Small Appliances Every Kitchen Should Have: From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Last Updated on October 5, 2025 by Barbara
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
