A Guide To The Most Essential Small Appliances
Published On: 6/26/2019 Last Modified: 6/16/2025
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.
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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.
By:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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