Cut Down on Clutter! These Are the Kitchen Appliances You Actually Need

Get ready to donate your clunky coffee maker and stovetop tea kettle, because the Dash 1.7-Liter Insulated Electric Kettle ($70, originally $80) can take the place of both. Its touch-sensitive control panel allows you to heat water to a specific temperature (up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit). That way, the water in the vacuum-insulated steel kettle stays consistent and ready for tea making, a French press brew, or your pour-over coffee setup.

Oh, and on that coffee-making tip? Grinding your own beans is the way to go if you want flavor that rivals the local cafe's daily brew. This KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder ($60) does double duty: not only does it grind coffee beans, but it also does the same for spices. (Once you try freshly ground cinnamon, you'll never settle for anything less.) The kit includes separate containers for coffee and spices, so you don't have to worry about getting pepper into your coffee — unless you're into that sort of thing.

If you're a DIY juice drinker, you know that certain fruits and vegetables require a powerful juicer. The Crux Artisan Series 5 Speed Digital Juice Extractor ($130) has a large three-inch opening to accommodate big ol' pieces of celery, carrots, apples, kale, ginger, and more. That means less time dicing (because why bother?) and more time drinking.

It's 2022, and we can tell our phones to turn on the lights, so, uh, why are so many kitchen mixers still using technology from 1972? Bring your mixing into this century with the KitchenAid Cordless 7 Speed Hand Mixer ($100), which — if you'll notice what's "missing" — runs on a rechargeable battery. No cord means more versatility and no hassle from a tidy little tool that tucks away in a kitchen drawer.

You've probably heard that the Vitamix TurboBlend 3-Speed Blender ($400) makes *the* creamiest smoothies — that's why you always see Vitamix in use at the spendy smoothie shops. But it also makes delicious nut (and dairy!) butters, salsas, soups, sauces, dips, purees, baby food, and so much more. It's truly one of those versatile appliances that easily, decisively take the place of others and are well worth the money.

Again with the cordless innovations! The Crux Artisan Series 7.5" Cordless Immersion Blender ($90) is essential for anyone who likes to blend or puree right in the bowl or pot. Its small footprint means this powerhouse won't hog tons of counter space — always a plus.

Look, it's a toaster oven. No, wait — it's an air fryer! You guys: it's BOTH. Yep, the Black & Decker Crisp N' Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven ($100) does the job of two appliances in one clever device. Bake, broil, toast, air fry, and warm — and use the timer to keep track of the many meals you're sure to cook with this thing.

You know that friend who just won't stop talking about their Instant Pot like they want to marry it? They're on to something, and the hype is most definitely earned. The Instant Pot 8 qt. Pro Multi-Use Pressure Cooker ($150) makes hundreds (perhaps thousands, maybe even millions?) of recipes with hardly any human effort. Baked sweet potatoes? Done. Best chili ever? Count on it. Smooth, creamy oatmeal? Uh-huh. Flawlessly fluffy rice? You betcha. (Not to mention the yogurt-making and sous-vide functions.) So yeah, you need one, and before long, *you'll* be the next Instant Pot evangelist.

A food processor does so much for a home cook; it chops, purees, blends, and mixes up cookie dough like whoa. So when it's time to buy one, invest in one that's made to last. This Cuisinart 14-Cup Custom Food Processor ($250) is big enough to handle large projects but not so big that you'll avoid getting it out. Keep it on your countertop, and you'll be amazed by how often you use it — and how you ever lived without it.