The Best Kitchen Appliances Worth Investing In (Plus Pros & Cons)

Written By Sydney Haney

When it comes to creating a smooth, stress-free kitchen routine, the right appliances make all the difference. Whether you're cooking daily, meal prepping for the week, or simply trying to save time, investing in high-quality tools can completely transform how you work in the kitchen. Below is a breakdown of the best kitchen appliances to own, why they’re worth it, and the pros and cons of each—so you can confidently choose the products that fit your lifestyle.

1. Air Fryer

The air fryer is a must-have for busy families, meal preppers, and health-focused cooks. It crisps, reheats, and cooks meals quickly—all with less oil. My favorites are the Chefman Airfryer, a 4-quart model for smaller families. Another great buy for larger families is the ARLIME 14-in-1 Airfryer. It sits on the counter and also functions as a small oven and toaster, and it has a 26-quart capacity.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Cook crispy meals fast

  • Great for chicken, veggies, frozen foods, and leftovers

  • Healthier alternative to frying

Pros

  • Fast cooking time

  • Easy cleanup

  • Versatile for snacks, proteins, and sides

Cons

  • Basket sizes can be limiting

  • Takes up counter space

2. Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

If you love convenience, you’ll use this appliance constantly. It pressure-cooks meats, rice, beans, soups, and more in a fraction of the time. A popular pick is the InstantPot. This one holds up the 3 quarts, but larger ones are available based on your preference

Why You’ll Love It

  • Perfect for meal prep

  • Huge time-saver

  • Set it and forget it

Pros

  • Reduces cook time by 70%

  • Very versatile (rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, etc.)

  • Great for batch cooking

Cons

  • Learning curve for beginners

  • Doesn’t brown foods like traditional pots

  • Bulky to store

3. Blender (High-Speed)

Ideal for smoothies, sauces, soups, and even batters, a good blender makes clean eating and quick meals effortless. This Sangcon blender is much like a Nutribullet, for a fraction of the price! I use mine almost every morning for smoothies and frequently use it to make sauces!

Why You’ll Love It

  • Makes healthy recipes fast

  • Great for families and meal preppers

Pros

  • Powerful and efficient

  • Easy for grab-and-go breakfasts

  • Cleans quickly

Cons

  • Higher-end models can be expensive

  • Loud during use

4. Food Processor

If you cook a lot, this appliance is a game-changer for chopping, shredding, dicing, and blending. There is nothing worse that I hate than shredding my own cheese when I make homemade mac-and-cheese. These will save you so much time and wrist pain! I have the Ninja food processor and love it.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Speeds up prep work

  • Perfect for dips, salsas, and shredded ingredients

Pros

  • Saves tons of prep time

  • Multiple blade options

  • Great for large recipes

Cons

  • Many parts to clean

  • Can be bulky in smaller kitchens

Choosing the right kitchen appliances is truly an investment in convenience, time-savings, and better meals—whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family. Add the ones that match your lifestyle, and you’ll feel the difference every time you step into your kitchen.

Sydney Haney
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Meal Prep Essentials