Small Kitchen Appliances Worth Buying: Slow Cookers, Toasters and Hand Blenders
Counter space is precious, and it is easy to fill it with gadgets that get used twice. The appliances that earn a permanent spot are simple, reliable and used every week. This guide covers three of the most useful small appliances, slow cookers, toasters and immersion blenders, and explains how to pick the right size and features for your household. Read our full Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro review for the details.
Affiliate disclosure: HashMonkey is reader-supported. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. This guide is based on manufacturer and listing information and general buying knowledge; we have not tested these products hands-on, and we do not list prices because they change often.
Start with how you actually cook
Before buying any appliance, think about what you cook most and where it will live. See our full meat thermometers and kitchen scales guide for the details. If you batch cook stews and chili, a slow cooker earns its keep. If breakfast is toast or bagels every day, a good toaster is worth more than a multi-function oven. If you make soups, smoothies or sauces, an immersion blender is compact and versatile.
Measure the space where the appliance will sit, including the height under wall cabinets. Check cord length against your outlet locations, and think about storage for appliances you will not leave out.
Simpler appliances with fewer electronics often last longer and are easier to clean. Pay for features you will use, not the longest spec list.
Slow cookers: size and settings
Size is the main decision. Around 3 to 4 quarts suits one or two people or side dishes. Six quarts feeds a typical family. Seven quarts and up suit large families, batch cooking and whole roasts or chickens. A slow cooker works best when it is roughly half to two-thirds full, so a pot that is far too big for your usual recipes can cook unevenly.
Manual slow cookers have a simple dial for low, high and warm. They are reliable and inexpensive. Programmable models add timers that switch to warm automatically, which is useful if you are out all day. Oval crocks fit roasts better; round crocks suit soups and stews.
Look for a removable stoneware insert and a glass lid that are dishwasher-safe. Follow food-safety basics: thaw frozen meat before slow cooking, and do not lift the lid too often, as it lets out heat and extends cooking time. We also reviewed the ONFIKY Meat Thermometer Digital if you want to compare.
Toasters: slots, width and shade control
Two-slot toasters suit most small households; four-slot models suit families who toast at the same time. Slim or compact toasters are designed to take less counter depth, which is helpful in narrow kitchens.
Check the slot width if you like bagels, artisan bread or thick slices. Useful extras include a bagel setting that toasts mainly one side, a defrost setting, a reheat button and a cancel button.
A removable crumb tray makes cleaning much easier and reduces fire risk. Empty it regularly, unplug before cleaning and never use metal utensils to free stuck bread.
Immersion blenders: small but versatile
An immersion (hand or stick) blender lets you purée soup in the pot, blend single smoothies in a cup, make mayonnaise and whip cream without hauling out a full blender. It stores in a drawer.
Look for a stainless steel blending shaft that detaches for cleaning, a comfortable grip and speed control. Corded models give consistent power without charging; cordless models are more convenient but need charging and may be less powerful. Attachments such as a whisk or chopper bowl add versatility.
For hot soups, take the pot off the heat, keep the blade submerged to avoid splatter and let very hot liquids cool slightly first. Always unplug before touching the blade.
Helpful extras and mistakes to avoid
A few low-cost extras make small appliances more pleasant to use: liners for air fryers reduce cleanup, unbleached parchment paper helps with baking and roasting, and a sturdy can opener avoids frustration in everyday cooking.
Do not buy oversized appliances for small households; they take space and cook less evenly when underfilled.
Do not ignore cleaning. Appliances with removable, dishwasher-safe parts get used more.
Avoid duplicating functions. If you already own a multicooker, you may not need a separate slow cooker.
Quick buying checklist
- List what you cook every week before buying any appliance.
- Measure counter depth and height under the cabinets.
- Size the slow cooker to your household so it is half to two-thirds full.
- Check toaster slot width for bagels and thick bread.
- Choose an immersion blender with a detachable steel shaft.
- Favor removable, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Avoid buying a gadget that duplicates one you already own.
How we choose our picks
The HashMonkey Company builds each shortlist from products that are popular in their Amazon category, then narrows it down using manufacturer specifications, the details on each listing and patterns in verified customer reviews. We look for clear information about materials and sizing, sellers with a solid track record and a good fit with the buying advice in this guide. We have not tested these products hands-on, so we do not claim one is objectively the best. Instead, each pick is matched to a specific need, so you can choose the one that fits how you will use it.
We do not accept payment for placement. We earn a commission through Amazon links, which helps keep the site running, but it does not change which products we include or how we describe them. If you spot an outdated detail, please let us know.
Our picks
These products are already on our shortlist. Each “Read more” link goes to our product page with details and who it suits; always confirm the size, specifications and seller on Amazon before you buy.
| Pick | Best for | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker | Best for families and batch cooking | Read more · Check price on Amazon |
| BELLA Fits Anywhere 2-Slice Slim Toaster | Best compact toaster | Read more · Check price on Amazon |
| TURELAR Immersion Blender (Corded) | Best value hand blender | Read more · Check price on Amazon |
| KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener | Best everyday can opener | Read more · Check price on Amazon |
| Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper | Best baking staple | Read more · Check price on Amazon |
| Baker’s Signature Air Fryer Liners | Best for easier air fryer cleanup | Read more · Check price on Amazon |
FAQ
What size slow cooker do I need?
About 3 to 4 quarts for one or two people, 6 quarts for a typical family and 7 quarts or more for large families or batch cooking.
Can I put frozen meat in a slow cooker?
Food-safety guidance generally recommends thawing meat first so it reaches a safe temperature quickly.
Is an immersion blender as good as a countertop blender?
For soups, sauces and single smoothies it is very convenient. For crushing ice or large batches, a countertop blender is stronger.
Are slim toasters any good?
Yes for small kitchens, as long as the slot width suits the bread you use. Check slot width if you toast bagels.
How often should I clean a toaster crumb tray?
Regularly, ideally every week or two depending on use, and always unplugged.
Product details come from manufacturer and Amazon listing information as of October 2026 and may change. Always confirm the current price, specifications and seller on Amazon before you buy.