Small Kitchen Appliances That Earn Their Counter Space
Counter space is the scarcest thing in most kitchens, so every appliance that lives there should be one you reach for at least a few times a week. Before buying, think about what you actually cook, not what you might cook one day.
Blenders: the most flexible
A blender is the most flexible of the group. It handles smoothies, soups, sauces and batters, and models that come with a dry mill can also grind spices and coffee beans, which saves a second gadget.
Juicers: one job, done quickly
A juicer does one job, extracting juice from fruit and vegetables, and leaves the pulp behind. If you only want juice now and then, a blender plus a sieve will do; if you juice daily, a dedicated centrifugal juicer is faster and easier to clean.
Air fryers: a small, fast oven
An air fryer works like a small, fast convection oven. It is good for reheating, roasting vegetables and cooking frozen foods without heating a full-size oven. Check the basket capacity against how many people you cook for.
Measure before you buy
Whatever you choose, measure the space under your wall cabinets first. Tall jugs and lidded baskets often need more clearance than the listed height suggests.
