When it comes to the best small kitchen appliances, many of you look to me for honest recommendations, and I’m happy to help.
If you enjoyed my suggestions for Basic Essentials in the Kitchen, you’ll find the list below equally useful.
Best Small Appliances in the Kitchen
Below I’ll share the small countertop appliances I rely on most. These tools save time and simplify everyday cooking, helping you get dinner on the table faster and enjoy more time outside the kitchen.
Small Appliances Definition
First, a quick definition: an appliance is a device that assists with everyday home tasks like cooking, cleaning, or food storage. A small or countertop appliance is a compact device that sits on your counter and is typically used for food preparation and cooking.
Instant Pot / Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot has generated a lot of buzz, and for good reason. It’s versatile, reliable, and a real time-saver for weeknight meals.
If you need help getting started, I wrote a full guide, How to Use Instant Pot, that walks you through the basics and common functions.
I use the 6-quart Instant Pot for our family of four—it’s the perfect size. For couples or smaller households, the 3-quart model is a great option.
A couple of Instant Pot recipes to try:
- Instant Pot White Bean Soup with Kale
- How to Make Bone Broth in the Instant Pot
My Instant Pot White Bean Soup with Kale is a favorite—comforting, simple, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Food Processor
A food processor is one of the most versatile small appliances you can own. I use mine for tasks ranging from shredding cabbage for coleslaw to making cookie dough and even ice cream.
If I had to choose just one appliance from this list, the food processor would be it—its utility is unmatched for home bakers and cooks.
Some favorites to make in a food processor:
- Gluten Free Cornbread Skillet
- Brownies with Almond Flour
- 2-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
Basic Vitamix
A high-quality blender like the Vitamix is another staple. My husband uses his daily for smoothies, and I use ours for soups, puddings, and blended sauces.
Some great Vitamix recipes to try:
- Keto Chocolate Smoothie
- 3-Ingredient Keto Chocolate Pudding
- Keto Ginger Hot Chocolate
Vitamix Ascent Series
The Ascent Series expands functionality, combining high-speed blending with attachments that broaden what the base can do. It’s an impressive machine, but it comes at a premium price—often more than buying separate appliances.
The Ascent has become my husband’s go-to for advanced smoothies and blended creations. Be cautious with the blades: they’re extremely sharp and require careful handling and cleaning.
Recipes to test in a high-powered blender:
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vanilla Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Hand Blender
A hand blender is compact, affordable, and surprisingly powerful. It tucks into a drawer but handles tasks like whipped cream, frostings, and pureeing soups with ease.
Hand blenders are ideal for dessert lovers and anyone who appreciates minimal cleanup.
Useful recipes and ideas for a hand blender:
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- Coconut Cream Frosting
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
An ice cream maker is a joyful small appliance that makes it easy to prepare homemade frozen desserts. Our Cuisinart model is simple to use and works well for dairy and dairy-free recipes alike.
Just mix your base, pour it into the machine, and in under an hour you’ll have fresh ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt.
Favorite ice cream recipes:
- Cherry Strawberry Ice Cream
- Coconut Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Scratch and Dent / Secondhand Appliances
If budget is a concern, thrift stores and scratch-and-dent outlets are great places to find gently used small appliances at reduced prices. I often find perfectly serviceable machines during thrift shopping trips.
Small Appliance Recycling and Donation
When replacing appliances, avoid throwing working items away. Consider donating usable appliances to local charities so others can benefit. For broken appliances, check with your city or a local recycling center about electronic recycling options.
Small Appliances for Kitchen: Gifts and Upgrades
Searching for gift ideas or planning a kitchen upgrade? My guide on What Not to Buy for Your Kitchen offers helpful advice on making smart choices.
What’s your favorite small appliance? I love hearing about new uses and creative tips, so please share your experiences in the comments.
Note: the main photo in this post was taken during a studio shoot when I served as a spokesperson for the California Almond Board.