Save Space and Spruce Up a Kitchen with Countertop Appliances

Countertop appliances are a great way to add or increase functionality in any kitchen. Requiring minimal space and delivering maximum convenience, small appliances can typically be stored under a counter or in a closet when not in use. This portability makes the segment ideal for homeowners who want to get creative in the kitchen but may not have the space or financial means to install various high-ticket appliances.  

Therefore, it is unsurprising that millennials, who are most likely to embrace smart appliances, are the target demographic for the countertop appliance segment. With utilitarian functions ranging from brewing coffee to baking bread, countertop appliances are allowing consumers to do things in the kitchen that have typically been reserved for restaurants or PolicyAdvice, which are the target demographic for the countertop appliance segment. With utilitarian functions ranging from brewing coffee to baking bread, countertop appliances are allowing consumers to do things in the kitchen that have typically been reserved for restaurants or cafés.  

So, if your business caters to an urban, cost-conscious, or millennial-dominated demographic, then countertop appliances are an important sector to focus on. To help, we’ve put together a list of our favorite countertop gadgets and appliances that are bringing versatility and convenience to the kitchen. 

The Control °Freak Induction Cooking System from Breville ($1,499) 

Have you ever burned yourself while using an induction cooktop? Hopefully, you haven’t, but if you have, chances are the burn came from a piece of cookware, not the actual stovetop. That is because an induction cooktop does not actually get hot to the touch. Instead, it utilizes copper coils below the cooking surface to generate electromagnetic energy, which transfers directly to the cookware, according to an article published by Whirlpool.  

Induction cooking is predicted to grow at an 8.5 percent CAGR to $35.96 billion by 2028. This nifty method of cooking is expected to explode in popularity in large part due to the rise in eco-conscious consumers. Induction cooking is able to transfer roughly 80 to 90 percent of the energy it generates to food in the pan. In comparison, a traditional gas stove can only achieve a 38 percent conversion rate, according to USA Today. Not only is induction cooking more efficient, but it is also significantly faster and more precise than traditional methods. The only downside is that buying a full induction cooktop will run north of $3,500, and that doesn’t include installation.  

While it is possible to pick up a portable induction cooktop from Amazon for less than $100, the  Control °Freak from Breville is a great high-end alternative for consumers looking to maximize space and enjoy the best induction cooking has to offer without changing up the entire kitchen. According to the company, its induction cooking system can measure, set, and hold 397 different cooking temperatures ranging from 86 degrees to 482 degrees.  

Breville Barista Express (749.95) 

We aren’t breaking any news here by stating that coffee is a wildly popular beverage. But did you know that American women spend, on average $2,327 a year on coffee and that American men spend $1,934 every year, according to a report from The Perfect Brew. That means there are some serious bucks to be saved by brewing coffee at home.  

The Breville Barista Express certainly isn’t the cheapest coffee-making option on the market, but for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality, it is a perfect fit. Only taking up one square foot of counter space, the Breville Barista Express auto grinds and serves coffee through 16 different settings.  

Bringing café level coffee brewing to the consumer, it also features the Thermocoil heating system that uses proportional integral derivative (PID) temperature control, essentially a coiled heating apparatus, to produce a consistent regulated temperature of 200 degrees. The device also comes with a steam wand designed to turn milk into microfoam for the perfect latte in seconds.  

GE Profile Smart Mixer ($799.99) 

Anyone who has taken a stab at baking bread or pastries knows that getting the dough to the perfect consistency makes all the difference between a mediocre and outstanding final product.  

The GE Profile Smart Mixer helps make even the most novice bakers look like seasoned professionals. With Auto Sense Technology, the device uses motor torque feedback – how much resistance the motor is receiving—to monitor changes in the texture and viscosity of the dough. The GE Profile Smart Mixer also features a built-in scale and can sync with any Amazon Alexa or Google Smart Home device for hands-free control.  

Fritaire Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer ($199.99) 

Whether it be at fairs, baseball parks, or McDonald’s, it is estimated that each American consumes 30 pounds of french fries every year. However, our national soft spot for crispy fried delicacies doesn’t mean that consumers have thrown health considerations out the window. This is where air-fryers come home to deliver the tasty, crispy food we all want to gorge on with just a fraction of the guilt and calories of traditional oil-based frying methods.  

Retailing for just $199.99, the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer makes the process of cooking up french fries at home virtually painless with its self-cleaning mechanism. The device, which has a 5-quart capacity, features a 1500W large halogen bulb and convection vortex airflow. Also unique to the product is the tempered glass bowl design, giving consumers a direct window into the cooking process. 

To clean the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer, simply fill the glass bowl with water and a bit of dish soap. From there, turn the device on, and the hot air-stream circulator takes care of the rest by rinsing out the cooking surface from the inside.