Kitchen appliances

Small kitchen appliances are the kind of things you use on repeat, so if they’re annoying, you’ll feel it fast. We put appliances like air fryers, microwaves, and toasters through their paces in our own kitchens to see how they'll actually perform when you’re just trying to get food on the table. That means cooking real meals, testing different settings, and figuring out what’s intuitive versus what requires pulling up the manual every time.

After enough use, the differences become pretty obvious. We pay attention to things like consistency, ease of cleaning, and whether something genuinely saves you time or just takes up counter space. The goal is simple: find the appliances you’ll reach for all the time. See more about how we test kitchen and home products.

group shot of air fryers

The best air fryers of 2026

We put 65 air fryers through the paces to find the best for crispy fries, wings, and veggies. The Cosori TurboBlaze is our new top pick for its consistent cooking and sleek design.
23 min read
Three of the best microwaves — a white GE model, a turquoise Galanz retro-style model, and a silver model with chrome accents — are lined up side by side on a wooden table in a kitchen.

The best microwaves

After testing more than a dozen microwaves, we found the best models for fast, even cooking, defrosting, and reheating without cold spots.
15 min read
breville and dash long slot toasters on an orange gradient background

Best long-slot toasters for bagels and breads

The best long-slot toasters can fit multiple thick slices of homemade bread, bagels, and more. Our top-tested picks are from Breville, Dash, and Smeg.
10 min read
A side by side image of a smoker sitting in grass and pork shoulder cooking on a smoker.

The best smokers

We tested pellet, charcoal, and electric smokers to find the best for different cooking styles, from hands-off smoking to traditional barbecue.
12 min read
A side by side image of two slow cookers on kitchen counters.

Best slow cookers

We tested 16 slow cookers to find the most consistent performers for chili, roast, and everyday meals.
12 min read
The Hamilton Beach, Smeg, and Cuisinart toasters are displayed against a purple background.

The best 4-slice toasters

After testing 120 slices of bread plus dozens of waffles and bagels, we found the best 4-slice toasters for fast family breakfasts.
12 min read
A Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine on a yellow gradient background.

Breville Barista Pro review

The Breville Barista Pro combines a built-in grinder and intuitive controls, making it one of the best espresso machines for home baristas.
7 min read
A side by side image of two of the best vacuum sealers, including a Nesco option suctioning from a pork chop and a handheld Zwilling suctioning a bag with an avocado.

The best vacuum sealers

We tested vacuum sealers to find the best for keeping meat, produce, and pantry staples fresh while reducing food waste.
12 min read
Five espresso machines sitting on a countertop

The best home espresso machines

After pulling dozens of espresso shots, we chose the best espresso machines for beginners and experienced home baristas.
13 min read
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