19 Kitchen Appliances You Should Never Buy

19 Kitchen Appliances You Should Never Buy

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Modern kitchen appliances on display

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen and wonder which kitchen appliances you should never buy? Well, you aren’t alone; many people are sailing in the same boat.

And while every kitchen needs pots, pans, and other essential cutlery, many of the hyped-up, expensive kitchen appliances are actually a waste of your money and kitchen space. From bread makers to coffee makers and pizza ovens, these are just some of the kitchen appliances that are a waste of your money. But due to the power of social media and brilliant advertising, we think we deserve every fancy kitchen appliance out there.

Although most of these appliances make food-related tasks a little bit easy, many of them are not a must-have in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll discuss the kitchen appliances you may think you need, but they aren’t essentials in your kitchen.

So, let’s get started on those kitchen appliances you should never buy!

1. Popcorn machine

A popcorn machine is a fun and fancy addition to your kitchen, but is it really necessary? Probably not. Not only will you spend quite a bit of money on this appliance, but you’ll also need to find the counter space for it. Not to mention the care and maintenance a popcorn machine needs for optimal performance!

So, instead of purchasing a popcorn machine, you can make yummy homemade popcorn the old-fashioned way using a pot on the stovetop. This form of traditional cooking will save you money, and it’s a fun activity to do with your kids. Stovetop cooking also fills your house with the aroma of freshly made popcorn the same way a popcorn machine does.

You can also buy pre-packaged popcorn from eateries or convenience stores. Buying pre-packaged popcorn is a cheaper option that saves your kitchen counter space.

Therefore, unless you make lots of popcorn each day, you can still enjoy yummy fresh popcorn without buying a popcorn machine!

2. Coffee maker

Unless you’re a coffee addict, you really don’t need a coffee maker in your kitchen. Yes, it’s convenient, but you can always make coffee at home without one. Plus, if you purchase a coffee maker, you’ll have to buy filters and coffee beans, which add up the cost of owning this dedicated kitchen appliance.

Besides, you’ll have to spend more time cleaning this kitchen appliance carefully after every use.

So, if you’re dying for a hot cup of coffee in the morning, head to your nearest café. Not only will this save you money on appliances and supplies, but it’ll allow you to get out of the house and socialize with others.

Alternatively, you can make coffee on your stovetop using a standard pot. This is a cheaper option, which allows you to make more coffee at once.

Either way, you’ll get to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee without buying the pricey coffee maker!

3. Food processor

A food processor is another kitchen appliance that the current internet craze has brainwashed us into believing that we can’t survive without.

And although a processor simplifies most kitchen-related tasks, it can be expensive to acquire. And unless you’re using this appliance every day, it’s just not worth the investment.

If you’re looking for an alternative to a food processor, consider getting a high-quality blender such as the Magic Bullet blender, 11 piece set. Blenders are pretty affordable, and they take up less counter space.

4. Electric stand mixer

Just like a food processor, an electric stand mixer isn’t a must-have kitchen appliance. Unless you’re using it every day, it’s just not worth the money, plus it takes a sufficient amount of space in your kitchen space.

If you are looking for a handy way to mix your ingredients, consider getting a compact hand mixer. Hand mixers are small, pretty much affordable, easy to store, and they do a great job of mixing ingredients. You can try the Hamilton Beach 6 speed hand mixer that comes with versatile attachments and six speeds including the quick burst button.

5. Pizza ovens

Although fancy to own, a pizza oven is another kitchen appliance you should never buy.

This dedicated kitchen appliance is expensive! For the price of a decent pizza oven, you can get approximately three top-of-the-line electric or gas cooktops that you can also use for other purposes.

If you’re craving homemade pizza, you can make one from scratch from the comfort of your kitchen using a standard oven Here’s a guide on how to make pizza without a pizza oven.

Alternatively, you can go to your nearest pizzeria and order your favorite pizza. Here, you’ll get a delicious pizza that’s made fresh right in front of you. And you won’t have to spend money on a dedicated kitchen appliance that you’re just going to use once in a while.

6. Bread machine

A bread machine is also another kitchen appliance you should never buy. Yes, it comes in handy when making bread, but the fact remains you can still make bread without a bread machine.

Bread machines can be expensive, and they take up a lot of counter space. Plus, you’ll need to spend time cleaning the bread machine after each use.

If you are craving fresh homemade bread, consider making bread by hand using the standard kitchen oven. This is a cheaper option, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of making bread from scratch!

So, instead of buying a pricey bread machine, you can get a modern oven. The oven is cheaper, versatile, and easy to maintain.

Alternatively, you can get your bread from a convenience store near you.

7. Ice cream maker

An ice cream maker may sound like a great idea, especially when you have kids. But how often do you take ice creams? I bet the answer is maybe once a week because too much ice cream isn’t good for your health.

So, if you are into homemade ice cream, you can opt to use other methods instead of fully relying on the ice cream maker. This dedicated kitchen appliance is way too expensive, occupies much of your countertop space, and demands a lot of your time and attention in cleaning and maintenance.

The most common and cheapest way of preparing ice cream without a machine is to whip cream either by hand or mixer until it turns stiff. Pour it into a can of condensed and sweetened milk, and then add your desired flavors.

And while this option may take up much of your time, the results are worth it!

8. Vacuum sealer

A vacuum sealer is a kitchen appliance that’s not so necessary unless you’re into canning or you prepare or cook food in bulk.

Vacuum sealers are used to remove air from food storage containers which helps extend the shelf life of food by preventing oxidation and bacteria growth.

If you’re not into canning, consider using other methods of storing your food. For example, you can use plastic wrap or zip lock bags such as the Ziploc sandwich bags that come with the new grip and seal technology. Alternatively, you can use aluminum foil or invest in good quality Tupperware food storage set like the Rubbermaid Brilliance leakproof storage containers.

9. Sous Vide machine

Sous vide machines are becoming increasingly popular among home cooks. But unless you’re a professional chef or are serious about your cooking, you probably don’t need one.

Sous vide machines are used for cooking food at a very precise temperature. Cooking under precise temperatures is vital in ensuring that food is cooked evenly and correctly. However, it’s not necessary for most home cooks.

If you’re looking for an alternative to a sous vide machine, consider using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. These appliances can do a great job cooking food at a lower temperature. So, if you already have an instant pot, you don’t need to splurge on a sous vide machine.

10. Smart refrigerator

Smart refrigerators are the latest trend in the world of kitchen appliances. But unless you’re a tech-savvy person, you probably don’t need one.

Smart refrigerators are designed to connect to your smartphone through the internet. This smart feature allows you to control various features of your refrigerator, such as the temperature and the humidity level, through your phone or tablet wherever you are.

If you’re not interested in controlling your refrigerator with a smartphone, consider using a regular fridge instead. This is a more affordable option, and it doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge.

Plus, a regular refrigerator doesn’t bring additional internet costs.

So, if you’re looking for a new refrigerator, skip the smart model and go for a regular one. You’ll save money, and you won’t have to learn how to use a new gadget!

11. Electric juicer

The current craze about leading a healthy lifestyle by consuming freshly prepared fruits and vegetables has brainwashed many of us into believing we need an electric juicer in our kitchens. However, this pricey, dedicated kitchen appliance isn’t a must-have; you can still lead a healthy lifestyle without breaking your bank.

Electric juicers are used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of juicing without having to do all the work yourself.

Although an electric juicer comes as a handy appliance, it takes up much of your countertop space and demands a lot of care.

So, if you’re interested in enjoying fresh homemade juices once in a while, you can do so on a budget. Instead of giving in to the current social media pressure of owning an electric juicer, you can invest in a pocket-friendly, high-quality blender.

Compared to electric juicers, blenders are easy to maintain and don’t require a lot of storage space.

12. Pasta maker

A pasta maker is a handy kitchen appliance that allows you to make pasta from the comfort of your home. However, it isn’t worth your money unless you make out pounds of fresh pasta every day.

Besides being pricey and taking up a lot of your kitchen counter space, a pasta maker is also quite difficult to clean and maintain.

So, if you love eating pasta, invest your money in a good quality pasta pot and colander instead of a pasta maker. This cookware is more affordable, and it’s easy to use, clean, and maintain.

So, the best way to address your pasta needs is by buying freshly made pasta from a convenience store near you anytime you crave pasta.

13. Waffle iron

A waffle iron is a kitchen appliance that many of us don’t use on a regular basis. Unless you’re making waffles every day, there’s no need to invest in one.

A waffle iron comes with two plates that are heated and then batter added in between them. The batter cooks to make fresh waffles.  

If you’re looking for an alternative to a waffle iron, consider using a pancake maker. This appliance is versatile and easy to use.

So, if you’re not sure whether or not you need a waffle iron, ask yourself how often you make waffles. If the answer is not often, you don’t need one. However, if you love waffles and can’t live without them, consider investing in an affordable, easy-to-use pancake maker.

14. Dishwasher

Is a dishwasher really worth your tiny kitchen space? A dishwasher seems like a great kitchen appliance innovation, especially if you hate washing dishes, but it’s not worth the investment.

Despite the normal fact that a dishwasher will occupy a large space in your kitchen, it brings along additional costs. Not only will this dedicated machine consume a lot of water, but it will also increase your electricity bill.

So, instead of using a dishwasher, you can opt to hand wash your utensils. The latter saves you water and the energy the machine could have consumed. Again, not all utensils are dishwasher friendly; some require gentle cleaning.

Therefore, keep off this kitchen appliance if you are much concerned about your monthly utility bills.

15. Egg cooker

Do you really need an egg cooker? Well, this kitchen appliance is only necessary if you consume a lot of eggs or if you’re short on time.

As the name suggests, an egg cooker is a dedicated kitchen appliance used for cooking eggs. It comes with a tray that has several compartments for eggs. With this appliance, you can choose to hard-boil, soft-boil, or poach your eggs.

If you don’t eat many eggs or have the time to cook them yourself, then there’s no need to invest in an egg cooker. Save your money and opt for a quality pan instead.

Also, there’s no shame in making your hard or soft-boiled eggs the traditional way by boiling them on a stovetop.

So, unless you are a professional chef or run a catering business, an egg cooker isn’t worth your money.

16. Electric slicer

An electric slicer is a kitchen appliance that uses rotating blades to slice food. It’s popular among chefs and caterers because it allows them to quickly and easily slice food.

If you don’t cook or prepare food for a living, you don’t need an electric slicer. There are many other ways to slice meat, cheese, and bread without spending your hard-earned money on this appliance.

For example, you can use a sharp knife to slice your food the traditional way. Or, you can invest in a quality mandoline slicer. This kitchen gadget is less expensive and does the same job as an electric slicer.

17. Deep fryer

A deep fryer is a kitchen appliance used to cook food by submerging it in hot oil. It typically comes with a large pot or container that can hold a lot of oil. And while a deep fryer may seem like a handy addition to your kitchen, it’s not really a worthy investment.

Besides being pricey and occupying a lot of space, a deep fryer is also fragile, meaning it needs proper care and maintenance for optimal performance.

So, if you only fry food occasionally, you don’t need a deep fryer. There are many other ways you can deep fry your food without using this expensive gadget.

For example, you can use a heavy pot or pan on a stovetop.

18. Dehydrator

A dehydrator is a kitchen appliance used to dry food by removing moisture from it. It typically comes with a tray that has several compartments for food. Although a dehydrator makes dehydrating foods easy, it isn’t a must-have kitchen appliance.

Therefore, if you don’t eat a lot of beef jerky, dried fruits, and vegetables, you don’t need a dehydrator. There are many other ways to dry your food without using this appliance.

For example, you can use an oven, stovetop, or microwave.

19. Immersion blender

An immersion blender is a kitchen appliance used to blend or puree food. It has a long, cylindrical shape, and it’s usually handheld. Although an immersion blender is a convenient tool to have in your kitchen, it’s not a vital appliance.

There are many alternatives you can blend or puree your food without using this gadget. For instance, you can use a regular blender or a masher.

Bottom Line

There you have it! These are some of the popular kitchen appliances you should never buy. Basically, you shouldn’t splurge on these pricey appliances while there are plenty of cheaper options that serve the same purpose.

Besides, when it comes to kitchen appliances, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t aim at having the latest or most fancy appliances. Instead, you should consider the appliance’s efficiency, space needs, additional related costs, and price, to mention a few.