Kitchen Small Appliances: What's Really Worth It and What Gathers Dust

Kitchen appliances are perennial favorites on deal lists. Many of them become dust collectors after three weeks. Here's an honest assessment of the most popular categories.

Air fryer

Worth it if you regularly prepare small portions and don't want to heat up the oven for them. Pay attention to basket size (at least 4 liters for two people) and dishwasher-safe parts. Models with two chambers are convenient but take up space.

Food processor

Makes sense for anyone who bakes or kneads several times a week. For occasional use, a good hand mixer is sufficient. Motor power for heavy doughs is what matters, not the number of attachments.

Fully automatic espresso machine

Pays for itself at about two cups daily compared to capsules. Important: milk system cleaning, ceramic or steel burr grinder, and spare parts availability. Previous year models are often 30 percent cheaper with identical technology.

Immersion blender and stand mixer

An immersion blender is the most versatile appliance for little money. A stand mixer is only worthwhile for smoothies, nut butter, or ice cream, but then with sufficient power.

What usually ends up in the cupboard

Sandwich makers, popcorn machines, electric salt grinders, and appliances that do exactly one dish. The deal is only good if the appliance fits your daily routine.

Our rule for kitchen deals

We only publish kitchen appliances when the price shows a low point in the price history and the model has current ratings without recurring issues.