This year, Dacor is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 60 years of redefining the American luxury kitchen. We were invited to an event at their beautiful Manhattan showroom, where the event combined a festive atmosphere, cutting-edge appliances, and a culinary demonstration that brought the brand’s innovations to life. From its family-owned origins in Southern California to its integration with Samsung’s technology, Dacor has continually set benchmarks in design, performance, and usability.
Walking into the showroom, the space itself made a statement. Referred to by Dacor as the “kitchen theater,” the Manhattan location is one of three across the country, with others in Irvine, California, and Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. The design philosophy is clear: to showcase the best of Dacor and Samsung appliances in a fully immersive kitchen environment. “Each one of them has a slightly different take on the latest innovations,” explained the host, inviting attendees to experience the possibilities for themselves.
The timing of the event was deliberate, falling just as the holiday season approaches — a period synonymous with family gatherings and large meals. “As the head chef in my family, I constantly think about the centerpiece, side dishes, and dietary considerations for everyone at the table,” the host noted. In this context, Dacor’s latest technology, particularly its Bespoke AI appliances, becomes invaluable. These tools assist with recipe recommendations, ingredient management, and even minimizing food waste, making complex holiday meals far less stressful.
At the heart of the event was a live demonstration by Chef JB, Dacor’s executive chef at the New York showroom. Using Dacor’s induction and steam-enabled ovens, he showcased how the appliances streamline cooking while preserving flavor and texture. “The induction gives you the power, the efficiency, and the technology makes it much easier to work. I don’t have to think about it,” he said. Demonstrating with a frozen pack, Chef JB highlighted the speed and precision of induction cooking: it reached perfect cooking temperature in just 28 seconds, while the oven’s memory function allowed him to step away and return without losing heat — a feature unavailable in many other brands.
Chef JB also emphasized the human-centric design philosophy behind Dacor’s appliances. The steam-assisted ovens, for example, inject moisture for perfectly cooked fish, bread, and poultry, while the probe functionality ensures meats cook to the exact desired temperature. “You don’t need to be a chef to know the temperature of the meat,” he said, highlighting the intuitive interface that pairs seamlessly with smartphones for remote monitoring.
The event also marked a celebration of Dacor’s 60-year legacy, tracing its origins to Southern California in 1965. Initially a family-owned business, Dacor has long been at the forefront of kitchen innovation. Milestones include the first convection self-cleaning oven in the mid-1970s and the introduction of single-sealed surface cooking. The brand was also the first luxury appliance company to release a smart oven in the early 2000s — a feature now considered standard across the industry. As the host explained, “We were the first to market, the first to innovate, and everyone else followed.”
Dacor’s recent product launches reflect this commitment to innovation. The 48-inch French drawer built-in refrigerator has won six industry awards, showcasing stainless steel construction, LED lighting, and multi-temperature drawers. Its counterpart, the 48-inch dual-cavity steam range, has also received accolades for its versatility and precise temperature control. Rounding out the kitchen experience, Dacor has introduced a 24-inch beverage center and a new dishwasher with a kitchen-fit sliding hinge system, designed to eliminate design constraints in modern kitchens.
In refrigeration, Dacor continues to impress. The two-column 236-inch refrigerator and freezer features stainless steel and glass construction with ambient lighting, while interior cameras allow users to track inventory remotely via Samsung SmartThings. The wine storage line is equally sophisticated, offering multi-zone control, humidity management, and temperature monitoring — all fully integrated with mobile devices for remote oversight. These products are designed not just for performance, but for elegance: handleless designs, push-to-open functionality, and wood-accented interiors that elevate the visual experience.
The Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerator, now in its tenth generation, demonstrated the power of connectivity. Chef JB walked attendees through how the system recognizes ingredients, tracks expiration dates, and generates recipes tailored to dietary preferences. For example, tomatoes stored in the refrigerator could be used to automatically generate recipes ranging from spaghetti to spicy beef taco bowls, while a curated shopping list ensured no ingredient was forgotten. The AI even suggests recipes for items nearing expiration, helping households reduce waste while maximizing culinary creativity.
Chef JB’s demonstration also showcased Dacor’s induction technology, which operates efficiently, safely, and intuitively. Unlike traditional gas or electric ranges, Dacor induction cooking heats only the pan, leaving surrounding surfaces cool to the touch. The system recognizes ferromagnetic materials and allows for easy multitasking, enabling chefs to move between appliances without losing heat or performance. “This is why I moved here,” Chef JB said. “The efficiency and memory functions make daily cooking seamless.”
Beyond cooking, Dacor has addressed laundry and beverage needs with its all-in-one washer and dryer, recently brought to the U.S. market, that completes a load in just 68 minutes, with vented and ventless models for maximum flexibility. Meanwhile, the 24-inch wine dispenser stores opened bottles for up to 60 days, offering precise pours for casual or formal occasions. Combined with column and under-counter wine storage solutions, Dacor has created a comprehensive luxury kitchen ecosystem.
Looking to the future, Dacor teases more innovations in 2026, including what the company describes as its single biggest U.S. product launch to date. While details remain under wraps, the message is clear: the brand is poised to continue its trajectory of first-to-market innovations while staying true to its roots in luxury, performance, and design-led, human-centric solutions.
Throughout the event, the interplay of technology and culinary expertise was unmistakable. Guests observed how Dacor appliances transformed cooking from a labor-intensive process into a streamlined, intuitive experience, all while preserving the artistry and precision of fine dining. The seamless integration of AI, induction, steam, and connectivity exemplifies how Dacor has evolved under Samsung’s stewardship, marrying legacy craftsmanship with modern technology.
The celebration of 60 years was more than a milestone; it was a testament to Dacor’s philosophy. “We are very much a human-centric, design-led brand,” the host said. “Innovation first, always with the cook in mind.” From Chef JB’s live demonstration to the award-winning appliances on display, attendees left with a clear understanding of how Dacor continues to define luxury and innovation in the American kitchen.
As the holiday season approaches, Dacor’s message is simple yet powerful: whether cooking for family, entertaining guests, or exploring new culinary techniques, technology should make life easier, more precise, and more enjoyable. In 60 years, Dacor has done exactly that — and with Samsung’s ongoing innovation, the next 60 promise to be just as remarkable.
See also: Review: Frigidaire 30″ Range With Stone-Baked Pizza
