Every kitchen has a few staple appliances, including a stove, refrigerator, and a dishwasher. Many have other small kitchen appliances that might be considered essential, too, like a microwave, coffee maker, and stand mixer. For any individual or family getting more involved in cooking and baking, a new small appliance to add to the collection can be the perfect gift. Here are my picks for the 10 best ones to consider.
1. Air fryer
Air fryers have quickly become essential kitchen appliances, and it’s easy to see why. They can cook food quickly, easily, and in a healthy way. Yes, this even includes traditionally indulgent fried foods like chicken wings and pigs in a blanket. You still get that comfort-food crispy texture without all of the extra fat and cholesterol.
Features like cool-touch handles and non-slip rubber feet add safety, and many air fryers come with aluminum baskets with a non-stick coating, so clean-up is a cinch. Throw in the night’s dinner and tend to chores; an alarm will alert you when the cook is done.
2. Microwave
The latest microwaves offer more than just reheating—they can also handle convection cooking, toasting, and even air frying. You can opt for a compact model for quick re-heating and popcorn making or go with a more powerful and versatile microwave to speed up meal prep.
Not having a microwave in my own home for the last several months has reminded me just how often I rely on it. Reheating leftovers like pasta and rice-based dishes isn’t as simple in an air fryer or oven, and cooking frozen veggies is such a cinch in a microwave. Getting a new one for the family is at the top of my own list this year.
3. Espresso machine
Sure, every household might have a basic coffeemaker. But if you know someone who loves, and is very particular about their java, consider upgrading them to a new machine. I personally upgraded from a simple coffee maker to a premium espresso machine last year, and I can’t imagine ever going back.
4. Food processorÂ
A food processor is a great small appliance for prep. Grate carrots quickly and easily for a carrot cake—getting enough for a large cake can be really time-consuming and taxing on your arms manually! Need freshly grated cheese for pasta? Or evenly sliced vegetables for a salad or scallopped potatoes? A food processor makes it easy.
It’s also perfect for making homemade dips and even chopping nuts. Once you have a food processor in the kitchen, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
5. Stand mixer
For years, I have relied on my KitchenAid stand mixer to help me make homemade bread, mix batter for cakes, whip cream, and assist me with holiday baking. What I particularly love about KitchenAid stand mixers is that they also work with a variety of optional attachments.
From rolling out homemade pasta dough to grinding meat and even making homemade ice cream, the possibilities are endless. you’re sure to find the perfect model to elevate your kitchen—whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. Whatever your baking or cooking needs, there’s a stand mixer that fits.
6. Toaster ovenÂ
A toaster oven is a great alternative for those who don’t want a microwave. It’s a versatile device that can handle multiple tasks from cooking pizza for lunch to toasting bread for a quick breakfast on the go.
The latest models take it a step further with additional functions, like being able to air fry. Does it really get any better than that? Some even have presets for frying various types of foods, from chicken nuggets to vegetables, along with all of the other expected features of a toaster oven.
7. Instant Pot
Year-after-year, the Instant Pot remains one of the most popular small appliances for the kitchen, especially for gifting. And there’s good reason. It’s a versatile multicooker that can pressure cook virtually any type of food in a fraction of the time it might otherwise take. With preset modes for everything from chili and porridge to rice and boxed cakes, it takes the guesswork out of cooking. Some models even have a mode for making homemade yogurt.
The best part? It’s easy to put an entire meal inside, let everything cook together, and go from cook to table quicker than a slow cooker could ever dream of doing. I bought my Instant Pot many years ago, and it’s still going strong. I use it multiple times a week to prepare full meals, side dishes, and even air fry with the air fryer lid.
8. Soda and sparkling water maker
Soda is filled with sugar and is downright unhealthy. But there are plenty of alternatives, like flavoured water. Or you can make your own soda at home with a sparkling water and soda marker. Fill the included bottle with water, pop it into the machine, and within seconds, the water is carbonated to your taste.
There are manual machines that don’t require power and automatic ones that have to be plugged in. You can infuse your fizzy water with fresh fruit, flavour drops, or anything else you like. Once the CO2 cylinder is empty, take it to any Best Buy location to get a new one for a nominal fee. Each one should last for a month or more, depending on how much fizzy water you drink.
9. Cordless stick or robot vacuum
Is a cordless stick vacuum really a kitchen appliance? Well, no, not really. That said, it’s absolutely useful to have in the kitchen. I have my Dyson stick vacuum mounted on the wall in a small space between my refrigerator and the back door that leads to our backyard. It’s the perfect spot for grabbing it when I need a quick cleanup of spilled rice or flour, or just want to do a quick pass on the kitchen tiles.
When it comes to gifting, however, anyone can appreciate a robot vacuum, which can scoot across the floors, kitchen tiles, and carpeting, cleaning without you having to lift a finger. The latest models even include wet mopping functionality as well. There are plenty of options at all price points, and they go on sale all the time. It’s the perfect gift for your aging parents or grandparents. Need help choosing? Check out my picks for the best robot vacuums of 2024.
10. Blender
A blender is one of those small appliances that you might not think you need—until you have one and realize just how much you can do with it. This is precisely why blenders make great gifts for those who wouldn’t take the plunge and buy one for themselves. Some of the latest blenders don’t just blend hot and cold ingredients, they can even heat them! Blend squash or pumpkin with stock, other veggies, and spices for a delicious and comforting homemade soup after you cook everything on the stovetop. Or, cook the soup right in the blender once the main ingredient is soft.
Of course, blenders are perfect for making smoothies, mashed potatoes, or frozen margaritas. The blender category goes beyond full-sized models to include everything from immersion blenders for whipping up a quick batch of homemade hummus to personal blenders for after-workout power protein shakes.
The perfect small kitchen appliance gifts for every home chef
As an avid cook and baker myself, I would be totally pleased to see any of these small appliances in my kitchen, or wrapped up with a little bow (hint, hint, family and friends!). In fact, I already own many of them and have never regretted the purchase. Each one has a place in my kitchen and a specific use. And, in every case, I use them all at least once a week, often much more frequently.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the aspiring, professional, or budding chef on your list, explore a variety of small kitchen appliances with plenty of features and options available online at Bestbuy.ca.
