Countertop Appliances Worth Keeping: A Comprehensive Guide

In the heart of every kitchen, there’s a delicate balance between functionality and clutter. As someone who’s moved from the Bay Area to Nashville and downsized significantly, I’ve had to make some tough decisions about which countertop appliances are worth keeping. It’s not just about space; it’s about efficiency, versatility, and let’s face it, a touch of joy in using them. So, let’s dive in and explore the countertop appliances that truly earn their keep.

When I first moved to Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff I’d accumulated. My rescue cat, Luna, didn’t help much either, mostly just getting in the way as I unpacked box after box of kitchen gadgets. I realized then that I needed to be more mindful about what I kept on my countertops. Each appliance had to pull its weight, so to speak. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider…

This guide isn’t just about my personal journey, though. It’s about helping you make informed decisions for your own kitchen. By the end of this, you’ll have a clear idea of which appliances deserve that precious counter space and why. Let’s get started!

The Workhorses: Appliances You’ll Use Daily

Coffee Maker

Let’s start with the essentials. If you’re a coffee lover like me, a good coffee maker is non-negotiable. But which type? Drip, pour-over, French press, espresso machine—the options are endless. I’m torn between the convenience of a programmable drip coffee maker and the ritual of a pour-over. But ultimately, it’s about what brings you joy and fits your routine.

For me, the winner is a classic drip coffee maker. It’s efficient, reliable, and there’s something comforting about waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Plus, it’s great for when you have guests over—no need to fuss with individual cups.

Toaster or Toaster Oven

Next up is the humble toaster. Or is it a toaster oven? I’ve had both, and each has its merits. A standard toaster is compact and gets the job done quickly. But a toaster oven offers more versatility—you can toast, bake, and even reheat small meals. Maybe I should clarify, though, that this isn’t a replacement for a full-sized oven. It’s more of a convenient sidekick.

After much deliberation, I opted for a toaster oven. It’s perfect for my morning bagels and comes in handy when I need to reheat leftovers without firing up the big oven. Plus, it saves on energy, which is always a bonus.

Blender

A good blender is another must-have. From smoothies to sauces, soups to dips, it’s a true workhorse in the kitchen. But with so many types—immersion, personal, countertop—how do you choose? I find that a countertop blender with a decent motor (at least 500 watts) and a variety of speeds is the most versatile.

Mine has a permanent spot on the counter because I use it so often. It’s great for blending up a quick smoothie in the morning or pureeing soup in the evening. Plus, it makes light work of chopping and mixing tasks that would otherwise require more elbow grease.

The Specialists: Appliances for Specific Tasks

Slow Cooker

For those days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort, a slow cooker is a lifesaver. It’s not something you’ll use every day, but when you do, it’s a game-changer. Toss in your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it. By dinnertime, you’ve got a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to go.

I love pulling out my slow cooker on busy weekdays or lazy Sundays. It’s perfect for stews, soups, and even baking bread (yes, you read that right!). Plus, it helps keep the kitchen cool in the summer since it doesn’t heat up the room like an oven would.

Food Processor

A food processor is another specialist worth considering. It’s fantastic for chopping, slicing, shredding, and mixing tasks that would take forever by hand. Think of it as your personal sous chef, ready to tackle the most tedious prep work.

Mine comes out whenever I need to make a big batch of salsa, coleslaw, or pie crust. It’s not an everyday appliance, but when I need it, I’m always glad to have it around. One thing to note: food processors can be a bit bulky, so make sure you have the storage space if you’re not planning to keep it on the counter.

Rice Cooker

If you’re a fan of rice-based meals, a rice cooker might be worth the investment. It cooks rice perfectly every time, and some models even have settings for other grains like quinoa and oatmeal. Plus, it frees up stovetop space for other tasks.

I use mine at least once a week for meal prepping. It’s great for cooking large batches of rice that I can portion out for lunches throughout the week. And it’s not just for rice—I’ve even used it to steam vegetables and make risotto!

The Multitaskers: Appliances That Do It All

Instant Pot

No discussion of countertop appliances would be complete without mentioning the Instant Pot. This multitasker can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and even make yogurt. It’s like having several appliances in one compact package.

I was skeptical at first, but the Instant Pot quickly became one of my most-used appliances. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners and batch cooking on the weekends. And it’s surprisingly intuitive to use—even Luna seems intrigued by the magic happening inside!

Air Fryer

Another versatile appliance is the air fryer. It uses hot air to crisp up food with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. But it’s not just for fried foods—you can also use it to bake, roast, and reheat.

I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting with my air fryer. It’s great for cooking up crispy sweet potato fries, juicy chicken wings, and even flaky pastries. Plus, it’s a lifesaver in the summer when I don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen with the oven.

Stand Mixer

For bakers, a stand mixer is a worthy investment. It’s versatile, efficient, and can handle tasks that would be difficult (if not impossible) by hand. Plus, with various attachments, it can transform into a pasta maker, meat grinder, and more.

Mine has a permanent spot on the counter because I use it so often for baking. But even if you’re not an avid baker, a stand mixer can be useful for tasks like shredding chicken, mashing potatoes, or whipping up a batch of homemade whipped cream.

The Luxuries: Appliances You Didn’t Know You Needed

SodaStream

Now, let’s talk about those appliances that aren’t necessarily essential but add a touch of luxury to your kitchen. First up: the SodaStream. This nifty gadget turns plain water into sparkling water in seconds. It’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and a whole lot of fun.

I got a SodaStream as a gift and wasn’t sure how much I’d use it. But it turns out, I love having sparkling water on demand. It’s great for making homemade soda, cocktails, and even for adding a bit of fizz to my morning orange juice.

Waffle Maker

Next on the list of luxuries is the waffle maker. Sure, it’s a one-trick pony, but oh, what a trick it is! There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade waffle for breakfast (or dinner—I don’t judge).

My waffle maker doesn’t get used every day, but when it does, it brings a lot of joy to my kitchen. It’s perfect for lazy weekend brunches or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile—you can use it to make hash browns, paninis, and even cookies!

Ice Cream Maker

Lastly, let’s talk about the ice cream maker. This is another appliance that falls squarely in the ‘luxury’ category, but if you love homemade ice cream, it’s worth considering.

I splurged on an ice cream maker a few years back, and it’s been a hit at every summer gathering since. There’s something magical about making your own ice cream—you can experiment with flavors, control the ingredients, and impress your friends all at the same time.

The Space Savers: Compact Appliances for Small Kitchens

Immersion Blender

If you’re working with a smaller kitchen, immersion blender is a lifesaver. It’s compact, versatile, and can handle many of the same tasks as a full-sized blender. Plus, it’s easier to clean and store.

I’ve had an immersion blender for years, and it’s one of my go-to tools for making soups, sauces, and smoothies. It’s not as powerful as a countertop blender, but for most tasks, it gets the job done just fine. Plus, it’s great for blending hot liquids right in the pot—no need to transfer to a blender and risk a mess.

Mini Food Processor

Another space-saving appliance is the mini food processor. It’s perfect for small-scale chopping, mixing, and pureeing tasks. Plus, it’s easy to store when not in use.

I use mine for making small batches of pesto, hummus, and even baby food (back when Luna was a kitten). It’s not as powerful as a full-sized food processor, but for most tasks, it’s more than sufficient. And it’s a breeze to clean, which is always a plus.

Compact Slow Cooker

If you love the idea of a slow cooker but don’t have the space, consider a compact slow cooker. These smaller models are perfect for cooking for one or two people and don’t take up much counter space.

I downsized to a compact slow cooker when I moved to Nashville, and it’s been a great fit for my smaller kitchen. It’s perfect for making smaller batches of stews, soups, and even oatmeal. Plus, it’s easy to store when not in use.

Making the Cut: How to Decide Which Appliances to Keep

So, how do you decide which appliances deserve a spot on your countertop? Here are a few questions to guide you:

• How often will you use it?
• Does it serve multiple purposes?
• How much space does it take up?
• Does it bring you joy to use?

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s all about what works best for you and your kitchen. Maybe you should clarify what your priorities are first. For me, versatility and joy are key. If an appliance can perform multiple tasks and brings a smile to my face when I use it, it’s a keeper.

Maximizing Your Counter Space

Once you’ve decided which appliances to keep, it’s time to think about how to maximize your counter space. Here are a few tips:

• Consider vertical storage: Use shelves, racks, or wall-mounted hooks to get appliances off the counter but still within easy reach.
• Invest in multi-functional appliances: As we’ve discussed, appliances that serve multiple purposes can help save space.
• Keep it organized: Designate specific areas for different tasks and keep appliances grouped accordingly.
• Regularly reassess: Your needs may change over time, so don’t be afraid to reevaluate what’s working and what’s not.

I’m always looking for new ways to optimize my kitchen space. It’s a constant work in progress, but that’s half the fun!

The Final Verdict

So, which countertop appliances are worth keeping? Ultimately, it’s a personal decision that depends on your cooking habits, space constraints, and priorities. But hopefully, this guide has given you a good starting point.

As for me, I’m keeping my coffee maker, toaster oven, blender, Instant Pot, and air fryer on the counter. The rest will live in the cabinet, ready to be pulled out when needed. But who knows? Maybe I’ll change my mind tomorrow. That’s the beauty of it—our kitchens, like our lives, are always evolving.

So, go forth and conquer your countertops! With a little thought and planning, you can create a space that’s efficient, functional, and full of joy. Happy cooking!

FAQ

Q: What if I have a small kitchen? Can I still have useful countertop appliances?
A: Absolutely! Look for compact, multi-functional appliances. Things like immersion blenders, mini food processors, and compact slow cookers can be lifesavers in small kitchens.

Q: How do I decide between a toaster and a toaster oven?
A: It depends on your needs. If you mainly want to toast bread, a standard toaster is fine. But if you want more versatility—like reheating leftovers or baking small items—a toaster oven is the way to go.

Q: Are air fryers worth the hype?
A: In my opinion, yes! They’re versatile, easy to use, and can help you achieve crispy results with less oil. Plus, they’re great for keeping the kitchen cool in the summer.

Q: Can I replace all my other appliances with an Instant Pot?
A: The Instant Pot is incredibly versatile, but it’s not a replacement for everything. For example, it won’t blend your smoothies or toast your bread. Think of it as a helpful addition to your appliance lineup, not a replacement for everything else.

@article{countertop-appliances-worth-keeping-a-comprehensive-guide,
    title   = {Countertop Appliances Worth Keeping: A Comprehensive Guide},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/countertop-appliances-worth-keeping/}
}