Popular small kitchen appliances

Having the right small appliances on hand can make cooking and drink-making a whole lot simpler. We’ve narrowed down ten of the most popular small appliances to help you find what may be missing in your kitchen.

1. Instant Pot

Instant Pot has quickly become one of America’s new favorite small appliances, with the ability to cook food fast and in a variety of different ways. This handy little machine can serve as several appliances in one, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker and rice cooker, plus it sautées, sears and steams.

Perks:

• Models available under $100
• Energy-efficient
• Easy to clean

2. Ninja Air Fryer

Ninja makes several air fryers in a broad size and price range to fit varying needs. Air fryers have become increasingly popular for the ability to fry crunchy, tasty foods without using unhealthy cooking oils.

Perks:

• Models available under $100
• Healthier option than traditional frying
• Dishwasher-safe parts

3. Ninja Smart Screen Blender DUO

A blender is a kitchen essential, but if you want to kick yours up a notch, try this smart blender. It has seven preprogrammed settings, so you can easily whip up smoothies, shakes and other drinks with the press of a button.

Perks:

• FreshVac technology helps to lock in nutrients
• Comes with easy-serve pitcher
• Dishwasher-safe parts

4. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

This handy appliance is a classic kitchen staple that can do much more than whip up a good cookie batter — although that’s certainly on its resumé. This model comes with 10 speed settings, a five-quart glass bowl and in a wide array of fun colors to choose from.

Perks:

• More than 15 optional attachments available
• Convenient tilt-head design
• Can make up to nine dozen cookies at once

5. Breville Smart Kettle

Brew the perfect cup of tea with this stylish smart kettle from a leading brand, known for its reliability and durability.

Perks:

• Five preset brewing temperatures
• Stainless steel base
• Holds steady warming temperature for 20 minutes

6. Cuisinart Coffee on Demand

Enjoy freshly-brewed coffee all morning long with this sleek, easy-to-use drip coffee maker. This programmable machine is at the ready to brew coffee by the cup, so you always get maximum flavor.

Perks:

• Charcoal water filter
• Clean alert lets you know when it’s time to clean your machine
• BPA-free

7. Nespresso espresso machine

Choose from five sizes of single-serve coffee or espresso drinks to brew in this easy-to-use machine. Even better yet, the Nespresso Vertuo heats up water in 15 seconds, so you’ll have a delicious drink in practically no time.

Perks:

• Uses convenient Nespresso capsule system
• One-touch brewing
• Five single-serve cup sizes

8. Cuisinart Slow Cooker

Want the taste of slow-cooked food without having to sit at home and cook all day? A slow cooker could be the perfect solution. This Cuisinart model comes highly rated and is large enough to feed a family with ease.

Perks:

• Removable nonstick six-quart cooking pot
• Cool touch handle with glass lid
• Three programmable cooking functions

9. Breville Smart Oven convection toaster oven

Upgrade your toaster to a convection toaster oven and open up your easy cooking possibilities. You can make everything from grilled cheese and quesadillas to chicken and baked goods in this model.

Perks:

• Fast 1800W preheat
• Slow cook setting
• 10 cooking functions

10. Nutrichef Thermoelectric Wine Cooler

Are you the entertaining type? Easily store up to 12 bottles of red or white wine in this compact wine fridge, perfect for the home or office.

Perks:

• Ultra-quiet operation
• Priced under $150
• Backed by a one-year warranty

Bottom line

Having the right kitchen appliances when you need them can make all the difference when whipping up a meal in a snap or brewing the perfect beverage. Choose from our list of some of the most popular models above, or view our appliance buying guides to compare even more products.

Frequently asked questions

• What's considered a small kitchen appliance?

  Small kitchen appliances generally refer to small portable or semi-portable devices that can easily sit on a countertop or be stored away for occasional use. Microwaves, pressure cookers, slow cookers, toasters and coffee makers are examples of small kitchen appliances.

• What are the best kitchen appliance brands?

  There are a number of top appliance brands out there, but some of the most popular include KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Breville and Ninja.

• Should I buy new or used small kitchen appliances?

  It depends on your budget and the condition of the used appliance. Generally speaking, your money may be better spent springing for a new model, especially if the appliance you’re interested in is only a bit more expensive to buy brand new.

Gabrielle Pastorek

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Gabrielle Pastorek is a writer at finder.com, regularly researching and creating shopping and finance reviews, as well as car and loan comparisons. She holds an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh, and her essays and short stories can be found in The Collagist, Blue Monday Review, Blotterature and others. When she’s not writing, Gabrielle can be found out in the barn with her horse, Lucy.