These Kitchen Appliances Are Worth the Counter Space

Kitchen appliances are handy gadgets, but they also take up a whole lot of space. Does anyone have room for blenders, food processors, air fryers, coffee machines, mixers or toaster ovens? I could’ve easily kept going with that list, too, because I’m not the only person who feels this way. One of our editors discovered an intriguing Reddit thread that discussed which appliances are worth the space they take up.

It made all of us wonder: What kitchen appliance would we fight to keep on our kitchen counter? Well, we all had some very serious thoughts and opinions about the matter, calling out our most beloved appliances that have helped us get through busy weeknights, slow Sundays and packed family dinners. Carve out some space on your kitchen counter for some of these editor-loved Keurig coffee makers, Cuisinart food processors, Breville toaster ovens and OXO electric kettles.

Editor-Loved Kitchen Appliances That Deserve a Spot on Your Counter

Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

“I’d be lying if I said anything besides my Keurig,” says Associate Editor Dani DeAngelis. “I will say I’ve had past Keurig models and other coffee machines where it takes 17 million years to brew a cup, but this one takes literal seconds. I love it!” It’s worth noting that this nifty gadget barely takes up any real estate—it measures just 5 x 13 x 12 inches. 

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor

“I love my mini food processor. It makes the best vinaigrettes, plus it’s great for chopping small amounts of things like nuts and herbs,” Carolyn Malcoun, associate editorial director, notes. Small but mighty, this handy appliance’s versatility only adds to its value. It’s straightforward: Just hit the chop or grind button for your ideal mixture. 

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

“I’ve used this rice cooker every week for over two years. It has changed my rice-cooking life, and I’ve never looked back,” says Assistant General Manager Penelope Wall about this rice cooker. She loves its easy-to-clean steam vent cap, nonstick interior, straightforward guide on rice-to-water ratios, musical timer and retractable power cord. Best of all? “This rice cooker makes perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time. When it’s finished, it automatically switches to warm until you’re ready to eat.”

Vitamix Ascent X2 SmartPrep Kitchen System

My turn! I have a Vitamix blender set that is so versatile, it has replaced three appliances: an upright blender, a personal blender and a food processor. Since it’s multipurpose, I think the price is even more justified. Not only are you getting the Vitamix power, but you’re also saving quite a bit of money by not buying a standard Vitamix or other appliances (because no kitchen is complete without a Vitamix, if you ask me).

My exact set is no longer available, but this Ascent X2 set is the next best thing—it replaced mine when the brand updated the line. It includes a standard 48-ounce pitcher that can easily blend up single-batch smoothies thanks to the tapered shape. The food processor attachment includes two reversible blades that can chop, slice, shred and knead. 

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Multiple editors, including me, mentioned the versatility of Breville’s toaster oven air fryer. I recently purchased this model and it’s well worth the counter space. Take it from Editor Alex Loh: “My new favorite appliance is my toaster oven air fryer. It’s been such a game-changer in the hot weather because I can make my entire dinner in it, and it won’t heat up my kitchen like my regular oven. I decided to go for the air fryer option because I like having multiple appliances in one.” 

OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle

“I keep my electric kettle on the counter and obviously use it to boil water for tea, but it comes in handy regularly when I am cooking or baking and need boiling water. It boils water faster than microwaving, and it doesn’t make that annoying whistling sound when it’s done, like a stovetop kettle,” says Senior Editor Megan Ginsberg. 

Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

If you have a good coffee grinder, your coffee will always taste better, no matter what brewing method you use. Carving out a corner of my countertop for this Fellow grinder has been the best decision I’ve ever made for my coffee routine. The Fellow Opus features a burr grinder, which grinds beans by crushing them instead of chopping for a purer, fresher taste. Preserving flavor and aroma is ultimately what you want when you’re grinding your coffee each morning! It is precise enough to grind beans to the ideal consistency for drip coffee, French press, pour-over, espresso pulling and more. I’d argue that this is more important than the coffee maker itself! 

Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Food Processor

Wall makes space on her counter for another helpful appliance: “I’ve had my Cuisinart food processor for over 15 years, and it’s still going strong. I use it for everything.” Some of her favorite ways include savory recipes like pizza dough, hummus, pesto and even sliced or shredded potatoes and vegetables, thanks to its variety of blades. She uses it for sweet recipes, too, including ice cream and fro-yo.