Guide to small kitchen appliances: yogurt makers, ice cream makers, air fryers and more.

Guia de pequenos eletrodomésticos de cozinha: iogurteiras, sorveteiras, air fryers e mais

Guide to small kitchen appliances for 2026

For many households, small appliances transform the kitchen into a veritable culinary workshop: they help us prepare homemade yogurt, make ice cream, keep rice perfectly cooked, or make a batch of oil-free popcorn. This guide brings together trends and advice for 2026 on a wide range of appliances, from yogurt makers to air fryers, blenders, juicers, and much more. Each section includes tips for choosing and explains how to take advantage of the latest technologies. Don't forget to explore the respective UmBox collections – where you'll find all these products and many more.

Yogurt makers: controlled fermentation and convenience

Making yogurt at home ensures freshness and allows you to control the ingredients. Modern models prioritize precise temperature control and durable materials. According to Pickbest's analysis, quality yogurt makers maintain a constant temperature during fermentation, which is essential for texture and flavor; many have programmable timers that automatically shut off and use durable materials such as stainless steel or high-quality plastics. When choosing, check:

  • Temperature control: models with a digital display or automatic adjustment produce more consistent yogurt;

  • Timer and automatic shut-off: allow you to "program and forget" without the risk of overbaking;

  • Capacity and individual containers: glass jars or individual pots make storage easier;

  • Quality materials: BPA-free components and durable containers extend shelf life.

Explore the yogurt maker collection. From UmBox you can find compact models with a timer.

Ice cream makers: ice cream bowls at your fingertips.

Ice cream makers make it possible to prepare ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt at home. There are two main types: models with a frozen bowl and models with an integrated compressor . Good Housekeeping magazine tested several machines and observed that models with a two-liter bowl require a pre-frozen bowl and include a display with an LED timer and a wide spout for adding mix-ins , but they are noisy and require advance planning. Machines with compressors, such as the Breville Smart Scoop, do not require pre-freezing , have 12 hardness levels for sorbets, gelato or ice cream, and a "keep cool" mode that keeps the ice cream cold for three hours. Some portable machines, like the Ninja Creami, use containers that must be frozen before use and allow you to create protein-rich recipes or milkshakes, although they are noisier. .

When choosing an ice cream maker, consider:

  • Type of machine: pre-frozen bowls are cheaper but require planning; compressor models cost more but work anytime;

  • Capacity: from 0.5 l (for 1–2 people) to 2 l (families or parties);

  • Programs and consistency control: presets for different desserts and the ability to set the time;

  • Noise level: important in open kitchens.

Find the ice cream shops . certain ones in UmBox.

Popcorn machines: wholesome fun

Modern popcorn makers focus on health and speed. Hot air models produce oil-free popcorn; one example is the SeatUp popcorn maker, which prepares up to 16 cups of popcorn in 3–5 minutes using a 1200W hot air system. The measuring cup in the lid can also be used to melt butter, and the popping rate reaches 95%. When choosing, consider:

  • Skill and preparation time;

  • Heating system (hot air without oil or pan with oil);

  • Accessories such as a measuring cup/butter tray;

  • Easy to clean (removable or non-stick components).

See the popcorn machines. Available at UmBox.

Portable ice makers

Compact ice makers offer fresh ice in minutes, ideal for parties and kitchens without a large freezer. The Ecozy model listed at Best Buy produces bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes , generates up to 26 pounds per day , has two cube size options , infrared sensors to prevent overflow, and a self-cleaning function. Look for machines with:

  • Production speed and daily capacity;

  • Various cube sizes ;

  • Alarms or sensors that warn when the tank is full;

  • Self-cleaning function for easy maintenance.

Discover portable ice makers at UmBox.

Rice cookers and steamers

Rice cooks

These machines simplify the preparation of perfect rice. Conventional models have a keep-warm function , and some come with a steamer basket for cooking vegetables or fish. Micom models use a microcomputer with specific menus for various types of rice; sensors automatically adjust time and temperature. Induction heating (IH) heats the entire pan, providing faster and more precise cooking. The most advanced models combine pressure, induction, and microcomputer technology , resulting in softer and more digestible rice. When buying, consider the capacity (2–10 cups), whether it cooks various grains, and if it has a timer.

Steamers

Food steamers are ideal for cooking vegetables, fish, and rice simultaneously without fat. An article from Ideal Home reminds us that many steamers have multiple layers to prepare different foods at the same time and automatically shut off when the timer ends or the water runs out, offering safety. A three-layer model with a rice container can cook a complete meal. Check it out:

  • Number of baskets and capacity ;

  • Timer and auto-off function ;

  • Visible water reservoir with the possibility of refilling during use;

  • A container for rice or soup.

Explore rice cooks and vaporizers at UmBox.

Air fryers and multicookers

Air fryers use rapid circulation of hot air to produce crispy food with little oil. Forbes highlights that the best models offer even and fast cooking, with extras such as an integrated water reservoir for humidity control , a temperature probe , and app integration for smartphone control. The Ninja Max XL reaches 450°C, cooks 30% faster, and has seven programs, including a "Max Crisp" function; the wide basket allows for multi-layered cooking. Multicookers combine frying, baking, roasting, steaming, and slow cooking functions. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer (11-in-1) roasts whole chickens or french fries; the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 prepares quick meals in 15 minutes and has quick cooking modes; the Instant Pot Pro Plus offers app connectivity and 10 cooking methods. .

When choosing, consider:

  • Capacity (3–7 l) for large or small families;

  • Number of functions : some combine air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker and even yogurt maker;

  • Easy to use and clean (non-stick pans and removable baskets);

  • Access via app for remote control.

See the air fryers and multicookers from UmBox.

Crepe makers, waffle makers and electric grills

Crepe makers and waffle makers

A good crepe or waffle maker offers non-stick plates and temperature control. The website kitchenpicks notes that removable plates reduce cleaning time by 70% and allow for changing surfaces (waffle, pancake, grill). Flip-type waffles rotate 180° to distribute the batter evenly, producing more consistent waffles. Choose appliances with a toasting setting and an audible alert when cooking is complete.

Electric grills

Indoor grills offer grilled flavor without the smoke. An Argentine Asado guide highlights that the best reach 450°F and include grates, lids, and removable drip trays that are dishwasher safe. The Hamilton Beach Searing Grill, for example, creates real grill marks, retains juiciness, and features a compact design. Look for nonstick grates, adjustable temperatures, and grease collection trays.

Find crepe makers and waffle makers. , as well as electric grills in the UmBox catalog.

Vacuum sealers

Air sealers remove air from bags to extend food preservation and reduce waste. The Nesco Deluxe model offers Dry, Moist, and Double modes , pressure adjustment (Normal or Gentle), and a pulse function for delicate items. It features a double pump for strong suction, a double sealing option, an integrated bag cutter, and roll storage. When purchasing, check the supported width (usually up to 30 cm), pump power, and the presence of a pulse button for sensitive products.

Get to know the sealers.Available at UmBox.

Mixers and blenders

Stand mixers

Stand mixers replace several utensils; the KitchenAid Artisan 5 Qt has 10 speeds and comes with a wire whisk, dough hook, and paddle attachment, and is compatible with accessories such as rolling pins and grinders. The 7 Qt (bowl-lift type) model offers greater power and stability for heavy doughs, while the Ankarsrum Assistant uses a rotating bowl with speeds of 45–130 RPM for kneading dense breads. Assess the capacity (4.7–7 l), whether the mixing head is tiltable or has a bowl lift, available accessories, and the machine's weight.

Blenders

A good blender should be powerful and versatile. The Good Housekeeping review highlights that models with an intuitive control panel and additional cups or food processor attachments are practical and save space. The Vitamix Ascent X5 features a touch interface, 10 preset settings , a programmable timer, variable speed, and a pulse function. When choosing, consider power (800–1500 W), jar materials (glass vs. plastic), removable blades, and whether it includes programs for soups, smoothies, or ice.

Explore the mixersand blendersat UmBox.

Food processors

Food processors act as "sous chefs," performing tasks such as chopping, slicing, grating, and even kneading dough. The Breville Sous Chef 12 Cups comes with a micro-serrated S-blade, an adjustable slicing disc with 24 thickness settings , a reversible grating disc, a dough blade, and various feed tubes for different food sizes. To choose one, consider the capacity (2–4 liters for home use), variety of blades/discs, power (600–1000 W), and ease of cleaning (dishwasher-safe parts).

See food processorsat UmBox.

Kitchen scales

Accurate measurement is crucial in pastry making. BBC Good Food points out that accuracy (reading in grams) is the most important factor and that modern scales should measure liquids, have clear displays, and be easy to clean. The Good Food 15 kg digital scale offers voice control, a stainless steel platform, an LED display, and is rechargeable. The ProCook model has an "add and weigh" function, measures liquids, displays conversion charts on the surface, and weighs from 2 g up to 5 kg. Precision scales, such as the Beurer KS 36, weigh up to 2 kg in 0.5 g increments. Choose according to the required precision and load capacity.

Discover scalesat UmBox.

Sandwich makers / Panini presses

In addition to toasting sandwiches, many sandwich makers can be used to grill meats and vegetables. Good Housekeeping tested the Breville Sear & Press Grill, which has removable ceramic plates (one flat, one grill) that are dishwasher safe, three programs (panini, burger, sear), and manual controls; it allows you to set different temperatures on the upper and lower plates (210–450 °F). When choosing, consider removable plates, different textures (grid/smooth), temperature adjustment, and ease of cleaning.

Find sandwich makers and panini pressesat UmBox.

Coffee grinders and coffee makers / Moka pots

Coffee grinders

Grinding the beans fresh ensures aroma and freshness. The Baratza Virtuoso+ mill includes a digital timer , improvements to the grinding wheel assembly and regulator, as well as a robust stainless steel body. The digital timer allows for consistent doses, and the darkened lid prevents light from altering the grains. When choosing, consider the type of grinder (conical vs. flat), number of adjustments, timer, and body material.

Programmable coffee makers and Moka pots

Programmable coffee makers allow you to set a brewing time to wake up to fresh coffee. According to the Coffeeness website, these devices have a clock and timer that can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance, and features such as automatic pause to pour a cup before finishing and automatic shut-off. Advanced models like the DeLonghi TrueBrew have an integrated grinder with a bypass for pre-ground coffee, selectable cup size, brew hot, iced, or even espresso coffee, and clean themselves by emptying the grounds container. The Braun MultiServe, on the other hand, offers seven brew sizes, four brewing modes, SCA certification, and the ExactBrew system, which adjusts water flow and temperature for consistent results. For lovers of espresso and cappuccino, Moka pots and Italian coffee makers remain classics, but you might want to have a compatible induction cooktop or stovetop.

Explore coffee grinders.and coffee makersat UmBox.

Juice extractors (centrifuges and masticators)

Juicers can be centrifugal , which use blades rotating at high speed (6000–14000 rpm) to crush the fruit quickly, but generate more heat and oxidize, producing wetter pulp. or masticators (slow juicers), which crush food at low speed (80–100 rpm), preserving more nutrients and generating higher yield, although they are slower. Choose according to whether you need quick juices or more nutritious ones, and check the ease of cleaning and the size of the spout.

See the juicersAvailable at UmBox.

Toasters

Toasters have evolved a lot. A Family Eats guide recommends looking for models with multiple toasting levels , extra-wide slots , and functions like bagel, defrost, reheat, and cancel. The bagel function toasts the inside and heats the outside by switching off the external heating element. Toasters with adjustable slots center the bread for even toasting. Long grooves accommodate artisan slices or up to four loaves of bread. The reheat mode warms the toast without browning it for up to 3 minutes. Some models don't require a lever: the bread goes down and up automatically. Innovative features include interchangeable panels, a peek-lift to check the toasting level without canceling, a sandwich cage, and a digital display with a timer. When buying, also consider the number of slices, power, and crumb tray.

Explore toastersat UmBox.

Microwave ovens

Modern microwaves offer automatic programs, grilling, and even convection. There's a lot of talk about ovens with inverter technology , which provide continuous power instead of pulsing between high and low power. An article on the Choice website explains that inverter technology aims to prevent overheating of delicate foods by maintaining constant power. In tests, inverter microwaves melted chocolate and butter more evenly, but there was no significant difference in cooking or defrosting, and many conventional models with sensors and automatic menus achieve similar results. The Rtings website concludes that inverter technology is more marketing than a real leap in performance. When choosing, prioritize useful features such as steam sensors, pre-programmed menus, grille, capacity (20–30 l) and energy efficiency.

Discover microwavesfrom UmBox.

Electric kettles

Electric kettles allow you to boil water quickly and safely. The Epicurious guide highlights that these appliances have automatic shut-off and release less residual heat than stovetop methods. Many models feature temperature control with presets for tea and coffee, and some have Wi-Fi connectivity for programming boiling via an app. The Ninja Precision Temperature allows you to set the temperature from 40°C to 100°C in 5°C intervals and offers presets, a keep-warm function, a 1.7-inch capacity, and a digital display that shows the current and target temperature. When choosing, check the material (stainless steel vs. glass), capacity, boiling speed, and whether it has limescale filters.

See the electric kettlesat UmBox.

Traditional deep fryers

Dedicated electric fryers provide safe frying thanks to thermostats with ranges such as 175–375 °F and a built-in timer. An Engadget article reports that the Cuisinart CDF-200 maintains oil temperature even when adding cold food, thanks to its thermostat and 30-minute timer; the large basket prevents food from clumping, and the automatic shut-off prevents overheating. While frying at home can be messy, deep fryers with temperature control and oil filters reduce odors and splattering. Consider capacity, power (1800–2200 W), and features such as oil drainage and removable parts for washing.

Discover air fryers.at UmBox.

Conclusion

Investing in the right small appliances saves time and energy, improves meal quality, and encourages healthier eating. This guide presents the most relevant features for 2026, based on expert analysis and articles. When exploring UmBox collections, use this information to choose appliances that suit your lifestyle and equip your kitchen with versatile, efficient, and durable tools.