5 Kitchen Appliances That Will Help You Eat Healthier (and Save You Money)

It’s safe to say that we’re all a little over cooking and eating at home. Sure, we got really excited about sourdough, banana bread, and various other baking projects, but the key word there is projects. Project cooking is fun. Cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner day in and day out? Less fun. But what if there were an easy way to make it a bit more fun? Or at least easier and healthier? What about cheaper? Enter these kitchen appliances.

Each of these small appliances make preparing healthy food and drinks at home a whole lot easier — which also means more money in your savings account. Add one (or more) to your holiday wish list, or go ahead and invest in something for yourself. You’re worth it.

1. Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven, $65

Ever have those evenings when you’re so hungry you just can’t wait for your oven to preheat? That’s where this toaster oven comes in. It preheats in minutes and is perfect for baking a sweet potato, roasting a piece of fish, or warming up some chicken quesadillas. In other words, it will help you avoid eating cereal for dinner or turning to that stack of takeout menus in your junk drawer.

2. Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1, $60

What would we do without our Instant Pot? It makes it possible — easy even! — to cook healthy, home-cooked meals in less than 30 minutes. You can also make homemade yogurt and bone broth, two foods that can be very expensive to buy from the store. We love this mini version, which is also super-affordable.

3. Dash Compact Air Fryer, $50

Step aside, Instant Pot—the It Girl of kitchen gadgets right now is the air fryer. All over our Insta feeds, we’re seeing tons of creative cooks air-fry everything from meat and fish to vegetables, potatoes, even cookies and muffins. This compact version is perfect if you’re looking to try this trend out. Plus, it comes in cute colors like red and aqua.

4. SodaStream Fizzi, $69

If you’re addicted to Pellegrino and Spindrift, a SodaSteam is your new best friend. It makes delicious, refreshing sparkling water in about 5 seconds. And you can make your own sparkling water drinks. For example, try adding a few drops of ginger extract for a sugar-free homemade ginger ale. Opting for sparkling water is a great way to reduce your intake of soda, which is one of the biggest causes of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

5. Illy Espresso & Coffee Machine, $109

This is definitely the splurgiest item on the list, but espresso machines have gotten a lot more affordable—and a lot smaller, too. This one from Illy would fit in even the smallest of kitchens (or an office!) and will churn out delicious espresso drinks for way less than that $5 latte. Plus, it’s $40 off right now.