Wondering which small kitchen appliances are worth buying? In this blog post I share a video, a roundup of appliances I own and which one’s I’d buy again, and which ones were a waste of money.
If you love cooking, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of kitchen appliances. Some become everyday essentials, while others end up taking up valuable cabinet or counter space.
I’ve accumulated quite a few small kitchen appliances over the years, so I decided to take a closer look at them: What do I actually use them for? How often do I use them? Are they worth the money and storage space? And would I buy the same one again?
In this post, I’m sharing my honest experience with 15 kitchen appliances I own, including what I use them for, what I like and don’t like, and whether I think they’re worth buying.
15 Kitchen Appliances I Own: Which Ones Are Worth It?
Here’s my verdict on each one:
1. Bread Machine
Why did I buy a bread machine?
I wanted an easier way to make homemade bread without having to do all of the kneading, rising, and baking by hand.
A bread machine can handle most or all of the process automatically, depending on the recipe and program.
What do I use it for?
I use bread machines primarily for making bread and dough.
The dough cycle is particularly useful because the machine can mix, knead, and proof the dough before I take it out and shape and bake it myself.
How often do I use it?
Bread machines are useful enough that I can see using one regularly, particularly if you make bread frequently.
Having a machine also makes it easier to experiment with different types of bread without starting completely from scratch each time.
What do I like about it?
The biggest advantage is convenience.
You can add your ingredients, select a program, and let the machine do most of the work.
What don’t I like?
The biggest limitation is that you’re somewhat restricted by the shape and capacity of the bread pan.
Bread baked directly in a bread machine also has a different shape and crust than a traditional oven-baked loaf.
Is it easy to clean?
Generally, yes. The bread pan and kneading paddle are the main parts that need attention.
Is it worth the counter space?
If you make bread regularly, I think it can be.
If you only make bread a few times a year, storing a large appliance may be harder to justify.
Would I buy one again?
Yes.
For someone who wants homemade bread with less hands-on work, I think a bread machine can be an extremely useful appliance.
2. Air Fryer
Why did I buy an air fryer?
I wanted a quick way to cook and reheat foods without turning on a full-size oven.
What do I use it for?
I use an air fryer for things that benefit from fast cooking and a crisp exterior, as well as reheating foods.
It’s particularly convenient for smaller portions.
How often do I use it?
This is one of the appliances that can earn its counter space if you use it frequently.
What do I like about it?
Speed and convenience are probably the biggest advantages.
It heats up quickly and is particularly useful when you don’t want to heat an entire oven.
What don’t I like?
The biggest limitation is capacity.
A smaller basket may require multiple batches when you’re cooking for several people.
Is it easy to clean?
Many air fryers are fairly easy to clean, particularly when the basket and removable components are dishwasher safe.
Is it worth the counter space?
For frequent use, yes.
Was it worth the money?
For me, the usefulness comes down to how often you actually use it.
Would I buy one again?
Yes, provided I chose the right size and design for how I cook.
3. Instant Pot
Why did I buy an Instant Pot?
I wanted a versatile appliance that could perform several different cooking functions.
What do I use it for?
An electric pressure cooker can be used for foods such as beans, grains, soups, stews, and many other recipes.
Depending on the model, it can also slow cook, steam, sauté, cook rice, make yogurt, and more.
How often do I use it?
This is one of those appliances where your cooking habits make a huge difference.
If you regularly cook foods that benefit from pressure cooking, it can be incredibly useful.
What do I like about it?
Its versatility is probably its biggest advantage.
One appliance can replace several cooking methods.
What don’t I like?
It’s a relatively large and heavy appliance, and the number of buttons and functions can make it look more complicated than it really is.
Is it easy to clean?
The removable cooking pot is easy to clean, but the lid, sealing ring, and steam-release components also need regular cleaning.
Is it worth the storage space?
It can be, particularly if you use pressure cooking regularly.
Would I buy one again?
Yes, if I were regularly using the pressure-cooking functions.
If you rarely use those functions, a simpler appliance may make more sense.
4. Nut Milk Maker
Why did I buy a nut milk maker?
I wanted an easier way to make homemade plant milk.
What do I use it for?
Depending on the machine, you can make different types of plant milk, including soy, almond, cashew, and other varieties.
How often do I use it?
This is an appliance where frequency of use really matters.
If you make plant milk regularly, the convenience can make it worthwhile.
What do I like about it?
The biggest advantage is being able to make plant milk at home without using a traditional blender-and-straining setup every time.
What don’t I like?
It’s another specialized appliance that takes up counter or storage space.
Is it easy to clean?
Cleaning is an important consideration. Plant milk residue can get into small areas, so I prefer designs that make the components easy to access.
Is it worth the money?
For someone who regularly makes plant milk, it can be.
Would I buy one again?
Yes, if I were making homemade plant milk regularly.
5. Juicer
Why did I buy a juicer?
I wanted the ability to make fresh juice at home.
What do I use it for?
I use a juicer for making fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
How often do I use it?
This is one of the biggest questions to ask before buying a juicer.
Juicing takes preparation, produce, and cleanup, so the machine needs to get enough use to justify itself.
What do I like about it?
Fresh juice can be fun to experiment with, and a good juicer can process a variety of fruits and vegetables.
What don’t I like?
Cleanup.
A juicer can have several parts that need to be disassembled and washed after use.
Is it worth the counter space?
That depends heavily on how frequently you juice.
Would I buy one again?
This is one where I’d really consider how often I actually use it before replacing it.
A juicer can be fantastic for someone who juices regularly, but it isn’t necessarily a must-have appliance for every kitchen.
6. Waffle Maker
Why did I buy a waffle maker?
Because homemade waffles are a completely different experience from making them in a pan, and a waffle maker makes the process simple.
What do I use it for?
Primarily waffles, although some people use waffle makers for other creative recipes.
What do I like about it?
It’s relatively simple: heat the plates, add the batter, close the lid, and cook.
What don’t I like?
It’s a specialized appliance.
If you don’t make waffles very often, it can spend a lot of time sitting in storage.
Is it easy to clean?
Nonstick plates make cleaning easier, but batter can get into crevices depending on the design.
Would I buy one again?
Yes, if I regularly wanted homemade waffles.
7. Bubble Waffle Maker
Why did I buy a bubble waffle maker?
Bubble waffles have a completely different shape and texture from traditional waffles, so this is more of a specialty appliance.
What do I use it for?
Bubble waffles, particularly when I want to make something different from a traditional waffle.
What do I like about it?
The shape makes it fun and visually different.
What don’t I like?
It’s even more specialized than a traditional waffle maker.
Is it worth the storage space?
That depends on how often you use it.
Would I buy it again?
It’s a specialty appliance, so I’d recommend it primarily to someone who specifically enjoys making bubble waffles.
8. Food Processor
Why did I buy a food processor?
Because there are many kitchen tasks that are much faster with a food processor than with a knife.
What do I use it for?
Chopping, shredding, slicing, pureeing, mixing, and other food-preparation tasks.
Depending on the model and attachments, it can also knead dough.
What do I like about it?
Speed.
A food processor can turn a time-consuming preparation task into something that takes a few seconds.
What don’t I like?
There are several pieces to wash and store, especially if your machine has multiple blades and discs.
Is it worth the counter space?
For someone who cooks frequently or prepares large quantities of food, I think it can be extremely useful.
Would I buy one again?
Yes.
A food processor is one of those appliances that can earn its space by saving you a lot of repetitive prep work.
9. Hand Blender / Immersion Blender
Why did I buy a hand blender?
Because I wanted a small appliance that could blend food without requiring a full-size blender.
What do I use it for?
Soups, sauces, purees, and smaller quantities of foods that need blending.
What do I like about it?
It’s compact and convenient.
You can often blend directly in the pot or container you’re already using.
What don’t I like?
It doesn’t completely replace a high-powered countertop blender.
Very large batches or extremely smooth blends may be better handled by a full-size blender.
Is it easy to clean?
Usually, yes, particularly when the blending shaft is removable.
Would I buy one again?
Yes.
It’s relatively small, versatile, and doesn’t require much storage space.
10. Ice Cream Maker
Why did I buy an ice cream maker?
I wanted to be able to make homemade ice cream and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
What do I use it for?
Homemade ice cream and frozen desserts, depending on the machine.
What do I like about it?
The ability to customize the ingredients and flavors.
What don’t I like?
It’s a specialty appliance that may only get used occasionally.
Some types also require you to freeze the bowl ahead of time.
Is it worth the storage space?
For someone who makes homemade ice cream regularly, yes.
For occasional use, it may be harder to justify.
Would I buy one again?
I’d base that decision on how frequently I actually use it.
11. Yogurt Maker
Why did I buy a yogurt maker?
I wanted a convenient and consistent way to make yogurt at home.
What do I use it for?
Homemade yogurt and, depending on the model, other fermentation functions.
What do I like about it?
Temperature and fermentation time can be controlled more easily than when making yogurt without a dedicated appliance.
What don’t I like?
Like many specialty appliances, it takes up space for one primary purpose.
Is it difficult to use?
The process itself is fairly straightforward once you understand the temperature, starter, and fermentation requirements.
Is it easy to clean?
Most yogurt makers are relatively easy to clean, especially when the containers are removable.
Would I buy one again?
If I were making yogurt regularly, yes.
12. High-Powered Blender
Why did I buy a high-powered blender?
I wanted a blender capable of handling difficult ingredients and producing very smooth results.
What do I use it for?
Smoothies, sauces, purees, and other foods that benefit from a powerful blender.
What do I like about it?
Power and consistency.
A good high-powered blender can handle ingredients that may be difficult for a less powerful blender.
What don’t I like?
They can be expensive, large, and loud.
Is it worth the money?
If you use a blender frequently and need the extra power, it can be.
If you’re mostly making simple smoothies or liquids, you may not need a high-powered model.
Would I buy one again?
Yes, if I were using it frequently enough to justify the investment.
13. Rice Cooker
Why did I buy a rice cooker?
I wanted a convenient way to cook rice consistently without having to monitor it on the stove.
What do I use it for?
Rice, and depending on the model, other grains and foods.
What do I like about it?
Convenience and consistency.
You can start the rice and let the appliance handle the cooking.
What don’t I like?
It’s another appliance dedicated primarily to one type of cooking.
Is it easy to clean?
Generally, yes. The removable cooking pot is usually simple to clean, although the lid and steam components may also need attention.
Is it worth the storage space?
If you eat rice frequently, it can be.
Would I buy one again?
Yes, if rice were a regular part of my meals.
14. Food Dehydrator
Why did I buy a dehydrator?
I wanted a way to preserve food and make dried foods at home.
What do I use it for?
A dehydrator can be used for fruit, vegetables, herbs, snacks, and other foods depending on the machine and recipe.
What do I like about it?
It gives you a way to preserve foods without relying entirely on other preservation methods.
What don’t I like?
Dehydrating can take many hours, and the appliance can take up a considerable amount of storage space.
Is it easy to clean?
The tray design makes a big difference. Removable trays are much easier to clean.
Is it worth the space?
If you regularly dehydrate or preserve food, it can be.
If you only use it once or twice a year, it’s harder to justify.
Would I buy one again?
I’d consider how frequently I actually use it before replacing it.
15. Pizza Oven
Why did I buy a pizza oven?
I wanted to be able to make pizza at much higher temperatures than a conventional home oven can typically reach.
What do I use it for?
Primarily pizza, although some pizza ovens can also cook other foods.
What do I like about it?
The high heat allows pizza to cook very quickly and creates a different crust and texture from conventional oven-baked pizza.
What don’t I like?
There can be a learning curve.
You have to learn how to manage the temperature, launch the pizza, rotate it, and avoid burning the crust.
Is it worth the space?
This depends heavily on how often you make pizza.
A dedicated pizza oven can take up considerable space, particularly outdoor models.
Is it difficult to clean?
It depends on the model, but most require removing food debris and brushing the cooking surface after use.
Would I buy one again?
If I regularly made pizza, yes.
For someone who only makes pizza occasionally, a conventional oven may be enough.
My Final Take: Which Kitchen Appliances Are Actually Worth It?
After owning and using all of these appliances, I think the most important question isn’t:
“Is this appliance good?”
It’s:
“Is this appliance good for the way I cook?”
A specialized appliance can be incredibly useful when you use it regularly. But even a great appliance isn’t worth the money or storage space if it spends most of its life sitting in a cabinet.
Before buying a small kitchen appliance, I like to ask:
- What problem does it solve?
- How often will I realistically use it?
- Does it replace something I already own?
- How much counter or storage space does it need?
- How difficult is it to clean?
- Would I still want it a year from now?
- Would I buy this exact model again?
Those questions can tell you much more than a long list of features.
Sometimes the appliance you use every week is worth far more than the expensive appliance that can do 20 different things but rarely gets used.
The best kitchen appliance is the one that earns its space in your kitchen.