Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Following up on the overwhelming response to my previous article, “My Favorite 20 Kitchen Tools Under $20,” I’m thrilled to share another highly anticipated guide today: a curated list of my top 10 small kitchen appliances. Over the years, countless readers have reached out, seeking advice on these more significant investments. We all know that choosing the right small appliance can be a daunting task, often involving a higher price point and a bewildering array of models and features. It’s tough to discern which ones truly deliver on their promises and are worth your hard-earned money.
So, let’s dive into the exciting and incredibly useful world of small kitchen appliances! These powerful helpers are the unsung heroes of many kitchens, simplifying complex tasks and elevating everyday meals.
My own culinary journey has seen my kitchen gear evolve from humble garage sale finds to essential entry-level products, gradually progressing to more significant investments in the specific models and brands I truly desired. From this experience, I’ve become a strong advocate for starting with what you can realistically afford. There’s absolutely no need to feel pressured into splurging on every top-of-the-line item right away! The small kitchen appliance market is constantly innovating, becoming more technologically advanced and, thankfully, more accessible. This means that even entry-level products today are remarkably reliable compared to what they once were. However, there’s a definite advantage to saving up and investing in a truly robust model of an appliance you genuinely use *often*. This is the crucial point: prioritize quality for tools that will see frequent action. Chances are, such an investment will not only last significantly longer but will also prove to be a wiser use of your funds in the long run. This principle holds true for most major purchases in life, and it certainly applies to equipping your kitchen.
One of the unexpected perks of being a food blogger is the opportunity to test out a wide variety of small kitchen appliances. Additionally, I’m always keen to see what my friends and fellow chefs are using in their own kitchens. This exposure has provided me with a wealth of experience across a broad spectrum of products, from the cutting-edge to the time-tested. New and exciting gadgets seem to hit the market daily, making the choices even more abundant. But today, I want to focus on the 10 specific appliances that have earned a permanent spot in my kitchen and are used with consistent regularity. Some of these are indeed premium, top-of-the-line models, while others are more moderately priced. For each recommendation, I’ve also included alternative products at different price points or from different reputable brands, ensuring there’s an option for various budgets and needs. (As a quick note, all links provided are affiliate links. This means the price remains exactly the same for you, while this blog receives a small commission for referring you. It’s a win-win situation!)
I sincerely hope this comprehensive guide proves helpful in your quest to build a more efficient and enjoyable kitchen. And here’s where you come in: if you have any small appliances at home that you absolutely adore and would highly recommend, please share them in the comments section below! I often rely on community reviews when making my own purchasing decisions, so the more insights we can collectively share, the better. Happy cooking and happy shopping!
Food Processor
My Model:
Magimix 14-Cup Food Processor
Why I Love It: Over the years, I’ve owned several food processors, each eventually succumbing to wear and tear. However, my Magimix has been a constant, indispensable workhorse in my kitchen for the past four years, and I can confidently say I absolutely adore it. For those unfamiliar, Magimix holds a special place in history as the original pioneer of the food processor, first introduced in France in 1971. What’s truly remarkable is how little their design has changed over time – simply because it hasn’t needed to. These machines are true powerhouses, built to withstand rigorous use, a testament to their exceptional engineering. This commitment to durability is further underscored by an impressive 30-year motor warranty, offering incredible peace of mind for such a significant investment.
What truly sets this Magimix model apart for me is its quiet operation, a stark contrast to many other noisy kitchen gadgets. Its design is both simple and sleek, effortlessly blending into any kitchen aesthetic. It comes equipped with an outstanding selection of attachments, making it incredibly versatile: a mini blade for small tasks, a main blade for general processing, an egg whisk, a dough blade for baking needs, 2mm and 4mm slicing disks, 2mm and 4mm grating disks, and a blendermix attachment for emulsifying. Furthermore, the inclusion of three different bowl sizes (main, midi, and mini) means you always have the right capacity for any recipe, from a single serving to a family-sized batch. Its power is truly exceptional, allowing it to handle everything from traditional chopping and pureeing to more demanding tasks like making homemade nut butters, grating large blocks of cheese with ease, creating fresh bread crumbs, mixing perfectly uniform pie crusts, and even grinding meat.
Without a doubt, this Magimix food processor is the most frequently used small appliance in my kitchen. If you have a passion for cooking and regularly prepare meals from scratch, I genuinely believe it’s an investment worth making when your budget allows. And speaking of investment, consider the *size* carefully. After years of struggling with a tiny 4-cup food processor that could barely accommodate most recipes, I strongly recommend starting with at least a 7- or 8-cup model if it fits your budget. A larger capacity will significantly enhance its utility and save you from processing in multiple batches. Always prioritize a model with a robust warranty, as this is a clear indicator of a manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s longevity.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Magimix 12-Cup Food Processor (An excellent choice if you’re looking for a slightly more compact version of the same high-quality brand.)
- Cuisinart 12-Cup Food Processor (A fantastic and more budget-friendly alternative that still offers impressive power and reliability for everyday cooking.)
- Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor (Ideal if you need a smaller footprint without sacrificing too much capacity, perfect for smaller households or kitchens.)
Stand Mixer
My Model:
KitchenAid Professional 6-Quart Stand Mixer
Why I Love It: For decades, KitchenAid has dominated the stand mixer market, and for very good reason: their mixers are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also incredibly powerful and built to endure. My journey with KitchenAid began with a 4.5-quart tilt-head stand mixer, a thoughtful housewarming gift from my parents after I graduated college. A few years ago, I upgraded to this robust 6-quart professional model, and it has truly transformed my baking and cooking. I rely on it regularly for an extensive range of tasks: kneading various doughs for cookies, pizzas, and artisan breads; effortlessly blending ingredients for nutritious energy bites; mixing smooth cake and brownie batters; and whipping up perfectly airy creams, including vegan coconut cream, among countless other applications. Even after years of consistent and heavy use, the motor of my stand mixer continues to perform flawlessly, maintaining its champion-like power, and the mixer itself still looks stunning on my countertop. I’m also deeply impressed by the vast array of vibrant color options KitchenAid offers, allowing you to choose a mixer that perfectly complements your kitchen’s style. Furthermore, the expansive ecosystem of available attachments (more on those below) significantly extends its versatility, turning it into a true multi-functional kitchen machine.
However, it’s important to consider whether a stand mixer is right for you. If you’re not a frequent baker or don’t anticipate using a mixer regularly, I would honestly advise against investing in a large stand mixer. They represent a significant financial commitment, are quite heavy to move, and occupy a considerable amount of valuable counter space. For occasional use, a hand mixer or other tools might be more appropriate. In such cases, your investment might be better placed elsewhere in your kitchen. But for those who frequently bake, entertain, or enjoy culinary projects, a KitchenAid stand mixer is an invaluable asset that will quickly become an indispensable part of your routine, saving you time and effort while delivering consistently excellent results.
Alternate Recommendations:
- KitchenAid Professional 7-Quart Stand Mixer (If you’re seeking the latest and greatest, or need an even larger capacity for big baking projects, this is their newest and most powerful model.)
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer (A fantastic, slightly more affordable stand mixer that maintains the excellent quality and performance KitchenAid is known for, ideal for most home bakers.)
- KitchenAid 9-Speed Professional Hand Mixer (For those who prefer a compact and easily storable option, this powerful hand mixer is an excellent choice for a variety of tasks without the bulk of a stand mixer.)
-
KitchenAid Attachments (Expand your mixer’s capabilities!):
Spiralizer,
Pasta Roller,
Ravioli Maker,
Ice Cream Maker,
Slow Juicer,
Food Grinder,
7-Qt Scraper Bowl,
Glass Bowl, and many more to explore.
Blender
My Model:
Blendtec Total Blender Classic Wild Side
(This specific model is no longer available, but comparable newer options are listed below.)
Why I Love It: Several years ago, I made the switch from a standard blender to a high-powered model, and it was a game-changer. If you find yourself reaching for your blender regularly, I highly recommend making a similar upgrade if it aligns with your budget. The difference in performance is truly remarkable. However, if your blender use is only occasional, a high-powered model might not be a justifiable expense, and in that case, I’d encourage you to consider the more traditional yet still excellent recommendations listed further down.
That being said, my Blendtec has been an absolute star in my kitchen. Its immense power effortlessly pulverizes ice and large chunks of frozen fruit, turning them into perfectly smooth concoctions with incredible speed. I particularly appreciate the versatility offered by the various mini jars that can be purchased separately (see below), which are ideal for preparing smaller batches, single servings, or specialized blends. Maintenance is also a breeze, as many parts are dishwasher-friendly, simplifying cleanup. Moreover, Blendtec stands behind its products with a stellar warranty, providing valuable reassurance for your investment. I use my blender constantly for an array of recipes: from my daily nutrient-packed smoothies and refreshing frozen cocktails to perfectly smooth pancake and crepe batters, vibrant salsas, and velvety pureed soups, among many other culinary creations. While my exact model is no longer in production, its legacy of power and efficiency lives on in Blendtec’s current offerings, which I have also included below for your consideration.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Blendtec Total Blender (If you’re seeking a fantastic, powerful blender comparable to my original model, this current iteration offers exceptional performance and durability.)
- Vitamix Professional Series 200 Blender (For those on “Team Vitamix,” this model is an outstanding and comparably priced alternative, renowned for its professional-grade power and longevity.)
- KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender (If you’re looking for a reliable, well-made traditional blender in a significantly more affordable price range, this KitchenAid model delivers excellent results for everyday blending tasks.)
- (Also, consider hand blender alternatives below, especially if kitchen storage space is a concern for you.)
Slow Cooker
My Model:
Crock Pot 6-Quart Slow Cooker with Stovetop-Safe Cooking Pot
Why I Love It: Regular readers of this blog already know about my deep and abiding love for slow cooking. Just a quick glance at our
slow cooker recipe archives will show you why! As someone who is constantly experimenting with new kitchen gadgets, I’ve had the unique opportunity to test countless slow cookers over the years. Out of all the models that have passed through my kitchen, only two have earned a permanent and cherished spot. The first is a super basic, yet highly effective,
3-Quart Crock Pot that’s perfect for smaller recipes and incredibly budget-friendly at around $20. But the model you see pictured above is the one I use approximately 90% of the time, and for very good reason. It offers simple yet incredibly useful digital programming, allowing you to “set it and forget it” with confidence, knowing your meal will be perfectly cooked when you’re ready.
However, the feature I appreciate and love *most* about this specific slow cooker is its incredibly versatile cooking pot, which can be safely removed and used directly on the stovetop. This innovative design literally transforms almost any recipe into a genuine one-pot meal. Need to sear some meat to lock in flavor before slow cooking? No problem. Want to sauté onions or garlic to build a richer base? Go right ahead. Or perhaps you need to reduce those delicious cooking juices into a savory gravy after the slow cooking is complete? This pot handles it all. This seamless transition from stovetop to slow cooker eliminates the need for extra pans, drastically reducing cleanup time. And, of course, the fact that the cooking pot is completely dishwasher-safe is the cherry on top, making post-meal tidying a breeze. This is hands down my favorite slow cooker to date, though I’m always open to trying new innovations! Its convenience and versatility are truly unmatched, making it an indispensable tool for busy weeknights and leisurely weekend meals alike.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Cuisinart 6-Quart 3-In-1 Multi Cooker (If you’re looking for an appliance with even more advanced programmable options and multi-functional capabilities built right into the unit, this model is an excellent choice, though it comes at a significantly higher price point.)
Rice Cooker
My Model:
Aroma Cool Rice Cooker
Why I Love It: For the longest time, I was convinced that a rice cooker was an entirely unnecessary small appliance, something I definitely didn’t want cluttering up my precious kitchen counter space. Oh, how wrong I was! Now, I can confidently say that I absolutely adore this machine. I stumbled upon my Aroma small cooker quite randomly, likely during a Target run, so I haven’t had the chance to test out many other brands. However, this unassuming appliance has been an absolute game-changer when it comes to preparing perfectly cooked rice, quinoa, and other grains. Any seasoned rice cooker owner will enthusiastically tell you why: it simply cooks rice flawlessly, every single time, with virtually no effort on your part.
The beauty of a dedicated rice cooker lies in its precision and consistency. You no longer have to hover over the stovetop, constantly stirring, adjusting heat, or anxiously checking to see if the grains are done. With an Aroma rice cooker, you add your rice and water, press a button, and it handles the rest. It precisely controls temperature and cooking time, preventing scorching, overcooking, or undercooking. The result is consistently fluffy, perfectly textured rice, whether you’re making white rice, brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa. This level of reliability and convenience is unparalleled. It truly nails it, every single time. While I initially balked at giving up shelf space, this appliance has proven its worth many times over. The minimal prep time and guaranteed perfect results make it an invaluable addition to any kitchen, saving you time and frustration, and ensuring a delicious side dish for any meal.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Zojirushi 5.5 Cup Rice Cooker (If you’re ready for a significant upgrade – and a corresponding price increase – Zojirushi is widely considered one of the top brands for rice cookers, beloved by many for their advanced features and exceptional consistency.)
Hand Blender
My Model:
KitchenAid 5-Speed Immersion Hand Blender
Why I Love It: An immersion hand blender set isn’t typically considered a kitchen essential unless you anticipate using it frequently and have the available storage space and budget. However, if you’re regularly preparing dishes that require blending directly in the pot, then this versatile tool, also known as a stick blender, might just become your new best friend. For me, its primary use, and an absolute joy, is making
homemade whipped cream in just 30 seconds! Beyond that, it’s perfect for pureeing soups directly in the saucepan, whipping up creamy milkshakes, making fresh mayonnaise, or preparing smooth refried beans – essentially, anything you might typically make in a traditional blender, but with added convenience.
I particularly appreciate my KitchenAid immersion blender because of its compact and lightweight design, making it incredibly easy to store and retrieve for quick tasks. Compared to a full-sized traditional blender, it’s also considerably more affordable, offering an excellent way to save money while still gaining powerful blending capabilities. Cleanup is remarkably simple, as all of its small, detachable parts are conveniently dishwasher-friendly. But the core reason for my affection for this appliance is the sheer convenience it offers. I love being able to effortlessly blend a batch of soup directly in the cooking pot, eliminating the messy and often hazardous step of transferring hot liquids to a large, separate blender. It’s also perfect for whipping up that quick batch of whipped cream or making a single-serving milkshake without the fuss of a large appliance. Different brands offer various attachments, so it’s worth exploring to find the set that best aligns with your specific culinary needs and interests. This little powerhouse offers big performance in a small package, making it invaluable for specific kitchen tasks.
Alternate Recommendations:
- KitchenAid 3-Speed Immersion Hand Blender (If you’re seeking a hand blender at a more accessible price point, this model still provides excellent performance and often includes essential attachments like a blending blade, whisk, and even a food processor attachment for added versatility.)
Ice Cream Maker
My Model:
Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker
Why I Love It: Who else remembers the days of hand-cranking old-fashioned ice cream makers, meticulously layering salt and ice? (I certainly do!) If that resonates with you, then I’m guessing you share my immense appreciation for these ingenious, modern-day contraptions that handle all the hard work for us. What a brilliant evolution in kitchen technology! I’ve had the pleasure of owning two Cuisinart ice cream makers over the years, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with both. The model pictured above is my current go-to, and it consistently performs its duty perfectly, delivering deliciously creamy homemade ice cream every single time. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their dessert game.
The joy of making your own ice cream goes beyond just the novelty; it allows for complete control over ingredients, perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions or creating unique, adventurous flavor combinations not found in stores. Imagine fresh, seasonal fruit sorbets, rich chocolate custards, or even savory ice creams – the possibilities are endless. While a dedicated stand-alone ice cream maker offers simplicity, if you’re already a proud owner of a KitchenAid stand mixer, you might consider their convenient
ice cream attachment, which also works exceptionally well and saves counter space. A pro tip for avid ice cream makers: investing in an extra freezer bowl is a game-changer. This way, you can always have one bowl pre-chilled and ready to go, allowing you to whip up spontaneous batches of frozen treats whenever the craving strikes, or make multiple flavors for a party. This simple addition significantly enhances the convenience and enjoyment of your ice cream maker.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Extra Freezer Bowl (If you’re looking for a slightly less expensive model – one I used to own and highly recommend! – that still works like an absolute charm and often comes bundled with an extra freezer bowl for convenience.)
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer Ice Cream Attachment (An excellent alternative to a stand-alone machine, perfect if you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer and want to save on counter space while still enjoying homemade ice cream.)
Coffee Maker
My Model:
Bonavita 8-Cup Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe
Why I Love It: This recommendation is specifically for all my fellow coffee aficionados out there. If you’re a devoted follower of French press, pour-over, cold brew, or any other manual brewing method, I’m right there with you on many mornings, savoring the ritual. But for those who are seeking an automated coffee machine that genuinely delivers a brew comparable in taste and quality to these artisanal methods, then we absolutely need to talk about Bonavita. I first encountered this brand through the passionate owners of my neighborhood coffee shop, who raved about the exceptional quality of coffee it produced. Their enthusiasm sparked my curiosity, and as I continued to hear glowing reviews from one coffee lover after another, my skepticism eventually gave way to a desire to try it for myself.
And let me tell you, it’s truly *awesome*.
Bonavita coffee makers are designed with precision engineering to ensure optimal brewing conditions, including precise temperature control and an even water dispersion over the coffee grounds. This attention to detail results in a consistently flavorful, perfectly extracted cup every time, eliminating the bitterness often associated with less sophisticated drip machines. Their newest model now even includes a programmable auto-start timer, a feature I’ve been eagerly awaiting for years, allowing you to wake up to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. And for those who appreciate aesthetics, a beautiful
glass carafe option is also now available.
While a Bonavita coffee maker is certainly an investment, and it doesn’t include a built-in grinder (which I’ll address next!), the quality of the brew justifies the cost. When you factor in the expense of daily coffee purchases from your local cafe, this machine quickly proves its worth as a significant long-term saving. If your goal is to simply press a button and have a consistently perfect, cafe-quality cup of coffee waiting for you when you start your day, this is unequivocally the machine for you. Its blend of convenience and exceptional taste makes it an indispensable part of my morning routine.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Cuisinart Perfect-Temp 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (If you’re looking for a highly reliable traditional drip coffee maker at a more accessible price point, this Cuisinart model offers excellent programming features and consistent brewing.)
Coffee Grinder
My Model:
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder
Why I Love It: Speaking of coffee, I am a firm believer that the foundation of any truly great cup lies in freshly-ground beans. (And ethically-sourced, high-quality beans, but that’s a conversation for another day!) The difference that freshly ground coffee makes to the aroma, flavor, and overall experience of your morning brew is simply incomparable to pre-ground varieties. The moment coffee beans are ground, they begin to lose their volatile aromatic compounds, which are responsible for their complex flavors. Grinding just before brewing preserves these delicate notes, resulting in a significantly richer and more vibrant cup.
Having burned out two coffee grinders in my lifetime, I can attest that it’s definitely worth investing in one with a robust motor and, at the very least, a comprehensive warranty. Longevity is key for an appliance you’ll use daily. For years, I was a big fan of
this inexpensive burr grinder I picked up at Target, and I still use it occasionally and highly recommend it for its value. However, when KitchenAid sent me their burr grinder to test for a project, it quickly became my primary grinder, and I’ve been happily using it ever since. This machine is incredibly sturdy and remarkably strong, giving me the impression that its powerful motor is built to last for decades. (Though I’m always a bit wary of accidentally breaking that delicate glass jar before then!)
When choosing a coffee grinder, I would strongly advise prioritizing a burr grinder over a blade grinder. Blade grinders simply chop the beans unevenly, leading to an inconsistent extraction and a less flavorful, often bitter cup. Burr grinders, on the other hand, mill the beans between two abrasive surfaces, producing a uniform grind size that is essential for optimal flavor extraction. Furthermore, if you enjoy different styles of coffee, such as espresso, French press, or drip, a burr grinder with adjustable grind settings is an absolute must. This allows you to fine-tune the grind to suit the specific brewing method, ensuring the best possible result for each cup. Ultimately, choose a grinder that fits your budget, but prioritize quality and consistency for the best coffee experience.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder (If you’re looking for a moderately-priced model from a highly respected brand, this is an excellent choice. I have several friends who own and absolutely love this grinder for its performance and stylish design.)
- Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Grinder (For a more budget-friendly option that still delivers consistent and effective grinding, this Mr. Coffee model performs surprisingly well for its price point.)
Food Dehydrator
My Model:
Cuisinart Professional Food Dehydrator
Why I Love It: And finally, we arrive at this truly unique kitchen gem. While most 16-year-olds in my high school days were clamoring for Doc Martens, N*Sync albums, or Nokia phone covers for Christmas, I was earnestly begging Santa for… you guessed it… a food dehydrator! Homemade peppery beef jerky ranks among my all-time favorite foods on the planet, and I was determined to master the art of making it myself. So, even before I truly learned how to cook, I delved into the world of dehydration, and I’ve been using one ever since. My original dehydrator recently decided to retire, so after a bit of research into the latest models, I invested in this Cuisinart Professional Food Dehydrator. And I can happily report that it has proven to be an excellent choice.
This dehydrator operates quite quietly, which is a significant bonus for an appliance that often runs for extended periods. It boasts a consistent and even airflow, ensuring that foods dry uniformly without the need for constant tray rotation, which can be a hassle with lesser models. It’s also fairly easy to clean, a practical consideration for any kitchen tool. Most importantly, it crafts beef jerky that is far superior to anything you’ll find in a store – professional quality right in your own kitchen. (A recipe for my famous beef jerky will be hitting the blog soon; I can’t believe I haven’t shared it yet!)
Of course, if dehydrating foods isn’t a passion of yours, then this appliance probably isn’t for you. But for my fellow enthusiasts of beef jerky, dried fruits, crispy zucchini chips, homemade fruit leathers, fragrant potpourri, raw food preparations, and even custom homemade yogurts, this Cuisinart dehydrator is one I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s wonderfully versatile for preserving harvests, creating healthy snacks, and experimenting with new textures and flavors. Plus, it’s moderately priced and, in my opinion, the perfect size for most home kitchens, offering ample capacity without being overly bulky. It’s an investment in health, creativity, and the delicious satisfaction of making your own wholesome treats.
Alternate Recommendations:
- Sedona Dehydrator (If you’re seeking a larger capacity, more programmable options, and a top-of-the-line dehydrator for serious dehydration projects, the Sedona is a premium choice highly favored by professionals and enthusiasts.)
Alright, your turn! What favorite small kitchen appliances would you recommend that you absolutely can’t live without? Share your insights and help others discover their next kitchen essential!
(This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.)