5 Small Appliances Every Kitchen Should Have

November 07, 2017

Because I can't completely ignore issues of kitchen size and budget in these recommendations, I hedged a bit and offered two options to meet the same need. For example, a food processor is an essential tool, at any size. If you can only afford or have space for a small one- or three-cup version, that totally works. (And may even be preferable depending on what you plan to use it for.)

1. A food processor.

This is the one tool that can do so many things in the kitchen. A larger 12-cup or more capacity is really handy if you have a family to feed, or you like to double or triple whatever recipe you're working on. But don't discount how much you can do with a mini-prep food processor! For years I only had a three-cup food processor, and I worked that thing into the ground. (Anne felt the same way.)

2. A blender.

A blender of some kind is an incredibly useful tool to have in the kitchen. But there's a great debate over whether you need a countertop blender, or if you can get by with an immersion blender. (Kristin only uses an immersion blender, for example, while Christine switched back to her countertop blender.)

If you go the countertop route, it's probably worth it to upgrade to a high-end modelfor the sheer power and versatility. But if you're low on space and need a reliable, multi-functioning tool that'll whip or purée with ease, an immersion blender is the way to go.

3. An electric mixer.

There are two options for an electric mixer: a stand mixer or a hand mixer. If you bake a lot, you should probably get a stand mixer. It's the number-one recommended kitchen splurge for avid bakers, according to our readers. In short, it will make your life easier.

If you're not a big baker, most home cooks do fine with just a hand mixer for the occasional mixing task — beating egg whites, making whipped cream, or getting a smooth cake batter.

4. A pressure cooker.

Say what? Yes. We have fully converted to the cult of the pressure cooker, so much so that we think it deserves a spot in every kitchen. It beats out the slow cooker in our view, especially if you're tight on space. Then again, if you want the best of both worlds, get the Instant Pot! It totally lives up to the hype.

5. An electric kettle.

An electric kettle is one of those deceptively essential small appliances; you don't think it's necessary until you have one, and then you realize you use it all the time, possibly more than any other single small appliance in your kitchen. It's more energy-efficient than boiling water on the stove, and 10 times as fast. If you drink a fair amount of coffee or tea, it's a game-changer. As Faith so aptly put it, "an electric kettle is a wonderful thing."

So, there you have it — our picks for the five essential small appliances that should be in every kitchen (with a few options for personalization!). What do you think? What are your five must-have small appliances?