Gift guide 2023: 10 really useful small kitchen appliances to offer

Air fryers are the big stars in the kitchen at the moment. I was one of the skeptics, but after trying out the Hamilton Beach air fryer, I'm hooked.

It's simply ideal for preparing fries, of course, but also chicken wings or fish croquettes. And the result is the same, if not better, than in a restaurant!

It can also be used to cook, grill or roast vegetables, meats (even roasted chicken) or fish. Among the advantages, we note the fact of not having, or almost, to use oil and the speed of cleaning.

Waffle makers are also in every kitchen this year! This model is perfect for weekend brunches and doesn't take up too much space. And who can say no to belgian waffle?

Everyone needs a hand blender, whether for making soups or chopping food. This Braun model has, among other things, the Active Blade technology which makes the blade adjust in height depending on the hardness of the food to be ground. It is powerful enough to make nut butters with the chopper.

In fact, everything about this blender is perfect, from the ergonomics to the power to its anti-splatter system. I've been using it for a few months now and I have to say that it is by far the most functional and powerful hand blender I've had.

Starting the day with a delicious fruit smoothie is the best. The cup is very convenient since it detaches and comes with a lid, so you can also prepare your smoothie and take it to go.

Everyone who has a Vitamix agrees: this machine can do everything and they couldn't live without it! If you want to spoil someone who loves to cook, look no further, this is the gift!

This appliance can make soups (hot!), purees, nut spreads, salsas, pizza dough, bread dough and so on! And the best part is that it cleans up in 30 to 60 seconds.

If you are looking for an espresso machine that will rival the local coffee shop, the Stilosa from De'Longhi is an excellent value for money. 

It allows you to make single or double espressos and among its assets, we note the 15 bar pump, the stainless steel boiler and the adjustable tray that also allows you to use large cups. It also has a steam nozzle, which is perfect for frothing milk.

The Keurig milk frother is another must-have item for coffee lovers. Easy to clean, with a removable whisk, it can make perfect and smooth milk foam, up to one cup.

Its other advantage, which sets it apart from other frothers, is that it can also make cold milk foam. This makes it ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate and iced coffee. You pour the milk, press a button and the magic happens every time.

I received the Delonghi Livenza convection oven to try out. The timing couldn't have been better because my conventional oven is at the end of its life and I've always heard the merits of compact ovens. But I've never bought one because.... two ovens in one kitchen isn't it a bit much?

After several weeks of testing, I can confirm that it's not, especially not with this oven! In fact, it comes with 9 functions and can do everything (and even more) than a conventional oven: baking, pizza, toast, convection cooking, broiling, roasting meats (I make excellent roast chicken in it), air frying, etc.

It preheats faster than a conventional oven, uses less energy and does not heat up the whole room when in use. It also replaced the toaster and comes with a baking basket, rack, fryer, pizza pan which, to my surprise, makes excellent homemade pizza. In fact, its only limitation is its size, as we agree that a 3 liter casserole dish doesn't fit. This is probably the appliance I love and use the most in my kitchen!

The Fizzi One Touch from Sodastream is another favorite. Had I known how great it was, I would have bought one long before!

The machine is very elegant, fits well on the counter and offers three sizes of bubbles. You can also flavor your water with Sodastream lemon, orange or raspberry syrups.
I now have sparkling water every time I want some, not to mention the money saved in the end and the less waste it generates. No more crates of empty bottles every week. If you know someone who drinks a lot of sparkling water, this machine will be a hit!

The popularity of sous-vide cooking continues unabated and with good reason! It's the best way to get even cooking and tender meat and fish! 

And the good news is that you don't need a bulky appliance to do it with this sous-vide precision cooker. All you need is a pot, water and the cooker!