In the past year, the surge in raw material prices put immense pressure on product costs, making it increasingly challenging for large appliance manufacturers to maintain quality during large-scale operations. As a result, promoting industrial restructuring and upgrading, along with repairing profitability, has become crucial for long-term development. In the refrigerator and washing machine sectors, there hasn’t been a significant breakthrough in smart technology, but the timely introduction of health-focused products has become the main driver for high-end upgrades.
Will this focus on health remain a key trend in 2018? Let’s take a closer look at how the industry is evolving.
**No Breakthrough in Intelligence**
With the rapid advancement of internet technology and artificial intelligence, the home appliance market has fully embraced smart solutions. Smart TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines have become hot topics, with major companies investing heavily in incremental innovations. However, while smart TVs have gained widespread popularity, smart washing machines and refrigerators have not yet reached the same level of adoption or satisfaction.
According to Avi Cloud (AVC) data, the smart washing machine penetration rate in 2017 reached 41.9%, up from 27.1% in 2016. WiFi-enabled smart controls dominated the market, holding a 60.5% share, and it was expected that the penetration rate would exceed 50% in 2018. Despite this growth, the pace of expansion has slowed over time.
In the early stages, smart washing machines offered convenience through remote control and real-time feedback, which helped drive initial market acceptance. However, as these features became standard, user interest began to wane, leading to what many now call "smart fatigue." So far, no new innovation has effectively rekindled consumer demand.
Similarly, in the refrigerator sector, smart features such as touchscreens, music/video playback, and online shopping integration have been added, but they often feel like gimmicks rather than meaningful enhancements. These functions don’t truly address user pain points, and the lack of substantial technological breakthroughs means that smart refrigerators are still more of a novelty than a necessity.
The challenges of insufficient interactive functions, uneven ecological resources, and immature internet technology have all contributed to the slow progress of smart appliances. For now, the smart transformation of refrigerators and washing machines remains in a stagnation phase, and expecting a dramatic rebound seems unrealistic.
**"Healthy" Washing Machines Rise**
With no major breakthrough in smart technology, manufacturers are turning their attention to another key area: health. This shift aligns with the growing consumer demand for healthier living, especially in the post-pandemic era.
The washing machine market has entered a new stage of consumption upgrading, moving from basic functionality to enhanced user experiences. After the transition from two-cylinder to fully automatic models, and from pulsators to drum washers, the next wave of upgrades is centered around healthy laundry solutions.
Similarly, the refrigerator market has also evolved since the “Appliances to the Countryside†policy was implemented in 2007. With rising incomes and changing habits, health has become a central concern for consumers. The focus has shifted from just cooling to preserving freshness, ensuring food safety, and supporting a healthier lifestyle.
The second-child policy has further fueled demand for maternal and child-related appliances. Ovi estimates that between 2017 and 2021, there will be approximately 12.938 million new births, creating a surge in demand for larger, healthier home appliances.
In response, many companies have introduced health-focused products. From TCL's pollution-free washing machines to Konka’s silver ion anti-bacterial models, and Rongsheng’s fresh-keeping refrigerators, the industry is clearly shifting toward health as the new battleground.
**TCL Leads the Healthy Revolution**
TCL has taken a unique approach by focusing on health as its core brand identity. According to Zuo Yanzhen, General Manager of Zhongyikang Times Brand Center, companies aiming to stand out in the health appliance market must develop diverse health products based on real user needs.
TCL has long focused on improving users’ quality of life through health-centric solutions. Its pollution-free washing machines and inverter air-cooled refrigerators are designed to provide a superior, hygienic experience. This approach has helped build a strong reputation for health-focused products.
TCL’s washing machines emphasize healthy washing, premium care for delicate fabrics, and convenient lifestyles. Their refrigerators feature precise management of both food and non-food materials, bringing high-end health benefits to every household.
In terms of specific innovations, TCL has spent years refining its washing technology, redesigning internal structures to isolate dirt and bacteria. Products like the pollution-free washing machine, the dirt-free drum, and the sewage-free barrel have set new standards in hygiene. These technologies have received national recognition, including patents and certifications, ensuring safe and clean laundry for millions.
In refrigeration, TCL has developed advanced air-cooling and freshness preservation technologies. Their AAT negative oxygen ion system helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, removing harmful bacteria and maintaining flavor. Combined with smart cooling and multi-space partitioning, TCL refrigerators offer a comprehensive solution for healthy food storage.
Looking ahead, TCL continues to push the boundaries of health innovation, driving the industry toward a more hygienic and sustainable future. AVC forecasts that the washing machine market will reach 37.3 million units in 2018, while the refrigerator market is expected to sell 33.96 million units. With a strong focus on health, TCL is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
While breaking through in smart technology remains a challenge, the health-focused approach offers a more realistic and effective path forward. Companies like TCL are proving that health can be the new engine of high-end upgrades in the appliance industry.
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