line and introduces Matte White and Matte Black finishes with customizable hardware for appliances

2018

GE Appliances and Hestan Cue™ collaborate to provide gourmet-guided cooking experience.

2018

GE Appliances is the first appliance company to have products connect directly with Google Assistant.

2018

GE Appliances announces collaboration with T-Works to open a FirstBuild location in Hyderabad, India.

First Build Team from India

2018

GE Appliances partners with SideChef, bringing people and families more than 5,000 recipes vis-à-vis the industry-exclusive Kitchen Hub

2018

Apple® Homekit®-Compatible air conditioner

GE Appliances introduces the first-ever Apple® Homekit®-Compatible air conditioner, allowing people and families to access it using the Apple Home app or Siri

2017

New Wall and Range Line Up

French Door Self Cleaning Wall Oven

From a six burner 30-inch oven to the first self-cleaning French Door Double Oven, this launch includes more features, more finishes and more flexibility than ever before.

2017

GE Appliances' connected suite of appliances fully integrated with Google Assistant.

2017

Black Slate premium finish appliance

Black Slate premium finish offered on GE Café™ appliances.

2017

Cooking probe

GE's Café™ electric slide-in range is the first range to come standard with a precision cooking probe that monitors liquid temperature and communicates adjustments to the connected range and a smartphone or tablet to ensure food cooks perfectly

2017

Water Station

A water faucet feature in the back of topload washer basins called Water Station, is the industry's first soapy water pretreating station.

2017

GE Appliances launches partnerships with Nest Protect, Innit and Drop to work with WiFi Connect Appliances.

2016

GE Appliances is the first U.S. appliance manufacturer to have products from multiple appliance categories integrated with Dash Replenishment

2016

Voice Control

Voice Control

Thanks to the rise in popularity of Amazon’s Alexa, GE Appliances launches the first voice-controlled oven. “Alexa, tell Geneva to preheat for Cookies.”

2016

IFTTT connected appliance

GE Appliances is the first manufacturer to have full suite of connected appliances on IFTTT.

2016

 Monogram Pizza Oven

Combining elegant Monogram styling and the sophisticated technology of FirstBuild, the Monogram Pizza Oven creates the first ventless pizza oven—bringing authentic old-world taste to today’s high-end kitchens

2015

Paragon Induction

Developed by FirstBuild™, the connected Paragon Induction Cooktop is capable of multiple precise cooking techniques, such as sous vide, deep-frying, and holding at a precise serving temperature, and doubles as an induction cooktop.

2015

GE's FirstBuild™ launches Opal™, the first nugget ice maker for home use

Opal Nugget Ice Maker

2015

GE and Keurig partner to build first built-in, single-serve brewing system in the refrigerator

Keurig Brewing system

2014

First Build Collaboration

GE and FirstBuild™ collaborate on a global co-creation community dedicated to conceiving, engineering and building the next generation of major appliances. A new FirstBuild™ micro-factory located on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus will develop and manufacture the new designs.

2014

GE and Quirky collaborate to launch Aros – an app-enabled air conditioning unit.

2014

GE research on magnetic refrigeration leads to breakthrough in home refrigeration technology with a potential heat pump application and expected commercialization of magnetic refrigeration by 2020.

2013

GE’s Café™ model is the first refrigerator to feature a hot water dispenser, capable of serving up tea and oatmeal in minutes.

2013

RightHeight™ laundry

RightHeight laundry

GE’s industry-first Built-in Risers™ for frontload washers and dryers with the industry’s largest openings, make loading and unloading clothes less strenuous.

2013

First Connected Oven

First connected oven app

Wi-Fi connectivity in the GE wall oven gives you the freedom to control your meal without being in the kitchen.

2013

GE’s Profile™ dishwasher boasts 102 cleaning jets with industry-first bottle wash jets to spray water in the deepest travel mugs and baby bottles and a new customizable third rack for loading flexibility.

2013

Artistry™ Series

GE designs and introduces an appliance suite for Millennials, focusing on style, simplicity and affordability for younger consumers.

2013

Monogram dishwasher quiet cycle

GE Monogram® dishwasher launches with one of the industry’s quietest cycles, 102 wash jets and the industry’s first bottle wash jets.

2013

Living spaces of the future

GE creates living spaces of the future in Home 2025 project, including all-in-one appliances, laundry machines that make folding passé, and biometric appliances.

2012

Slate Finish is Launched

Image of kitchen with Slate appliances

Playing to the growing popularity of gray, GE launched Slate, an exclusive matte finish that is fingerprint resistant.

2012

GE’s French door refrigerators with hands-free Autofill system eliminates the need to stand and wait, automatically filling any container with filtered water.

2012

GE partners with the Environmental Protection Agency on four voluntary programs: WasteWise program, SmartWay® Program, ENERGY STAR®, and Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program.

2012

Production begins at Appliance Park on the GE high-efficiency top load washing machine.

2012

Filtration system in GE Café™ French door refrigeration

GE’s easy-to-access advanced filtration system in the GE Café™ French door refrigeration is the first to remove harmful pharmaceuticals from water and ice.

2012

GE GeoSpring® hybrid electric water heater begins production at Appliance Park. The GeoSpring® is the first hybrid electric ENERGY STAR®-qualified water heater manufactured in the U.S. that will save an average consumer $325 every year on their utility bills.

2012

GE “ecomagination℠” suite

GE introduces its “ecomagination” suite of kitchen appliances, which can reduce electricity consumption in the average kitchen by up to 20 percent.

2011

GE Profile™ appliances enabled with Brillion™ technology.

GE Profile Brillion technology

GE Profile appliances enabled with Brillion technology automatically react to utility price signals from the smart meter and delay or reduce the wattage consumed by the appliance until lower-cost, off-peak periods.

2011

GE’s over-the-range microwave ovens become the first to include a MyPlate button that allows users to easily cook foods found in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recommended dietary guidelines.

2011

First Gas Steam Clean

GE launched the industry’s first and only gas range with steam-clean capabilities – the GE® 30-inch free-standing gas range. Steam cleaning functions offer natural steam cleaning to loosen hard, baked-on food. This innovation allowed for a quick cleaning of minor spills at lower temperatures. Just pour a cup of water in the bottom of the oven and let it clean.

First Gas Steam Clean

2010

GE® ENERGY STAR®-Qualified 29.1 Cubic Foot Side-by-Side Refrigerator – GE launched the largest free–standing refrigerator in America, the GE 29.1 Cubic Foot Side-by-Side Refrigerator. It offers 18 cu. ft. of storage for healthy fruits, vegetables and dairy and an 11.1 cubic feet freezer section.

2010

GE unveils Nucleus™, an affordable, innovative communication and data storage device that gives consumers information about their home electricity use so they can make more informed choices about how and when to use power.

2010

GE’s Advantium® iPhone® AppGE launched the Advantium iPhone app, which includes hundreds of recipes for GE’s high-speed Advantium oven, gives consumers the ability to share photos, recipes and more with the Advantium online community and social media sites and uses the iPhone timer to alert consumers when dinner is ready.

2009

GE’s new hybrid water heater becomes the first energy-efficient electric heat pump water heater to become ENERGY STAR®-qualified and first to be listed on the U.S. Department of Energy‘s website for its energy savings.

2009

GE combines the responsiveness of a gas cooktop with the even heating of an electric oven – an industry first – with the introduction of the GE Profile™ free-standing 120-volt dual-fuel range.

2008

New color offerings for laundry

With more and more laundry rooms moving up from the basement and closer to kitchens and bedrooms, GE brightened its laundry appliances with the addition of Vermillion (red) and Champagne to the color offerings.

2008

Single Double Wall Oven

Single Double Wall Oven

Owners could now have the benefit of a double wall oven in a single wall oven space. Perfect for homeowners who have a small space or who want more cooking capacity without a kitchen remodel.

2005

GE launched Monogram® Wine Vault

Monogram® Wine Vault

The vault held nearly 1,100 bottles of wine. It was the first of its kind to come with an electronic Cellar Management System — an all-in-one inventory system including a 15-inch touch-screen, bar-code scanner, label printer and software, which helped wine connoisseurs manage, store and protect their liquid assets.

2005

GE Profile™ Dishwasher with SmartDispense™ Technology

First dishwasher to hold entire 45-ounce bottle of liquid or gel detergent and dispense that detergent based on water hardness, cycle selection, and soil level of the dishes.

2003

GE Profile™ Ovens with Trivection™ Technology

Visual of trivection technology

A technology well before its time, trivection combined radiant heat, convection and microwave for customized cooking.

2003

GE Profile Harmony™ Clothes Care System

GE Profile Harmony™ Clothes Care System

The first washer to communicate electronically with the dryer. The washer talks. The dryer listens. The result is better clothes care.

2002

Precise Air Convection

Image of the precise air convection within an oven

Baked goods could now be evenly browned thanks to a rear oven fan that circulated hot air.

2000

GE Profile Arctica™

GE Profile Arctica™ Refrigerator

GE launched the Arctica refrigerator with CustomCool™ technology. It was the first refrigerator in the market to provide consumers with speed chilling and speed thawing capabilities.

1999 - 1990

1999

Stainless Steel Line Up

Standless steel line up of appliances

Consumers who were used to watching celebrity chefs on TV were eager to modernize their kitchens with stainless steel appliances. GE responded with a full line of stainless steel appliances in 1999. That same year, GE expanded its neutrals beyond White and Almond with Bisque, a shade in between the previous two.

1999

GE Triton™ dishwashers are introduced as the quietest dishwasher in America

Triton dishwasher

1999

First Speedcook Ovens

Speedcook oven

Using light and microwave technology, Speedcook eliminated the preheat wait and cooked foods 2 - 8 times faster. Now sold as Advantium Ovens.

1998

Spectra™ Oven is introduced as the most accurate oven in America

Spectra Oven

1997

"Concept" appliances include a web-enabled refrigerator, a microwave that scans bar codes, and an Advantium® Oven that recognizes voice commands

1997

First major appliance manufacturer to offer a complete line of water softening and filtration systems: GE SmartWater™

GE SmartWater

1996

Largest capacity "built-in style" refrigerator

1995

First "smart" dishwasher: auto-sensing gauges soiled dishes

1995

GE Profile™ Washer — The Largest Capacity Washer You Can Buy

1994

First 30 cu. ft. freestanding side-by-side refrigerator, world's largest and most space efficient: the GE Profile™ 30.

1992

First complete line of stylish, integrated appliances specifically designed to rejuvenate the standard kitchen: GE Profile™

GE Profile Appliances

1990

White on White

White on White appliances

The design team launches white trim on white appliances, ending the wood trim craze and transitioning from the Avocado and Harvest Golds of the seventies.

1989 - 1970

1987

First complete line of premium built-in appliances for professionally designed custom kitchens: Monogram®

1984

Soft Silver and Sand

Homeowners sought clean, crisp appearances in their kitchen, so GE added Soft Silver and Sand appliances to its color collection to satisfy the demand of neutral-toned appliances.

1984

GE's product innovations in major appliances include electronic refrigerators that "beep" if a door is left ajar, dishwashers that can be programmed to "remember" when to start and microwave ovens that fit under a kitchen wall cabinet with voice message memo system.

1981

Phone lines opened to the GE Answer Center information service. Open 24/7, the service fielded 500,000 call in its first year.

1978

First over-the-range microwave oven: the SpaceMaker®

At a time where microwaves were getting larger, homeowners needed to free up counterspace. Enter the Spacemaker, the industry’s first microwave that doubled as a hood.

1977

Microprocessor computerized cooking control is introduced to the fast food restaurant industry in the Dimension II series of fryers.

1976

The “New Naturals”

Refrigerators in the new naturals colors

GE swapped its shaded appliance colors for a new palette inspired by colors found in nature. The “New Naturals” included Almond, Harvest Wheat, Coffee, Fresh Avocado, Onyx (black glass) and Snow.

1974

First molded thermoplastic dishwasher tub: Potscrubbber

A dishwasher with a Power Scrub Cycle, the Potscrubber would clean even stubbornly encrusted food from pots, pans, and casserole dishes. The appliance contained the first PermaTuf molded thermoplastics tub, reducing the number of fabricated parts and giving consumers and longer-lasting, reliable dishwasher.

1973

The Dispensall ™ system for washing clothes is introduced. It automatically adds a variety of washing aids at the proper time

1971

First portable room air conditioner: the Carry-Cool®

Carry Cool

A portable air conditioner that weighed 43 pounds, the 4,000 BTU model sold for less than $100.

1969 - 1950

1969

First custom through-the-door refrigerator with ice and water dispenser

First custom through-the-door refrigerator with ice and water dispenser

1968

The first total control central air conditioning unit with solid-state thermostat is introduced

1967

First combination motor and water circulating pump developed for the dishwasher. The improved efficiency reduced energy and operating costs to the consumer.

1964

Coppertone

Coppertone

Mix and Match colors gave way to Coppertone (1964), Avocado (1966) and Harvest (1968) - all of which were darkened around the front edges of the appliances. Going hand-in-hand with the Danish modern look of the late 1960s, the color remained a critical factor for fashion-conscious consumers.

1963

First self-cleaning oven: the P-7

Following seven years of development, GE introduced the P-7 self-cleaning oven. In developing the oven, which used a pyrolytic system to remove food soil, GE engineers were granted more than 100 patents.

1962

First foamed-in-place urethane insulated refrigerator

1962

First package terminal air conditioner: the Zoneline®

1962

The mini-basket washing system is introduced to improve small load washing

Mini Basket

Although GE washers already featured a small load setting, the Mini-Basket tub facilitated even smaller loads and used 25 percent less energy.

1961

The use of a powerful, compact motor and rechargeable battery leads to the introduction of an automatic toothbrush and is the forerunner of the development of other handheld appliances, such as hair dryers and an electric slicing knife.

1960

Wood paneling

Wood Paneling

Targeting the building industry, GE designed three refrigerators with wood paneling. With refrigerators available in five varieties of popular wood finishes made of "Industrial Flexwood," builders could easily match them to kitchen cabinets. This played well with consumers' taste for warm, inviting kitchens.

1959

The Partio Cart

Partio Cart

A complete electric outdoor cooking center, the Partio Cart debuted on the “Price is Right” game show. While it didn't take off, it was a precursor to outdoor kitchens today.

1958

First automatic, electric can-opener

1957

1957 - First commercially feasible combination spray, steam and dry iron

1956

The first automatic drying termination cycle is devised for clothes dryers

1956

First toaster oven: The T-93 Toast-R-Oven

The T-93 Toast-R-Oven hits the market. By the end of the decade most households owned a toaster oven.

1955

Mix-Or-Match Colors

Mix or match colors in home

GE became the first in the industry to bring bright, bold colors to its appliances with “Mix-Or-Match Colors.” Kitchens and laundry rooms popped with color, featuring Petal Pink, Canary Yellow, Cadet Blue, Turquoise Green, Woodtone Brown and White appliances. The new colors were based on consumer preferences.

1955

GE engineering invents the safety start switch for use in home clothes dryers

1955

GE makes the first air conditioner that can be plugged into ordinary household circuits (7.5 amps)

1955

Filter Flo system is released to filter water in washing machines

1954

First automatic portable dishwasher: the Mobile Maid®

Mobile Maid

1950

New Home of Major Appliances

 New Home of Major Appliances

In 1950, GE chose Louisville as home for its major appliance division. Within four years, 2 million home laundry appliances had been produced.

1949 - 1900

1949

Ten experimental models of the first "heat pump" are installed around the country

1947

First two-door refrigerator-freezer combination

First two-door refrigerator-freezer combination

1947

First completely automatic clothes washer

First completely automatic clothes washer

1936

First front-loading single-rack dishwasher

First front-loading single-rack dishwasher

1935

First food waste disposer: the Disposal

the disposal

1932

The first double oven range is introduced

1930

First room air conditioner

1928

First Calrod electric range

Main ranged with Calrod

Up to this point electric ranges heated slowly and somewhat unsafely. This range included a protective sheating for the resistance wire.

1928

GE tests the first central air conditioning system

1927

First direct-drive dishwasher with revolutionary system still in use today

1927

First GE Monitor Top refrigerator

1925

First hermetically sealed domestic refrigerator

First hermetically sealed domestic refrigerator

1913

Walker Company (later acquired by Hotpoint) introduces the first electrical dishwasher.

1913

First range was introduced with insulated oven and surface units

1918

Hughes Range Co. (later Hotpoint) introduces surface units made of wire insulated in a continuous seamless tube – the forerunner of today’s Calrod units

1911

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, a subsidiary of the General Electric Company introduces the first hermetically sealed refrigeration system

1907

First full line of heating and cooking devices

First full line of heating and cooking devices

A full line of heating and cooking devices was marketed to homeowners, from the electrically wired wooden cooktop to a variety of small appliances.

1904

George A. Hughes (later to become president of Hotpoint) develops the first electric range