7 kitchen appliances doing the absolute most in busy family homes
The clever kitchen appliances doing the heavy lifting at mealtime.
If you’re short on space but love cooking up a storm, the right kitchen appliance can be a total game-changer. Whether you’re in a cosy apartment, a family home with limited bench space, or simply trying to keep the kitchen feeling tidy and organised, compact and clever appliances can make everyday life so much easier.
From multi-cookers that whip up tasty snacks and blenders perfect for morning smoothies, to dishwashers that help tackle the endless family dishes without taking over the kitchen, the right kitchen appliances can deliver surprisingly big results.
To help you find the right fit for your home, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular kitchen appliances that combine practicality, performance and smart design. Scroll to the bottom for tips on choosing the best kitchen home appliances for your family’s needs.
The best kitchen appliances in 2026
1. Ninja Swirl by CREAMi (NC701)
from $549.99 at Ninja Australia
Best for families who love homemade frozen treats
Whether your kids are begging for soft serve after school or you’re whipping up a healthier dessert, the Ninja CREAMi Swirl brings the ice cream shop home. It transforms everyday ingredients into soft serve, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, sorbet and even protein-packed desserts, so you can customise flavours, reduce sugar or cater to dietary needs. With easy one-touch programs and fun swirl dispensing, it’s a treat the whole family will enjoy making together.
Key features:
- Makes soft serve, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, sorbet and protein ice cream
- Creamify Technology creates smooth, café-style frozen treats at home
- Customise flavours and control ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs
- One-touch programs for easy preparationIncludes swirl dispenser for authentic soft-serve treats
- Comes with two 470ml CREAMi Swirl tubs with storage lids and nozzles
- Includes dispensing lid, outer bowl, Creamerizer Paddle and pull-out drip trayIncludes 20+ recipe ideas to get you started
Available at:
- $549.99 at Ninja Australia
Best for saving your back while unloading the dishes
Loading and unloading the dishwasher isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite chore, especially when it involves constantly bending down to reach the bottom tray. This is why the new Midea Easy-Lift Dishwasher is so convenient.
The Easy-Lift Basket, which raises the lower tray by up to 25cm, bringing dishes closer to waist height so you can load and unload with a whole lot less bending. For parents doing multiple dishwasher runs a day, households with older family members or anyone dealing with back pain, it’s one of those “why didn’t this exist sooner?” features.
And while the lift-up basket is the headline act, there’s plenty more packed into this dishwasher too, from energy-saving tech to flexible washing options and smart drying functions designed to make everyday life that little bit easier.
Key features:
- Easy-Lift Basket: Raises the lower basket by up to 25cm, making loading and unloading far easier on your back and knees.
- 5.5 Star Water Rating & 4.5 Star Energy Rating: Designed to help families save on water and energy bills without sacrificing cleaning performance.
- Spacemaster Design: Gives you extra room for tall drink bottles, bulky cookware and oversized family dinner loads.
- Ion Dishfresh Technology: Helps eliminate up to 99.8% of pollutants for a cleaner, more hygienic dishwasher interior.
- Dual Zone Wash: Wash only the top or bottom basket when you don’t have a full load, handy for busy family life.
- ActiveOpen Dry: Automatically opens the dishwasher door at the end of the cycle to help dishes dry naturally.
- Auto Wash Sensors: Detects how dirty your dishes are and adjusts the wash cycle automatically for an efficient clean.
- The Easy-Lift Basket supports up to 18kg and is designed to last for years of everyday family use.
Available at:
- $1,099 at Bing Lee
3. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill & Air Fryer
from $299.99 at Ninja Kitchen
Best for multi-cooking with 6-in-1 functionality
This smart gadget is more than just a grill – it’s your secret weapon for quicker, easier, and seriously delicious meals. Thanks to its Smart Cook System, you can cook everything from rare to well-done with just the press of a button – no guesswork required!
With 6-in-1 cooking power, you can grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate, while its family-sized capacity means there’s plenty to go around. Plus, Smoke-Control Technology lets you enjoy all the flavor without filling your kitchen with smoke.
Key features:
- Colour: Black/Stainless Steel
- Weight: 9.6kg
- Temperature range: 40°c – 260°c
- Wattage: 1760 w
- Dimensions: 28 x 40 x 42cm
- Virtually Smoke Free
- 2 Years Warranty
Available at:
- $299.99 from Ninja Kitchen
- $299 from The Good Guys
- $299 from Myer
4. Vitamix Ascent A3500i
from $1129 at Myer
Best for making ultra-smooth smoothies
This powerful all-in-one blender comes with five preset programs for smoothies, soups, dips, desserts, and more, taking the guesswork out of blending. Plus, you’ll love the self-cleaning function and the impressive 10-year warranty.
With variable speed control and a pulse function, you can get creative with recipes and textures. And thanks to the self-detect technology, it won’t run unless the lid is securely in place – no spills, no stress!
One happy customer raved: “This blender is amazing! I’ve been using it daily for 1.5 years. Smoothies are ultra-smooth, and it’s perfect for pastes, flour, hummus, and soups. Best household purchase ever!”
Key features:
- Includes a motor base, 2 litre container, tamper, and recipe book
- Stainless steel (blade) and BPA-free plastic (jug and tamper)
- Blender automatically stops according to programmed blending time so you can blend while doing other tasks
- Low profile tamper pushes down thick or frozen ingredients without hitting the blades
- 10 year warranty on parts, performance, and return shipping
- Capacity: 2L
- Dimensions: 42cm x 29.5cm x 33cm
- Weight: 7.25kg
Available at:
- $1129 from Myer
- $1299.95 (usually $1699) from Kitchen Warehouse
- $1129 from Amazon
5. Philips 6L All-In-One Multi Cooker
from $129 (usually $199) at Amazon
Best for quick and efficient meal prep
This versatile multicooker has 16 programs, including slow cook, pressure cook, sear, and keep warm. Its 6L capacity is perfect for family meals, and the ProCeramic-coated pot ensures even heating and easy clean-up.
With 1300W of power and faster heating, you can cook stews, risottos, curries, and more in no time. Sear meats, then switch to slow or pressure cook with just a button. The auto keep warm function keeps your meal at the perfect temperature for up to 12 hours. Plus, it’s safe, easy to use, and comes with a recipe booklet for inspiration.
A review on Amazon wrote, “A fabulous piece of equipment and every kitchen should have one. I love it! The lid mechanism is easy to lock in (firm but solid) and easy to clean. 6L will comfortably serve 4 people.”
Key features:
- Multi-cooker with 14 pre-set programs
- 6-liter capacity for cooking large meals
- Automatic keep warm function
- Non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning
- Comes with accessories for steaming, frying, and baking.
Available at:
6. De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
from $149 at De’Longhi
Best for coffee lovers on a budget
If you’re a caffeine lover, a good coffee machine is a must. Brew a rich, aromatic espresso with your favorite beans and enjoy a perfect crema every time. The cappuccino system lets you texture milk just how you like it for your latte, cappuccino, or flat white. With its easy-to-use design and a mix of matte and glossy details, this machine heats water and steam separately, ensuring the perfect temperature for both your coffee and milk.
Key features:
- 5-bar pump espresso maker with a stainless steel boiler for perfect coffee extraction, the dual thermostat controls coffee and steam temperature
- A removable drip tray provides extra space for your mug, from 8 cm up to 11 cm in height
- Removable Tank, Milk Frother
- Compact and modern design to suit any space and style, with combination of matt and glossy black finish
Available at:
7. Breville The Smart Rice Box
from $167.20 (usually $209) at Myer
Best for cooking every type of rice
If you’re a rice lover, this is the appliance you need. From white and brown rice to sushi, sticky rice, porridge, and even cake, this smart rice cooker does it all.
Thanks to Fuzzy Logic technology, it automatically adjusts the temperature at the right stage for each type of rice, ensuring perfect results every time. With a large 10-cup capacity, you can easily serve up to 25 people with perfectly cooked rice.
Key features:
- Anodised ceramic coated cooking bowl
- 8 pre-set cooking functions
- Pre-set timer
- Led display
- Automatic keep warm
- Dimensions: 221H x 285W x 381L mm
- Capacity/Volume: 10 cups
- Kilowatts: 750
- Warranty Duration: 24 Months
- Model Number: LRC480WHT
Available at:
- $167.20 (usually $209) from Myer
What to consider when shopping for kitchen appliances
Shopping for a new kitchen gadget? Here’s what to think about before you buy:
1. Size and space
Before you commit, measure your bench space and storage areas. Compact appliances are ideal for smaller kitchens, while larger ones may need dedicated counter space.
2. Features and functions
Think about what you really need. Do you want an air fryer with multiple cooking modes? Or a blender that can crush ice and make soup? Prioritise features that match your cooking style.
3. Energy efficiency
Energy-efficient models can help reduce power bills. Look for appliances with high energy ratings or eco-friendly features.
4. Ease of cleaning
Check if parts are dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe down. Appliances that are tricky to clean may end up gathering dust.
5. Durability and quality
Invest in trusted brands with solid reviews. Stainless steel and sturdy materials tend to last longer.
6. Noise levels
Some gadgets, like blenders and coffee machines, can be loud. If noise is a concern, look for quieter models with sound-reducing features.
7. Budget and value
Consider your budget, but don’t always go for the cheapest option. A quality appliance may save you money in the long run by performing better and lasting longer.
8. Warranty and support
Check the warranty period and if customer support is easily accessible. This can save you hassle if things go wrong.
Finding the right fit
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose a kitchen appliance that suits your space, lifestyle, and cooking needs.
