Samsung Bespoke AI Fridge Review: A High-Tech Kitchen Powerhouse For those who view extra features as potential points of failure, a basic refrigerator is the safe choice. For everyone else, Samsung’s latest Bespoke line with AI represents the opposite extreme, packing more technology than you might think possible into a kitchen appliance, including an optional 32-inch touchscreen. The model tested is a 2025 release available through 2026. Its hardware will remain unchanged, with future updates like Google Gemini integration and improved food recognition arriving via software. Design and Practicality Samsung’s Bespoke refrigerators champion a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The counter-depth French Door model reviewed features a massive screen on its right door, but many configurations exist, including models with a smaller display or none at all. The design is sleek and unobtrusive. Inside, the fresh food section offers 16.5 cubic feet of space, enhanced by adjustable, spill-proof tempered glass shelves. A standout feature is the FlexZone drawer. This separate compartment is perfect for drinks and snacks, operates at its own temperature, and is conveniently accessible, especially for children. The Star: The Beverage Center Samsung’s Beverage Center is arguably the best innovation in refrigeration in years. Instead of an exposed external dispenser, it’s housed behind a dedicated door on the fridge’s left side. This design is more hygienic and aesthetically clean. The real genius is the auto-refilling water pitcher inside. It holds over 40 ounces of cold water, allowing you to quickly pour for multiple people without waiting at a dispenser. A built-in filter basket is also included for infusing water with fruits or tea. This patented feature gives Samsung a significant edge over competitors. The AI and Screen Experience The optional 32-inch display transforms the fridge into a family hub. For digitally-oriented households, it seamlessly integrates calendars, shopping lists, recipes, and family photos via Wi-Fi. The large screen can show all this information at once, improving family coordination. It runs Samsung’s Tizen OS, allowing for widgets, music playback, and even video streaming. The AI features, while a work in progress, offer genuine utility. AI Vision uses a ceiling-mounted camera to recognize and log food placed in the main compartment. It can identify dozens of fresh and packaged items. You can view an inventory on the fridge screen or via the SmartThings app, which is incredibly helpful for grocery shopping. The system also suggests recipes based on what’s inside, helping to reduce food waste. The main AI drawback is the Bixby voice assistant, which is overly sensitive and awkwardly positioned. Samsung plans to replace it with Google Gemini via an update later this year. Addressing the Ads Samsung drew criticism for adding ads to its Family Hub displays. These ads only appear on the Cover Screen, which acts like a screensaver after inactivity. They can be disabled entirely in the settings, though this also removes the news and weather widgets from that specific screen. The main home screen widgets remain unaffected and fully customizable. Quick Observations The screen collects fingerprints, but so does stainless steel. The Beverage Center door does not soft-close like the others, which is a minor inconsistency. App and widget selection is more limited than on a full Android device, and SmartThings integration works best with Samsung phones. You can create and order shopping lists directly from the fridge through partners like Instacart and Walmart. Final Thoughts Starting at $3,500 for AI models, Samsung’s Bespoke fridges are a significant investment. The value hinges on your willingness to integrate technology deeply into your kitchen and daily routines. Even setting the AI aside, this is a superb refrigerator. Its design is modern and practical, with the Beverage Center alone being a transformative feature. The large display effectively centralizes family logistics and digital content. While the AI capabilities have room to grow, they already provide tangible benefits in inventory management and meal planning. Samsung’s Bespoke AI French Door refrigerator makes a compelling case for the high-tech, connected kitchen of the present.
