Category
Kitchen Appliance Reviews
The multicookers, air fryers and pressure cookers actually worth your counter space, rounded up from the critics.
Looking for a recommendation? See our best Kitchen picks.
Air fryers
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Review: Honest Verdict
Critics largely agree that the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is one of the few combination ovens that works well as both an air fryer and a toaster oven. Wirecutter praised its crispy frozen-food results, while TechGearLab highlighted its capacity, versatile presets, and exceptionally simple controls. The catch is straightforward: it costs $400, occupies substantial counter space, and takes longer to preheat than smaller appliances.
Ninja Crispi Review: The Critics’ Honest Verdict
Reviewers agree that the Ninja Crispi earns its keep through convenience rather than control. Food cooks in glass containers that can move directly to the table or fridge, and TechGearLab found the removable parts exceptionally easy to clean. Cooking is generally quick and capable, although fry results varied between reviewers. The honest trade-offs are a $180 price, an exterior that gets very hot, four fixed cooking presets instead of manual temperature control, and a Bake mode that TechRadar found less convincing.
Multicookers
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Review: Is the Hybrid Worth It?
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is a large, 13-function pressure cooker and air fryer built around convenience. TechRadar and BBC Good Food praise its intuitive controls, automatic pressure release, secure lid and batch-cooking capacity. Wirecutter is much less convinced, arguing that it is expensive and that separate pressure cookers and air fryers perform their individual jobs better. The honest verdict: it makes sense for one-pot meals that need pressure cooking followed by browning, but not for shoppers chasing the best standalone air-frying or pressure-cooking performance.
Ninja Foodi Max SmartLid review: the critics' verdict
Reviewers agree that the Ninja Foodi Max SmartLid is unusually versatile and capable. Its single lid handles pressure cooking, steam frying and air frying, while the integrated probe removes much of the guesswork from cooking meat. Good Housekeeping praised its air-fried wings, roast potatoes and slow-cooked brisket, and BBC Good Food rated it 4.5 out of 5. The catch is straightforward: it is expensive, heavy and demanding of counter space.
Ice cream makers
Ninja Creami Review: The Honest Buying Verdict
Critics agree that the Ninja Creami can turn a pre-frozen pint into smooth, highly customizable ice cream, gelato or sorbet within minutes. CNET and BBC Good Food praised its results and ease of use, while WIRED and Wirecutter were more guarded about the price, occasional texture problems and long-term value. The catch is simple: every batch needs roughly 24 hours of advance freezing, and the machine is loud while it works.
Espresso machines
Breville Barista Express Impress: Honest Verdict
The critics broadly agree that the Barista Express Impress makes home espresso easier without removing the hands-on process. BBC Good Food awarded it 5.0 and named it its best assisted-manual machine, while Serious Eats recommends it for beginners and streamlined home use. WIRED was more measured at 6/10, reporting good-to-very-good shots but a sometimes confusing experience when moving beyond the mostly automatic workflow. Expect strong coffee and genuinely useful dosing and tamping assistance, but also a learning period, limited grinder adjustment and occasional automatic-volume frustrations.
Frozen drink makers
Ninja Slushi review: the honest verdict
Critics agree that the Ninja Slushi makes impressively textured frozen drinks without ice cubes, complicated controls or difficult cleanup. It is especially good for parties because its 2.5-litre capacity can serve more than seven people per batch. The catch is equally clear: it is expensive, bulky and devoted to one job. It also requires enough sugar in the mixture to freeze properly and is poorly suited to single servings.