Small kitchen appliances: Which ones are actually worth it (and which aren’t)

You buy an air fryer to eat healthier, maybe a coffee maker to save money. Then another. A few weeks later, only one appliance is used every day. The rest? Sitting on the counter, gathering dust. 

The real challenge isn’t buying too little — it’s buying too much before you know what you’ll actually use.

At Asurion, we’ve helped millions of Amazon customers protect the appliances, tools, and devices they use every day. That experience gives us perspective on how people use the appliances and devices they depend on most.

Which small kitchen appliances are worth it?

For most households, the best picks are an air fryer, coffee maker, toaster oven, electric kettle, blender, and water filter. These cover everyday cooking, reheating, drinks, and meal prep.

Essential small kitchen appliances at a glance

Worth it for most people

• Air fryer
• Coffee maker
• Blender
• Toaster oven
• Electric kettle
• Water filter

Depends on your lifestyle

• Ice maker
• Water cooler

Often overhyped

• Juicers
• Single-use appliances (unless used often)

Buying appliances on Amazon? What to keep in mind

Once you know which appliances are worth buying, it’s worth thinking about how often you’ll use them and what happens if they stop working.

Appliances you use every day, like coffee makers, air fryers, and blenders, tend to wear out faster because they’re used more often. When they break, it can disrupt your routine and lead to unexpected replacement costs.

With Asurion Complete Protect, your eligible appliances and items purchased on Amazon are covered under one simple plan. So instead of worrying about individual items, you’re covered if something stops working.

Kitchen appliances you’ll actually use

Air fryer - Worth it for fast, everyday meals

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that circulates hot air to cook food quickly with little oil.

Pros: Quick cooking, less oil, easy cleanup 

Cons: Takes up space, smaller capacity, components can wear with frequent use 

If your air fryer is part of your routine and you bought it on Amazon, it may be worth considering protection for unexpected breakdowns.

Coffee maker - Worth it for daily routines 

A coffee maker brews coffee automatically, making it one of the most consistently used kitchen appliances.

Pros: Daily use, saves money, convenient 

Cons: Needs cleaning, can wear down with heavy and daily use 

Coffee makers are used almost every day in many homes, so if yours was purchased on Amazon, coverage can help avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Toaster oven - Worth it for versatility

A toaster oven is a compact oven that can toast, bake, and reheat food.

Pros: Multi-use (bake, toast, reheat), can replace a full oven for small meals 

Cons: Bulky, overlaps with other appliances, heating elements degrade over time 

For Amazon purchases that get regular use, toaster ovens can benefit from protection, especially since heating elements tend to degrade over time.

Electric kettle - Worth it for convenience

An electric kettle quickly boils water for drinks and simple cooking tasks.

Pros: Fast, simple, compact 

Cons: Limited use (boiling only) 

Blender - Depends on your routine 

A blender is useful for smoothies, sauces, and meal prep, but only if you use it regularly.

Pros: Great for smoothies and prep 

Cons: Can be loud, needs cleaning after use

If your blender is part of your weekly routine and purchased on Amazon, it may be worth protecting since repeated use can put strain on the motor over time.

Water filter - Worth it for everyday use

A water filter improves taste, reduces bottled water use, and helps remove contaminants from tap water.

Pros: Better taste, fewer contaminants, reduces bottled water use

Cons: Ongoing filter replacements can be expensive

Ice maker - Convenient but often overhyped

An ice maker produces ice quickly but isn’t necessary for most households.

Pros: Convenient, great for entertaining 

Cons: Takes space, not essential

Water cooler - Depends on your lifestyle

A water cooler provides instant hot and cold water but is best suited for high-use households.

Pros: Easy access to hot/cold water, useful for families 

Cons: Requires refills or setup, takes up floor or counter space 

Many of the appliances you use most, like coffee makers and air fryers, are also the ones people end up replacing first.

How to choose the right appliances

Before you buy, ask: 

• Will I actually use this every week?  
• Does it save time or just take up space?  
• Is this replacing something I already have?  
• Would I notice if it broke?

If not, it’s probably not worth the space or the cost. 

Best starter setup for most homes 

Start with: 

• Coffee maker  
• Air fryer  
• Blender 

Add toaster ovens, water filters, and more as your lifestyle changes.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying appliances 

• Buying appliances you won’t use often  
• Choosing single-use gadgets  
• Ignoring space constraints
• Not protecting eligible appliances you rely on

Protect multiple appliances with one simple plan

The appliances you use most, like coffee makers, air fryers, and blenders, are also the ones most likely to wear out. 

Replacing them individually can get expensive. 

That’s why many homeowners choose Asurion Complete Protect. Instead of covering just one item, it covers multiple eligible Amazon purchases under one simple plan, including: 

• Small kitchen appliances (air fryers, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) 
• Home improvement tools (drills, saws, smart locks, etc.) 
• Office tech (monitors, keyboards,etc.) 
• Home tech (TVs, laptops, tablets, etc.) 
• And many more 

Product eligibility varies by category. Please see terms and conditions for details. 
 

What you get:

• Coverage for mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer’s warranty expires 
• Fast repairs or reimbursements 
• 24/7 expert setup and support for your tech 
• Up to $385/year in total retail value from additional benefits 

If you’re already protecting one item, easily expand coverage to more with Asurion Complete Protect, all in one place. 

Final thoughts

The best kitchen setup isn’t about having more appliances, it’s about having the right ones. Start simple, skip what you won’t use, and protect the items you depend on most.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen appliances

What kitchen appliances are actually worth it? 


Appliances used daily, like coffee makers, air fryers, kettles, and blenders, are worth it for most households. 

Which kitchen appliances do people regret buying? 


Bulky or single-use appliances, like juicers or niche gadgets, are often used less than expected. 

How long do small kitchen appliances last?

On average, high-use small appliances last 3–5 years. However, with regular maintenance and professional repair, that lifespan can be doubled.

Is a protection plan worth it for small appliances?

Yes, especially for "complex" small appliances like espresso machines, high-end blenders, and smart ovens. These items have high failure rates after the manufacturer's warranty expires, and repair labor often exceeds the cost of a new unit. A protection plan like Asurion Complete Protect covers breakdowns on eligible products after the manufacturer’s warranty ends. 

What if I already have an Asurion protection plan for one item?

If you already have a protection plan for one item, that’s great! To protect more, Asurion Complete Protect offers a simple way to cover house-fulls of Amazon buys, including items bought up to 90 days ago, all in one plan.