Welcome to 2024, where the kitchen isn’t just the heart of the home – it’s the brain, brawn, and social media star too. As we juggle the demands of modern life, from TikTok recipe hacks to hosting dinner parties that would make Mary Berry weep with pride, having the right kitchen appliances is essential. So, without further ado, here are the ten must-have kitchen appliances for 2024, each one guaranteed to make you the envy of your WhatsApp group.
1. Smart Fridge
Yes, it’s the age of the smart fridge. No longer just a cold box for your milk and questionable leftovers, today’s smart fridges come equipped with touch screens, Wi-Fi, and internal cameras. They can create shopping lists, suggest recipes, and even let you know when your cheese is about to walk out on its own. The LG InstaView ThinQ or the Samsung Family Hub are prime examples – because nothing says “future” like a fridge that can text you.
2. Instant Pot Pro Plus
Remember the days when cooking a stew took all day? Neither do we, thanks to the Instant Pot. This multi-cooker is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker all rolled into one. The Pro Plus version even connects to your phone, allowing you to start dinner while you’re still at the office (or the pub). It’s like having a personal chef, minus the awkward small talk.
3. Air Fryer
Air fryers are here to stay, and for good reason. They make crispy, delicious chips without the guilt – or the smell of frying oil permeating your house for days. The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer even lets you cook two different foods at once, meaning your chicken wings and sweet potato fries can achieve simultaneous crispy perfection.
4. Sous Vide Precision Cooker
If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get their steak so perfectly cooked, it’s probably thanks to sous vide. The Anova Precision Cooker is the gadget you need to bring this restaurant-quality technique home. Seal your food in a bag, drop it in a water bath, and let the precision cooker do its thing. Perfectly cooked meals with minimal effort – it’s like magic, but without the top hat.
5. Smart Oven
Meet the June Oven, the intelligent oven that can identify what you’re cooking and adjust its settings accordingly. Roast a chicken, bake a cake, or toast your sourdough – it’s all foolproof with June. This oven even has a built-in camera, so you can watch your food cook from your phone. Because who needs Netflix when you’ve got baking bread?
6. Coffee Machine with Grinder
For the caffeine aficionados among us, a coffee machine with a built-in grinder is non-negotiable. The Sage Barista Express is a top pick, grinding your beans fresh for each cup and allowing you to play barista at home. It’s the perfect way to start your day or impress your guests with your latte art skills – just don’t blame us when they start showing up at 8 AM for their morning fix.
7. Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Okay, technically not a kitchen appliance, but anyone who’s ever had a kitchen can attest to the crumbs that mysteriously appear out of nowhere. Enter the Roomba j7+, a robot vacuum that keeps your floors spotless. It even empties itself, so you can spend more time cooking and less time cleaning up. Think of it as your silent, crumb-busting companion.
8. High-Speed Blender
Smoothies, soups, sauces – a high-speed blender can handle it all. The Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series is the Rolls-Royce of blenders, with enough power to crush ice into snow in seconds. It’s perfect for whipping up healthy concoctions or impressing your friends with the smoothest margaritas this side of the Atlantic.
9. Wine Fridge
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, a dedicated wine fridge is a must. The Haier Dual Zone Wine Cooler keeps your whites chilled and your reds at the perfect temperature. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference, ensuring your wine is always served just right – and giving you a legitimate reason to keep your kitchen well-stocked with your favourite vintages.
10. Stand Mixer
No kitchen is complete without a stand mixer, and the KitchenAid Artisan Series is the gold standard. Whether you’re baking bread, whipping cream, or mixing cookie dough, this mixer handles it all with ease. Plus, it comes in a range of colours to match your kitchen décor – because practicality and style should always go hand in hand.
So there you have it – the ten must-have kitchen appliances for 2024. From smart fridges that make your grocery list to coffee machines that rival your local café, these gadgets are designed to make your life easier, tastier, and just a bit more fun. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, investing in these appliances will take your kitchen game to the next level. So go ahead, treat yourself – after all, your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it deserves a little love.