Designers Share the Small Kitchen Appliances They Can’t Live Without

Interior designers are the ultimate early adopters, often spotting the next "it" kitchen appliance long before the rest of us. Whether scouting showrooms, attending product launches, or outfitting clients’ kitchens with the latest tech, they are constantly at the forefront of what’s functional and fashionable. For many of these design pros, a truly great appliance isn't just a tool—it also doubles as décor. We asked a group of top designers to share the one small kitchen appliance you would find in their own kitchens. From sculptural silhouettes to professional-grade performance, here’s what they had to say.

Juicers

Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer

The Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer is a high-performance cold-press juicer designed to make juicing streamlined and hands-free. It features a high-capacity hopper that feeds produce into the auger for pressing, reducing preparation and cleanup time. "This 'load and walk away' technology is a game changer, allowing me to focus on my morning routine while it crafts the green elixirs that sustain my daily energy," says Kristen Wolff, principal of interior design at Brandon Architects. "Beyond its performance, the juicer is visually stunning, featuring a sleek vertical silhouette, intentional lines, and a matte white finish that integrates with many modern kitchen designs."

Frieling Citrus Press

The Frieling Citrus Press is a manual lever-style juicer that uses a simple press-down motion to extract fresh juice from lemons, limes, and other citrus without the noise of a motor. Its simplicity, ease of cleaning, and compact footprint make this juicer practical for everyday use. "For years, we had a powered citrus press, but with so many pieces, we rarely used it. This manual one requires no electricity, is easy to clean, and works so simply that even my kids can use it. It's become one of those tools we reach for constantly," says Nicole Roe, founder of R. Nickson Interiors. "Plus, the design is minimal and compact, so it doesn’t take up much visual or physical space."

Water Carbonators

Aarke Carbonator Pro

The Aarke Carbonator Pro is a high-end carbonation system that features a stainless steel body and Scandinavian-inspired design. Unlike traditional soda makers, this model operates without a power cord and uses a dampened lever system for a quiet operation. "I added this carbonator to my kitchen after realizing how many sparkling water bottles we were going through. It felt like a sustainable solution, and honestly, it looks more like a design object rather than a gadget. We use it constantly for sparkling water, quick mocktails, and when entertaining guests," says Alexis Vitale, founder of Vitale Design Group.

SMEG Sparkling Water Maker

The SMEG Sparkling Water Maker is a sleek carbonation system with a retro-inspired design, constructed from durable plastic. This manual carbonator operates by using a simple push lever to infuse water with carbon dioxide, offering precise control over the level of fizz. "As someone who works from home, this sparkling water system is a small luxury that elevates a daily habit. I love the idea of reducing single-use bottles and use it daily for sparkling water, often adding citrus or herbs when we entertain," says Mina Lisanin, founder and interior designer of ML Interiors NYC. "Visually, its sculptural silhouette and retro aesthetic blend beautifully into a well-designed kitchen rather than looking purely utilitarian."

Coffee and Espresso Machines

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a user-friendly espresso maker featuring a built-in grinder and a touchscreen interface. This system streamlines the process from bean to cup, heating up almost instantly and allowing for a café-quality beverage in seconds. "This professional-grade espresso machine does everything, including grinding and pulling the shot," says Marie Cloud, founder and creative director of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio. "I love that it has an architectural presence without being showy."

Trish Lynn, principal and founder, Colette Interiors, agrees. "It transforms my everyday coffee routine into a refined ritual and eliminates the need for daily coffee runs. I also love that the various colorways make it easy to match any kitchen aesthetic."

Philips 3300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine With Milk Frother

The Philips 3300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact, fully automatic espresso machine featuring a touch display that controls everything from grinding fresh beans to frothing milk. This versatile machine features a specialized milk system that creates a creamy foam without the need for manual steaming. "We purchased it during Covid because we missed buying lattes and cappuccinos from our usual places, and decided to try our hand at making them at home," says Anna Kroesser and Amelia Strat, founders of Kroesser + Strat Design. "It’s incredibly easy to use, offering espresso, coffee, or hot water with a push of a button, and we love that it also has a milk frother for making specialty drinks."

Electric Kettles

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

The Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle is beloved for its precise temperature settings and signature gooseneck spout. It’s designed with a weighted handle to make pouring feel effortless, and it can maintain its temperature for an hour. "The digital base allows you to select the ideal heat to the degree, and the beautifully engineered gooseneck spout allows for a slow, perfectly controlled pour," says Lonni Paul, founder and principal designer of Lonni Paul Design. "It’s rare to find a small appliance that functions well but also looks like a considered design piece. I love how the matte black finish adds warmth to any kitchen."

Chefman Stainless Steel Electric Kettle

The Chefman Stainless Steel Electric Kettle is a streamlined kettle designed for rapid heating, has an easy-to-read water level window, and a 360-degree swivel base. This cordless vessel has a stay-cool handle and a simple one-touch operation that quickly brings water to a boil. "I bought it to serve hot chocolate to guests, and it became one of those staples I use all the time. It can quickly warm up teas, hot chocolate, or even instant coffee in lieu of boiling water on the stove," says Sherrie Suber, interior designer of House of Interiors. "I also love how the blend of black and stainless steel coordinates well with other appliances."

Blenders

Beast Blender Mighty 850 Plus

The Beast Blender features a fluted glass-inspired vessel and a motor that handles everything from frozen fruit to leafy greens with a one-touch pulse. This compact system is designed to stay steady on the counter, even when it’s working at full speed, and the blending jars are designed to be used as drinking cups, reducing the number of glasses to clean. "I was looking for an aesthetically pleasing blender that still had the power of my big, bulky blender. Aside from its streamlined look and neutral tones, it really can blend the iciest smoothie. I also love that it becomes a travel cup, you simply add the lid and a straw and go," says Gianna SanFilippo, designer of Gianna SanFilippo Designs.

Splendor Blender Complete Set

The Splendor Blender is a countertop blender with a rounded, minimalist shape and a motor designed for quick, everyday use. This user-friendly machine features a simple, high-speed blade system that quickly blends frozen fruit. "If something is going to live on your counter, it should be visually appealing. This spice color is fun and pretty to look at, and the design is simple but effective for smoothies and protein shakes without creating a huge cleanup. Plus, the blending jar is dishwasher-safe," says Shaolin Low, founder of Studio Shaolin.

Air Fryers

Café Couture Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The Café Couture Matte White Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a countertop oven that combines the power of a full-sized air fryer with the convenience of a traditional toaster oven. This high-speed oven has a rapid preheat and can handle everything from rising bread dough to roasting a whole chicken. "I bought it a couple of years ago because I needed a stylish air fryer that could do more than just one thing, and I use it for everything from quick snacks to reheating meals. The sleek white and smoked black finishes make it easy to integrate into almost any kitchen," says Tiffany Brooks, interior designer and founder of Tiffany Brooks Interiors.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Brass Collection

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Brass Collection is a countertop oven that pairs professional-grade cooking with elegant, decorative hardware. This air fryer saves valuable counter space by replacing several separate appliances with a single unit. "I had a toaster oven, toaster, and a separate air fryer taking up space on my counter. This unit combines all three functions, which immediately made my workspace feel clutter-free," says Jennifer Pacca, owner and lead designer, Jennifer Pacca Interiors. "I use it daily for everything from toasting and reheating to air frying and baking."

Toasters

SMEG 4-Slice Toaster

The SMEG 4-Slice Toaster is a vintage-inspired toaster available in a wide range of colors, featuring extra-wide slots and six browning levels. This toaster brings a pop of personality to any kitchen. "I wanted an appliance that felt intentional rather than purely utilitarian, and the retro-inspired design fits perfectly with the nostalgic aesthetic of our beach home. We use it for the simple pleasure of perfectly toasted bread in the morning, often enjoyed with coffee while looking out at the water. Its sleek lines and signature color palette give it personality without overwhelming the space," says Stephanie Gamble, founder and principal of Stephanie Gamble Interiors.

Dr. Leonard's Vertical Toaster Oven

Dr. Leonard's Vertical Toaster Oven is a clever countertop toaster oven that stacks two cooking racks to maximize height while minimizing surface space. This upright toaster oven provides the full capacity of a standard toaster oven without the bulky footprint. "The unit rises vertically, taking up less space, while the square base and tall rectangular shape give it a clean, minimal presence—making this an ideal solution for smaller kitchens or crowded counters," says Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design. "I constantly use it for everyday things like toasting bread, reheating pizza, defrosting ingredients, and warming French bread or rolls."