Modern cooking is becoming more convenient as technology moves into the kitchen. Smart kitchen appliances can connect to smartphones, provide guided cooking programs, offer programmable settings, or automate parts of the cooking process. For busy households, these features can make everyday meal preparation easier while giving you more control over how your appliances work.
In this guide, we look at five smart kitchen appliances that cover different cooking needs: the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, Instant Pot Pro Plus, COSORI Smart Air Fryer, Ninja Programmable Brewer, and Govee Smart Electric Kettle. Each appliance approaches connected cooking differently, so the right choice depends on your cooking style, available space, and the smart features you actually want to use.
The Breville Joule, for example, connects to the Breville+ ecosystem and offers guided recipes, progress monitoring, voice activation, and automated cooking features.
Breville (US) +1The Instant Pot Pro Plus is another connected option, with a 6-quart capacity and phone connectivity designed to guide users through cooking.Instant Pot
What Are Smart Kitchen Appliances?
Smart kitchen devices refers to electronically connected or digitally improved appliances in the Kitchen designed for providing additional functionality, automation, monitoring; or comfort than conventional green kitchen appliances.
Depending on the product, a smart appliance could connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to communicate with a smartphone app, provide programmable settings, send notifications, offer guided recipes and/or integrate with voice assistants.
But being “smart” does not ins a device. There must be a utility and good elements of this technology. Remote monitoring is beneficial if you tend to be busy in your house, or, guided cooking programs can assist you in learning your own recipes.
The most effective smart kitchen appliances blend functional cooking capability with technology that actually simplifies your daily routine.
Best Smart Kitchen Appliances at a Glance
Here are the five products featured in this guide:
| Smart Kitchen Appliance | Best For | Smart/Connected Feature | Cooking Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro | Multifunction cooking | Breville+ app, Autopilot, voice control | Oven, air fryer, dehydrator |
| Instant Pot Pro Plus | One-pot meals | Smartphone connectivity and guided cooking | Multicooker |
| COSORI Smart Air Fryer | Air frying | App-based smart control | Air fryer |
| Ninja Programmable Brewer | Coffee | Programmable brewing | Coffee maker |
| Govee Smart Electric Kettle | Tea and hot water | App-based temperature control | Electric kettle |
1. Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is one of the most versatile options in this smart kitchen appliances selection. It’s not so much a countertop oven as it is a renewed approach to how commercial kitchens can harness connected tech alongside multiple cooking methods.
Most important part of the paragraph for context: Breville claims the Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro has 13 smart cooking functions on its physical oven, plus three app-exclusive modes. Functions include toast, bagel, bake, air fry, broil, roast pizza cookies proof reheat slow cook keep warm dehydrate.
Key Features
- Breville+ app connectivity
- Guided cooking and recipes
- Joule Autopilot
- Air fry and dehydrate functions
- Multiple cooking presets
- Voice activation compatibility
- Element IQ temperature management
- 9-slice toaster capacity
- 13-inch pizza capacity
- 9 x 13-inch baking-pan capacity
The smart functionality is where this countertop oven becomes particularly interesting. Breville says the Breville+ experience provides guided recipes, cooking information, progress monitoring, and push notifications. It also supports hands-free voice activation through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The oven is also designed to replace several individual appliances. Its air-frying and dehydrating functions mean you may not need separate appliances for those tasks.
Pros
- Highly versatile countertop appliance
- Connected cooking features
- Guided recipes
- Air frying and dehydrating
- Voice-assistant compatibility
- Multiple cooking functions
- Useful for larger meals
Cons
- Larger countertop footprint
- More expensive than basic countertop ovens
- Some smart features require the app
- May be more appliance than a casual cook needs
2. Instant Pot Pro Plus
The Instant Pot Pro Plus 6QT Smart Multi-Cooker is another smart cooking device, but it takes a different tack. Instead of countertop oven functionality, this is an all-in-one electric multicooker offering a variety of cooking methods.
Instant Pot describes the Pro Plus as a smart 6-quart multicooker that connects to your phone and steps you through recipes. It duplicates 10-in-1 cooking functions too.
Key Features
- 6-quart capacity
- 10-in-1 functionality
- Smartphone connectivity
- Guided cooking
- Smart cooking controls
- WhisperQuiet steam release
- Multifunctional design
Pros
- Multifunctional cooking
- Smartphone connectivity
- Guided cooking
- 6-quart capacity
- Useful for one-pot meals
- Can replace several traditional cooking tools
Cons
- Takes up countertop space
- More complicated than a basic pressure cooker
- Connected features may not be important to everyone
- Requires learning the different cooking functions
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is a strong option for people who want to simplify meal preparation while using technology to guide the process.
3. COSORI Smart Air Fryer
The COSORI Smart Air Fryer is for people who want connected air-frying ease. Air fryers have already gained a lot of attention; they can cook foods with circulating hot air, and smart variations just take the most fundamental idea to the next level by adding digital connectivity.
Depending on the exact COSORI model you select, smart features include app connectivity, remote control functionality, cooking alerts as well as recipe access.
Key Features
- Smart air-frying functionality
- App connectivity
- Digital cooking controls
- Preset cooking programs
- Recipe support
- Compact countertop cooking
Pros
- Convenient air frying
- Connected controls
- Useful for everyday meals
- Digital presets
- Recipe support
- Generally easier to use than traditional frying methods
Cons
- Requires countertop space
- Smart features may not be necessary for everyone
- App-dependent features can add complexity
- Capacity varies by model
4. Ninja Programmable Brewer
Ninja Programmable Brewer with Smart Style Coffee Prep Coffee makers are one of those kitchen appliances that lend themselves well to programmability since many people would like to have their coffee prepared at a certain time.
A coffee maker with programmable features can fit into a regular morning routine. You no longer have to manually make yourself coffee each morning as you can program the machine according to how you like your coffee and when.
Key Features
- Programmable brewing
- Multiple brewing options depending on model
- Coffee-focused design
- Digital controls
- Convenient morning preparation
- Designed for everyday coffee use
Pros
- Convenient for daily coffee drinkers
- Programmable operation
- Easy to incorporate into a routine
- Useful for households that drink coffee regularly
- Less complicated than many multifunction appliances
Cons
- Primarily designed for coffee
- Takes permanent countertop space
- Features vary by Ninja model
- Programmability may be enough for some users without requiring a full smart-home ecosystem
5. Govee Smart Electric Kettle
The Govee Smart Electric Kettle is aimed at tea drinkers, coffee enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly heats water.
A connected kettle can add convenience through temperature control and smart-home integration. This can be especially useful for people who prepare different beverages requiring different water temperatures.
Key Features
- Smart connectivity
- Temperature control
- App-based functionality
- Electric heating
- Digital controls
- Useful for tea and coffee preparation
Pros
- Convenient water heating
- Useful temperature control
- Smart connectivity
- Helpful for tea enthusiasts
- Useful for pour-over coffee
- Compact compared with many larger kitchen appliances
Cons
- Mainly performs one primary task
- Smart features may be unnecessary for basic boiling
- Requires app setup for connected functionality
- Capacity should be checked before purchase
What Is a Smart Kitchen Appliance?
A smart kitchen appliance is a cooking or food-preparation device that uses digital technology to provide additional control, automation, connectivity, or monitoring.
Some smart appliances connect to Wi-Fi, while others may use Bluetooth or proprietary apps. Depending on the product, you may be able to change settings from a smartphone, receive notifications, access recipes, monitor cooking progress, or integrate the appliance with a voice assistant.
The Breville Joule Oven is a clear example because its connected system provides guided recipes, progress monitoring, app-exclusive cooking modes, and voice activation.
What Are Examples of Smart Appliances?
Examples of smart kitchen appliances include:
- Smart ovens
- Smart countertop ovens
- Smart air fryers
- Smart multicookers
- Smart coffee makers
- Smart electric kettles
- Smart refrigerators
- Smart dishwashers
- Smart microwaves
- Smart cooking thermometers
The important distinction is that a smart appliance usually provides some form of digital connectivity, automation, or advanced electronic control.
Not every appliance with a digital display is necessarily a smart appliance. A traditional appliance can have electronic controls without connecting to your phone or home network.
What Does a Smart Kitchen Do?
A smart kitchen uses connected appliances and technology to make cooking, food preparation, monitoring, and household routines more convenient.
For example, a smart kitchen might allow you to:
- Monitor cooking progress from a smartphone
- Follow guided recipes
- Program appliances
- Receive cooking notifications
- Control certain appliances remotely
- Use voice commands
- Automate cooking steps
- Monitor temperatures
- Manage several connected devices
How Do I Make My Kitchen Smart?
You don’t need to replace every appliance to create a smart kitchen.
Start with one appliance that solves a real problem.
For example, coffee lovers might begin with a programmable or connected coffee maker. Someone who frequently cooks quick meals might start with a smart air fryer. A home cook who wants multifunctional cooking could consider a connected multicooker.
After choosing your first device, think about whether it works with your preferred smartphone platform or smart-home ecosystem.
You should also consider your Wi-Fi reliability, app requirements, privacy preferences, and whether you actually need remote control.
A smart kitchen should make your routine easier, not make it more complicated.
Benefits of Smart Kitchen Appliances
Convenience
Connected appliances can reduce the amount of manual monitoring required during cooking.
Automation
Programmable settings and automated cooking programs can simplify repetitive tasks.
Guided Cooking
Some smart appliances provide step-by-step recipes or cooking instructions. Breville’s Breville+ ecosystem, for example, provides guided recipes and cooking support.
Remote Monitoring
Some connected products allow you to check cooking progress through an app.
Better Control
Temperature settings, cooking programs, timers, and digital controls can give you greater precision.
Multifunctionality
Some smart kitchen appliances combine several cooking methods in one device, helping reduce the number of separate appliances you need.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Smart Kitchen?
Smart kitchens also have disadvantages.
The first is cost. Connected appliances can be more expensive than basic versions of the same product.
The second is complexity. An appliance with multiple settings, apps, notifications, and connectivity options can take longer to learn.
Another issue is dependence on technology. Some smart features require an app, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or an internet connection. If the connection fails, certain connected functions may not work as expected.
There can also be privacy considerations. Connected appliances may collect information through their apps or cloud services, so it is important to review the manufacturer’s privacy policies.
Finally, technology can become outdated. Smartphone operating systems, apps, cloud services, and connectivity standards can change over time.
For these reasons, you should choose smart kitchen appliances based on useful functionality rather than buying a product simply because it has the word “smart” in its name.
Are Smart Kitchen Appliances Worth It?
Smart kitchen appliances can be worth buying when their connected features solve a genuine problem.
If you frequently forget cooking times, remote monitoring may be useful. If you enjoy experimenting with recipes, guided cooking can be valuable. If you have a busy schedule, programmable functions can simplify your routine.
On the other hand, if you only need basic cooking functionality, a traditional appliance may provide better value.
The best approach is to identify the task you want to make easier first, then choose technology that supports that task.
How to Choose Smart Kitchen Appliances
Check the Smart Features
Don’t assume every smart appliance offers the same capabilities. Look at whether the device supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, smartphone control, voice assistants, notifications, guided recipes, or automation.
Check App Compatibility
Before buying, verify that the manufacturer’s app works with your phone and preferred operating system.
Consider Your Cooking Habits
Choose an appliance that matches what you actually cook.
A smart air fryer makes sense for someone who frequently air fries. A smart multicooker makes more sense for someone who prepares soups, stews, rice, or pressure-cooked meals.
Think About Counter Space
Multifunction appliances can save space by replacing several devices, but some smart appliances are physically large.
Breville’s Joule Oven, for example, measures approximately 21.4 inches wide by 17.3 inches deep, so it requires substantial countertop space.
Consider Long-Term Use
Ask yourself whether you will still use the smart features after the novelty wears off.
The best appliance is one that remains useful because of its cooking performance as well as its technology.
Final Thoughts
Smart kitchen appliances are changing the way people think about cooking at home. Instead of simply providing heat, blending, brewing, or boiling, modern appliances can combine traditional cooking functions with apps, automation, programmable controls, guided recipes, notifications, and voice commands.
The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro stands out for multifunction cooking and its connected Breville+ ecosystem. Breville says it offers 13 physical smart cooking functions plus three app-exclusive modes, along with guided recipes, progress monitoring, and voice-assistant compatibility.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is a strong option for people who want connected one-pot cooking, with a 6-quart capacity, 10-in-1 functionality, smartphone connectivity, and guided cooking.
The COSORI Smart Air Fryer can suit households looking for connected air-frying convenience, while the Ninja Programmable Brewer focuses on making coffee preparation easier through programmable brewing. The Govee Smart Electric Kettle is a practical choice for people who value convenient temperature-controlled water heating and smart connectivity.
Before purchasing any smart appliance, check the exact model, current specifications, app compatibility, connectivity requirements, warranty, and retailer listing. Smart features can vary considerably between models, even within the same brand.
Ultimately, the best smart kitchen is not necessarily the one with the most connected appliances. It is the kitchen where technology actually makes cooking easier, more organized, and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smart kitchen appliance?
A smart kitchen appliance is a digitally connected or automated kitchen device that provides additional control, monitoring, programming, or cooking assistance. Depending on the model, it may connect to a smartphone app, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a voice assistant.
What are examples of smart appliances?
Examples include smart ovens, connected countertop ovens, smart air fryers, smart multicookers, connected coffee makers, smart electric kettles, smart refrigerators, and smart microwaves. The exact smart functions depend on the manufacturer and model.
What does a smart kitchen do?
A smart kitchen uses connected technology to make cooking and food preparation more convenient. It can allow homeowners to program appliances, monitor cooking progress, receive notifications, follow guided recipes, control certain settings remotely, and use voice commands.
How do I make my kitchen smart?
Start with one appliance that provides a useful connected feature. You might choose a smart air fryer, connected oven, programmable coffee maker, smart kettle, or smart multicooker. Then check app compatibility and whether the device works with your preferred smart-home ecosystem.
What are the disadvantages of a smart kitchen?
The main disadvantages can include higher prices, app dependence, Wi-Fi requirements, greater complexity, privacy considerations, and the possibility that connected features may become outdated. A smart appliance is most worthwhile when its technology provides a practical benefit you will regularly use.
Do smart kitchen appliances need Wi-Fi?
Not necessarily. Some smart appliances use Wi-Fi, while others may use Bluetooth or a combination of connectivity methods. Basic cooking functions may continue to work without an internet connection, but certain remote or app-based features may require connectivity.
Are smart kitchen appliances worth the money?
They can be worth the money when their connected features save time, provide useful automation, or make cooking easier. If you rarely use smartphone controls or automated features, a conventional appliance may be a better value.
Can smart kitchen appliances save time?
Yes. Programmable cooking, guided recipes, automated cooking stages, notifications, and remote monitoring can reduce the amount of manual attention required. However, the amount of time saved depends on the appliance and how you use it.
What should I consider before buying a smart kitchen appliance?
Consider the appliance’s cooking performance, smart features, app compatibility, connectivity requirements, size, capacity, cleaning, warranty, price, and long-term usefulness. Most importantly, choose technology that solves an actual problem in your cooking routine.
