When it comes to major appliance purchases, it’s best to go with something quality, classic, and perennial. Countertop appliances, on the other hand, being small and easy to stow, you can have a little fun with.
Thanks to online shopping and international shipping, access to appliances from countries outside of the United States is better than ever. Here are our favorite finds.
Above: The Recolte Solo Oven Toaster, shown in orange, is from Japan. It’s compact; approximately 10 by 11 inches and, according to reviews, toasts one slice at a time (good for cultivating patience). The toaster oven is $159.45 at Amazon.
A Coffee Maker from Germany
Above: German company Ritter makes a series of kitchen appliances. The Ritter Coffee Maker Cafena is broken up into three sections: top for water, middle for the filter, and bottom for the carafe. It’s still partially made by hand in Bavaria today; £194.95 ($259) at Pro Idée in the UK.
A Slow Cooker from Japan
Above: Another appliance from Japanese company Recolte, the Recolte Pot Duo Fête Electronic Pot Multi Cooker (available in navy or red) cooks, steams, bakes, and fries food; $155.45 at Amazon.
An Ice Cream Maker from Italy
Above: The Italian Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker with all stainless steel construction is fully automatic and timer controlled, the machine shuts off automatically when the ice cream is ready. Comes with a 1.5-quart bowl and a one-year warranty; $714.71 at Amazon. For other ice cream makers, see 5 Favorites: Fuss-Free Ice Cream Makers.
A Steam Toaster Oven from Japan
Above: The new Balmuda Steam Oven Toaster from Japan uses has a steam feature for toasting and warming breads (ideal for the plain toast, baguette, croissant, rice cake, and croque monsieur lover). It’s $379.90 through Amazon or can be purchased directly from Balmuda in Japan. For more toaster ovens, see 10 Easy Pieces: Toaster Ovens.
A Sandwich Maker from Italy
Above: Milan Toast is an Italian company manufacturing hotel and catering equipment. The Milan Toast Sandwich Maker in gold (it also comes in orange, red, black, and silver) is €352 ($417) at Milan Toast.
A Stand Mixer from the UK
Above: The Aga kMix Stand Mixer has a 500-watt motor and is fully constructed from aluminum; £349.99 ($555) at the Aga Shop, in Northern Ireland. The kMix is also branded under Kenwood, currently available in the US for $473 on Amazon. For more, see 10 Easy Pieces: Kitchen Stand Mixers.
A Blender from Germany
Above: The German-made Bianco Attivo Blender comes in a range of colors and is made with Japanese blades; €299 ($354) at Connox.
For more kitchen essentials sourced outside of the US, see our posts:
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