When it comes to the best Small Appliances in the Kitchen, I know tons of you rely on me, and I’m here to help!
If you loved my recommendations for Basic Essentials in the Kitchen, you’ll be a big fan of the below!
Best Small Appliances in the Kitchen
I’m going to cover some of my favorite tools in the kitchen that will save you time and make your day-to-day easier.
Who doesn’t love to save time? I know that I do since I can’t ever fit enough walks and hikes into one day.
Small Appliances Definition
First, let’s start with small appliances definition.
Well, an appliance is a machine that aids in basic home functions such as cleaning, cooking, or storing food.
And a small or countertop appliance is a petite appliance that fits on your countertop.
Small appliances are typically used for food preparation and cooking.
Instapot Slow Cooker
All I hear about these days when it comes to countertop appliances is the Instapot. Is it worthy of so much hype? I have to give you a resounding yes!
If you’re wondering how to use the Instapot I’ve got you covered.
I created a complete guide, How to Use Instapot that will get you well on your way with this incredible appliance that has saved me so much time when it comes to preparing dinner.
I use the 6 Quart Instapot. We are a family of four so that’s the perfect size for us. For couples, I love gifting the 3 Quart Instapot.
Looking for a few Instapot recipes to get started? Check out my:
My Instant Pot White Bean Soup with Kale is my all-time favorite soup recipe. There is nothing cozier than a warm bowl of soup, a good book, and my kitty curling up on my lap.
Recipes for Food Processor
My Food Processor is more than handy when it comes to kitchen tasks.
I use it for making everything from coleslaw to cookie dough, to ice cream.
If you were to ask me to pick just one appliance on this list, the food processor would be it. It is my favorite small kitchen appliance.
Here are some of my favorite items to make in the Food Processor:
Basic Vitamix
My husband is a fan of small appliances in the kitchen and his favorite is the Vitamix –he uses it every single day to make his smoothie.
I use the Vitamix for everything from soups and pudding, to drinks. Here are some of my favorite Vitamix recipes:
The Ultimate Vitamix Ascent Series
My husband just went totally wild and bought the Ascent Series Vitamix which has the function of a blender and food processor in one base.
He is getting very serious about his smoothie making and nothing can stop him!
The new line that Vitamix came out with (Ascent Series) is incredibly pricey, far more than the original Vitamix.
While it has the function of a high-speed blender and food processor combined, it costs far more than the two appliances added together.
It’s a nifty appliance, however, the only thing you’ll really be saving on is counter space.
One other note. While the blade of the Cuisinart food processor is as sharp as a knife, the blade of the Vitamix food processor is as sharp as a razor.
It took me a few days to get used to this and I cut myself twice when washing the Vitamix food processor blade, though now I’m handling it with care and ease.
Here are some additional recipes that you can make in the Vitamix Ascent Series:
Hand Blender on Amazon
Oh, hand blender, how I love thee.
You are small and efficient, fitting in a kitchen drawer, yet powerful enough to whip up some great frosting.
For dessert-loving folks, the hand blender is a must-have.
Here are some other wonderful toppings you can make with a hand blender:
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Our Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is always churning. This small kitchen appliance has simplified how to make healthy ice cream!
Whether you’re making vegan ice cream or focused on dairy free ice cream recipes, just pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and return to a delicious frozen dessert.
Here are some of our favorite Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker recipes:
Scratch and Dent Appliances
You know I love nothing more than thrift shopping and buying second-hand items.
I’ve seen amazing small appliances in local second-hand shops.
If the above items do not fit your budget, I recommend checking out thrift stores for gently used or scratch and dent appliances you can get at a reduced cost.
Small Appliances Recycling
Replacing your small appliances?
Don’t throw them away –especially if they’re still working.
Consider donating them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Purple Heart so others can enjoy the life left in them.
If your small appliance is no longer working, please check with your local city on where you can recycle it for parts.
Small Appliances for Kitchen
Looking for gifts or to upgrade your kitchen? I have a comprehensive guide on What Not to Buy for Your Kitchen that will help.
What’s your favorite small appliance?
Additionally, I love hearing new and creative uses for each appliance, so please share them in the comments.
Finally, take note! The main photo used in this post is from when I was a spokesperson for the California Almond Board and the photo was taken in studio for one of our photo shoots.
Carol Chaplin says
Well if you asked me about my favorite appliance 2 days ago I would have said a stick mixer. Love using it in soups and so much more without having to clean another appliance like a food processor or a blender. However, since cutting my finger deeply (5 stitches) with a large serrated bread knife while trying to slice a gf bagel I have a new appreciation for a gadget called a bagel slicer! I’ve always avoided getting one thinking who needs another gadget to clutter my kitchen. Well, apparently BCI (bagel cutting incident) is really a “thing”. At the walk-in clinic I found out 20% of their walk-ins were from knife injuries and most from cutting bagels! So off to Amazon I went and ordered one and I LOVE IT! ..and feel safe that I will never slice my hand that way again! So, with summer upon us, I have been experimenting with home made ice cream and ices/sorbet/gelato recipes including many of yours and have been dreaming of an ice cream machine!!!!! Now THAT is an appliance that would be used weekly if not daily in my home!! Hope I win!
Sara says
Hi! I use a few small appliances every single day but my latest favorite gift I was given by my mom has been the best appliance I never knew I needed! Ha! It’s a tea maker that boils the water to the proper temp for each type of tea at the right amount of time. It also keeps the pot warm. I love this thing! I call him “Luke” afte Luke from
Gilmore Girls ; )
Cindy Pickles says
My favorite is the vitamix. I love making smoothies. The first one I had came with a tall blender that did not fit under the cabinet. I bought the smaller pitcher. So now what I do with the tall one is put organic egg shells and organic vegetable scrapings in it as I prepare meals. After a couple days I put water in to fill it about ½ full and blend it. I now have a good source to pour onto my raised vegetable garden and mix it into the soil.
Ann says
Hi!
My favorite small appliance is the vita-mix basic with its trusty tamper. I’m sure I would love the ascent model for a blender/ food processor in one.
Joy says
I love the Vitamix. We’ve had ours for 20 years now. We’ve had to replace the cannister a few times but the motor is still running. Amazing. It costs a lot but it’s worth it when it keeps running that long. Thanks, Elana, for sharing such a great article and awesome links.
laurie says
Hi! How do I enter the contest? My favorite small kitchen appliance is my mini-Cuisinart food processor. So small; easy to store, to use and to clean. Perfect for small serivings. I’ve used it so much, I’ve worn off the lettering for the buttons!
Gayle F says
Your recipts have helped me out a lot. I am eating betterand have been able to lose weight. I hope you are doing well. I love my food processer,saves a lot of time and dishes.
Joyce says
Hi Elana,
I’ve loved your blog, recipes, and books for many years! I think of all my kitchen gadgets, my Vitamix is my most indispensable small kitchen appliance.
Kendy Anderson says
Hard to pick my favorite small appliance! I love my instant pot and my air fryer. They are tied for first. I also love my oster blender and couldn’t get by without my food processor!
Sara says
You’re convincing me I need an Instapot!
I know you aren’t a toaster person, but that’s the appliance we use most in my household. Toast in all its forms is my go-to comfort food. We use the toaster several times a day here.