I’m sharing the essential small kitchen appliances I actually rely on for everyday cooking. In a busy kitchen, the right small appliance can feel like having an extra set of hands. But with so many flashy gadgets out there, it’s easy to clutter your counter with tools that rarely get used.
I’m all about keeping things simple and functional, especially in small spaces. From blending soups to pressure-cooking rice and beans, these tools earn their spot on my counter or shelf by making prep easier, faster, and way more fun.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- 1. Instant Pot Duo Plus (6-Quart)
- 2. COSORI Turbo Blaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer
- 3. KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Mini Food Chopper
- 4. Immersion Hand Blender (KitchenAid)
- 5. Electric Kettle
- 6. Coffee Grinder
- Five Practical Buying Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Kitchen Essentials and Tips
- Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- Have a Comment or Question?
The Small Appliances I Actually Use (And Why)
Each of these tools saves time, adds versatility, and makes everyday cooking easier, without collecting dust.
1. Instant Pot Duo Plus (6-Quart)
This multicooker is one of my most frequently used appliances. It pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, and even makes yogurt. I use it for weeknight meals like soups, stews, beans, rice, and even Haitian bouyon (beef and tuber soup). Once you get used to it, it’s a true time-saver.
My Review: The Instant Pot Duo Plus, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools! After sitting in the box for almost two months (oops!), I finally watched a tutorial, and now I can’t believe I waited so long to use it. It’s perfect for making soups that usually take hours, like my Spicy Beef and Barley Soup, and it made my lentil soup in record time just a few days ago. This versatile gadget has made cooking faster, easier, and so much more enjoyable—definitely worth the hype!
Other Recommendation
2. COSORI Turbo Blaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer
This air fryer is compact but powerful. I use it for crispy plantains, reheating leftovers, cooking salmon, and making quick roasted vegetables. The presets are helpful, but I love how fast and even it cooks.
Date: 04/10/24
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking bigger portions, and cleanup is a breeze—just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless with no damage. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one!
Other Recommendation
3. KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Mini Food Chopper
When I’m not using my full-size food processor, this mini chopper is perfect for small batches, especially epis (Haitian green seasoning), chopping garlic, onion, herbs, or dressings. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and works fast.
My Review: The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is a must-have in the kitchen at a great price. It’s compact, powerful, and lightweight, making meal prep easier without taking up much space. I love its one-touch operation, perfect for quickly chopping, mixing, and puréeing. Plus, it's easy to clean. Watch me use it for my Spicy Tomato Farro Risotto and Chili Herb Crusted Rainbow Trout recipes. This chopper is essential, especially if you love cooking with lots of gadgets like me!
Other Recommendation
4. Immersion Hand Blender (KitchenAid)
I use this for blending soups directly in the pot, whipping cream, or even puréeing beans. It saves me from transferring hot liquids to a blender, and the attachment options make it extra handy.
My Review: Of course, I had to get this hand blender in red to match my stand mixer, and I love the convenience and power it brings to my kitchen! With all the included gadgets and easy cleaning (just detach and rinse!), It's become my go-to for everything from smoothies to soups. It's a true "stick blender" with a design that lets me blend even larger quantities of liquid, especially with the slim cup. Highly recommend! If you didn't know already, the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender boasts a powerful rechargeable battery that blends up to 25 bowls of soup on a single charge and offers a quick 20-minute charge option for smaller tasks. It's an 8" removable blending arm with a 4-point stainless steel blade that tackles a variety of recipes, from smoothies to soups, while the variable speed trigger switch provides precise control. This versatile hand blender comes with a convenient charger, blending jar, and pan guard, making it a practical and efficient addition to any kitchen.
Other Recommendation
5. Electric Kettle
A fast-boiling kettle is underrated perfect for tea, instant oatmeal, or pre-boiling water for cooking. I also use mine to sterilize jars or prep ingredients more quickly. Look for one with auto shut-off and temperature control if you’re a tea drinker.
My Review: The Cuisinart 1.7-liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle has become a favorite in our kitchen. I love the sleek stainless steel design; it looks great on the counter and feels sturdy and well-made. It’s so much more convenient than dirtying a pot just to boil water, especially with the 6 preset temperature settings that make it easy to get the perfect heat for everything from tea to oatmeal. Even my husband uses it regularly to make matcha at just the right temp, which says a lot! It’s fast, efficient, and one of those appliances you didn’t realize you needed until you have it.
Other Recommendation
6. Coffee Grinder
Even if you don’t drink coffee, this is useful for grinding spices, seeds, and dried herbs in small batches. I use it to prep spice blends or powder dried lemon peel for tea.
My Review: I’ve had this grinder for so long, I honestly can’t remember when I first bought it, and that says a lot. It’s been my go-to for grinding not just coffee, but also spices, dried herbs, and even rice to use as a thickener. Despite years of use, it still runs smoothly and holds up great, making it one of the most reliable tools in my kitchen.
Other Recommendation
Recommended Reads
- My Favorite Everyday Cookware | Durable Pans and Pots
- Best Kitchen Essentials | Chef-Tested Picks You’ll Actually Use
- Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Kids: 5 Essentials
- Kitchen Safety Tips for Families: A Guide for Cooking Together
- 10 Essential Time-Saving Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Needs
Five Practical Buying Tips
There’s no shortage of small kitchen appliances promising to save time and transform your meals, but not all of them live up to the hype. Before you commit to another gadget that might end up in your storage closet, here are a few tips I always keep in mind when choosing appliances that earn their space in my kitchen.
- Stick to your actual cooking habits. Love making soups and smoothies? A hand blender or food chopper might serve you better than a full-sized blender. Buy based on what you cook most, not what’s trending.
- Check wattage and motor power. More power often means better performance, especially for appliances like grinders, air fryers, or mini processors. You don’t need commercial-level gear, but underpowered tools can lead to frustration.
- Look for multi-functionality. Tools that can perform multiple tasks, such as a pressure cooker that also functions as a sauté pan, or a grinder that works for spices, will provide more value per inch of counter space.
- Consider cleaning and storage. Dishwasher-safe parts, compact designs, and cord wraps make a big difference when you’re short on time or space.
- Read reviews that match your cooking style. A great appliance for a baker might not suit a spicy stir-fry lover. Look for testimonials from people who cook similarly to how you do, whether that’s batch-cooking, global cuisine, or minimalist meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
If you’re just beginning to build your kitchen tool collection, I recommend starting with a versatile multicooker like the Instant Pot or a compact food chopper. They’re both useful for many different recipes, especially if you’re cooking for 1–4 people.
If you cook a lot of vegetables, reheat leftovers, or like crispy textures without deep frying, yes, they’re absolutely worth it. I use mine weekly for fast, healthy meals. Need ideas? Check out my Air Fryer Recipes.
Only keep out what you use weekly. Store the rest in a pantry or cabinet with easy access. Also, consider compact or dual-function models to reduce how many tools you need. Learn more about what I said in Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks on REDFIN.
Yes, especially for small batches like sauces, dips, chopped garlic, or my go-to Haitian epis (fresh go-to green seasoning). For dough or slicing large quantities, you’ll still want a full-size model.
With regular care, quality appliances can last for years. For example, my coffee grinder has been going strong for over 5 years with frequent use.
Kitchen Essentials and Tips
- My Favorite Everyday Cookware | Durable Pans & Pots I Actually Use
- Kitchen Tools on Sale | Curated Cooking Deals by Chef Maika
- Upgrade or Skip? How to Know When a Kitchen Tool Is Worth the Investment
- What Not to Buy: 7 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Kitchen Tools
Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- How to Prep Chicken Cutlets for Quick, Delicious Meals
- Understanding Food Temperature Safety Zones: Cook, Store & Serve Safely
- How to Butterfly Chicken Breasts | Step-by-Step Guide
- 10 Proven Spice‑Storage Hacks (Stop Wasting Flavor)
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy—as a trained chef, former teacher and technician—she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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