You’ve probably noticed that more and more kitchen gadgets are becoming “smart.” What does that mean and is it a good thing? Read ahead to learn about how smart kitchen gadgets can make your life easier as well as our favorite finds.
Everything from vacuum cleaners to refrigerators are increasingly including technology. While it might seem daunting at first, these smart devices or appliances can save you time and money while making things more enjoyable. Current research projects that the smart kitchen industry will grow to 43.83 billion. If you’ve been considering a smart kitchen product or two, you’re in good company. As of 2020, nearly 80 million people planned to add a smart kitchen appliance, and that number is only growing larger. Facts and figures aside, what makes a kitchen device smart, and why is that a good thing?
What is a Smart Kitchen Gadget?
A gadget becomes smart when it is connected to a device or outside control, such as a smartphone app. The gadget communicates with the app through your home’s WiFi or a Bluetooth connection. Controlling a device from an app or similar outside programming allows you to more precisely use the item, and use it without touching it. This makes your gadget more accessible and useful. Voice-controlled items that use Amazon Alexa or other voice apps are also smart. Finally, some items may not be controlled with an outside app, but they offer much more than their non-tech counterparts. A trashcan probably doesn’t require an app, but being touchless is a huge step forward from a regular lidded can.
The Benefits of Smart Kitchen Gadgets
Smart kitchen gadgets can not only save you time, but lower your energy bills as well. For example, the Instant Pot (featured below) uses much less energy than an oven or stove would. You can also track your energy consumption through some apps. Programming your coffee to be ready at a certain time will save you time and money compared to running to a coffee shop. Want to know the calorie count of a cup of sweet potato, or the exact temperature of a medium rare steak? A smart home gadget is just what you need to make that happen.
Why should you trust Ideaing?
We pride ourselves on providing truly objective insight into our reviews and recommendations. Our product experts spend hours and hours researching, analyzing, and testing products. After our extensive research on smart kitchen gadgets on the market, here are our best picks for making your life better through technology.
The Best Smart Kitchen Gadgets of 2022
Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart Multi Cooker
If you don’t already have an Instant Pot, what are you doing with your life? Seriously though, this multi-purpose cooker is worth its weight in gold. This machine acts as a pressure cooker, crockpot, yogurt-maker, and rice cooker, among other uses. Pressure cooking can have its risks if done incorrectly, but the Instant Pot takes all of the guesswork out and offers plenty of safety features. The Pro Plus sweetens the deal with a smartphone app that allows you to control the Instant Pot via WiFi. Included with the app are 800+ recipes and ideas on how to use this great machine.
- multi-tasking machine that can take the place of other appliances
- can be controlled remotely with a free smartphone app that works via WiFi
- Available in multiple styles and sizes (featured is the six quart, which is perfect for couples and small families)
Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator
Have you ever dreamed of having your own wine cellar? This sleek, dedicated wine fridge can be the perfect compromise. You can house up to twenty-eight bottles of wine. The temperature can be set from 41°F to 64°F, accommodating everything from rich Bordeaux to sparkling white wine. In order to not disturb sediment, there is no vibration. It even comes with a built-in lock, guarding your bottles from kids in the house. In addition to all of those great features, this wine fridge comes with an app so that you can control the temperature from anywhere.
- Control temperatures remotely via app
- Can house up to 28 bottles of wine via removable/adjustable shelves
- Includes built-in lock for security
Related: The Best Wine Aerators of 2022
Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
Coffee is one of life’s little pleasures, whether it’s getting you started in the morning, an afternoon iced coffee, or an evening mug of decaf. Busy days can have you running to the nearest coffeehouse, which is a budget nightmare. Save time and money with this modern-looking coffee maker that comes with the ability to control brew strength, temperature and size via app. Not only that, but it can be voice-controlled as well. You’ll essentially have your own barista in-house! This SCA-certified machine delivers the highest quality brewing experience on top of the cutting edge technology.
- Can be controlled via voice or app
- You can choose temperature, size and strength with each pot
- Auto timer means you can set brew time remotely, so coffee is ready when you are
Looking for more options? Here are some of our other favorite smart coffee makers
Etekcity Smart Food Nutrition Kitchen Scale
Trying to track nutrition can be tough, but worthwhile: Current studies show tracking nutrition can lead to better weight loss. Even if you’re looking to gain or maintain weight, knowing what you’re putting in your body is key. Weighing food is one of the most accurate ways to do it, and is often easier than getting out the measuring cups. The Etekcity smart scale will not only look nice on your counter, but will make weighing out ingredients very easy. The VeSync app can be hooked up to Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit. Your data can even be imported to nutrition tracking apps like MyFitnessPal, so you can have everything in one place. This is definitely one smart kitchen gadget that has the potential to change lives.
- App includes nearly one million foods preset, or customize your own food entries
- Import data to fitness tracking apps such as MyFitnessPal
- Compact design is easy to store
Yummly Premium Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer
From medium rare to well-done, how you cook your meat matters. Of course, with how many different types and cuts of meat, who can keep every temperature memorized? Enter the Yummly premium thermometer. You simply insert this handy, compact thermometer into your cut of choice, program via the award-winning app, and let the magic happen. This is about as close to hands-free cooking as you can get. The app will not only let you know when the meat is your desired temperature, but also when to flip it. You can use this thermometer for everything from pan-frying to pellet grills. Never mess with undercooked or overcooked food again.
- Can work with a wide variety of cooking methods
- App allows you to multitask while cooking
- Control up to four thermometers per smartphone
Revolution InstaGLO R180 Toaster
It’s safe to say most of us have fallen victim to a poorly operating toaster in the past. In the blink of an eye, your toast resembles a charcoal briquette more than a breakfast item. Here’s where Revolution smart toaster comes in. The precision settings allow you to pinpoint exactly how done you would like your toast. And you don’t have to stop at just toast, either: this expert machine handles bagels, toaster pastries and waffles. The special technology seals in moisture for a crispy outer and moist interior. However, with any toaster, stay close by when in use for best safety. Speaking of safety, this model will even remind you to empty the crumb tray.
- Precision settings for various foods
- Faster cooking than a conventional toaster
- Auto lift and lower
NUWAVE Brio Air Fryer Smart Oven
Air fryers are regarded as the latest gimmick by some, but the Nuwave air fryer oven will become a fixture in your kitchen. This family-sized powerhouse doesn’t just air-fry. It serves as a dehydrator, convection oven, rotisserie and even a grill. The multi-level trays mean you can make a lot of food at once. This fryer can cook a whole turkey! The grill pans and rotisserie tools are easy to wash or you can throw them in the dishwasher. The temperatures for this oven go from 50f to 450f, and the included temperature probe will make sure you can keep things consistent. Even better, the included NuWave Cooking Club app will give you even more ideas for use of this wonderful appliance.
- Cooks up to 70% faster than a traditional oven
- Created for multiple types of cooking
- Extra large size is perfect for families or events
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
This indoor grill has more features than meets the eye: it also offers air frying capabilities as well. It heats to a searing 500f, and the full temperature control including probe thermometer will guide you the entire way. Ninja is known for their innovative cookware, and the Foodi Smart is yet another example. Reviewers love its ease of use as well as how nice it looks on a countertop.
- Attached temperature probe
- Easy to use settings
- Large capacity can cook up to six steaks or 24 hot dogs at once
Ready to take the grilling outdoors? Check out our grill guide!
iTouchless 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can
A trash can might not be the first thing you think of when considering smart kitchen gadgets, but this receptacle is a cut above the rest. The can opens via motion detection, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty when cooking. This is far more sanitary than a lidded trash can you would have to touch. It includes a scent-free deodorizing filter that is safe for kids and pets. It takes normal thirteen gallon kitchen bags, so no need for fussy specialty bags that are more expensive. This energy-saving model can run on batteries or an AC-adaptor, making it a great choice for your kitchen.
- Motion detecting and touchless
- Deodorizing filter
- Can be powered with AC adaptor or batteries (sold separately)
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Sous vide is a technique that has gained popularity in the last decade or so, which involves vacuum sealing food and submerging it in warm water. This produces tender, perfectly cooked food. You may have heard of reverse searing a steak, and sous vide is one of the best ways to do the pre-sear cooking. The Anova sous vide will have you feeling like a chef in your own home. While of professional quality, this machine is easy to use and control via app. You can set the temperature and enjoy free time thanks to hands-off cooking.
- Makes up to 12 portions
- Easy to clean
- Fits on any pot
Delta Faucet Trinsic VoiceIQ Touchless Kitchen Faucet
Delta has been offering quality home plumbing fixtures for nearly a century, and this faucet is a technological work of art. Not only does it look luxurious, it does everything you could want a faucet to do and more. The pull-down sprayer and optional automatic soap dispenser are nice touches, but what really sets this model apart is that it can be voice activated. Yes, you can hook your sink up to Alexa or Google Assistant for a completely hands-free experience. Living in the future is fun!
- Easy installation
- Hands-free usage and voice-activated
- TempSense LED indicator allows you to visually check water temperature
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why do I need smart kitchen gadgets?
Answer: Smart kitchen gadgets do all of the work of their non-smart counterparts, but have even more benefits to offer. While you may not feel the need to make every device in your kitchen a smart one, it is likely there are at least a few with features you would like. That could mean saving time, money or energy. Additional tracking options can be great things like monitoring nutrition, for example. When choosing a smart gadget, check the specs to see if it is right for you.
Question: How do I use a smart kitchen tool?
Answer: Use of smart kitchen gadgets varies by type and manufacturer. When choosing your product, always check the specs to make sure it will work for you. Many smart home devices require Bluetooth or a WiFi connection to work. Voice-controlled items may need another device, such as Alexa or Google Home to work best. The necessary apps are included for free and can be downloaded with your smartphone. For security reasons, always make sure to keep your app updated.
Question: What smart gadgets are useful in the kitchen?
Answer: This all depends on personal preference. However, nearly every kitchen gadget has a smart version. When considering what would work best for you, think about what benefits will improve your life. Are you trying to eat healthier? Is being able to remotely set timers and cook appealing? Smart kitchen tools exist to make your life easier, not more complicated, so don’t feel like you need to have an entire smart kitchen if you’re not ready for that. Selecting the right gadgets for you is a better idea. Finally, make sure that you have the proper setup in order to use your selected products. Most smart kitchen gadgets only need a simple WiFi connection, but it’s always a good idea to check the specs.
Question: How can I make my kitchen smarter?
Answer: A great time to make your kitchen smarter is when you are planning to upgrade appliances or are going to buy a gadget anyhow. Why not get the best version possible if you’re going to get it anyway? Adding smart appliances and gadgets as you go will give you a better sense of what you need and what works best with your lifestyle. Another way to make your kitchen smarter is with smart plugs. When you plug a “dumb” device (for example, a lamp) into a smart plug, you can control it by app. This can be a way to update your kitchen without shelling out for new devices.
Smart kitchen gadgets continue to innovate and are here to stay. What kitchen tools have you added into your life? Let us know in the comments!
{{ commentsCountView }}
Drop a Comment