Specialty Kitchen Appliances

The specialty small appliance genre is one that acts as a catch-all for the latest quirky kitchen gadgets to hit the market. Here, we'll take a look at some high-tech - and high-creativity - small appliances that can add an extra spice (and the fruits of its labor) to your kitchen.

• Bread machines: Perhaps the most-used specialty small appliance, bread makers take the hard work out of making breads by doing the kneading for you.


• Carnival goodie-makers: Ever get a hankering for freshly popped popcorn or sticky-sweet cotton candy? Consider enhancing your kitchen with a popcorn popper, a cotton candy maker, or even a hot dog cooker or toaster. All these small appliances come in small-scale, counter-ready sizes.


• Fondue pots: Join the fondue revival with a classic, retro fondue pot; simply place fondue in the pot once it's made - it'll rest over a heating mechanism, and the fondue will stay warm for hours (proving it's the perfect party appliance).


• Ice makers, shavers, crushers: No host wants to hear a party's run out of ice halfway through, and with an ice maker, no host will ever have to. Portable ice makers can make and store pounds of ice, and shavers and crushers can turn that ice into sweet snow cones or frosty cocktails on hot summer days.


• Water purifiers: Some of the smallest and most affordable specialty kitchen appliances, water purifiers clear tap water of harsh chemicals for an improved taste. Select a filtering pitcher for the fridge or a purifier that attaches directly to the faucet of your kitchen sink.