NCP Blog: What Kitchen Appliances Do You Use?

Kitchen appliances have exploded in popularity the past few years, with new gadgets showing up on store shelves all the time. Most homes have basic large appliances in the kitchen like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. But an increasing number of consumers are buying smaller countertop items to save time and inspire creativity while cooking.

 

In my household, we’ve always had a microwave oven, blender, and coffeemaker. Through the years, we’ve added things like a panini machine, a rice cooker, and even a countertop ice maker- which comes in handy during the summer when hosting backyard gatherings.

 

Circana reported that while sales of small kitchen appliances are projected to decline by 4-5% throughout 2024, purchases of these items is still higher than it was before the pandemic began in 2020.

 

 

Popular kitchen appliances

 

Recently, we asked our Facebook followers: “What small kitchen appliance do you use the most?” We received a large number of comments on this post, and the answers didn’t surprise us at all.

 

The most common responses included:

 

– Coffeemaker
– Microwave
– Toaster
– Air fryer

 

Other items frequently used by panel members included electric kettles, can openers, blenders, hand mixers, rice cookers, and slow cookers.

 

According to Circana, the top five appliances used for in-home dinner occasions are the stovetop, microwave, oven, oil or air fryer, and grill. That probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise to most people, as most of these have been around for many years. But, new items are constantly competing for countertop space, and regularly-used appliances like microwaves are frequently upgraded and improved with new features.

 

 

Unique countertop gadgets

 

Just when I think I’ve seen every type of kitchen appliance or gadget, I spot another one online or on a store shelf that I’ve never seen before! Some of the more interesting appliances I’ve spotted recently include:

 

– S’mores maker
– Breakfast sandwich maker
– Donut maker
– Mini waffle makers that create different shapes like hearts, dinosaurs, etc
– Grilled cheese sandwich toaster

 

Niche kitchen gadgets are fun, especially to give as gifts, but if you’ve ever walked through a thrift or secondhand store, you’re likely to see a lot of these items on the shelves. They’re fun for parties and special events, but often take up a lot of space and are difficult to store. And if they aren’t used very often, it may not make sense to keep them.

 

 

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NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!