Imagine an oven that perfectly cooks a roast for you with the push of a button or a refrigerator that automatically orders groceries. Welcome to the world of smart kitchen technology where a new class of appliances won’t just help you get organized — they’ll help you cook and entertain better, too.
We’ve rounded up some of the best smart kitchen devices available today to help you find the best cooking gadgets for when you’re looking to update your appliances.
Air fryers
Average price: $100
In the world of kitchen appliances, there is one important item that you can’t escape from these days — the air fryer. Air fryers are the newest “it” kitchen gadget to come on the scene.
Air fryers are small ovens with a highly concentrated heat source and powerful fan that moves the hot air around to crisp up frozen and homemade finger foods, and even vegetables, with little to no oil. With less oil comes fewer calories and fat than that of traditional cooking methods.
“I use mine almost daily. It’s replaced several other small kitchen appliances since we got a 7-in-1,” said Viera resident Sherrell DaSilva.
The Cosori Air Fryer Max is a popular model that features 13 one-touch cooking functions, rapid 360-degree air circulation and removable, nonstick baskets that are dishwasher safe.
Bread makers
Average price: $75
Making bread has long been considered a tedious process. But the right bread machine makes baking the perfect loaf close to effortless. The Hamilton Beach Bread Maker Machine promises fresh homemade bread in just three steps: add your ingredients, select a cycle and press start.
“I was asking for a bread machine for years before I bit the bullet and finally bought one,” said Titusville resident Alan Fettero. “It really does everything besides assemble the ingredients, which takes five minutes once you have a recipe you like.”
You can choose between making either 1.5- or 2-pound loaves in the Hamilton Beach Bread Maker. The machine’s settings include basic, express, French, gluten-free, yeastless, sweet and whole grain.
Pressure cookers
Average price: $80
A pressure cooker works on the simple principle of steam pressure. A sealed pot, with a lot of steam inside, builds up high pressure, which helps food cook faster. And now the small appliances are even easier to manage with remote access through the Instant Pot app and voice access through Amazon Alexa.
“I got an Instant Pot on a Cyber Monday deal, and I don’t regret it,” said Rockledge resident Carol Ehrlich. “The idea of cooking a whole chicken in 10 minutes in just one pot is crazy, but it really works.”
The Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker combines eight kitchen appliances in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, sauté pan, steamer and warmer.
Smart toasters
Average price: $300
Making toast can be a delicate operation, but the Revolution Cooking Touchscreen Toaster promises to never burn your toast again. That’s because this toaster can be easily programmed to suit your preferred toasting needs all by selecting one of seven browning levels on its user-friendly touchscreen. Whether you like nearly burnt toast or flawless golden brown, smart toasters can do it all.
Smart refrigerators
Average price: $3,000
Design innovation and technological advancement have drastically increased the potential of refrigerators with high-end models serving as connected smart devices and hubs of information.
Samsung’s 4-Door Flex Refrigerator comes equipped with drawers that can convert from a fridge to a freezer with five pre-set temperature modes: freeze, soft freeze, meat/fish, fruits/vegetables and beverage. Another smart feature of the refrigerator is an intuitive 21.5-inch touchscreen on the refrigerator door that allows families to stay connected and entertained. This can be synced with smartphones and used with apps to manage refrigerator inventory and order groceries.
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