Small Kitchen Appliances

About Small Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen used to be a place of long and sometimes exhausting physical labour. Food preparation could take many hours, mostly due to - preparation itself. Chopping, slicing, mixing, kneading, and other necessary tasks make a substantial part of the cooking process, requiring skills and devotion. In old times, all of those tasks had to be performed manually. 

The development of a range of small kitchen appliances was a serious game-changer. Mixers, blenders, and juicers are now accompanied by a range of specialised cookers and pressure pots. Moreover, devices such as slow cookers almost make the whole meal by themselves. 

On top of all, the design of these convenient kitchen appliances is often space-savvy, making them fit to stand on a countertop and easy to store. 

Types of Small Kitchen Appliances

Toasters

Toasters are quintessential small appliances, being a staple of modern kitchens for many decades. Their modern versions are available in a range of convenient designs, with features like adaptable slots and smart connectivity.

Toasters are divided into three main types. The two-slice toaster is the most traditional form, compact and suitable for any kitchen size. Their larger version takes four slices, ideal for larger households. Finally, long-slot toasters with a slim profile are designed to fit irregular shapes or tall bread slices.

Kettles

Electric kettles are designed for straightforward use yet come in handy in a plethora of situations. While their speed is the obvious advantage, there is also the convenience of use, energy efficiency, and precision. 

Two main categories of kettles are stove-top and electric. The first ones require no electricity and can work over any kind of heated surface. Electric jugs need a plug but are also faster and often lighter, with modern versions including handy options such as smartphone integration and remote control. 

Food Processors & Mixers

Food processors perform chopping and slicing in a matter of minutes, while mixers turn the ingredients into side dishes and creams without causing arm fatigue. They also do a great job kneading dough, mincing and mashing softened vegetables, and producing sauces, smoothies, and sorbets. 

Food processors can be compact, manual, electric, continuous, and combined, including grinders, batch bowls, and more. Mixers are either handheld or free-standing, each available with a range of handy extensions and extra equipment. 

Blenders & Juicers

Modern blenders and juicers are mostly electric, robust and powerful. Juicers are designed to squeeze the liquid out of almost any kind of plant. Advanced blenders can produce sorbets straight from a freezer, smoothies, shakes, cocktails, soups, sauces, and even nut butter. Apart from standard functions such as pureeing and merging the ingredients, powerful blenders can also chop, crush, emulsify, grind, and knead, while top models even cook.

Common blender types include standard and portable models, immersion sticks, and premium high-performance units. Juicers are separated into three categories: citrus juicers, cold press/masticating models, and twin-gear designs.

Hot Plates

Portable hot plates are a convenient, space-savvy replacement for traditional cooktops and ovens. These small kitchen appliances are excellent for offices, small cooking spaces, places bereft of a traditional kitchen, and situations where an extra cooking spot is required.  

Hot plates are commonly distinguished by the type of heating they use, divided into electric, gas, and induction models. The type and amount of burners type are also important. Single-burners are lightweight and portable, while multi-burner hot plates allow for the preparation of several courses at the same time. 

Fryers

Fryers are designed for making fried food and split into two main categories: deep-frying and air-frying units. What they have in common is the speed of the preparation process. Units designed for home use are typically smaller countertops, while commercial models also come as free-standing.

Common types of deep fryers include electric and propane-fueled units, equipped with an oil container, a heating unit, and a basket. Air fryers come with or without rotating baskets and can also feature lockable lids and viewing windows. Apart from the standard models, available versions include induction fryers, doughnut fryers, and combo units. 

Rice Cookers & Steamers

Despite the explicit name, many rice cookers and steamers can serve more than one purpose. These convenient machines are designed to cover a range of specific preparation types, from simple rice steaming to complex sushi recipe requirements. Rice cookers programs help users to achieve ideal rice consistency with uniform results after each use.

Types of rice steamer pots include digital models, induction heated units, pressure and portable cookers, sushi rice makers, and multi-use appliances equipped for the preparation of soups, fish, and sauces.

Slow Cookers

Slow cookers are almost entirely independent devices for preparing soups, stews, soups, different cooked meals, and cuts of meat. They work by gently simmering the ingredients at low temperatures until ready. Apart from sparing the user from long hours spent in the kitchen, they deliver healthy meals rich in flavours and nutrients and flavours. 

Different types of slow cookers include programmable/digital models with electronic controls, manually controlled units, and lightweight, portable models. Their standard shape is oval or round or oval, but it’s possible to also find rectangular designs.

Sandwich Presses

Sandwich presses are designed to heat and grill different kinds of sandwiches with the help of two hinged cast iron/aluminium plates. They are typically recognised in two versions: panini presses and four-triangle designs. 

Apart from a standard square shape, sandwich makers can be found in other convenient forms, suitable for a variety of bread slices. Most units can work with all sorts of bread and fillings, including creative versions.

Coffee Machines

Coffee machines comprise a range of appliances designed for specific coffee brew varieties, from straight black filter beverages to flavoured milky frappuccinos. Home appliances typically accommodate one or two cups simultaneously, while commercial units can feature significantly larger capacities. 

Types of coffee makers include filter and espresso machines, pod & capsule units, percolators, cold brew makers, and combined, space-savvy appliances. While some models come with integrated milk frothers, others require purchasing separate tools. 

Bread Makers

Bread makers are used for creating homemade bread from scratch. These handy machines do it all: mix and knead the dough, let it rise, and then bake it. Most models can make any kind of bread - basic, whole grain, sweet, French, Italian, gluten- or yeast-free, and more. Moreover, advanced units also create cakes and pasta or pizza dough. 

It’s possible to choose separate functions, such as dough only or bake only. Other handy features include crust control, speed, programmable start, pause or delay, keeping the bread warm, and a plethora of other options. 

Kitchen Appliances Design & Style

Apart from the practical side, kitchen appliances can be quite a visual feature, playing a vital role in the overall decoration scheme. Also, many cooking enthusiasts find their hours spent in the stylish and well-organised kitchen more enjoyable. For that reason, it’s a good idea to choose kitchenware and devices in a design that matches or enhances overall aesthetics. 

Finishes play a role in the convenience of use, as well as cleaning and maintenance levels required daily. Sleek stainless steel is highly attractive and durable - but also prone to showing fingerprints, stains, even water drops. Matte versions are more convenient and accessible to clean after each use. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Small Kitchen Appliances

Size

Before buying a kitchen appliance - or several - it’s strongly recommended to consider the available space and its organisation. A small space will hardly benefit from a cluttered countertop. Also, if all devices require electricity, a predefined organisational scheme can spare a lot of hassle in advance. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient kitchen appliances are lowering the electricity bills. At the same time, cutting down energy emissions does a big favour to the environment. Many units available today are marked “green” with a displayed energy grade, making it easy to find a suitable model.

Dishwasher-Friendliness 

Many detachable parts of small kitchen appliances are safe to put in a dishwasher, but it’s not always the case. It’s better to check in advance than to end up with an unusable piece of melted plastic.

Price & Budget

The budget can be a limiting factor for choosing a kitchen appliance. However, it’s good to have in mind that a low price tag doesn’t always mean savings. Choosing a low-quality item is a gamble that can turn costly if unlucky. 

Items with short or no guarantee that get broken within a couple of months need to be replaced with new ones, doubling or tripling the initial cost. For that reason, it’s advised to go with reputable sellers and trusted brands offering a reasonable guarantee. 

If you need assistance to find the right small kitchen appliances for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.