Best Small Kitchen Appliances: Top Picks for Compact Spaces

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Transform any kitchen into a culinary haven with this hand-picked collection of the best small kitchen appliances. Cooking has never been this convenient.

Small kitchen appliances offer diverse options to cater to different cooking needs and preferences. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a baking enthusiast or simply looking for convenient ways to prepare meals, there’s an appliance out there for you.

These nifty kitchen gadgets streamline meal preparation and save you time, money, and energy. However, not every product serves its purpose as well as it should, given the variety of quality and price points in today’s market. So, I’ve compiled some of the best kitchen appliances that I can vouch for.

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How to Choose the Best Small Kitchen Appliances

Even though they’re small, compact kitchen appliances can be worth a pretty penny. That said, you wouldn’t want to invest in something that’s not cut out for the job.

In my experience, choosing essential kitchen helpers requires a lot of due diligence. Here are some of my best tips after years of reviewing and testing small kitchen appliances.

• Prioritize Compactness: Look for appliances that have a compact size and won’t take up too much valuable counter space. Opt for sleek designs that can easily fit into tight corners or cabinets.
• Multi-Functionality is Key: Consider appliances that serve multiple purposes in one device to save both space and money. For example, look for toaster ovens that also function as air fryers or blenders with interchangeable blades for different food preparations.
• Consider Your Specific Needs: Think about what functions are essential to you and prioritize accordingly. If you love making a homemade vanilla bean Frappuccino, a compact blender might be more important than a coffee maker if you don’t drink coffee regularly.

9 Best Small Kitchen Appliances Worth Investing In

Whether you’re looking for kitchen essentials or a basic lineup of compact appliances, I’ve got the list for you. Here are some of my top picks that meet all of our criteria: quality, functionality, energy efficiency, and value for money:

Blender: Nutribullet Pro

My top pick is the Nutribullet Pro. This compact blender packs a powerful punch, making it ideal for everything from blending up healthy smoothies to crafting pestos from my herb garden. Its small size means it won’t take up much room on your countertop. 

I like that it comes with two different size containers and several lids. Plus, the lid with the pouring spout is great for storing premade drinks in the refrigerator.

Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Pro

When it comes to compact toaster ovens, I like the Breville Smart Oven Pro. This sleek and efficient model offers nine different cooking functions, allowing you to toast, bake, broil, roast, warm and even slow-cook your favorite meals. It’s what I use to make baked stuffed pork chops.

Coffee Maker: Krups 5-Cup Coffee Maker

The Krups 5-Cup Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for limited counter space. This compact brewer may be small but doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. It offers effortless brewing with a reusable coffee filter, a measuring spoon and a no-drip carafe. Plus, I find the coffee tastes just as good or better than what I get at local coffee shops.

You may also want to consider getting a small coffee grinder to grind your own beans for the freshest coffee flavor. It grinds all types of coffee beans and can be used to grind nuts and seeds too.

Electric Kettle: Mueller Austria Ultra Kettle

Are you a tea drinker? If so, I recommend using an electric kettle as it heats the water faster than a stovetop. My top pick is the Mueller Austria Ultra Kettle. It’s made with high-quality Borosilicate Glass, stainless steel and a heat-resistant copolyester for the best-tasting water. 

Air Fryer: Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven

My top choice for air frying is the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 4 Quart Air Fryer Oven. With six functions packed into one device—including air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating and dehydrating—this compact yet powerful appliance has been a game-changer for me. 

Its sleek design and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone seeking an efficient way to prepare delicious meals in limited-space cooking areas. Personally, I love using it to make easy keto chicken wings when I don’t feel like firing up the oven.

Microwave: Toshiba Countertop Microwave

For those in need of a small microwave, I recommend the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS model. With its 0.9 cubic feet capacity, this microwave may be small in size but not in power. It features six pre-programmed settings and a one-touch start button speeding up the cooking process.

Electric Pressure Cooker: Instant Pot Duo Mini

My top pick for compact spaces is the Instant Pot Duo Mini. This 3-quart electric pressure cooker may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to functionality. It offers seven functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even yogurt-making. 

Slow Cooker: Crock-Pot Cook & Carry

I love the Crock-Pot 4-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker for my hearty, home-cooked recipes. Unlike other small-size slow cookers, this one features a digital timer that allows you to set your desired cooking time and temperature.

This has made it easy for meal planning and busy days when I want to come home to a warm home-cooked meal. My family always loves cheesy chicken, so that’s an easy win.

Mini Food Processor: Ninja Food Chopper Express Chop

My top pick for compact spaces is the Ninja Food Chopper Express Chop. This small but mighty machine has a 16-ounce bowl capacity and features an ergonomic power head that makes it easy to handle. 

I like that it comes with a no-slip base that keeps it steady on the countertop so it won’t start moving while operating. With its sharp blades and powerful motor, this mini food processor can quickly chop up onions, garlic, herbs and more in seconds.

Make the Best Choice for Your Kitchen

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice functionality or style. With the right appliances and organization strategies, you can make the most of your compact space and create a kitchen that not only meets your needs but also feels inviting and enjoyable.

By incorporating these tips for choosing the right small kitchen appliances, you’ll be amazed at how functional and stylish your compact space can become. Remember that making the most out of your kitchen is all about efficiency and creativity — so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.