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10 Easy Pieces: Compact Countertop Appliances

Q: Which small appliances are must-haves for a well-equipped kitchen?

The must-have small appliances for a well-equipped kitchen may vary based on individual preferences and cooking habits. However, some commonly recommended options are a blender for making smoothies and soups, a toaster for quick toasting, a coffee maker for brewing fresh coffee, and a food processor for chopping and blending ingredients.

Q: Are small appliances space-efficient for small kitchens?

Yes, small appliances are designed to be space-efficient and suitable for small kitchens. Many manufacturers offer compact versions of popular appliances that take up minimal counter space. Additionally, multi-functional appliances can help reduce the need for multiple devices, saving valuable kitchen space.

Q: What features should I consider when buying small appliances?

When buying small appliances, consider factors like functionality, ease of use, durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Look for features that align with your specific needs, such as programmable settings, removable parts for easy cleaning, and safety features.

Q: Are small appliances easy to clean and maintain?

Small appliances generally have removable parts that are easy to clean. Most come with specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance, such as descaling coffee makers or sharpening blender blades, will help ensure their longevity and optimal performance.

Q: Can small appliances be used in small living spaces or dorm rooms?

Yes, small appliances are well-suited for small living spaces or dorm rooms due to their compact size and versatility. They provide convenience and allow for basic cooking and food preparation even in limited settings.

Q: Are small appliances energy-efficient?

Many small appliances are designed to be energy-efficient. Look for appliances with energy-saving features like automatic shut-off, power-saving modes, or energy-efficient ratings. These features can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.

Q: Can small appliances be used for specialized cooking techniques?

Yes, small appliances can be used for specialized cooking techniques. For example, an immersion blender is useful for making purees and sauces, while a rice cooker is ideal for perfectly cooked rice. Identify your specific cooking needs and explore small appliances that cater to those techniques.

Q: Can small appliances replace larger kitchen appliances?

Small appliances are not meant to replace larger kitchen appliances entirely but rather complement them. While they can handle a range of tasks, larger appliances like ovens and stovetops are still necessary for more extensive cooking and baking needs.

Q: Can small appliances be aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen?

Yes, small appliances come in a variety of designs, styles, and colors, allowing you to choose options that match your kitchen decor and personal style. Many manufacturers offer sleek and modern designs that can add a touch of aesthetic appeal to your kitchen countertop.

by Alexa Hotz Published: February 8, 2023

With space at a premium in our kitchens (none of us at Remodelista have especially large spaces), we all limit our appliances to those we can’t live without. Even better? When they are of small proportions but no less useful. Here is our selection of ultra-small appliances for the kitchen.

the most compact blender of all is the immersion blender. it&#8\2\17;s best 17 — Above: The most compact blender of all is the immersion blender. It’s best for blending soups and sauces as opposed to smoothies, but it’s still very useful and packs away nicely in a drawer. The Vitamix Brushed Stainless Steel Immersion Blender is $124.95 at Crate & Barrel.

the compact, slender beast health blender is available in three different color 18 — Above: The compact, slender Beast Health Blender is available in three different colors, all with vintage appeal; $140.25 at Beast.

the zwilling enfinigy personal blender is \$\130 at the moma design store. 19 — Above: The Zwilling Enfinigy Personal Blender is $130 at the MoMA Design Store.

the kitchenaid cordless five cup food chopper, shown in white, is \$89.95 at cr 20 — Above: The KitchenAid Cordless Five-Cup Food Chopper, shown in white, is $89.95 at Crate & Barrel.

the classic dualit toaster need not be the four slice or more model. their new 21 — Above: The classic Dualit toaster need not be the four-slice or more model. Their New Generation Classic Two-Slice Toaster does the job without taking up as much space; $299.95 at Williams Sonoma.

the compact balmuda toaster steam oven, shown in white, is \$\299 on amazon. fo 22 — Above: The compact Balmuda Toaster Steam Oven, shown in white, is $299 on Amazon. For more, see our post 10 Easy Pieces: Toaster Ovens.

what used to be known as toaster ovens—now more aptly called countertop 23 — Above: What used to be known as toaster ovens—now more aptly called countertop ovens—have moved far beyond just toasting while still maintaining a countertop-sized footprint. Here is one to consider: The Breville Smart Convection Oven is a countertop convection oven with nine operating modes, including bake, broil, toast, and roast. It measures 18.5 by 16.25 by 11.25 inches and has a 0.8 cubic-foot interior—large enough for a 13-inch pizza (and yes, 13-by-9 baking sheets are available). It’s $269.95 at Williams Sonoma.

for a not too wide electric kettle, the zwilling enfinigy cool touch electric k 24 — Above: For a not-too-wide electric kettle, the Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Electric Kettle Pro heats 1.5 liters of water; $129.99 at Food52.

the breville juice fountain compact juicer is \$99.95 at crate & barrel. 25 — Above: The Breville Juice Fountain Compact Juicer is $99.95 at Crate & Barrel.

a stand mixer is an extremely handy kitchen tool, but the standard size mixers 26 — Above: A stand mixer is an extremely handy kitchen tool, but the standard size mixers take up a large amount of countertop real estate. The KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is the solution to that problem. The mixer retains a similar level of power with 10 power speeds—only smaller in size. It’s $329.99 at KitchenAid.

For more compact essentials, see our posts:

N.B.: This post was originally published on March 5, 2010. We have updated it with new and additional product selections and current pricing.

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Frequently asked questions

What are essential small appliances for the kitchen?

Essential small appliances for the kitchen are compact devices that help with various cooking and food preparation tasks. They include items like blenders, toasters, coffee makers, food processors, slow cookers, electric kettles, stand mixers, and more.