22 Must-Have Kitchen Appliances for 2025
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Time to read 7 min
Setting up a modern kitchen, or even renovating your current one, comes with its own mix of excitement and challenges, especially for NRIs who want to blend the ease of global convenience with the comfort of Indian home-cooked meals. Whether you're juggling work, kids, or just trying to eat healthier, the right kitchen appliances can save time, reduce effort, and elevate your everyday cooking.
This 2025 guide covers 22 must-have kitchen appliances that strike the perfect balance between function and flavor - ideal for all homes, fast-paced lives, and diverse cooking needs. From smart roti makers to countertop espresso machines, these appliances are designed to simplify your life without compromising on taste or tradition.
Types of Kitchen Appliances
Modern kitchen appliances come in all shapes and sizes, but to make your setup efficient, it helps to think in categories:
Whether you’re a passionate home cook or just want to get dinner on the table faster, this list of kitchen appliances will help you find the right tools for your lifestyle.
Countertop Appliances
These are the multitaskers that sit right on your kitchen counter and make everyday cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, countertop appliances save time and effort. While they vary in size and functionality, they all have one thing in common: they make modern cooking faster, smarter, and more enjoyable.
Automatic Roti Maker
For Indian households abroad, this one’s a game-changer. An automatic roti maker takes the most time-consuming part of traditional cooking and makes it effortless. No more kneading, rolling, or flipping - just fresh, puffed rotis at the touch of a button.
Whether you’re managing a busy workday or craving the taste of home after a long week, this appliance ensures consistency, hygiene, and major time savings.
Top Pick:
Rotimatic Next
The smartest automated roti maker on the market, which makes rotis and puris in minutes. Perfect for health-conscious NRI families.
Explore Rotimatic NextStand Mixer
A must-have for anyone who loves baking or batch cooking. Stand mixers take the heavy lifting out of kneading dough, whipping cream, or mixing batters. Many models come with multiple attachments, turning them into pasta makers, meat grinders, or even vegetable spiralizers.
Top Picks:
KitchenAid Artisan Series
Stylish, powerful, and known for its durability and versatility.
Kenwood Chef XL
Great for larger batches and includes a wide range of attachments.
Food Processor
From chopping onions to kneading dough, a food processor is like your second pair of hands in the kitchen. It speeds up prep work, handles tough tasks with ease, and is especially useful for Indian cooking—think chutneys, masalas, and even homemade ghee prep.
Top Picks:
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
A powerful, large-capacity option ideal for families.
Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap
Budget-friendly and user-friendly, perfect for everyday use.
Immersion Blender
Also known as a hand blender, this compact tool is perfect for quick purees, soups, baby food, or lassi—without the cleanup of a traditional blender. It’s especially handy for small kitchens or those who prefer minimal fuss.
Top Picks:
Braun MultiQuick 5
Quiet, powerful, and includes attachments.
Philips ProMix
Sleek design with solid blending power.
Compact Espresso Machine
For coffee lovers, this is a morning essential. Compact espresso machines let you brew café-style coffee at home, perfect for NRIs missing that strong Indian-style espresso or filter coffee kick.
Top Picks:
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Tiny footprint, big flavor. Great for quick espresso.
Breville Bambino Plus
For those who want barista-level results in a small package.
Countertop Oven
Bake, toast, broil, and even air fry - countertop ovens are super versatile and ideal for apartments where a full-sized oven isn’t an option. Great for everything from garlic naan to mini pizzas.
Top Picks:
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
Premium, multi-functional, and great for families.
Panasonic FlashXpress
Compact and perfect for toasting and reheating.
Bread Maker
Nothing beats the aroma of fresh bread, and a bread maker makes it easy to enjoy it anytime. Just add ingredients, set your preferences, and the machine does the rest. Also great for making gluten-free or multigrain Indian-style breads.
Top Picks:
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
Highly customizable with gluten-free settings.
Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker
Compact and easy to use.
Air Fryer
Crispy pakoras, samosas, or fries—minus the excess oil. Air fryers are a healthier way to enjoy fried favorites, making them a hit in health-conscious Indian homes abroad.
Top Picks:
Philips Essential Air Fryer
Reliable, user-friendly, and compact.
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Larger capacity and great for families.
Pressure Cooker (Electric)
An electric pressure cooker (like the Instant Pot) is a modern-day savior. From dal to biryani to yogurt, it speeds up cooking while keeping flavors intact. Ideal for busy weekday meals.
Top Picks:
Instant Pot Duo
The gold standard for multi-cooking functions.
Mealthy Multipot
Indian-friendly features and easy controls.
Electric Griller
Perfect for sandwiches, tikkas, or quick weeknight meals. An electric grill delivers sear and flavor without firing up the stove—ideal for small kitchens or solo cooks.
Top Picks:
George Foreman Grill
Compact, affordable, and easy to clean.
Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1L
Grill, griddle, and panini press in one.
Juicer
Fresh juice on demand—whether it’s aamras, carrot-beet detox blends, or plain orange. A good juicer can help you stick to your health goals and reduce sugar-laden store-bought drinks.
Top Picks:
Hurom HP Slow Juicer
Great for nutrient retention and quiet operation.
Philips Viva Collection Juicer
Affordable and efficient for daily use.
Major Kitchen Appliances
These are the big-ticket modern kitchen appliances that are the essentials that form the backbone of your kitchen. From keeping groceries fresh to making cleanup easier, major appliances handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying the cooking experience. When chosen right, they can make a lasting difference in both efficiency and comfort, especially in NRI homes where space and functionality need to work in harmony.
Refrigerator
From storing leftovers to cooling mithai and meal-prep staples, a reliable refrigerator is non-negotiable. Newer models offer better energy efficiency, smart temperature zones, and flexible storage—ideal for Indian cooking needs like multiple masalas, fresh produce, and dairy items.
Top Picks:
LG InstaView Door-in-Door
Spacious, smart, and energy efficient.
Samsung Family Hub
With touchscreen controls and smart home integration.
Cooktops
Whether it’s simmering dal or flash-frying a quick tadka, a dependable cooktop is at the heart of every Indian kitchen. Gas cooktops offer flame control, while induction cooktops are energy-efficient, safer for small apartments, and easier to clean—making them popular among NRIs.
Top Picks:
Bosch 500 Series Gas Cooktop
Sleek design, even flame, and easy cleanup.
Duxtop 1800W Induction Cooktop
Portable and perfect for renters or compact kitchens.
Range Hoods
Indian cooking often involves spices, oil, and strong aromas—which makes a good range hood essential. It helps ventilate the kitchen, reduces smoke and grease buildup, and keeps your home smelling fresh.
Top Picks:
Faber Pyramid Chimney Hood
Designed for Indian cooking with powerful suction.
Broan-NuTone Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Compact, budget-friendly, and easy to install.
Microwaves
Perfect for quick reheating, defrosting, or making mug snacks. Modern microwaves come with convection and grilling features too, so you can even bake or toast in smaller spaces.
Top Picks:
Panasonic Inverter Microwave with Convection
Even heating and multi-function cooking.
IFB 30L Convection Microwave
Designed for Indian use, with pre-set menus for curries and rotis.
Dishwashers
Gone are the days of handwashing every kadhai. A good dishwasher can handle oily utensils, remove masala stains, and save water—especially helpful for busy NRI families juggling work and home.
Top Picks:
Bosch 300 Series
Quiet, reliable, and highly rated for tough Indian cooking residue.
LG Smart Dishwasher with QuadWash
Adjustable racks and Wi-Fi controls for modern homes.
Freezers
If you batch-cook or store seasonal Indian ingredients like curry leaves, paneer, or homemade chutneys, an additional freezer can be a game-changer. Upright models are space-efficient and easy to organize.
Top Picks:
Whirlpool Upright Freezer
Frost-free with deep storage.
Midea Chest Freezer
Compact yet roomy—great for garage or utility space.
Ice Makers
Especially helpful in warmer climates or for those who host often. Ice makers deliver fresh cubes or crushed ice in minutes—no more waiting for trays to freeze.
Top Picks:
GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker
Stylish, fast, and makes chewable nugget ice.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Affordable and portable—great for parties or shared apartments.
Small Kitchen Appliances
These must-have kitchen appliances may be small in size, but they make a big difference in your daily routine. From morning coffee to quick snacks, these appliances add convenience, speed, and comfort to your kitchen, especially when you're short on time or counter space.
Toaster
A reliable toaster is a must for rushed mornings. Whether it’s browning bread for sandwiches or reheating frozen parathas, it adds speed and simplicity to your breakfast game.
Top Picks:
Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Toaster
Even browning and sleek design.
Philips Daily Collection Pop-Up Toaster
Budget-friendly and efficient.
Coffee Grinder
If you enjoy fresh, aromatic coffee or grind spices occasionally, a grinder is a great addition. Freshly ground beans make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Top Picks:
Baratza Encore Grinder
A favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind
Compact and works well for both coffee and dry spices.
Hand Blender
Ideal for quick blending jobs like making chutneys, whisking curd, or whipping cream. Takes up minimal space and is easier to clean than a countertop blender.
Top Picks:
Inalsa Robot INOX 1000
Strong motor with multiple attachments.
Braun MultiQuick MQ100
Lightweight and great for light-duty blending.
Electric Kettle
From making chai to boiling water for oats, an electric kettle is a time-saving staple. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and safer than using a stovetop kettle.
Top Picks:
Prestige Electric Kettle
Trusted Indian brand, compact and quick.
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Stylish, fast-boiling, and ideal for tea lovers.
Final Thoughts
Creating a well-equipped kitchen isn’t just about collecting gadgets; it's also about making everyday cooking easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. For NRIs juggling busy schedules and craving the comfort of home-style meals, the right modern kitchen appliances can transform your kitchen into a space of ease, creativity, and connection.
From smart essentials like Rotimatic to everyday workhorses like mixers, air fryers, and electric kettles, each appliance on this list brings its own kind of convenience. Whether you're a solo professional, a couple settling abroad, or a growing family, investing in the right tools now can save you countless hours and help you stay rooted in both flavor and tradition.
Your kitchen deserves to work as hard, and as smart, as you do. Here’s to setting it up right in 2025.