When it comes to kitting out the modern Irish kitchen, size isn’t everything. While your fridge freezer and oven may do the heavy lifting, it's often the small appliances that save you time, elevate your cooking, and make everyday tasks feel effortless.
From your morning coffee ritual to quick dinners on busy weeknights, the right compact appliances can be the difference between chaos and convenience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top small appliances that belong in every Irish kitchen - each one proving that good things truly do come in small packages.
Air Fryer: The Modern-Day Must-Have
Once seen as a novelty, the air fryer has fast become a staple in Irish kitchens. Why?
Because it delivers crispy, delicious meals using a fraction of the oil traditional frying needs. Perfect for quick dinners, healthy snacks, and even reheating leftovers, an air fryer can replace several cooking methods with one compact device.
Top Picks at DID.ie:
Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer - Cook two different foods at once with independent temperature and time controls.
Morphy Richards Manual Air Fryer - A sleek, space-saving option.
Whether you're whipping up homemade chips, crispy chicken, or even baking brownies, the air fryer’s versatility is unmatched.
Coffee Machine: Your Morning Hero
Irish coffee culture is thriving, and for many, a barista-style coffee at home is non-negotiable.
A quality coffee machine doesn’t just save you time and money - it’s a game-changer for your morning routine.
Types to Consider:
Pod Machines (e.g., Nespresso) - Ideal for quick, mess-free coffee with consistent flavour.
Bean-to-Cup Machines (e.g., De’Longhi) - For those who want freshly ground beans and café-quality brews.
Espresso Machines - A must for coffee aficionados who enjoy full control over their cup.
Best Sellers at DID.ie:
Nespresso Vertuo Pop - With a wide range of pod flavours, it’s perfect for variety seekers.
De’Longhi Magnifica Bean-to-Cup - A premium option for true coffee lovers.
Toaster: The Classic Companion
No kitchen is complete without a toaster. Whether it’s breakfast toast, bagels, or late-night snacks, this humble appliance is one of the most used in any home.
What to Look For:
Wide slots for artisan breads
Defrost and reheat settings
Variable browning control
Staff Favourites:
Russell Hobbs Inspire 4-Slice Toaster - Stylish and compact with great functionality.
Sage The Toast Select Luxe - For those who want the luxury touch.
Kettle: Ireland’s Unofficial National Appliance
If there's one small appliance you’ll find in every Irish kitchen, it’s the kettle. With tea and coffee flowing through the veins of Irish culture, a fast-boiling, energy-efficient kettle is essential.
Key Features:
Rapid boil
Temperature control for tea lovers
Keep-warm function
Popular Models:
DeLonghi Icona Vintage Kettle - For those who love a classic.
Russel Hobbs Eclipse Kettle - A perfect blend of performance and style.
Don’t overlook the kettle - it works harder than you think!
Blender or Smoothie Maker: For Health on the Go
Whether you’re blending protein shakes, soups, or smoothies, a compact blender can help you stay on top of your health goals with minimal mess and effort.
Ideal Uses:
Morning smoothies
Homemade soups and sauces
Nut butters and dips
DID.ie Favourites:
NutriBullet Pro - A powerhouse in a small footprint.
Braun MultiQuick - A great all-rounder for smoothies and soups
Pro tip: Look for dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
Microwave: The Underrated Hero
While microwaves may not be glamorous, they’re one of the most practical small appliances. Perfect for reheating, defrosting, and even cooking full meals, a good microwave is essential for busy Irish households.
Features to Look For:
Auto cook and defrost settings
Inverter technology for even heating
Compact design with high capacity
Best Options:
Dimplex 20L 800W Microwave - Fast, even cooking every time.
Sharp Solo Touch Microwave - Affordable, reliable, and ideal for students or smaller kitchens.
Food Processor: Your Kitchen Sidekick appliance
If you cook regularly, a food processor is your secret weapon. It chops, slices, shreds, kneads, and blends - saving you countless hours of prep time.
What It Can Do:
Chop onions without tears
Knead dough for homemade bread
Shred cheese, slice vegetables, and blend sauces.
Recommended Appliances:
Kenwood MultiPro Compact - Compact yet powerful with a wide range of attachments.
Magimix 3200XL - A premium choice with exceptional durability.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For Bakers & Busy Parents
From whipping cream to mixing dough, a mixer makes baking a breeze. If you love home baking or have kids who do, this appliance earns its place on the counter.
Choose Between:
Hand Mixers - Compact and easy to store.
Stand Mixers - Ideal for regular bakers and larger batches.
Best at DID.ie:
Kenwood Chef Stand Mixer - Powerful and built to last.
Russell Hobbs Hand Mixer - Great for quick bakes and smaller kitchens.
Slow Cooker or Multi-Cooker: Dinner While You Work
With our busy lives, the appeal of a slow cooker or multi-cooker is huge. These time-saving devices let you throw in ingredients, set the timer, and come home to a hot, ready meal.
Options:
Slow Cookers - Great for stews, soups, and curries.
Multi-Cookers (like the Instant Pot) - Combine pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and more in one appliance.
Best-Sellers:
Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker - Perfect for families.
Sage 1100W Fast Slow Multifunction - A cult favourite for good reason.
Electric Grills & Sandwich Makers: Quick Meals Sorted
For quick snacks or lunches, an electric grill or sandwich press is incredibly handy. Toasties, paninis, grilled chicken - you can do it all without turning on the hob.
Great Choices:
George Foreman Grill - A healthier way to grill, with fat-draining plates.
Russell Hobbs Easy Clean Sandwich Maker - Great for classic toasted sandwiches.
Perfect for small spaces and fast results.
Tips for Choosing Small Appliances for Your Kitchen
Before you fill your countertops, consider the following:
1. Space Efficiency
Look for stackable or multi-functional appliances if you're tight on space. For example, an air fryer with a grill function can replace multiple devices.
2. Energy Efficiency
Check for appliances with low energy consumption, especially those used frequently like kettles and microwaves.
3. Ease of Cleaning
Removable parts and dishwasher-safe components can make your life easier.
4. Match Your Lifestyle
If you're always on the go, a smoothie maker or slow cooker might serve you better than a stand mixer. Buy what you'll use regularly.
Why Buy Small Appliances at DID.ie?
At DID.ie, we pride ourselves on helping Irish homes function better - one appliance at a time. With nationwide delivery, click-and-collect options, expert advice, and regular offers on top brands, finding the right small appliance has never been easier.
Our curated selection includes the most trusted names in appliances, from Kenwood to Ninja, Russell Hobbs, Sage, and more. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, our team is always ready to help you choose the right fit for your kitchen.
Small appliances may not take up much space, but they certainly pull their weight. Whether you're brewing your perfect cup of coffee, air frying your dinner, or blending up a smoothie, these compact tools make everyday life more convenient, enjoyable, and efficient.
With the right mix of form and function, you can transform your kitchen into a well-oiled machine - without needing a full renovation.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen game, shop our full range of small kitchen appliances at DID.ie and discover just how mighty these mini marvels can be.