Best Appliances
Small appliances handle the daily kitchen and home jobs, from cold brew makers and blenders to handheld vacuums and sewing machines. The best small appliance balances capacity, power, and how easy it is to clean, because the one that is a pain to wash ends up unused in a cupboard. Match the size to your space and household, and check that replacement parts or filters are easy to find.
13 appliances tracked, prices checked weekly by Elan Harpaz.
All 13 appliances
Ordered by our own picks first, then by Amazon rating weighted by review count.
Hario "Mizudashi" Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 1000ml, Brown
Observed
Best for: A classic glass brewer you serve straight from
Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker - BPA-Free Tritan Pitcher with Airtight Leakproof Lid, Silicone Grip Handle, Fine-Mesh Filter - Shatter-Proof, Dishwasher Safe, Made in USA - 1 Quart/Black
Observed
Best for: Easy daily cold brew on a budget
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Handheld Vacuum Cordless, Compact Home and Car Vacuum with Crevice Tool, Rotating Nozzle and Charging Station, Large Dust Bowl (CHV1410L)
Observed
The dustbuster basically invented this category, and the swiveling nozzle makes it genuinely useful for car interiors. A keep-it-on-the-counter kind of tool.
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, Wireless LAN Connected, 135 Built-in Designs, 103 Built-in Stitches, Computerized, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, 3.7" Touchscreen Display, 8 Included Feet, White
Observed
The wireless transfer and app drawing feature make this feel modern, not fiddly. A strong on-ramp into embroidery without a second machine.
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender, KHBV53, Charcoal Grey | Removable 8" Blending Arm, Blending Jar with Lid, BPA-Free Material, Blends Smoothies, Shakes, Soups
Observed
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender for Shakes and Smoothies, 14 Oz BPA Free Travel Cup & Lid, Durable Stainless Steel Blades, Personal Smoothie Blender, White ( 51101V)
Observed
A cheap workhorse that does exactly one thing well. Blend in the cup, snap the lid, and you are out the door.
Brieftons QuickPull Manual Food Chopper: Large 4-Cup Powerful Hand Pull Chopper/Mincer/Mixer Blender to Chop Onion, Garlic, Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs for Salsa, Salad, Pesto, Puree, Indian Cooking
Observed
I like that this skips the cord and the cleanup that comes with a full processor. For pesto and salsa nights, the pull-string is honestly all I want to deal with.
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, 80 Designs, 103 Built-In Stitches, Computerized, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, 3.2" LCD Touchscreen Display, 7 Included Feet
Observed
The color preview screen takes a lot of guesswork out of embroidery. A popular first machine for good reason.
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker 32 oz, Iced Coffee Maker with Carafe, Brews Cold Brew Concentrate
Observed
The brew-release switch is the clever bit. You decide when filtration happens instead of fighting a drippy basket over the sink.
Bissell PowerClean 200W Self-Standing Cordless Vacuum w/Tangle Free Brush Roll, Removeable Battery, Wall Mount, Upholstery Tool & Bright Headlights, 4173
Observed
The tangle-free brush roll is the feature pet owners will actually feel day to day. Self-standing plus 3-in-1 means it earns its spot in the closet.
PTFE Adhesive Teflon Tape 1/2Inch x 30 Foot High Temperature Tape for Weston,Seal A Meal, Cabellas Vacuum
Observed
A worn sealing strip is usually why a vacuum sealer stops gripping. A few cents of this tape brings it back from the dead.
Bodum 34oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, High-Heat Borosilicate Glass, Brushed Stainless Steel – Made in Portugal
Observed
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a small kitchen appliance?
Weigh capacity against your counter and storage space, then look at how easy it is to take apart and clean, since that decides whether you keep using it. Motor power or wattage matters most for blenders and anything that crushes or grinds.
How much should I spend on a blender?
A budget blender handles smoothies and shakes just fine, so spend more only if you regularly crush ice, make nut butters, or want a tougher motor that lasts for years. Personal and portable blenders are great value if you mostly make single servings.
Are cordless handheld vacuums powerful enough?
For quick cleanups of crumbs, pet hair, and car interiors, a good handheld is plenty and far more convenient than dragging out a full vacuum. They are not meant to replace a main vacuum for deep whole-home cleaning.