The Best Kitchen Appliances for Effortless Cooking in 2025

The one appliance every kitchen needs

If you only buy one appliance, it’s got to be a stand mixer. Unlike other appliances that do just one job, a stand mixer is an all-in-one powerhouse.

• It bakes better bread & cakes. No more aching arms from kneading dough or mixing batter by hand.

• It tackles meal prep. Shred chicken, make mashed potatoes and whip cream in seconds.

• It works with attachments. Turn it into a pasta maker, meat grinder, or ice cream machine.

How to choose the right mixer

Think about how you’ll use it and your kitchen space. Do you bake often? Get a full-size stand mixer with a larger bowl capacity. Are you short on space? A compact stand mixer delivers the same power in a smaller footprint. Do you want versatility? Choose one that’s compatible with multiple attachments.

Best four kitchen appliances for baking

Baking is precision cooking. Use the right tools to save time and improve your results.

1. Stand mixer. The best for mixing dough, whipping egg whites, and creaming butter.

2. Hand mixer. A lightweight, space-saving option for quick mixing tasks.

3. Food processor. Speeds up pastry dough, chops nuts, and slices fruit evenly.

4. Digital scale. More accurate than measuring cups, ensuring consistent bakes.

💡 Did you know? Flour scooped with a cup can vary by 30g or more – which is the difference between fluffy and dense cakes.

Common baking mistakes & how to fix them

• Bread and dough. Forget tired arms and sticky messes. The dough hook kneads everything from sourdough to brioche to perfection.

• Cakes and batters. Mix cake batter or brownie mix to just the right consistency, and make sure every bake comes out as it should.

• Whipping and creaming. Whip cream for pavlova or beat egg whites into glossy peaks for mousses and meringues.

• Decorating and detail work. Pair it with precision tools to make smooth buttercream, whipped ganache, or perfectly-finished fondant.

How to make meal prep faster (without sacrificing quality)

Chopping, slicing, and mixing take up most of your time in the kitchen. The right appliances cut prep time in half. We have three favourite time-saving kitchen tools.

• Food Processor. Chops onions, slices veggies, grates cheese, and even kneads dough.

• Immersion Blender. Blends soups, sauces, and smoothies directly in the pot—no extra dishes.

• Slow Juicer. Extracts fresh juice while reducing waste.

💡 Tip: A food processor with a wide feed chute lets you process whole fruits and vegetables without pre-cutting. You should also look for multiple blade options (so you can chop, slice and grate in one) and a sturdy build.

Best appliances for small kitchens: how to maximise your space 

A small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on great appliances. You just need to choose wisely. The key is to invest in compact, multi-purpose appliances that do more than one job, so you get maximum functionality without cluttering your bench space. Here are our top three appliances for a small kitchen.

1. Compact stand mixer – power without bulk

A full-size stand mixer can take up a lot of space, but a mini stand mixer gives you the same powerful functions in a smaller footprint.

They’re great for smaller batches and have the same attachments as full-size models – you can still make pasta, grind meat or whip up dessert. They’re also easy to store; more lightweight and fit easily into cupboards instead of taking up limited bench space.

💡 Tip: A cordless hand mixer takes up even less space if you don’t bake often but still want mixing power.

2. Cordless appliances – no more bench clutter

Cordless appliances free up counter space and make meal prep more flexible. You don’t need to be near a power outlet, which is a game-changer in small kitchens with limited plug access. You can even take them outside. Here are three of our most-used.

• Cordless hand mixer. They’re lightweight, powerful, and easy to store.

• Cordless immersion blender. Blend soups and sauces directly in the pot – no transferring needed.

• Cordless food chopper. Chop onions, garlic, and herbs without dragging out a full-sized processor.

3. Food processor – your small kitchen secret weapon

A compact food processor replaces multiple appliances, decluttering the cupboards and speeding up meal prep. Use it to chop, slice, grate, and knead dough. You’ll save a lot of space and even more time.

Appliances that save you money in the long run

Carefully chosen, good-quality appliances also help reduce food waste and lower your grocery costs. Here are a few of our faves.

• Slow juicer. Turn overripe fruit into fresh juice instead of throwing it away.

• Food processor. Make breadcrumbs from stale bread instead of buying them premade.

• Blender. Use soft or frozen fruit for smoothies or sorbet instead of tossing them.

💡 Tip: A food processor can turn veggie scraps into homemade stock, so nothing goes to waste.

Unsung heroes: best small appliances that make a big difference

Some kitchen appliances don’t get the spotlight, but they’re the ones you use every day. These aren’t flashy gadgets—you won’t see them in viral recipe videos—but they’re the workhorses that make daily life easier.

Here’s why these everyday essentials deserve more credit and what to look for when choosing the best ones.

Kettle

A good kettle is a must-have in any kitchen, but not all kettles are created equal. There are four things to consider.

1. Fast boil time. Look for models that heat water in under three minutes.

2. Variable temperature settings. Essential for brewing delicate teas or French press coffee at the right temp.

3. Quiet operation. Some kettles sound more like a jet engine. A quieter model makes early mornings much more peaceful.

4. Good pouring control. A gooseneck kettle gives better precision for delicate flavours.

💡 Tip: To save energy, only fill your kettle with as much water as you need. Boiling a full kettle for one cup wastes electricity and takes longer.

Toaster

A great toaster does so much more than just brown your bread. The right one will toast evenly, handle different bread types, and even tackle frozen pastries or reheat leftovers. Look for:

• Wide slots. Essential if you love thick sourdough, bagels, or crumpets.

• Even toasting. A good toaster should brown evenly, not burn the edges and leave the middle pale.

• Reheat and defrost settings. Helps when you’re in a rush and need to warm up leftovers or frozen bread.

• Crumb tray. Makes cleaning easier and prevents burnt crumbs from smoking up your kitchen.

Learn more about our kettle and toaster sets.

Coffee grinder

A good coffee grinder can be the difference between average and cafe-quality coffee at home. Consider these three things.

• Burr grinder over blade grinder. Burr grinders give even coffee grounds for better flavour.

• Adjustable grind settings. Fine for espresso, coarse for French press – versatility matters.

• Quiet operation. Some grinders sound like a blender on steroids. A quieter model makes mornings less painful.

💡 Tip: Grind coffee right before brewing for the freshest taste – pre-ground coffee loses flavour fast.

How to build a kitchen set-up that works for you

The key to your perfect kitchen set-up? Having the right cooking appliances for how you cook. Here’s how to build a kitchen set-up that’s practical, efficient, and works for your lifestyle.

1. Identify your cooking style

Your cooking habits should guide your appliance choices. Before buying anything, ask yourself:

Do you bake often? A stand mixer and food processor will make prep so much easier. Do you cook from scratch? A food processor speeds up chopping, grating, and mixing. Do you love making soups or sauces? An immersion blender lets you blend directly in the pot.

Do you cook quick, simple meals? A multi-cooker or air fryer can do the heavy lifting. Do you entertain a lot? A high-powered blender for cocktails or an espresso machine might be worth it.

💡 Tip: Think about what slows you down in the kitchen. The best appliances are the ones that remove frustration from your cooking routine.

2. Work with your kitchen size

Your kitchen layout and storage space will determine what appliances are practical.

Small kitchens (apartments, studios, tiny homes)

• Go cordless where possible. A cordless hand mixer or immersion blender gives you power without the clutter of cords.

• Choose compact appliances. A mini stand mixer gives you all the functionality without taking up too much space.

• Prioritise multi-use appliances. A food processor with multiple attachments is better than a dozen single-use gadgets.

Medium-sized kitchens

You have more room to play with, so focus on efficiency. A stand mixer, food processor, and high-powered blender all earn their place if you cook regularly. Think about stackable storage for attachments to keep everything organised.

Large kitchens 

• A full-size stand mixer is worth it if you bake or cook in large batches.

• Specialty appliances (like a pasta roller or a coffee machine) can lend a little decadence to simple ingredients.

• If you entertain often, an extra fridge, warming drawer, or wine cooler might be worth considering.

💡 Tip: Measure your bench space and storage before buying anything. If an appliance can’t be stored easily, it’s less likely to be used.

3. Invest in quality

Appliances are an investment – and buying one great appliance is better than three mediocre ones that break down quickly. Here’s what to look for when choosing kitchen appliances:

1. Durability. Look for appliances made from stainless steel or die-cast metal, not flimsy plastic.

2. Versatility. A stand mixer with multiple attachments is more valuable than a single-use gadget.

3. Easy cleaning. If it’s hard to clean, you won’t use it often.

4. Reliable brand & warranty. Choose appliances with a solid reputation and good customer support.

💡 Tip: Avoid trendy gadgets that promise to do everything but don’t perform well. A great stand mixer, food processor, and blender will cover 90% of your cooking needs. 

4. Don't buy what you don't use

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of new kitchen gadgets, but many end up collecting dust.

Before buying anything, ask yourself:

1. How often will I use this? If it’s only a few times a year, it’s probably not worth the bench space.

2. Does it replace something I already own? If you have something in your cupboards that can do the same thing, think carefully about which one you’ll use the most.

3. Is there a more versatile option? A multi-cooker does what a slow cooker, rice cooker, and pressure cooker can – all in one.

💡 Tip: Borrow or test an appliance before buying. If a friend has a gadget you’re interested in, try it out first to see if it’s really useful.

5. Future-proof your kitchen

A smart kitchen set-up isn’t just about what works right now; it should work for you long-term.

• Plan for lifestyle changes. If you plan to cook more at home, invest in durable, multi-purpose appliances.

• Choose appliances that grow with you. A stand mixer with attachments can evolve as your cooking does.

• Think about energy efficiency. Newer appliances are often more energy-efficient, which saves money over time.

Wrap up

The best kitchen appliances aren’t the ones with the most features – they’re the ones you actually use. Invest in quality, multi-purpose tools. Choose appliances that match your cooking style and make sure they save you time and effort.

FAQ: Best kitchen appliances for 2025

What are the kitchen trends for 2025?

The biggest kitchen trends for 2025 focus on efficiency, versatility, and sustainability. Multi-functional appliances—like stand mixers with attachments—are gaining popularity as people look to maximise space and get more out of their appliances. 

Cordless appliances are also on the rise, making kitchens more flexible and reducing clutter. Energy-efficient models and appliances that help reduce food waste, like slow juicers and food processors, are becoming more sought after as home cooks look for cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

What is the best kitchen appliance to have?

A stand mixer is the most versatile choice if you only buy one home kitchen appliance. It’s not just for baking – it can knead dough, shred chicken, mash potatoes, and even make fresh pasta or ice cream with the right attachments. Unlike single-use gadgets, a stand mixer grows with you as your cooking skills evolve. If you prefer an appliance that speeds up meal prep, a food processor is another strong contender, helping with chopping, slicing, and mixing in seconds.

What is the best cordless kitchen appliance?

A cordless hand mixer is a practical cordless kitchen appliance – it gives you full mobility while mixing and is easy to store. Cordless immersion blenders are also a game-changer, letting you blend soups, sauces, and smoothies directly in the pot, with no cords in the way. Cordless appliances cut down clutter and make meal prep more convenient without sacrificing power.