Counter space is precious. This guide focuses on a small set of kitchen gadgets that consistently pay rent by saving time, replacing other tools, and delivering daily results. If you cook most nights or want reliable shortcuts without clutter, start here.
If your counters feel like a parking lot of rarely used appliances, you are not alone. The best kitchen gadgets earn their spot by doing three things: they save real time, they replace other tools, and they make food you love more often. This guide is for cooks who want fewer, better pieces on the counter, not a museum of single-use devices. We focused on performance, frequency of use, footprint, cleanup, and durability to pick gear that will actually make your weeknights faster and your weekends more fun.
Below are our quick picks, followed by in-depth reviews that explain exactly who each gadget is for, how it performs in daily cooking, and what to watch out for. We also include practical setup tips, so everything runs safely and stays easy to clean.
Quick picks
- Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: Best all-in-one countertop oven for families and crispy results
- Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series: Best high-power blender for smoothies, soups, and nut butters
- KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer: Best for bakers and big-batch doughs
- Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart Smart Pressure Cooker: Best set-and-forget weeknight cooker
- Baratza Encore ESP Burr Grinder: Best daily coffee upgrade in a small footprint
In-depth reviews
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review
Who it is for: Busy households that want one machine to toast, bake, roast, and air fry with consistent, even heat. If you often cook for two to six people, this oven can handle almost every small to mid-size job without heating the full-size oven.
Why it earns counter space: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro preheats quickly, circulates air aggressively for crisp wings and fries, and bakes with the kind of even browning that makes cookies and sheet-pan dinners look pro. It fits a 13-inch pizza, a 9-by-13 pan, or a whole chicken, and it comes with smart modes for toast, air fry, roast, bake, proof, dehydrate, and keep warm. For many kitchens, it replaces a toaster, a basic air fryer, and a second oven. That is three tools off the counter for one footprint.
How it performs day to day: For weeknights, it turns out golden sweet potato wedges in about 20 to 25 minutes and reheats leftovers without sogginess. It actually saves time because preheat is fast, the interior light lets you monitor doneness, and the crumb tray slides out for a quick wipe. The fan is audible but not distracting, and the controls are clear. Energy use is lower than heating a full oven for small batches, which adds up if you cook several times a week.
Drawbacks: It is large and heavy, so measure before you commit. The exterior can get hot, so give it a few inches of clearance and do not tuck it directly under low cabinets while air frying. The included air fry basket can be a bit tedious to scrub if you let grease bake on. If you already have a modern range with strong convection, the upgrade will feel smaller.
How it compares to another pick: Versus the Instant Pot Pro Plus, the Breville shines with crisp textures and quick roasting. The Instant Pot wins for braises, beans, and hands-off stews. If you cook a lot of proteins and vegetables that you want browned and crunchy, pick the Breville. If your comfort zone is soups, curries, and shredded meats, the Instant Pot may add more weeknight value.
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series review
Who it is for: Smoothie lovers, meal preppers, and anyone who wants silky soups, nut butters, or perfectly emulsified sauces with near-zero fuss. This is the blender for people who want professional results and will use it several times a week.
Why it earns counter space: The A3500’s 2.2 horsepower motor and metal drive power through greens, ice, and fibrous vegetables in one pass. The low-profile 64-ounce jar fits under most upper cabinets, and the tamper keeps thick blends moving. Five presets, a programmable timer, and fine-grained variable speed give you control, whether you are making a quick smoothie, hot soup from friction heat, or a velvety hummus. Cleanup takes about 30 seconds with warm water and a drop of soap.
How it performs day to day: Expect a smoothie that is truly smooth in 45 seconds, pesto without stringy bits, and nut butter that is spreadable without babying the machine. The base is stable and the controls are intuitive. Noise is the tradeoff with any high-power blender, and the A3500 is loud, but it is also fast, so the noise window is short.
Drawbacks: Price is high, and you pay for the build quality. Very small batches can hide below the blades, so use a smaller accessory cup if you often blend single servings of sauces. Thick mixtures sometimes need a quick manual rinse under the jar to avoid residue under the blade assembly.
How it compares to another pick: Versus the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer, the Vitamix dominates liquid and puree tasks. If your cooking centers on smoothies, soups, sauces, and nut butters, the Vitamix will see daily action. If you bake weekly and mix doughs, batters, and frostings, the mixer will likely deliver more total value. For many households, these two make a strong one-two combo.
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer review
Who it is for: Home bakers who want reliable mixing for cookies, cakes, frostings, and bread doughs, plus optional attachments for fresh pasta, grinding meat, or spiralizing vegetables. If you love to bake or host, this is a cornerstone tool.
Why it earns counter space: The 5-quart bowl handles big batches, the planetary mixing action reaches the edges of the bowl, and 10 speeds cover everything from slow kneading to fast whipping. The tilt-head design makes it simple to add ingredients, scrape the bowl, or swap attachments. It is a lifetime machine when cared for, and spare parts and accessories are easy to find. The power hub turns the mixer into a mini work center that can take jobs away from a food processor for many cooks.
How it performs day to day: It sails through cookie dough, sandwich bread, and buttercream. The included flat beater, dough hook, and wire whisk cover 90 percent of tasks. It is heavy, which is a plus for stability. Cleanup is straightforward, though the wire whisk prefers hand washing to maintain its finish. The low height fits under most cabinets, and the bowl stores on the base to keep everything tidy.
Drawbacks: It is large and weighs over 20 pounds, so plan a permanent parking spot. It can struggle with very small batches that do not reach the beaters, and sticky doughs may creep up the hook if you overfill. If you rarely bake, this is too much machine for occasional tasks.
How it compares to another pick: Versus the Vitamix A3500, the KitchenAid excels at structure and aeration, like meringues and doughs, while the blender excels at liquids and purees. If you must choose one, match it to your weekly cooking. For everyday dinners, the Instant Pot Pro Plus may do more heavy lifting than either appliance, since it covers mains with little hands-on time.
Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart Smart Pressure Cooker review
Who it is for: Weeknight cooks who want tender results in a fraction of the time, from braised beef to dried beans, with minimal stirring and babysitting. It is also ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.
Why it earns counter space: Pressure cooking turns hours into minutes and makes tough cuts weeknight-friendly. The Pro Plus model adds a thick stainless steel inner pot with easy-grip handles, strong sauté performance for browning, and programmable controls with helpful presets. It can steam, slow cook, sous vide, and keep warm, so it stands in for a rice cooker and a slow cooker too.
How it performs day to day: Expect hands-off chili in about an hour including heat-up and release, shredded chicken in 25 minutes, and perfect brown rice on autopilot. You can sear in the pot, deglaze, and pressure cook without juggling pans. Cleanup is simple since the pot goes in the dishwasher, and the gasket design is easy to remove and wash. The learning curve is real for the first two or three recipes, then it becomes a reliable friend.
Drawbacks: You will not get crispy textures without a finishing step in a hot pan or a countertop oven. Steam release is audible, and the lid and sealing ring need occasional deep cleaning to avoid lingering aromas. It has a mid-size footprint, so give it a shelf or a back corner of the counter where steam will not condense under cabinets.
How it compares to another pick: Versus the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, the Instant Pot trades crunch for speed on braises, grains, and beans. If you love crackling chicken skin and roasted vegetables, the Breville fits better. If you want set-and-forget meals that taste slow cooked without the wait, the Instant Pot returns more value per inch of counter space.
Baratza Encore ESP Burr Grinder review
Who it is for: Coffee drinkers who brew daily and want a clear, flavorful upgrade without jumping to commercial gear. The Encore ESP is tuned for both espresso and filter coffee, which means it can serve a growing coffee habit.
Why it earns counter space: Consistent grind size is the foundation of good coffee. The Encore ESP uses 40 mm conical steel burrs with a grind range that covers fine espresso through coarse pour-over and French press. The interface is simple, the footprint is compact, and retention is low, so you waste less coffee. For many, it unlocks better flavor from the machine you already own.
How it performs day to day: The grind is even, adjustments are predictable, and it is easy to clean with a quick brush and a monthly burr lift-out. It works well for single dosing or for filling the hopper for a week. Static can vary with humidity, but a light spritz of beans with water before grinding can reduce mess. Noise is noticeable but brief, since a dose grinds in seconds.
Drawbacks: This is not the fastest grinder on the market and it is not fully metal, so it will not feel like a tank. Very fine espresso on demanding machines may require careful dialing in. Still, for most home bar setups, it is a sweet spot of price, performance, and size.
How it compares to another pick: Choosing between the Encore ESP and the Vitamix A3500 often comes down to daily rituals. If coffee is a twice-a-day joy, the grinder will see more action and more value. If smoothies, sauces, and soups define your week, the Vitamix earns the space. Coffee-first kitchens might pair the grinder with a compact kettle and keep the blender stored.
How to measure value per inch of counter space
Think in terms of frequency, minutes saved, and tasks replaced. A simple rule of thumb is the three times rule. If you will use an item at least three times a week, it is a candidate for permanent counter space. Then estimate time saved each use. If a countertop oven saves 10 minutes of preheat and 10 minutes of cooking twice a week, that is roughly 40 minutes saved. Over a month, you have banked hours. Finally, count the tools it replaces. If the Breville replaces your toaster and a basic air fryer, that is two devices you can donate or store.
Measure the footprint and the functional capacity, not just the size. A machine that is 16 by 15 inches that can roast a full sheet pan of vegetables is more efficient than two smaller devices that cannot. Note under-cabinet height too. The Vitamix A3500 with its low-profile jar is about 17 inches tall, which fits under most cabinets that sit around 18 inches above the counter.
Consider cleanup friction. A gadget that is easy to wipe down and has dishwasher-safe parts will be used more often. Look for removable crumb trays, stainless inner pots with handles, and parts that detach without tools. Durability matters as well. Metal drives, replaceable gaskets, and available accessories extend the life of your gear and protect your investment.
Noise and heat are part of the value equation. High-power blenders are loud, so short blend times and a stable base keep the experience acceptable. Countertop ovens need airflow, so plan for a few inches of space on all sides and avoid placing them under low cabinets while in use. These small planning steps turn a good gadget into a great daily tool.
Countertop setup: placement, power, and cleaning
Place heat-generating appliances where they can breathe. Countertop ovens work best with at least 4 inches of clearance on the sides and rear, and they should not vent directly into a cabinet bottom. A silicone mat or wooden board under the oven can protect the counter. For pressure cookers, set them in a spot where steam will not condense on cabinet doors, ideally near the range hood or in an open corner.
Mind your circuits. Many countertop ovens draw up to 1800 watts. Avoid running them on the same 15-amp circuit as a microwave or electric kettle. If breakers trip, relocate one appliance to another circuit. Keep cords tidy and off hot surfaces. If outlets are scarce, a short, heavy-duty appliance extension tested for the load is safer than a long, thin cord.
Make cleaning effortless so you actually do it. Keep a microfiber cloth in a nearby drawer and wipe exteriors after use. Empty crumb trays weekly, and soak air fry baskets right after cooking to prevent baked-on grease. For mixers and blenders, do a quick soap-and-water cycle immediately after use, then a full wash later if needed. A monthly deep clean of gaskets, vents, and burrs keeps performance high and smells low.
Final thoughts
If you want one transformative piece, start with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for crispy weeknights and fast preheats. If you blend daily, the Vitamix A3500 is worth every inch. Bakers will get lifelong value from the KitchenAid Artisan, and time-pressed cooks will love the Instant Pot Pro Plus for hands-off mains. Coffee drinkers will taste the upgrade from the Baratza Encore ESP every single morning. Match your first pick to your most frequent cooking habit, then add from there.
See also
If you are juggling dinner and kids, you will find practical picks in our guide to the Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets for Busy Moms in 2025. Coffee curious and ready to build a better morning routine? Compare brew styles and features in our Best Coffee Machines 2025: Head-to-Head Showdown.
Love crispy chicken nights with minimal cleanup? See which models excel in our Best Air Fryer for Chicken breakdown, then pair them with reliable pans from our Best Nonstick Frying Pans: PFAS vs Ceramic guide. Iced coffee fans can dial in cold drinks with the recommendations in Best Coffee Machines for Iced Coffee.
FAQ
If I have a small kitchen, which single gadget should I buy first?
Match the pick to your most frequent task. For most cooks, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro adds the broadest weeknight value since it toasts, bakes, roasts, and air fries with fast preheat and crisp results. If your meals are mostly stews, beans, curries, and shredded meats, the Instant Pot Pro Plus saves more time with set-and-forget pressure cooking. If you blend daily, the Vitamix A3500 is the first purchase. Start with the one you will use at least three times per week.
Do I need both a Vitamix and a stand mixer?
Not everyone does. The Vitamix A3500 dominates liquids and purees, like smoothies, sauces, and hot soups. The KitchenAid Artisan handles structure and aeration, like doughs, batters, meringues, and whipped cream. If you bake weekly or host often, the mixer earns its space. If baking is occasional, a compact hand mixer plus the Vitamix may cover everything you do.
What size Instant Pot should I get?
For one or two people who batch cook occasionally, a 3-quart can work but fills fast. The 6-quart Instant Pot Pro Plus is the sweet spot for two to four people, with space for a whole chicken or a big pot of chili. Families of five or more should consider an 8-quart model so you are not crowding the pot. Larger pots take longer to come to pressure, but the extra capacity prevents overflow and gives better results for big batches.
Can a countertop oven replace my full-size oven?
For most day-to-day cooking, yes. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro handles pizza, sheet-pan dinners, cookies, and small roasts while preheating faster and using less energy for small batches. You will still want a full-size oven for very large roasts, multiple sheet pans at once, or specialty baking that needs precise, spacious heat. Many households find the big oven sits idle on weeknights once a capable countertop oven arrives.
How do I keep countertop gadgets looking clean instead of cluttered?
Give each item a defined parking spot, ideally on a tray that catches crumbs and drips. Wipe exteriors after each use with a damp microfiber cloth. Soak air fry baskets and racks right away to avoid baked-on grease. Run a quick soap-and-water cycle in the blender after pouring. For pressure cookers, remove and wash the sealing ring weekly. A 5-minute weekly reset returns the counter to showroom status and makes you more likely to use the gear tomorrow.
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