Looking for solid kitchen gear that won’t break the bank? You can absolutely kit out a functional, fun kitchen without dropping big bucks. This guide points you to the best kitchen appliances under $100, explains how we picked them, and gives quick buying tips so you get useful gear — not clutter. I kept it simple and friendly, with short lists and a clean table so you can skim and buy.
Quick Highlights
- You can find reliable air fryers, toaster ovens, blenders, and more for under $100 if you shop smart. (Consumer Reports, 2025).
- Budget air fryers like the Cosori TurboBlaze perform surprisingly well for everyday use and often drop below $100 during sales (RTINGS, 2025).
- Popular toaster ovens from trusted brands offer good convection and bake performance at about $50–$100 (Allrecipes & Consumer Reports, 2025).
- For blenders and personal mixers, tested budget models hold up for smoothies and prep if you set expectations (RTINGS, 2025).
- Trusted test kitchens (Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats) continue to recommend specific sub-$100 picks for small kitchens and students (Food & Wine, 2025).
Table of Contents
- Top picks by category
- Quick buying checklist (what matters)
- How we chose these picks (what to trust)
- Care & maintenance tips
- Where to look for deals (retailers and timing)
- FAQ (6–8 questions)
Top picks by category
Below is a compact table of practical picks that commonly sit under $100. These are the types of appliances you should look for — model availability and price change, but these categories and brand examples are solid starting points.
| Category | Best pick (example) | Why it’s a good buy | Typical price range (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | Cosori TurboBlaze (budget models) | Good crisping for fries/veg; solid value in tests. | Usually $50–$100 (sales often bring it under $100) |
| Toaster oven | Black+Decker / Hamilton Beach budget ovens | Simple, reliable for baking & reheating; good entry-level convection options. | $40–$90 |
| Personal blender | Ninja / Black+Decker personal blenders | Great for smoothies, compact, dishwasher-safe parts. | $30–$80 |
| Hand mixer | Hamilton Beach / Sunbeam (basic models) | Lightweight, enough power for doughs & batters, cheap to replace. | $20–$40 |
| Immersion blender | Mueller / Braun budget models | Space-saving, easy cleanup for soups & sauces. | $25–$60 |
| Coffee maker (basic drip) | Mr. Coffee / Hamilton Beach 12-cup | Simple brew, dependable, inexpensive replacement cartridges/filters. | $20–$60 |
| Food chopper / mini food processor | Cuisinart or Hamilton Beach mini choppers | Great for herbs, nuts, small prep — cheaper than full-size processors. | $25–$60 |
| Electric kettle | Basic stainless or cordless models | Fast boil, good for tea/coffee, saves counter space. | $20–$45 |
Note: Prices fluctuate with sales and seasons — always check current retailer pricing. Consumer Reports maintains a dedicated list of tested small appliances under $100 (2025).
Quick buying checklist — what matters (short & useful)
- Size: measure counter/cabinet space first.
- Wattage / power: more watts = better performance (especially for blenders & toaster ovens).
- Capacity: single-person vs. family-sized cookware matters.
- Materials: glass jars and stainless parts last longer than cheap plastics.
- Cleaning: dishwasher-safe parts are a win.
- Warranty & returns: prefer at least 1-year warranty and easy returns.
- Reviews: look for recent, vetted reviews and test-lab results (not just star ratings).
How we chose these picks (what to trust)
I relied on recent lab tests and expert roundups from 2024–2025 test kitchens and review sites — Consumer Reports’ “27 Best Small Kitchen Appliances Under $100” (2025) and independent test reviews from RTINGS, Allrecipes, Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. These outlets run hands-on tests (cooking, timing, durability) and give real-world notes on performance and value. Cited sources include Consumer Reports (2025) and RTINGS/Allrecipes (2025).
Care & maintenance tips
- Clean after each use. Wipe heating elements and empty crumb trays.
- For blenders: blend warm water + soap then rinse to avoid smells.
- Replace filters and descalers (for kettles/coffee makers) on schedule.
- Store cords neatly — heat/cold cycles can damage wiring.
- Don’t overload small motors: follow recommended batch sizes.
Where to look for deals
- Major retailers often have these basics: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy.
- Off-price stores (e.g., Nordstrom Rack-type outlets, local clearance) sometimes carry branded models for less.
- Best times for deals: Labor Day, Black Friday, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day and Amazon Prime Day — seasonal windows when higher-tier models also drop into the under-$100 bracket. (Recent Labor Day 2025 deal roundups show many small-appliance discounts.)
FAQ
(Each question followed by a short, scannable answer.)
Q1: Are kitchen appliances under $100 any good?
A1: Absolutely — for everyday tasks like toasting, single-pot meals, smoothies, and air-frying snacks. Tests from trusted labs show many budget models deliver reliable basic performance.
Q2: Which appliance gives the most bang for your buck?
A2: An air fryer or a versatile toaster oven — they replace frying and reheating and often handle small baking jobs.
Q3: Is a cheap blender worth buying?
A3: Yes for smoothies and light prep. If you plan heavy-duty blending (ice crushing daily), consider stepping up or buying a tested stronger model when on sale.
Q4: How do I avoid a dud?
A4: Check test-lab reviews, recent customer feedback (watch for repeated failure reports), and confirm warranty/return policy before buying.
Q5: Can I rely on refurbished or open-box to get better quality under $100?
A5: Open-box and manufacturer refurbished are smart if they include a solid return policy or warranty — you can get higher-tier models for less.
Q6: What should I NOT buy cheaper?
A6: If you rely on espresso or specialty coffee daily, high-end grinders/espresso machines are worth investing in above $100 for consistency. Same for heavy-duty food processors.
Q7: Should I buy a small appliance by brand or by features?
A7: Features matter most — wattage, capacity, and test performance. Brand reputation helps for service and parts, though some lesser-known brands test very well.
Q8: How long will these budget appliances last?
A8: With proper care, many last several years. Expect different lifespans: hand mixers and kettles can last a long time; cheap motors in blenders/air fryers may wear faster if overloaded.
