Recommended Smart Kitchen Appliances for Your Home

Cooking with your phone doesn’t have to involve ordering delivery through an app. Connected devices and kitchen appliances are the perfect gadgets for your smart home if you enjoy cooking and technology. In addition to automating parts of the food preparation, they can keep you updated on the progress, or they can simply remind you to follow a recipe.

You can cook like a top chef with smart appliances that add modern convenience to your culinary repertoire, making you look like a chef. There are a variety of kitchen appliances on the market today that can assist you with all the steps involved in cooking.

Countertop Ovens

Modern kitchen appliances can perform all the tasks for you if you have the room on your counter. Tovala Steam Ovens, for instance, are smart ovens capable of baking, broiling, and steaming food via QR codes and app control. With touch screens and apps, you can access a library of recipes and presets on the Anova Precision Oven, Brava Oven, and June Oven.

1. Anova Precision Oven

The Anova Precision Oven stands out as a versatile and intelligent countertop oven, capable of baking, roasting, slow cooking, sous vide cooking, and steaming food with ease. This makes it a top choice for those in search of a high-performing and multi-functional appliance.

• PROS: Reasons to purchase this product include the ability to customize steam cooking, the inclusion of an integrated temperature probe, multiple conventional heat options, and precise temperature control for achieving sous vide results.
• CONS: One reason to avoid this product is that its app and touch controls can be difficult to navigate and may not be very user-friendly.

2. AmazonBasics Microwave

This AmazonBasics Microwave is a small, simple microwave oven with Alexa voice command capabilities that responds to voice commands and does not cost more than a traditional microwave oven.

• PROS: Reasons to purchase this product include the availability of numerous automated options, the convenience of Alexa voice controls, and a reasonable price point that is comparable to non-smart microwaves.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include its small size, which may not be sufficient for a family’s needs. Additionally, the lack of a built-in microphone means that an Echo device is necessary for voice commands. Finally, some users may find the syntax of Alexa voice commands to be awkward or stiff.

3. Tovala Steam Oven (2nd Gen)

You can easily cook foods with the Tovala Steam Oven for the second generation in multiple steps, so you will be able to steam, bake, and broil your meals to perfection in just a few minutes.

• PROS: Reasons to purchase this product include its reliable steaming and broiling capabilities, the ease of programming multi-step cooking cycles, the availability of surprisingly tasty and easy-to-prepare meal kits, and multiple cooking modes, including steam cooking.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include its small cooking cavity, which may not be sufficient for larger meals, and the optional meal kits being somewhat expensive.

4. June Oven (3rd Gen)

Featuring a dozen cooking modes, app controls, ample cooking space, and a stylish glass-front, the third-generation June oven is equipped with an array of cooking modes, app controls, and cooking space.

• PROS: Reasons to purchase this product include its large cooking capacity, which can accommodate larger meals or multiple dishes, and the availability of 12 different cooking modes that provide versatility in preparing a range of dishes. The temperature sensors and probe help ensure that food is cooked to perfection, adding to the precision and ease of use of the appliance.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include the camera position and color balance, which can limit its usefulness. Additionally, the air frying and pizza oven functions may not meet some users’ expectations. Finally, the Android app has less functionality than the iOS app, and a premium membership is required to access some features.

Cooking Sous Vide

Compared to other cooking methods (especially those related to the culinary sciences), sous vide is a relatively young method of cooking (at least, as far as the culinary sciences are concerned) that has become quite popular over the last few years, so it makes sense that multiple connected sous vide devices are available in the market today.

1. Instant Pot Pro Plus

Despite the fact that the Instant Pot Pro Plus has eight different cooking methods to choose between, from the brand’s classic pressure cooking to sous vide cooking, its mobile app integration does not add much to the overall experience.

• PROS: Reasons to purchase this product include the availability of many cooking modes, which provide versatility and options for preparing a range of dishes. Users have reported that food comes out as intended, which is a testament to the precision and ease of use of the appliance. Additionally, the appliance is reported to be easy to use, which adds to its appeal for many users.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include the app, which may not add much additional functionality to the appliance. Additionally, this model may be pricier than non-connected models, which may not be worth the additional cost for some users.

2. Anova Precision Cooker

If you’re just getting started with sous vide cooking, then the Anova Precision Cooker is one of the easiest, quickest, and most economical ways for you to get started.

• PROS: Reasons to buy this product include its ability to cook food perfectly, ease of use, app control that allows for monitoring and automation of cooking, and onboard display and controls for added convenience.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include its finicky Wi-Fi setup and touch controls that can be slightly slow for temperature adjustments.

Helpful Gadgets

To make your kitchen smarter, you don’t need to replace all your appliances in order to make it more efficient. A cheap device, such as the Meater+ or another device like it, can help you improve your cooking and make it easier for you to clean up afterward.

1. Meater+

The Meater+ is a completely wireless meat thermometer that is capable of sending notifications to your phone when your meat is ready to eat. However, it is best used in the oven rather than on the stove top.

• PROS: You can consider buying this product due to its easy setup, sleek and compact design, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, and the convenience of receiving notifications on your phone when your food is done.
• CONS: Reasons to steer clear of this product include its high price point and difficulty in using it on a stovetop.

2. Cosori Smart 5.8-Quart Air Fryer

Using an app, you can quickly and easily crisp up fresh and frozen foods in a flash, without worrying about using any additional oil, and the Cosori Smart 5.8-Quart Air Fryer works with voice commands as well.

• PROS: This product has several compelling reasons to purchase it, including its ability to preheat and cook food quickly, its compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, and its touch screen with a variety of presets for both fresh and frozen foods.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include its bulky size, occasional issues with smoke, and the screw on the test unit basket becoming loose.

3. AeroGarden Bounty Elite

With the AeroGarden Bounty Elite indoor hydroponic system, you can grow up to nine plants at a time, regardless of your level of gardening experience, in a smart, efficient, and convenient manner.

• PROS: This product has several compelling reasons to purchase it, including its ability to grow plants quickly and abundantly without the need for soil or sunlight. Additionally, the vacation mode feature helps to keep your plants alive while you’re away, and the helpful companion app offers alerts for low water and plant food.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include its high cost, the potential for bringing bugs indoors, and reported issues with the Alexa connectivity feature during testing.

4. GE Nugget Ice Maker

GE Nugget Ice Maker is a pricey connected countertop ice maker that produces excellent drive-in style ice cubes in a quick, quiet, and hassle-free manner.

• PROS: This product has several compelling reasons to purchase it, including its sleek design, quiet operation, convenient side water reservoir, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, it is capable of producing nugget ice quickly, making it a great choice for those who enjoy cold beverages.
• CONS: Reasons to avoid this product include its high cost and lack of features such as app push notifications or light scheduling, which may be important to some users.