Must-Have Kitchen Appliances for Every Home Cook
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal or hosting a grand holiday feast, having the right kitchen appliances can make all the difference. From whipping up morning smoothies to slow-roasting a Thanksgiving turkey, the right tools can save time, enhance flavors, and elevate your cooking experience.
At HelpMyBuy, we put some of the best kitchen appliances to the test, reviewing everything from top-rated vacuum cleaners to versatile pizza ovens and top-rated pasta makers. Below, you’ll find our expert-recommended picks for must-have kitchen gadgets that blend functionality with convenience.
Blenders: The Ultimate Kitchen Multitasker
A high-quality blender isn’t just for smoothies anymore. The best blenders on the market can handle everything from crushing ice and making nut butters to grinding whole grains into flour. Whether you’re a home chef who loves experimenting with recipes or someone who just wants an easy way to prep healthy drinks, choosing the right blender can make all the difference.
We’ve tested various blenders across multiple categories, and here’s what we found:
1. Traditional Blenders: Everyday Versatility
If you’re looking for an all-purpose blender that can do it all, traditional blenders are your go-to option. These powerful kitchen essentials can handle a wide range of tasks, making them ideal for everything from quick breakfasts to gourmet meal prep.
Why Choose a Traditional Blender?
✅ Perfect for families – Blend large batches of smoothies, soups, or sauces in one go.
✅ Multi-functional – Crush ice for cocktails, puree soups, and mix pancake batter effortlessly.
✅ User-friendly – Most models come with preset functions for easy operation.
Our Top Picks:
🔹 Best Overall Blender Breville the Super Q – Best for power and durability, ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Breville Super Q Blender Review
Buy on Amazon – $499.95
Review: 5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reasons to Buy
- Thoughtful presets
- User-friendly interface
- Food processing capabilities
- Includes to-go cup
Reasons to Avoid
- Slightly fickle lid
- Blades are not removable
Specifications
| Power | 2.4 HP |
|---|---|
| Model Number | BBL920BSS1BUS1 |
| Pitcher Capacity | 1928 g | 68 oz |
| Presets | Yes, 6: Smoothie, Green Smoothie, Ice Crush, Frozen Desserts, Soup, Clean, 12 speed settings |
| Dimensions (Base with Pitcher) | 45.7cm x 26.7cm x 20.6cm | 18″ x 10.5″ x 8.1″ |
Breville’s The Super Q is a versatile, premium option that’s worth every penny. The combination of thoughtfully designed presets, a modern yet intuitive interface, and convenient accessories makes this a nearly perfect blender
🔹 Runner-Up for Best Overall Blender Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series – A budget-friendly option with great blending consistency.
Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Review
Buy on Amazon – $529.00
Review: 5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent longevity
- Perfect for pureeing soup
- Easy to clean
Reasons to Avoid
- Fewer preset programs
- Tamper feels cheap for the price
Specifications
| Power | Peak 2.2 HP |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A2500 |
| Pitcher Capacity | 1814 g | 64 oz |
| Presets | Yes, 3: Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Soup |
| Dimensions (Base with Pitcher) | 43.2cm x 27.9cm x 20.3cm | 17″ x 11″ x 8″ |
A futuristic vision of a modern classic, the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series is a premium blender whose high-performance capabilities are only matched by its time-tested durability. It’s difficult not to highlight the A2500 when, time and again, this blender delivers excellent results.
🔹 Best Bang for the Buck Nutribullet Combo – The perfect blend of affordability and performance.
Nutribullet Combo Review
Buy on Amazon – $100.00
Review: 4.5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable
- Heats soup remarkably well
- Includes multiple to-go cups
Reasons to Avoid
- Singular preset
- Struggles to crush ice
Specifications
| Power | Peak 1.6 HP |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NBC-12A |
| Pitcher Capacity | 1814 g | 64 oz |
| Presets | Yes, 2: Extract, Pulse, 3 speed settings |
| Dimensions (Base with Pitcher) | 43.2cm x 17.8cm x 24.1cm | 17″ x 7″ x 9.5″ |
If the price of the top-tier models is well outside your budget, it’s well worth considering the Nutribullet Combo. Surpassing its more accessible price point, this workhorse of a blender puts up numbers in key metrics that are competitive among even the top-tier models.
Best Overall Immersion Hand Blender Braun Multiquick
Hand Blender Review
Buy on Amazon – $70
Review: 5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic feel
- Easy to change attachments
- High-performance blending
- Turbo boost
Reasons to Avoid
- Only two attachments
Specifications
| Wattage | 350W |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15″ x 2.2″ x 2.2″ |
When it comes to hand blenders, it’d be hard to top the Braun Multiquick. This nifty little kitchen appliance is one of the most comfortable models we’ve reviewed, and the buttons are easy to use. When it comes time to grind, whip, and blend, the Braun delivers excellent performance.
Bread Machines
The Ultimate Guide to Bread Machines: Bake Fresh, Delicious Bread with Ease
Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience, but the process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive when done entirely by hand. Thankfully, bread machines simplify baking by automating kneading, rising, and baking, allowing anyone to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without the hassle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to make your first loaf, investing in a high-quality bread machine can transform your kitchen and elevate your meals.
Why Choose a Bread Machine?
Bread machines offer unmatched convenience for home bakers. Instead of manually mixing ingredients, kneading dough, waiting for it to rise, and then baking it in an oven, a bread machine does all the hard work for you. Simply add your ingredients, select the right settings, and let the machine handle the rest. These appliances provide consistent results, ensuring that every loaf is perfectly baked, with the right crust, texture, and taste.
Key Features to Look for in a Bread Machine
Not all bread machines are created equal. When selecting the best bread maker for your needs, consider these essential features:
1. Loaf Capacity and Size Options
Different bread machines offer varying loaf capacities, ranging from 1 to 2.5 pounds. If you have a small household, a compact bread machine that produces 1-pound loaves may be sufficient. For larger families or those who enjoy making extra loaves to store, a model that accommodates 2-pound or 2.5-pound loaves is ideal.
2. Multiple Baking Modes and Settings
The best bread machines come with multiple settings to accommodate different types of bread, including:
- White Bread – The standard setting for soft, fluffy loaves with a crisp crust.
- Whole Wheat Bread – A longer kneading and rising cycle to ensure a hearty, dense texture.
- Gluten-Free Bread – Specialized settings for gluten-free flours to create delicious, allergy-friendly loaves.
- French Bread – A setting that produces a crispy crust and airy interior, similar to traditional French loaves.
- Dough Mode – Ideal for making pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, or dinner rolls, allowing you to bake in a separate oven.
3. Crust Control Options
Most high-end bread machines allow users to choose their preferred crust shade—light, medium, or dark. This feature ensures that you get the perfect crust texture to match your preference.
4. Delay Timer for Fresh Bread Anytime
A delay timer lets you schedule baking in advance, so you can wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread or have a warm loaf ready when you come home from work.
5. Rapid Bake Function
If you’re in a hurry, a rapid bake setting shortens the baking time, producing a fresh loaf in under an hour.
Top Benefits of Using a Bread Machine
1. Saves Time and Effort
One of the biggest advantages of a bread machine is the ability to make fresh bread without spending hours in the kitchen. Just add your ingredients, press a few buttons, and let the machine do the work.
2. Consistent and Foolproof Results
Unlike traditional baking methods that require careful attention to dough consistency and rise time, bread machines are designed to produce perfectly baked loaves every time.
3. Cost-Effective
Buying store-bought artisan bread can be expensive, but making your own costs just a fraction of the price. With a bread machine, you can bake fresh loaves using high-quality ingredients at a much lower cost.
4. Healthier Homemade Bread
Many store-bought breads contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and unnecessary additives. By using a bread machine, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to create healthier, all-natural loaves with whole grains, organic flour, and minimal sugar.
5. Versatile Baking Options
Beyond bread, many modern bread machines can also make cake, jam, pasta dough, and even yogurt. This multifunctionality makes them a valuable kitchen appliance.
Top-Rated Bread Machines to Consider
- Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread Machine
Review: 5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reasons to Buy
- Great with all types of bread
- Consistently good crusts
- Excellent sandwich size/shape
Reasons to Avoid
- Very large and heavy
- Only makes 2 lb loaves
Specifications
| Measured Weight | 10.3 kg | 22.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Measured Dimensions (HxWxL) | 33cm x 45.7cm x 25.4cm | 13″ x 18″ x 10″ |
| Number of Functions | 15 |
| Available Loaf Sizes | 0.91 kg | 2 lb |
| Automatic Fruit and Nut Dispenser | No |
Without a doubt, the best all-around bread machine is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus. It consistently produces great bread, no matter what recipe we selected from its book of 51 options. Several other models make good white and wheat bread, but this machine stands out due to its excellent crust quality and uniform shape, making it perfect for sandwiches.