From fridges that know what's inside to phone apps to control them, smart tech and AI are coming to home appliances 

How smart are the newest appliances? If you can master their technology, they could be brilliant.

On the market — or coming soon — are refrigerators that know what’s inside and can tell you what food has expired, create a grocery list and suggest a recipe for dinner.

There are washing machines that can detect everything from fabric type to water hardness to the dirtiness of your clothes, then select the correct wash cycle.

App technology allows you to control appliances from your phone. Dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, cooktops, ovens and other appliances are incorporating new technology and artificial intelligence to improve their performance.

These next-generation appliances aren’t cheap, and they require compatibility with home Wi-Fi and smart devices. If you run inefficient cycles or ignore maintenance recommendations, their smart benefits may be lost. Some also use more electricity.

Here’s a quick rundown of what the future holds:

Refrigerators: New technologies detect temperature changes, monitor humidity levels and track expiration dates. Some new refrigerators can provide recipes and meal suggestions based on what you have on hand. Smartphone apps connect refrigerators with recipe apps and smart home assistants. The new tech can alert an owner to potential mechanical problems or maintenance needs. One manufacturer touts adjustable compartments that allow temperature changes from refrigerator to freezer to beverage drawer.

Washing machines: New high-tech washers use AI to detect load size, fabric type, water hardness and soil levels to automatically select the right wash cycle, minimize electricity use and determine how much water and detergent to use. They can alert owners to problems or needed maintenance.

Dryers: Many newer dryers already have sensors that monitor moisture and temperature, heat-pump technology and warm air recycling options to conserve electricity and avoid overdrying clothes. Next will be dryers that adapt to fabric types, load sizes, humidity and your usage history. These smarter dryers learn your habits and can tell you when they need maintenance, and they can be controlled with apps or by voice.

Cooktops and ovens: Electric induction cooktops are the next big thing. They heat quickly and accurately and are more energy efficient than traditional cooktops. Future units may include sensors that detect when food is about to burn and adjust heat based on the cookware you are using. You can preheat your oven via a mobile app or use AI to automatically adjust temperatures for precision cooking. Ovens will offer multiple cooking modes and have safety and efficiency sensors.

Microwaves: AI can detect various food types and monitor the cooking process; some microwaves can be controlled through an app or by voice commands.

Dishwashers: Sensors can detect the dirtiness of dishes and adjust the cleaning cycle accordingly. This reduces heating and water consumption while still ensuring dishes are clean. Like other smart appliances, some models can be started remotely using an app on your phone.

Small appliances: Other devices likely to get smarter with new technology, sensors, wireless power and app control include blenders, robot vacuums, air purifiers/dehumidifiers, coffee makers and other countertop kitchen gadgets.

Sources: energystar.gov, nuvoton.com, samsung.com, whirlpool.com, lg.com, bestbuy.com, t3.com, houzz.com, yankodesign.com, transparencymarketresearch.com, futuremarketinsights.com, globenewswire.com, straitsresearch.com

What’s the right way to load a dishwasher? When is the thermostat set too high? Household appliances make life easier — and spark plenty of debate. Here’s what experts say about some of the most common appliance disagreements

THE THERMOSTAT BATTLE

“It’s too hot. I’m burning up!”
“It’s freezing in here. I can’t stand it!”

Expert opinions: Someone isn’t going to like these answers — at least at first.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and it’s hot outside. A common compromise is 75 to 77 degrees, especially in newer, energy-efficient homes.

Find the warmest setting everyone can tolerate by gradually raising the temperature over several days. Even a one- or two-degree increase can add up to meaningful savings over a summer.

Cooler at night? Experts suggest lowering the thermostat just 2 or 3 degrees. Bigger drops can cause your HVAC to run constantly.

Use the Auto fan setting. Running the fan continuously during hot weather can add $10 to $25 a month to your electric bill, according to Central Texas utility guides.

Most important: Use a smart thermostat — and stick to a schedule. Frequent manual changes can cause short cycling and wasted energy. Used properly, a smart thermostat can cut HVAC energy use by 10% or more in hot weather.

Ways to stay cooler:

• Ceiling fans can make a room feel about 4 degrees cooler.
• Use breathable bedding made of cotton, linen or bamboo.
• Take a cool shower before bed.
• Drink cold water or apply a cool, damp cloth to your neck or wrists.
• Close blinds during the hottest part of the day; blackout blinds work best.
• If it’s cooler outside at night, open windows on opposite sides of the house. Use box fans to pull cool air in and push warm air out, then close windows and switch back to HVAC once indoors cools.

During cold snaps:

• Set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower to save energy.
• Let sunlight warm rooms during the day.
• Seal leaks with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Layer clothing and blankets.
• Heated blankets use less electricity than HVAC; follow safety instructions.
• Flip ceiling fans to spin clockwise to push warm air down.
• Space heaters are fine briefly, but never unattended or while sleeping.

HOW TO LOAD THE DISHWASHER

“You’re cramming everything in wrong!”
“It’s fine — the water will reach it.”

Experts say: Crowding blocks water and spray arms. Leave space for circulation. Face dishes toward the center and angle them downward. Put oversized items on the sides and back of the lower rack. Very dirty items go face down on the bottom.

Skip pre-rinsing. Scrape off large food scraps, but let detergent enzymes do their job. Newer machines use sensors to choose the best cycle.

Load forks and spoons handle-down; knives blade-down. Cups, glasses, small bowls and dishwasher-safe plastics go on the top rack. Avoid washing nonstick pans (unless labeled dishwasher-safe), brass, bronze, wood or delicate items.

And yes — your dishwasher has a filter. Clean it regularly.

HAND-WASHING VS. DISHWASHER

“Handwashing saves water.”
“No, the dishwasher does.”

Expert opinions: Modern energy-efficient dishwashers use as little as 4 gallons per load. Handwashing under running water often uses far more and can keep electric water heaters running longer. Newer dishwashers use less than half the electricity of older models and can save more than 8,000 gallons of water per year. Use air-dry instead of heat to save even more energy.

TOP-LOAD VS. FRONT-LOAD WASHERS

“Top-loaders are easier.”
“Front-loaders clean better.”

Expert opinions: It depends.

Top-load washers cost less, handle larger loads and wash faster with less maintenance. They use more water, are tougher on clothes and don’t spin out as much water, which can lengthen dryer time.

Front-loaders use less water and energy, clean more thoroughly and extract more water during spins. They cost more, take longer per cycle and require more cleaning to prevent odors and mildew.

One more thing: Most people use too much detergent. According to Consumer Reports, many use twice what’s needed.

Check labels and use the correct type and amount.

DRYER DOS AND DON'TS

“Don’t overload it!”
“We’re wasting energy if it’s not full!”

Expert opinions: Full loads are efficient, but overloading restricts airflow and increases drying time and wear.

Medium heat works for most fabrics. Save high heat for towels and bedding. Use moisture sensors if available and separate loads by fabric weight.

Clean the lint screen after every load and regularly inspect vents and ducts.

When possible, line-dry or use indoor drying racks — especially during hot, sunny weather.

PLUG OR UNPLUG?

“Unplug everything not being used!”
“That’s outdated advice.”

Expert opinions: Most modern chargers and electronics draw minimal power when off. Instead, focus on high-draw or rarely used devices like space heaters. Smart plugs or power strips make it easy to cut power when needed.

During thunderstorms, unplug sensitive electronics such as TVs and computers. Lightning strikes can send surges through power or internet lines. Whole-home surge protectors and device-specific protectors add extra protection, and some experts recommend electronics insurance.

FRIDGE FUSSES

“Turn it colder!”
“You’ll freeze the lettuce!”
“Close the door!”

Expert opinions: Leaving the refrigerator open for more than a minute wastes energy and strains the compressor. If you can’t find what you need quickly, reorganize.

The refrigerator should be set to 40 degrees and the freezer to 0 degrees, according to federal food safety guidelines.

Some experts recommend 37 to 38 degrees as a compromise. Use a fridge thermometer to check accuracy.

Don’t jam-pack shelves — air needs to circulate — but don’t leave it empty, either. Aim for about two-thirds full and keep vents clear.

The door is the warmest spot; the back and bottom shelves are coldest. Store ready-to-eat foods on top, dairy and leftovers in the middle, and raw or moisture-prone items on lower shelves or in bins. Heavy items belong on the bottom shelf.

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Star; Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative; U.S. Energy Information Administration; American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; Consumer Reports; Wirecutter; National Fire Protection Association; HowStuffWorks; Good Housekeeping; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture

From sheriff’s officers to firefighters, dispatchers to emergency medical workers, these are on the front lines in their communities

By Kirsten Tyler and Connie Juarez  •  Photos by Sarah Beal

They are the calm voices answering the 911 calls, the drivers with flashing lights that puncture the darkness and the steady hands of those who arrive to help in a crisis.  

In Central Texas, where neighbors may live miles apart and hospitals could be far away, first responders are the lifelines that encircle the residents of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s service area. 

From sheriff’s officers to firefighters, dispatchers to emergency medical workers, these men and women are on our front lines, well-trained and deeply committed to the
communities they live in and serve.  

There are more than 100 first responder divisions, agencies, districts and teams in the Bluebonnet region, with origins tracing back to as early as 1848. Their members undergo hours of certification training and continuing education in order to respond to the range of emergencies they face — fires, vehicle accidents, crimes and life-threatening illness. 

It is not just their job: It is a calling to show up and support neighbors in what may be their greatest time of need. 

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is proud to support the people who make our communities safer and stronger. They are a reflection of these places we call home.

BRENHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT

Washington County

Training happens daily for members of the Brenham Fire Department. Blane Bolcerek of Brenham, left, a firefighter for two years, watches as Coltin Whitaker of La Grange, a three-year firefighter, uses a striking tool to break a plexiglass window during a ventilation drill. The exercise, simulating fire conditions using nontoxic fog, is part
of a regular rotation of drills that includes searches, forcible entry through doors and vehicle extrication. Whitaker said this drill is his favorite. The 31-person fire department responds to more than 1,200 calls a year in the city
of Brenham, with an average response time of about 8 minutes. “Aside from a sports team, there’s nowhere you get the camaraderie and teamwork,” said Chief Mark Donovan, who brings more than 40 years of experience to the role. Daily training includes two hours of classroom instruction and drills, led by Assistant Chief David Cella, a fourth-generation firefighter. 

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY HIGHWAY PATROL

Lee County

Cpl. James McCoy, left, and Sgt. Jeremy Weiser are among eight Texas state troopers in Lee County. They enforce laws on highways, investigate crashes, work with local law enforcement on emergency response and educate the community, including talking to students about safe driving practices. Weiser, who oversees daily operations from the Giddings area, says visiting schools is rewarding. Troopers visit campuses in the Lee County area. They give young children the chance to explore patrol vehicles and turn on sirens; at high schools, troopers focus on safe driving. ‘‘We want kids to see we’re approachable, that law enforcement isn’t something to be afraid of. We're here to help,’’ Weiser said. He and McCoy, both Giddings High School graduates, are committed to the community and working to make Lee County safer, one mile at a time.

TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE, SMITHVILLE TASK FORCE

Bastrop County

The firefighters of the Smithville Task Force respond to calls far beyond Smithville. The 12-member Texas A&M Forest Service crew serves 16 Texas counties and sometimes other parts of the state. When conditions allow, task force members also make themselves available to support firefighters across the nation. Collin Woodland, task force coordinator, has led responses to more than 30 calls a year. ‘‘This job is challenging. We operate in an ever-changing environment and interact with people at possibly one of the worst times of their lives,’’ Woodland said. ‘‘Seeing all the emotions a person can have teaches you how to handle delicate situations.’’ Texas A&M Forest Service members complete courses on wildland fire weather, firefighting and leadership skills, and continue their education with hands-on training. Above, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife team members practice connecting a hover sling, which carries and drops supplies into hard-to-reach areas.

FRELSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Colorado County

Relying on pagers, cell phones, truck radios and other handheld devices, the 24 firefighters of Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department respond to an average of 60 calls a year, all relayed to them by Colorado County’s 911 dispatchers. Those calls include brush fires, vehicle accidents, illnesses and injuries. ‘‘The most challenging part of the job is the physical and emotional toll,’’ said Fire Chief Dennis Ricicar. “But being able to bring light to others in times of darkness makes it all worth it.’’ Major the Dalmatian, the department’s unofficial mascot, sits on Frelsburg’s primary engine. The dog was added to the family in 2025 by Ricicar’s son, Tim, who is also a firefighter. Major participates in community events and poses for photos.

GONZALES COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 1

Gonzales County

In 1989, voters established the Gonzales County Emergency Services District No. 1, which financially supported the Gonzales Volunteer Ambulance corps — local citizens who provided transportation services. In 2020, the district took over emergency medical services for the county, covering a little more than 1,000 square miles. Today, Nick Medina, left, Andy Morales, center, and Will Tyler are among 30 trained employees who respond to an average of 3,400 emergency calls a year. In some instances, the first responders start a blood transfusion, use a defibrillator for an out-of-rhythm heartbeat or take patients to hospitals. ‘‘This job, for me, not only fulfills a desire to serve my community but also gives me a sense of belonging,’’ Morales said. ‘‘It has provided me with a community of like-minded individuals with whom I can share my achievements. I love it, truly.’’

MANOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Travis County

It was the self-declared best day of the school year for elementary students Paisley Paylor, left, and Cameron Morgan Jr. at Manor Rise Academy last year. That’s because Manor ISD Police Chief Clarence D. Yarbrough was visiting. Yarbrough has done everything from creating coloring books to speaking to students across the district about topics like bullying and kindness. The district police serve 15 schools and 10,000 students. Its 26 officers and six civilian employees are responsible for ensuring safety at every school. They operate under Manor ISD’s jurisdiction, and also work with city of Manor police. The officers conduct safety checks, help with traffic and campus access, make safety presentations and work with school leaders on campus security. Officers receive extensive training, including instruction in active-shooter and tactical operations, adolescent brain development, conflict resolution and child abuse awareness.

INDUSTRY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE

Austin County

One of Industry Volunteer Fire and Rescue’s brush trucks sits ready on standby at the town’s Fourth of July celebration earlier this year. The department, founded in 1951 and staffed by 28 volunteers, covers about 60 square miles in western Austin County. The department’s four brush trucks can reach places larger vehicles can’t; it also has five other trucks. Their rescue equipment, which includes a hydraulic extrication tool and air packs, was funded in part by a 2020 grant from Bluebonnet and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Ronnie Geistmann, who joined the department in 1993, has been chief since 2007. ‘‘The phone never gets turned off,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m on call 24 hours a day.’’

CALDWELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DISPATCH

Caldwell County

Leslie Garner is one of nine emergency dispatchers in Caldwell County. From a centralized hub, she and the others depend on multiple monitors to answer calls and coordinate response by fire, police, emergency medical services and Texas Department of Public Safety officers. The unit responds to about 3,000 calls a month. Garner joined the dispatch team in 2024 after a job in law enforcement. Here, she is still able to help the public while working to assist deputies, officers and other responders get home safely after their shifts. ‘‘Now, in dispatch, I handle calls that are new and different each day while still ensuring the safety of the public and other first responders.’’ 

TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE

Burleson County

Jayme DeSchaaf is one of 500 game wardens across Texas who patrol public and state land and water, enforcing laws and regulations. After graduating from college at 23, he attended the state’s game warden training center for eight months to get his license. DeSchaaf took over patrol in Burleson County in 2016. Receiving dispatch calls from Washington, Burleson and Lee counties, he responds to violations of hunting or fishing laws, reckless driving and incidents such as hunting, vehicle or boat accidents. ‘‘As game wardens, we are here for the people,’’ DeSchaaf said. ‘‘Because citizens have a direct line of access to their local game warden, the relationship between a landowner and game warden is unique.’’

BLEIBLERVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Austin County

With about 30 volunteer firefighters, Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department responds to an average of 60 calls a year, primarily for grass fires and vehicle accidents. Cody Duncan, at left, with Kyler Janish, daughter of volunteer Ross Janish, has volunteered with the department for the past three years. He started because he wanted to help his community. ‘‘I live down the road from the fire station, so getting to volunteer with people I know is the best part,’’ Duncan said. ‘‘It means a lot to serve the community I live in, but it’s not unlikely that the calls we get may be our own friends or family in need.’’ Before responding to each call, the department creates a plan. More times than not, those plans change once on scene. The one thing that never changes: Bleiblerville VFD’s commitment to caring for and protecting the citizens of Austin County.

LOCKHART FIRE RESCUE

Caldwell County 

Lockhart Fire Rescue relies on Quint 2, a 2025 Spartan 75-foot ladder truck, to access upper stories and roofs during fire and rescue operations. It’s one of five vehicles in the department’s fleet. “The truck is called a Quint because it serves five functions: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial ladder and ground ladders,” said Fire Chief Randy Jenkins. Weighing 30 tons and equipped with a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, it’s the department’s largest vehicle. The 18-member department responds to about 1,800 calls annually for fire and medical emergencies. Serving the city limits of Lockhart, covering roughly 16 square miles, the department operates from two stations. Firefighters are equipped with extrication tools, gas detectors, AEDs , lifting bags that can raise vehicles during rescues and more. The department also maintains an active training program covering fires, medical response, hazardous materials, emergency management and wildland firefighting.

BASTROP COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Bastrop County

A trio of sheriff’s department officers in Bastrop County have different roles, but together they respond — and are essential — to a range of duties. Cpl. Stevie Burchell, left, has worked in traffic enforcement and on the special response team since March 2024. Investigator Alexander Young, center, has been with the criminal investigations division since November 2020. Patrol officer Michelle ‘‘Roman’’ Kanz, right, joined in June 2023 and is now in the negotiations unit. The officers respond to emergencies, investigate crimes and strengthen the connection between law enforcement and the community. Burchell carries the weighty responsibility of investigating vehicle fatalities and informing families about deaths. ‘‘Providing a sense of security, safety and empathy is instrumental in building trust in the community.’’ she said. In 2025, the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office had 90 sworn peace officers who patrolled 896 square miles.

YORK CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Guadalupe County

More than 40 years ago, the York Creek Volunteer Fire Department was created to protect a rural area east of San Marcos. Today, its 25 members — many full-time firefighters at other departments — respond to fires, medical emergencies, water rescues and collisions. They protect the towns of Redwood, Zorn and Staples, answering more than 600 calls a year. Wes Trapp practices putting out a fire in a specialized metal shipping container, which provides a controlled environment where crews can fight heat, smoke and flames and study fire behavior. ‘‘The most important part of the drill is that it builds confidence,’’ said firefighter Aiden Robinson, a York Creek volunteer since 2017. 

LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DISPATCH

Lee County

Sandra Plumley, left, and Barbara Vega, right, listen in as Blake Hall answers a 911 call — one of about 1,500 emergency calls received monthly at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office dispatch and 911 communications facility. They and four other dispatchers take calls and coordinate responses from law enforcement, fire, medical services and state agencies. The team uses sophisticated tools to tackle emergencies, including a Viper 911 system that can increase efficiency when dispatchers answer calls, pinpoint a caller's location and transcribe calls for faster communication with other first responders. A computer-aided dispatch system streamlines operations, and a statewide network connects law enforcement agencies. ‘‘We’re not just answering calls. We are stepping into people’s lives at their most vulnerable times,’’ Plumley said. ‘‘And sometimes we get to be part of something truly life-changing.’’