I truly love to cook and I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Whether I’m whipping up breakfast, lunch or dinner or cooking something new on my YouTube Cooking Channel. Food and cooking is a great part of my life so having what I need to make things easy and convenient is essential. I can’t tell you enough how important it is to have the right tools. The right tools will save you both time and money. Today, I’m sharing what I use for small kitchen appliances that will save you time and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable.
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1. Air Fryer
First up, the Ninja Air Fryer. Air fryer cooking has changed my life. If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, you truly don’t know what you are missing. This nifty gadget has revolutionized the way I cook, making it easy to whip up crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil. I use my air fryer more than I use my microwave….yes. So Whether you’re making french fries, chicken wings, fish or burgers, the air fryer will give you the best result every time.
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- DEHYDRATE: Create flat, chip-like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks. The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration.
2. Toaster Oven
Next is the Cuisinart Toaster Oven. A toaster oven is an old faithful in my kitchen. It’s not just for toast. This versatile appliance can bake, broil, and roast, making it perfect for small batches or quick meals. I use mine for everything from reheating leftovers to baking cookies or toasting bread. It makes my life so convenient especially when you don’t want to heat up the big oven.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep warm including other options
- CAPACITY: Fits 11-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast. .5-cubic feet inside oven toaster, Always EvenTM toast shade control offers consistent results slice after slice
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: The toaster oven has a stainless steel front with a cool-touch handle and easy-grip dials, easy-clean nonstick interior which makes cleaning up easy. Automatic shutoff safety feature, Always Even toast shade control for even toasting and a convenient auto-slide rack to remove cooked food easily
- INCLUDED: This beautiful stainless steel toaster oven comes with a baking pan, wire rack, front removable crumb tray with cool touch grip and a recipe book
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
3. Food Processor
The Cuisinart Food Processor is another essential in my kitchen. From chopping vegetables to making dough, this powerful tool saves me so much time. My go-to for making sauces, dips, and even shredding cheese, the food processor is a true workhorse that I can’t live without. I use both a large processor for big task and a small processor when just need to do something quickly.
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart Pro Custom 11, 11-Cup Food Processor with a 625-watt motor platform enables this versatile food processing system to offer variety of functions, attachments and accessories
- EASY TO USE: Extra-large feed tube holds whole fruits and vegetables, on/off-pulse, plus easy to clean
- INCLUDED: Chopping/mixing blade, stainless steel shredding disc (2mm), medium slicing disc (4mm), detachable disc stem, compact flat cover, spatula, with small and large pushers – Instruction/Recipe Book
- ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES: To be sold separately
- FULL 5-YEAR on MOTOR – LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
4. KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Speaking of dough, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a baker’s best friend. I remember when my husband bought me my first KitchenAid shortly after we were married. Twenty something years later, it still works. I have since graduated to a new one but they last forever. This iconic mixer does all the heavy lifting when it comes to mixing, kneading, and whipping. It has several attachments available that can also make pasta, grind meat, and even spiralize vegetables. I use it to take the skin off of apples. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about baking or cooking.
- Knead & shred at the next level with 2x the power in the bowl than Tilt-head stand mixer*; 3-point locking bowl for stability. *Compared to KSM150 when measuring peak HP in the bowl; above speed 2
- 11 distinct speeds for power and control – from our powerful speed 10 to our most delicate 1/2 speed, this mixer has power and control from high to low, and everything in between.
- Designed for folding, 1/2 speed gently adds delicate ingredients, like blueberries and egg whites, into recipes without overbeating.
- With 7 quart capacity, you can easily mix 13 dozen cookies per batch*, knead over 8.5 lbs of bread, or mash over 7.5 lbs of potatoes. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
- Double flex edge beater designed with a twist and two flexible edges to scrape the bowl, giving you thorough ingredient incorporation and better results.* *Compared to our flat beater.
5. Vitamix Blender
For cold blended drinks, soups, and everything in between, the Vitamix Blender is untouchable. It is the choice of many restaurants and coffee shops because it is top notch. This high-powered blender can handle anything you throw at it, from leafy greens to nuts, to bananas and berries creating silky smooth textures every time. It’s perfect for making healthy drinks, creamy soups, and even homemade peanut butter and almond butter.
- Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust speed to achieve a variety of textures. The dial can be rotated at any point during the blend, so you’re in complete control
- Large Batches: The size and shape of the self-cleaning 64-ounce container is ideal for blending medium to large batches. Design Feature : Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- Hot Soup: The blades in the Vitamix container reach speeds fast enough to create friction heat, bringing cold ingredients to steaming hot in about six minutes
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
6. GE Profile Ice Maker
This is truly the good ice. The GE Profile Ice Maker is top quality when it come to ice. It creates the perfect ice nugget that keep your drinks cool and melts in your month. Ice is an underrated component in the kitchen, and the GE Profile ice maker ensures you never run out. Whether you’re having an small gathering of friends and family or just want to enjoy a perfectly ice coffee. It has brought a convenience and consistency that I have come to depend on.
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that’s ready fast and retains its flavor, unlike traditional hard cubes. Refreshing nugget ice is made from compacted ice flakes and is perfect for your favorite beverages
- WATER TANK: Eliminate the need for an outside water source with an attached water supply for ice, which allows you to produce up to three times more ice and Easily detaches for water filling and clean up
- BUILT-IN WIFI AND VOICE CONTROL: Pair your ice maker with the SmartHQ app to monitor device status and schedule fresh ice. Receive automatic software updates that include ice maker features and access voice control capabilities through Alexa and Google
- 38 POUNDS OF ICE PER DAY: Begin enjoying your first batch of ice in 10 minutes or less. Never run out of nugget ice thanks to a large capacity ice maker that makes 1.6 lbs of fresh ice per hour and the removable drawer holds up to 3lbs of ice at a time
- CONVENIENT CLEANING SOLUTIONS: Advance cleaning system that helps sanitize and descale when used regularly, keeping ice tasting fresh and machine performance at its best. Water filter (P4INKFILTR) and cleaning kit (P4INKCLEAN) sold separately
7. GE Profile Espresso Machine
Coffee lover alert. In order for me to be at my best in the kitchen, I have to have my latte. There is no time to run to the local coffee shop so I have the best maker right in my kitchen. For all of my fellow coffee lovers, the GE Profile Espresso Machine is a dream come true. Start your day with a perfect shot of espresso, coffee or a frothy cappuccino made right in the comforts of your own home. It’s quick, easy, and delivers that name brand coffee shop quality drinks without the need for a barista.
- ONE TOUCH BREW – With a single press of a button and in less than 90 seconds, this automatic espresso machine dispenses Espresso, Americano, Lungo, My Cup or Hot Water. My Cup is set to ristretto and can be adjusted to a favorite espresso recipe via the SmartHQ app.
- WIFI CONNECTED WITH DRINK CUSTOMIZATION TECHNOLOGY – Equip your kitchen with a smart espresso machine that syncs with the SmartHQ app, allowing users to customize drink preferences by volume and strength, while also enabling software updates
- BALANCED EXTRACTION – Beans are pre-infused with low pressure to gently bloom optimal flavor profiles and gradually increased to 20 bars of high rated pump pressure to ensure even extraction for a balanced tasting cup.
- BUILT-IN CONICAL BURR GRINDER & ADJUSTABLE GRIND SIZE – The stainless steel conical burr grinder delivers a consistent grind with any bean roast. Plus, you can control your grind size with 5 levels ranging from coarsest to finest for ideal taste and aroma extraction.
- STEAM FROTHER & FROTHING PITCHER – The built-in foam technology creates a variety of textures: airy for cappuccino, denser for latte macchiato and more. The wand rotates to the right at 90 degrees for control and convenience. Included with the machine, a durable stainless steel frothing pitcher has 15.8 ounces of capacity and liquid measurement engravings on the inside.
8. Slow Cooker
The All-Clad Slow Cooker is perfect for those days when you want to come home to a hot meal. I love my All-Clad slow cooker because of the size, even cooking and features. I own an 6 Quart and that is perfect for my needs. The Brown feature has saved me a ton of time and clean up. The simple fact that I can brown my meat in the slow cooker is lifesaver. It is so easy to throw your ingredients in, adjust your setting, and forget it. A slow cooked roast, stews and soups to pulled pork and chili, the slow cooker makes meal prep effortless and the results are always delicious.
- 6.5-quart, oval-shaped, stainless-steel slow cooker with removable black ceramic insert, large enough to cook food for a crowd and goes right to table for serving.
- 4-20 hours cooking times with a complete cycle time of up to 26 hours for preparing home-cooked meals on any schedule
- Easy to read digital display and large push-button controls for intuitive use to easily find your perfect programs
- Integrated handles on insert for an easy grip and glass lid to trap in heat and moisture. Screen – LCD
- Dishwasher-safe insert and lid for an easy cleaning. Keep warm- No. Slow cooking settings- High mode- 2 to 8 hours. Low mode- 4 to 20 hours Warm
9. Rice Cooker
If you eat a lot of rice like I do, an Aroma Rice Cooker is a must-have. It takes the guesswork out of cooking rice, delivering perfectly cooked grains every time. Plus, many rice cookers double as steamers, making them versatile for cooking vegetables and even fish.
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
- Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time – automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor
10. Pressure Cooker
The Insta- Pot Pressure Cooker is a powerhouse small kitchen appliance. When time is of the essence, it can drastically cut down cooking times for dishes that usually take hours. From beans to tender meats and hearty stews, the pressure cooker is perfect for those who need to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
11. Toaster
I honestly can’t remember not having a toaster. It is truly a small kitchen appliance that is essential. And toaster technology has improved tremendously over the years. A Cuisinart Toaster is perfect for quick breakfasts and essential for those busy mornings when you need something fast and satisfying. From toast to bagels, it’s a small but mighty tool in any kitchen.
- CLASSIC DESIGN: Smooth brushed stainless steel housing with polished chrome and black accents to improve any countertop in your kitchen
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: With two control panels, two 6-setting browning dials, dual reheat, defrost and bagel buttons with LED indicators make toasting so easy
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Extra-lift carriage lever, slide-out crumb tray, convenient cord wrap with an instruction book
- CAPACITY: 1.5-inch wide toasting slots for all types and sizes of bagels, toast, waffles, pastries and more
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
12. Belgian Waffle Maker
What is Chicken and waffles without a great waffle? I love a regular waffle but there is something special about a Belgian waffle. The Belgian Waffle Maker takes breakfast to the a different level with its deep pockets, perfect for holding syrup, fruit, butter and whipped cream.
- Bakes 2 restaurant quality, 1-inch thick Belgian-style waffle
- 5-setting browning control for custom cooking from light to dark
- Easy-to-Handle rotary feature for even baking on top and bottom
- Audible alert
- Two Ready-to-Bake and Ready-to-Eat green indicator lights
Conclusion
These are my top picks for small kitchen appliances that every home cook should have. These tools have faithfully worked for and have made my cooking life so much easier. They not only save time but also make cooking more fun and efficient. Investing in these appliances has truly transformed my kitchen experience, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you. Happy cooking!
Oh…on a side note. If you want to see some of these tool in action Head over to Soul Food Cooking YouTube Channel. Remember to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell. Until next time, Happy cooking!
