10 Best Kitchen Appliances in Singapore
I look left, look right in hopes that someone will buy all of these for me.
By Kendra Tan -
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Confession time: As I daydream about my future first home in Singapore, my virtual shopping cart is overflowing with kitchen gadgets I absolutely adore. Whether it’s a wish for that gorgeous countertop or a vision of chef-level convenience, these are the dream appliances I keep adding to my “one day” list. Sure, practicality often wins the day, but a little wishful thinking never hurt anyone — especially when it comes to imagining the ultimate kitchen glow-up.
You know how it goes: A trip to Harvey Norman, Courts, or Mega Discount Store turns into a BTO group buy treasure hunt with each shiny appliance calling out my name.
Here’s my list of the best, creme de la creme, “luxury” kitchen gadgets that tempt me the most — and why they’re sitting pretty at the top of my fantasy wish list. Please tell me if you have some better appliance ideas!
Ninja Foodi AF300, $299
Why I’m obsessed: The convenience of cooking two different foods at once, with air crispiness at the touch of a button? Yes, please! Sure, I could go for a basic $33 air fryer from Shopee, but the Ninja just feels next-level.
What makes it stand out is how it lets you prepare a main and sides — or even two completely different dishes — at the same time, each with its own timing and temperature. Everything is ready together, always hot and perfectly cooked.
The range of functions goes way beyond air frying, so it easily handles everything from roasting to baking, reheating or even making your own healthy snacks. With its clever sync feature, both baskets can finish cooking simultaneously even if you started them at different times, making dinner coordination totally effortless.
It cooks so much faster than a regular oven, plus you use much less oil without losing that addictive crispy texture. The generous capacity makes it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to gatherings and meal prep.
On top of that, cleanup is quick and painless — the non-stick baskets pop straight into the dishwasher. Every time I think of effortless frying, the Ninja Foodie zooms right back to the top of my wish list.
Smeg 2-Slice Toaster, $218
I’d be absolutely mortified if my mum ever found out I spent over $200 on a toaster, especially when a Philips one goes for just $38. But let’s be honest, the Smeg Toaster is impossible to resist. There’s just something about its iconic retro curves that makes it the instant centrepiece of any kitchen.
It doesn’t just look good, either. The Smeg flawlessly browns everything from thick sourdough to fluffy brioche, with precise settings so every bite is just how you like it — crisp on the outside, pillowy inside. Even frozen bread toasts up perfectly, and reheating yesterday’s slice never feels second-rate.
Thermomix TM6, $2,850
Do I actually have $2,850 casually lying around for a kitchen gadget? No. But do I find myself fantasising about owning the Thermomix? Heck yes.
Personally, I feel it’s the kind of device you can justify obsessing over. The TM6 can basically do everything except your grocery shopping: it chops, stirs, steams, kneads, sautés, blends, grates, grinds, whips, cooks sous-vide, and even cleans itself when you’re done. It takes the intimidation out of trying new dishes, thanks to its massive library of guided recipes and touchscreen interface that walks you through every step.
The real magic is that it makes gourmet-level meals feel possible — even on chaotic weeknights. Risotto without constant stirring, dough in minutes, homemade nut butters with zero additives, slow-cooked stews, and even desserts all come out perfectly with just a tap. That kind of versatility and consistency means you can experiment, save time, and still wow your guests.
While my bank account may not be ready, this legendary all-in-one machine never leaves my dream kitchen gadgets wish list.
IKEA LAGAN Integrated Dishwasher, $795
I have my own dish washer at home, and it is my husband. So, do I really want to spend almost $800 on a machine just to do what he already does — and for free?
But the IKEA LAGAN keeps tempting me for more reasons than I care to admit. First, there’s the pure thrill of pressing a button and letting the machine handle the post-dinner mess, especially after a big gathering or when we’re both wiped out.
With its integrated design, the LAGAN disappears seamlessly into the kitchen for that ultra-sleek look — no bulky white box on display. Despite being compact, it fits loads of dishes and runs quietly, making late-night cleaning actually possible without waking anyone up. Modern dishwashers use water and energy way more efficiently than hand-washing, so there’s that small pang of eco-guilt being slightly eased too.
Every time I picture myself stacking in dirty plates, hitting ‘start,’ and walking away — maybe even sitting down for a glass of wine instead of scrubbing at the sink — this dishwasher starts to feel a lot less like a splurge and more like an investment in my future kitchen happiness (and maybe my marriage, too).
Nespresso Lattissima One Coffee Machine, $499
I admit, my first instinct was pure practicality — for the same price as this coffee machine, I could easily buy more than 220 cups of kopi bing (ice coffee) at my favourite hawker stall. On the surface, it feels like a splurge for something you could get much cheaper every day.
But looking a little further ahead, it actually starts to make sense. The Lattissima One is built to last and, with every pod costing just 60 cents to a dollar, those café-style lattes start to feel much more accessible. Over time, it’s not just about saving money per cup; it also means indulging in café-quality coffee at home whenever you want, without the queues or the commute.
There are definitely cheaper alternatives (I’ve seen machines like the Iuiga coffee machine going for under $85), but none of them have the same “wow” factor as the Lattissima in crisp white. It’s genuinely a stunner — every time I imagine it sitting pretty on the countertop, I picture guests instantly thinking I’ve levelled up my home.
Tefal Easy Rice Plus, $92
Rice cookers are a must-have in any Asian kitchen, and sure, I could settle for a $30 model and call it a day. But the almost-$100 Tefal Easy Rice Plus keeps winning me over — and not just because I want to feel “smarter” in the kitchen.
It’s designed to deliver perfectly fluffy rice every time, with smart features that take out all the guesswork. The touch controls and pre-set programmes let you cook everything from jasmine to brown rice, porridge, or even multigrain blends with just a few taps. No more peeking, stirring, or worrying about burnt bottoms — it handles it all for you, adjusting time and heat as needed.
It’s helpful for those nights where you just want to cut down on dinner prep: I can start the rice, focus on prepping the rest of the meal, and trust that it’ll keep the grains warm until we’re ready to eat. Not only that, the keep-warm and delayed-start functions make it easy to sync rice with the rest of the meal, so everything comes together seamlessly.
SodaStream GAIA Black Sparkling Water Maker, $139
I totally get the appeal — the SodaStream GAIA just looks like pure fun, especially when you spot it shining on someone else’s countertop. The promise of instant, fizzy drinks at home is seriously tempting and can make even plain tap water feel like a treat. It’s got that vibe that makes you feel like you’re owning a micro soda factory — perfect for parties, last-minute mocktails, or just jazzing up dinner.
The reason why I’ve held back on getting it is because I have a cousin who has this in her kitchen but I’ve never ever seen her use it.
I couldn’t help but wonder if the excitement had faded. She admitted that, at first, it was a huge thrill — everyone got a kick out of making home-brewed spritzers and fizzy mixers. But as time passed, she found herself reaching for it less often, and the reasons are surprisingly relatable:
Habit over hype: After the initial phase of experimenting with bubbles and flavours, her daily habits just slipped back to normal. Regular water or the occasional canned soda was simply easier when she wasn’t thinking about it.
Refill chore: She mentioned that remembering to get CO₂ canisters exchanged was a minor hassle. While not difficult, it’s one more errand to juggle, especially if you don’t go through gas quickly.
Cleaning and upkeep: The bottles need to be rinsed out right after use, and occasionally the mechanism needs a wipe-down — which can feel tedious if sparkling water isn’t a daily staple.
Not a daily essential: When life got busier, she just didn’t crave sparkling water all that much. The machine became something for special occasions or guests, not for everyday hydration.
Over time, she realised that the benefits only really add up if you’re a frequent sparkling water drinker. For an occasional treat, the savings weren’t significant enough to outweigh the initial cost, refill expenses, and time spent.
“Might as well just bulk buy Perrier instead,” she said.
LG InstaView Door-in-Door® Side by Side Fridge, $4,599
I’ll admit it: TikTok completely swayed me on this one. The LG InstaView is everywhere — influencers showing off that double-tap magic glass, perfect shelves, and suddenly I find myself adding it to my mental wish list. But do I really need to see inside my fridge without opening the door — or am I just caught up in the hype?
This fridge is impressive for more than just its viral status. The InstaView “knock-knock” feature lets you illuminate the contents with two quick taps on a mirrored glass panel — checking what’s inside without opening the main door and preventing cold air from escaping.
In theory, this keeps food fresher and saves on your energy bill. It’s especially designed for those “What snacks do I still have?” moments or when you’re showing off to friends.
Beyond the showy glass, the Door-in-Door compartment gives you rapid access to drinks and quick snacks while minimising cold air loss, which might actually help your groceries last longer. Inside, everything feels slickly organised, temperature-regulated, and customisable, thanks to features like adjustable shelves, a spacious 600+ litre capacity, and options for cubes, crushed ice, or filtered water without plumbing.
Russell Hobbs Classics Salt & Pepper Grinder, $75
$75 for a pair of salt and pepper grinders makes me pause every time — just think how many shakers (or even bags of salt and pepper) you could buy for that price! It’s definitely the kind of purchase my practical side tries to talk me out of, suggesting I could just shake my seasonings like everyone else and pocket the extra cash.
Still, there’s something undeniably tempting about the Russell Hobbs set. For one, the feel of freshly cracked salt and pepper is genuinely different (I don’t know why). The grinders themselves are built with smooth, durable ceramic mechanisms that promise a consistent grind, from fine dusting to chunky flakes, and they just make the finishing touch to a dish feel a bit more “chef-y.” Design-wise, they look elegant on the table or counter, and there’s a certain satisfaction in the weight and precision that a good grinder brings, especially if you like to cook or host.
At the end of the day, do you need an expensive salt and pepper grinder? Absolutely not — shaking pre-ground seasoning works just fine. But for home cooks who love details or anyone looking to add a subtle sense of luxury to their daily meals, these grinders can feel like a little splurge that brightens even the most ordinary lunch or dinner.
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, $274
This is one of those gadgets that instantly sparks my imagination. The Ninja CREAMi is designed to turn just about any mixture into creamy, scoopable ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or even smoothie bowls without the fuss of traditional churning or expensive store-bought pints.
What draws me in is its sheer versatility: you simply prep your base (think yoghurt, fruit purée, or even leftover desserts), freeze it overnight, and then let the machine work its magic with a touch of a button.
Even the consistency is adjustable — there’s a “re-spin” function that lets you go from soft-serve to thick and scoopable, depending on your mood. Clean-up is refreshingly simple too, with dishwasher-safe containers and removable parts.
The only reason why I haven’t gotten it yet is because I don’t eat that much ice cream. But if you love the brain freeze, I would highly recommend this.
Ninja Blast Portable Blender, $77
It’s true — at just $77, the Ninja Blast Portable Blender feels like a fun impulse buy rather than a serious splurge. But then the real question sets in: how often do I honestly crave smoothies enough to justify a dedicated gadget?
That mini dilemma aside, there’s still a lot to love about it. The compact, cordless design makes it easy to bring along anywhere and blend up shakes or juices in seconds — whether you’re dashing to work, heading to the gym, or even setting out for a picnic. It’s lightweight, durable, and simple to clean, which adds to the temptation, especially for anyone who wants healthy snacks without fuss.
But there’s a small, sneaky fear I have whenever it comes to blenders: those razor-sharp blades hiding at the bottom. That “what if” thought creeps in about cleaning or handling them, especially with the portable style. The upside is that most portable blenders like the Ninja Blast are designed with built-in safety features — the cup usually won’t start blending unless it’s properly secured in place, and the blades are recessed to make accidental cuts less likely. Still, it’s a gadget that deserves a bit of caution, and definitely no reaching in without unplugging or making sure it’s switched off first.