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Food-Making Kitchen Appliances That Actually Make You Feel Like You Know What You’re Doing

Food-Making Kitchen Appliances That Actually Make You Feel Like You Know What You’re Doing

April 2, 2025 Off By Ibraheem Adeola

Really and truly—most of us didn’t exactly choose to become home cooks. It just kind of… happened. One day you’re reheating pizza in the microwave, the next you’re 30 minutes into a YouTube recipe whispering, “I can do this,” while your onions aggressively disagree.

But that’s where the right kitchen appliance swoops in—not like a flashy sous-chef, but more like a chill bestie that helps you fake it ‘til you make it. So if you’ve been thinking about levelling up your food game, or your toaster just isn’t emotionally supporting you the way it used to, let’s talk about some food-making kitchen gadgets that make the chaos worth it.

The Air Fryer Toaster Oven That Does Everything But Pay Rent

Air fryer toaster oven Kitchen Appliance
Image credit: Amazon

Meet the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven—the multitasker your kitchen didn’t know it needed. It’s a large convection-style air fryer that can handle everything from reheated fries to roasted salmon, all while keeping your kitchen from smelling like scorched regret.

With analog dials (so your tech-averse roommate can still use it) and a quiet fan (so you don’t feel like you’re launching a rocket every time you make nuggets), this oven doesn’t just fry—it elevates. If you’ve ever stood in front of your oven waiting for it to preheat while starving and questioning your life choices, this thing might just be the hero your weeknights needed.


Cuisinart Air Fryer 1
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Large convection-style air fryer that can handle everything from reheated fries to roasted salmon

The Instant Vortex: The Basket-Style Air Fryer That Gets You

Instant pot vortex 001
Image credit: Amazon

Now, if you’re not into the big boxy oven look and prefer something more compact, the Instant Vortex Air Fryer is that reliable, no-fuss friend that makes everything crispy and golden without needing a whole personality. From frozen dumplings to banana fritters, it gets the job done. Even better—it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and doesn’t make your counter look like you’re prepping for a space launch. It’s the kind of appliance that makes you wonder why ovens still exist.


Instant Pot Vortex mini
Instant Vortex Air Fryer Makes everything crispy and golden without needing a whole personality.

The Instant Pot Duo—Still Reigning, Still Reliable

Instant pot
Image credit: Amazon

Yeah, the hype train might’ve slowed down, but don’t sleep on the Instant Pot Duo. It’s still the OG for one-pot meals, and in 2025, it quietly got smarter—with WiFi connectivity, recipe syncing, and, yes, an air fryer lid. Pressure cook chili. Slow-cooked soup. Air fry crispy tofu. The real question is: what can’t it do? Okay, it won’t fold your laundry—but it will let you make mac and cheese in 10 minutes without judgment.


Instant pot mini
Instant Pot Duo WiFi connectivity, recipe syncing, and, an air fryer lid.

The Crock-Pot for When You Just Want to Set It and Forget Life for a Bit

crock pot 6
Image credit: Amazon

The Crock-Pot 6-quart Programmable Slow Cooker doesn’t try to be the fanciest gadget on your shelf. And that’s why it works. You dump stuff in. You set the timer. You walk away. Several hours later, boom—there’s actual food. And with lid clamps for travel, it’s great for potlucks or showing up to family dinners like the culinary hero you were always meant to be. Also, let’s be honest: there’s nothing more comforting than slow-cooked chili or stew bubbling away while you’re watching crime documentaries and ignoring texts.


crock pot 6 mini
Crock-Pot 6-quart Programmable Slow Cooker Dump stuff in and set the timer.

The Kitchen in the Box Stand Mixer: Less ‘Boss Mode,’ More ‘Best Friend’

kitchen in the
Image credit: Amazon

Not everyone needs a KitchenAid stand mixer the size of a small car. The Kitchen in the Box Stand Mixer is refreshingly chill. At three quarts, it’s perfect for cookies, whipped cream, and mashed potatoes that don’t require arm day strength. It doesn’t take up a ton of space, and it doesn’t expect you to own 14 baking attachments or run a cupcake empire. It’s just there when you need it—which is exactly the energy we need from our appliances in 2025.


kitchen in the box mini
Kitchen in the Box Stand Mixer Perfect for cookies, whipped cream, and mashed potatoes

The Cuisinart Food Processor That Works Harder Than You at Meal Prep

cuisinart food
Image credit: Amazon

Chopping onions can be therapeutic… until you’ve done it for 25 minutes and your tears are no longer from the onion. The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor handles that. Slicing, shredding, dough kneading—this thing is built like it took your New Year’s resolutions personally. With a simple two-button setup, it doesn’t make you scroll through a user manual the size of a college textbook. And the size? Big enough for prepping party food, meal-prepping for the week, or accidentally making 10 pounds of hummus (you’ll eat it, don’t lie).


cuisinart food processor mini
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor Slicing, shredding, and dough kneading.

The KRUPS Waffle Maker That Secretly Wants to Be a Griddle

KRUPS
Image credit: Amazon

Yes, it’s a waffle maker. But also? It’s a crispy sandwich machine. A hash brown presser. A cheese-melting, browning miracle device. The KRUPS Waffle Maker with removable plates is doing the most without making a scene. It’s the type of appliance that lives rent-free on your counter, and you won’t even get mad when your partner uses it to make weird experimental “waffle burgers”—because somehow, they still turn out good.


KRUPS mini
KRUPS Waffle Maker with removable plates A multi-purpose waffle maker

So, Are These Kitchen Gadgets Life-Changing? Not Always. But They’re Definitely Vibe-Boosting.

Let’s be real: No gadget is going to magically make you a Michelin-starred chef overnight. But these appliances? They make the process easier, smoother, and a whole lot more fun. They’re not here to judge your snack habits or comment on your chaotic cooking energy. They’re just here to help, and sometimes that’s all you really need—especially on a Thursday night when your fridge only has three eggs, half an onion, and your hopes and dreams.