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.
Rebecca says
Posting for the drawing! And because you are an inspiration. I love my Vitamix and Cuisinart food processor the most. Favorite use of food processor: Slice ripe (some brown spot – NOT dark brown like banana bread) bananas. Single layer on cookie sheet (I used parchment) and freeze. When completely frozen add to Cuisinart food processor with the chopping blade (stainless steel). Watch it jump around and go crazy…it will get the bananas to little beady balls…add a little bit of water…keep adding a little bit of water until you get the texture of frozen yogurt. Don’t add too much water. You will need to scrape down frequently. It is delicious. It does NOT taste like bananas. It tastes like ice cream. People are always amazed when they eat it! My Cuisinart was 20 years old..and it we just had the last run with it – like last night LOL. I’m assuming Cuisinart food processor is still the best?
Heather says
I love my instapot and vitamix blender. Ice cream maker is on my wish list.
Joan harrington says
I love all the appliances you mention and use them all daily to weekly. Still, I can’t get rid of my slow cooker. It makes a superior round steak and slow cooked roast chicken! The only appliance I lack, and wish I had, is in fact the ice cream maker!
MB says
I love my immersion blender. So handy! I’d love to have an ice cream maker.
Elaine says
My favorite small kitchen utensil I use the most is my thermometer.
Susan Shaver says
Is this where we enter to win? My favorite small appliance is the mini waffle iron. I make chaffles (little waffles made with pasture raised organic eggs and organic cheese). Delicious with whipped cream and blueberries. Or in place of buns or bread for a sandwich.
Brenna says
I actually really like my milk frother, except I never use it to froth milk. I use it to mix powders into water :)
Kathy Obrien says
I am fortunate enough to have a version of each small appliance that you have listed above. I would add my Champion Auger Style juicer. it is great for juicing of course, but I love it for making Nice Cream, start of nut butter, apple sauce and canned tomato sauce. in the case of the tomato sauce, run quartered tomatoes through get pulp out one section and seeds and skins out the other. so easy.
And while it isn’t an appliance I couldn’t live without my OXO hand held spiraling.
Thanks for all of your inspiring recipes. the no bake cookies are next on my list or maybe the Peanut Butter, Chocolate Cottage Cheese Bark. OK your right I will make both tonight
Kaila says
I think my favorite small appliance is my Nutribullet. Yes it’s great for smoothies but I use it for so much more! Chimichurri sauce, super fine chopping onions for guacamole, blending spinach into the liquid part of a banana bread recipe to make “hulk muffins”… the list gots on and on.
Mary S says
I use a mini food processor for many things. Besides chopping nuts, I use it to chop small cubes of frozen Parmesan cheese into grated cheese instantly.