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Small Appliances

Air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, rice cookers, toaster ovens and food processors.

Small appliances can make everyday cooking faster, cleaner, and more consistent, but the right choice depends on what you cook most and how much counter space you have. This category covers the main tools home cooks reach for: toaster ovens, air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, and food processors. Each one excels at different jobs. Air fryers and toaster ovens are well suited to crisping, reheating, and quick roasting. Slow cookers reward hands-off, low-effort meals. Pressure cookers cut cooking times for beans, grains, and tough cuts of meat. Food processors handle chopping, shredding, and mixing prep. If you are new to these tools, start with "How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner's Guide" and "Pressure Cooker Basics," which explain the core techniques before you compare models. If you are deciding what to buy, read the "Toaster Oven Buying Guide" and "Best Air Fryers" next, then "Understanding Food Processor Attachments and Uses" if prep work is your bottleneck. For keeping things working well, "How to Clean and Maintain Your Toaster Oven" and "Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks for Better Meals" offer practical habits that extend the life of your appliances and improve your results.

Start here

Guides & tips

Frequently asked questions

Which small appliance should I start with if I have limited counter space?

A toaster oven or air fryer can cover many tasks, including reheating, roasting, and crisping, so one of them often replaces several single-purpose gadgets. Choose based on whether you need more baking capacity or faster crisping.

Do I need both an air fryer and a toaster oven?

Not usually. Their functions overlap considerably, so owning both is only worthwhile if you cook for a large household or use each for distinctly different tasks.

Which articles should I read before buying anything?

Begin with the buying guides, specifically the Toaster Oven Buying Guide and Best Air Fryers, then read the beginner and basics articles for the appliance you are considering.

8 articles
Best Toaster Ovens

Best Toaster Ovens

We compared manufacturer listings to find the best toaster oven for different needs, from a versatile Cuisinart model to compact and space-saving options.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 29, 2026
Best Air Fryers

Best Air Fryers

Finding the best air fryer depends on your kitchen space and cooking needs. We compared manufacturer listings to identify top picks for large capacity, dual-zone cooking, and compact designs.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 29, 2026
Understanding Food Processor Attachments and Uses

Understanding Food Processor Attachments and Uses

A guide to understanding the different food processor attachments, from slicing and shredding discs to dough blades and specialty tools, and how to use them effectively.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 24, 2026
How to Clean and Maintain Your Toaster Oven

How to Clean and Maintain Your Toaster Oven

A clean toaster oven works better and lasts longer. This guide walks you through the simple, safe process of cleaning the interior, glass door, and crumb tray.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 24, 2026
Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks for Better Meals

Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks for Better Meals

Learn key slow cooker tips and tricks for layering ingredients, managing liquid, adapting recipes, and cooking safely to get the most from this versatile appliance.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 24, 2026
Toaster Oven Buying Guide

Toaster Oven Buying Guide

This guide covers the key features to consider when choosing a toaster oven, from interior capacity and convection cooking to controls and safety.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 23, 2026
Pressure Cooker Basics

Pressure Cooker Basics

A guide to pressure cooker basics, explaining how they work, the difference between electric and stovetop models, and essential safety and cooking tips.

From My Home Kitchen Editors Oct 23, 2026

Small appliances are the workhorses of the home kitchen, designed to handle specific cooking and prep tasks with ease. Whether you're looking to save time on a busy weeknight, explore new cooking methods, or simply make everyday meals more enjoyable, the right appliance can make a big difference. This section is part of our larger look at Kitchen Appliances, focusing on the countertop helpers that many cooks rely on.

We're here to help you understand how these appliances work, what they can do for your cooking, and what features might matter most for your kitchen. From air frying and slow cooking to pressure cooking and food processing, we break down the essentials to help you make informed choices that fit your cooking style and space.

What you'll find here

  • Explanations of how different small appliances function and what they're best used for.
  • Guidance on key features and capacities to consider before you shop.
  • Tips for integrating these tools into your daily cooking routine.
  • Practical advice on safety, cleaning, and getting the most from your appliance.
  • Deeper dives into specific categories, like our Toaster Oven Buying Guide.
Resources