Best Kitchen Appliances for Serious Cooks
Updated October 27, 2026. Prices and availability were checked on that date and may change. Prices are in Canadian dollars unless marked US$.
I love a kitchen tool that looks good and gives me a reason to cook. Living in a small Vancouver apartment also means being realistic about what deserves the space. A beautiful appliance still needs to suit the food you make, the room you have and the amount of care you want to give it.
This selection brings together kitchen appliances that interest me for their design and cooking features, alongside my own experience with our outdoor Ooni. It is an editorial selection rather than a comparative test of every product. The notes below cover model differences, Canadian buying options and a few practical considerations.
Precision, Power, and Control
Breville Control Freak Induction Cooktops
The commercial Control Freak pictured above uses temperature sensing to give cooks precise control over heat. For a home kitchen, the newer Breville Control Freak Home (BMC800) is the model to consider. Breville describes it as smaller and quieter than the commercial version, with a touchscreen and a temperature probe for tasks such as searing, poaching and making sauces.
Canadian buying note: The Control Freak Home is listed at C$1,899.99. It is a different model from the commercial cooker pictured, so check the model number when comparing prices.
ChefSteps Joule and Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide
The original ChefSteps Joule pictured above helped make sous-vide cooking accessible at home. The current Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide (BSV600) works with the Breville+ app and adds a Turbo function that shortens cooking time for selected recipes. Its slim shape makes it easier to store than many countertop appliances.
Canadian buying note: The Joule Turbo is listed at C$379.99 and was out of stock on Breville’s Canadian website when checked. App-based operation is part of the experience, so consider whether that suits the way you cook.
Sparkling Water and Better Coffee
Aarke Carbonator 3
The Aarke Carbonator 3 pairs a stainless-steel enclosure with a reusable water bottle for making sparkling water at home. It works without electricity, which gives you more freedom over where it sits. The appeal is especially clear if sparkling water is a daily habit and you would like to buy fewer single-use bottles.
Before buying: Allow for the cost of CO2 cylinder exchanges and check what the retailer includes. The Carbonator 3 support guide explains bottle compatibility; the glass bottle made for the Carbonator Pro is not compatible with this model.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro (BCG820) offers 60 grind settings, timed dosing and the option to grind directly into a portafilter, filter basket or container. Those adjustments are useful for households that switch between espresso, filter coffee and French press.
Canadian buying note: Breville lists it at C$299.99. Think about your usual brewing method and where the grinder will sit beside your coffee equipment before giving it a permanent spot.
Countertop Ovens and Indoor Pizza
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
For readers shopping the Smart Oven range, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900) is the 13-function model with air frying, proofing and dehydrating. It can cover several cooking jobs, including roasting, baking and reheating, which makes it worth considering when you are deciding how many separate appliances your kitchen needs.
Canadian buying note: Breville lists the Air Fryer Pro at C$599.99. The Smart Oven Pro, Air Fryer and Air Fryer Pro are different models. Compare the model number, functions and required counter space before ordering.
Ooni Volt 2 Indoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Volt 2 is a 12-inch electric pizza oven designed for indoor use, with digital controls and temperatures up to 850°F. It offers an indoor route to high-temperature pizza cooking for households that cannot accommodate an outdoor gas oven. It is a separate product from the outdoor Ooni I own and discuss below.
Canadian buying note: Ooni lists the Volt 2 at C$949. Check current stock, the oven’s dimensions and the installation clearances before deciding whether it fits your kitchen.
Toast and Baking
BALMUDA The Toaster Pro
BALMUDA The Toaster Pro uses a small amount of water to create steam during toasting. Its modes include toast, croissants and pizza, while Salamander Grill Mode provides concentrated heat from above for finishing dishes. The mix of bread-focused settings and compact design makes it an interesting option to investigate.
Canadian availability caveat: The US listing is US$379, not a Canadian price. BALMUDA’s US warranty policy applies to products purchased, used and located in the United States. Confirm an authorized Canadian seller and local warranty support before buying for use here.
KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series mixer pictured here pairs a deep green finish with a walnut bowl. I love the warmth the wood brings to the familiar stand-mixer shape, but the bowl’s upkeep deserves as much attention as its appearance.
Care to consider: KitchenAid says to handwash the walnut bowl, dry it immediately and condition it with a food-safe oil or wood conditioner. It is not dishwasher-safe. Read the wooden-bowl care instructions and check current Canadian availability before choosing this edition.
When the Kitchen Moves Outside
Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven
We have an Ooni outdoor pizza oven and absolutely love it. It lives at a friend’s house because our small Vancouver apartment does not have the space for it. We have used it for focaccia, steaks and vegetables as well as pizza, which has given us plenty of reasons to keep cooking with it.
Before buying: An outdoor oven needs a suitable outdoor setup. Ooni’s current Koda range includes several sizes and generations, so compare the exact model and fuel requirements. Our experience here is with our existing oven, rather than a test of every model in the range.
Choosing What Earns a Place in Your Kitchen
Start with what you cook most often. A dedicated baker, a daily espresso drinker and someone planning outdoor pizza nights will make different choices. Measure the space, read the care instructions and look at the accessories you will need. Good design matters, but so does finding an appliance you will enjoy using.
