Words by Bridie Newman
Unless you’re doing a complete cookware overhaul, you likely have the kitchen essentials for everyday cooking covered. But there are always new and exciting technologies and launches in kitchen appliances to bring versatility, efficiency and – most importantly – fun into the home when honing your chef skills. We’re talking indoor countertop pizza ovens, convenient plant-based milk makers and air fryers with all the bells and whistles. Read on for our pick of the latest state-of-the-art kitchen gadgets.
Daily smoothie drinker? Here's why you need the Beast Mighty 650 Blender. First, the Y-shaped bowl and stainless-steel blades work together to circulate ingredients for a smoother, more even blend – no stirring required. Second, it’s hands-free with a one-button start, ideal for rushed mornings. Third, the blending vessel doubles as a spill-proof drinking cup with a straw. Oh, and it looks great on your kitchen counter, too.
Hardcore bakers will already have this Swedish countertop beauty on their wish list. Thanks to its huge 7-litre bowl, the Ankarsrum mixes large batches of sponge cake and sourdough. Unlike other mixers, the main bowl spins – powered by a motor in the base – improving stability and reducing wear on the motor.
If you’re in your Japanese teppanyaki era, you need this innovative hotplate from Abien. It takes 10 seconds to set up, has a unique coating that means you don’t need oil, and has a built-in temperature sensor which detects fluctuations across the plate and evenly heats food to prevent burning. Magic, indeed.
Enjoy the ritual of making your morning coffee in peace with this KitchenAid espresso machine, certified as one of the quietest in its category. With more than 40 recipe options and even a plant-based milk mode, it lets you call all the shots. The intuitive touch screen is easy to use, and its detachable hopper allows for bean experimentation. Oat milk latte, coming right up.
Health kick? You need a robust blender. Make your smoothies, hot soups, dips, spreads and fresh frozen desserts at the touch of a button with the five settings of this easy-to-use model from Vita Mix. A handy timer helps avoid over- or under-processing your recipes, and its powerful engine is built to last.
Outdoor pizza oven season isn’t upon us yet, but fear not; Sage has launched the first indoor countertop oven. Capable of reaching high temperatures with seven preset modes, you can authentically replicate everything from crisp Italian wood-fired-style pizzas to cheese-pull-worthy New York-style pizzas from the comfort of your home.
Kitchen appliances needn’t lack style – something Alessi consistently proves with its sleek design-based kitchenware. Boasting a unique pleated texture, this hand blender from the Plissé collection is inspired by gowns from French Haute Couture. It’s also delightfully compact and easy-to-use, with two speeds.
If you’re looking for an espresso machine used in cafés around the world, including Harrods Café, opt for La Marzocco. It’s popular with good reason. It has a three-in-one convertible portafilter, so you can easily switch between settings, and it adds a retro flourish to your kitchen counter. Read our guide to coffee machines for more buyer-approved picks. Â
Small but mighty, this charming appliance from Our Place might look like a beautiful take on the air fryer, but in reality, it has a vast functionality list that goes beyond air frying. Thanks to its steam infusion technology, it will bake, roast, grill, reheat and toast in no time, promising ultra-crispy yet tender food. It’s spacious enough to roast a 2kg chicken and preheats impressively fast.
Move over pre-fizzed water, there’s a sparkling new carbonator on the market. Aarke’s Carbonator 3 combines minimalist Swedish design with high-quality food-grade CO2 gas to make refreshing sparkling water from home in a compact and contemporary machine that you'll be pleased to leave on display.