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A Guide To The Most Essential Small Appliances

Published On: 6/26/2019 Last Modified: 6/16/2025

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small kitchen appliances

Choose Wisely, Appliances Take Up Valuable Space

It would be nice to have all kinds of small appliances on hand from a waffle maker to a deep fryer, but no one has unlimited counter and cabinet space.

When choosing small appliances, ask yourself this question: How often will I use this item? If it’s only once a year, do you really need it? And do you have the space for it? Here’s a guide to the most essential small appliances both large and small.

Click Here To Search Our Reviews And Ratings Of Tools, Toys, And Accessories

The Best Stand Mixer For A Kitchen’s Biggest Tasks

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

There is very little that a beast like the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer can't handle, especially with the countless accessories offered.

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Review

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Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

Join the sous vide revolution with the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker. Here is our full review of this handy immersion circulator.

Breville Joule Sous Vide Review And Rating

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

While there are countless sous vide immersion circulators currently available, one of our favorites is the Breville Joule.

An Electric Hand Mixer Whips Sauce, Batters, And More In A Jif

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

An electric hand mixer whips up batters lickety split. Plus, if you don't make doughs and batters often, it's cheaper than a stand mixer.

Breville Pizzaiolo Smart Pizza Oven, Review And Rating

By:

Dave Joachim, AmazingRibs.com Editorial Director

The Breville Pizzaiolo smart pizza oven looks like a stylish countertop toaster oven, but gets cranking to temperatures above 750ºF!

Vitamix 5200 Blender. A Blender That Pulverizes The Competition

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

If you make a lot of smoothies, sauces, and other blended foods then a high quality blender like the Vitamix 5200 is in order.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Keeps Food Fresh Longer

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

A vacuum sealer helps prevent freezer burn for long storage. The sealer also helps marinades penetrate deep into foods.

OXO Good Grips Stainless Food Scale With Pull-Out Display Review

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

I don't know how I lived without a good, accurate digital kitchen scale for so many years. We recommend this OXO model.

A Slow Cooker Has Multiple Uses

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

A slow cooker has many uses including braising when your oven is full or you want to leave the house without leaving the oven on.

Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro Review

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

Say goodbye to subpar toasters and toaster ovens and hello to the amazing multi-function Breville BOV845BSS Convection Toaster Oven!

Blend Hot Liquids Like The Pros With A Stick Blender

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

You may have never used a stick blender like the Cuisinart 2-speed Smart Stick but they are popular among chefs for pureeing in the pot.

There’s Nothing Like a Rice Cooker

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

A rice cooker cooks, steams and warms more than just rice! Here's the one that we like best for a reasonable price.

Fissler CookStar Portable Induction Cooktop Review

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This compact and convenient burner is portable and uses induction technology to avoid heating up your kitchen. And it's not too expensive.

A Food Processor Is An Essential Small Appliance

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This essential tool does a better job on thick purees. Plus, it has attachments that let you shred, slice, and grate your way to greatness.

A Deep Fryer Isn’t Essential But Very Useful On Occasion

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This deep fryer holds 2.2 pounds of food, has a clever oil drainage system, a viewing window, a non-stick interior, and an air filter.

An Electric Coffee And Spice Grinder Can Improve Your Cooking

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

Freshly ground coffee beans and spices are so much better tasting. Just pick up a cheap grinder and it will improve your coffee and cooking.

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