Best kitchen appliances

Tefal Cuisine Companion

Sit back and relax while this multi-function machine does the chopping, steaming, stirring and kneading for you. It has six automatic programs, 12 speeds, a 4.5-litre bowl and adjustable temperatures from 30C to 130C. Tefal, $1699

Sunbeam SecretChef electronic sear and slow cooker HP8555

Forget fiddling around with separate pans; this snazzy machine allows you to brown and slow-cook meat in one device. It has a 5.5-litre capacity, eight heat settings, and electronic controls. Sunbeam, $199, 1300 881 861

KitchenAid espresso machine KES2102

A commercial-quality machine for the coffee connoisseur, this 1300-watt model features two boilers for consistent performance with no delay between brewing and frothing, and die-cast metal construction. KitchenAid, $1999

Cuisinart Mini-Prep food processor 46815

Add a pop of colour to your kitchen with this funky little 200-watt mini blender that’s powerful enough to do everything from chopping herbs to grating cheese (it’s also available in blue, green, purple and pink). Cuisinart, $99.95, 1800 808 971

Miele benchtop coffee machine CM6300

This compact automatic espresso machine is perfect for small kitchens, and is designed to match Miele’s Generation 6000 built-in appliances for a seamless look. Features include intuitive controls and a time-saving “OneTouch for Two” function that allows users to make two cups of coffee simultaneously. Miele, $1599, 1300 464 353

Smeg stand mixer SMF01

Retro-cool and packed with features, this 800-watt stand mixer has an enamel-coated stainless steel body, 10-speed variable power, and a “planetary” mixing action to ensure all areas of the bowl are reached. Smeg, $799, (02) 8667 4888

De’Longhi Distinta two-slice toaster CTI2003CP

With its chic lines and matte copper finish, you won’t want to pack this Italian-designed 900-watt toaster away after breakfast. It boasts electronic controls, chrome-plated features and metal-wrapped touch points. De’Longhi, $169, 1800 126 659

Kambrook Belgian dual waffle press KWM200BSS

Mouth-watering waffles are easy with this 1100-watt machine. It has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning and waffle removal, and 2cm-deep plate for thick waffles. Kambrook, $59.95, 1300 139 798

Falcon Classic 110cm induction cooker CLAS110EI

This handsome cooker has a fast-heating induction cooktop, two electric ovens, a programmable oven function and residual heat indicators on the hob. Andi-co, $8319, 1800 685 899

Gaggenau 76cm pyrolytic double oven BX48

This top-of-the-range oven has 17 heating methods, pyrolytic cleaning, TFT touch display and electronic temperature control from 30C to 300C. Gaggenau, $19,999; Sampford IXL, 1300 727 421

Bosch Series 8 Multifunction Oven with Added Steam HRG6767S1A

This fully intuitive model does it all, from finding the perfect temperature and cooking time to monitoring the progress of baked goods and switching off when they’re done. Bosch, $3299

Blanco freestanding oven BFD915WX

At 150 litres, this 90cm dual-fuel model has the largest-capacity oven, the fastest heat-up time and a multi-fan system for even heat. Blanco, $2499, 1300 739 033

Neff built-in microwave C54L60N3GB

This stylish, built-in 60cm model has seven automatic programs, five power levels, two recipe memory positions, electronic controls, and Innowave technology for even cooking results. Winning Appliances, $1599, (02) 9694 0300

LG combi microwave oven MA3281T

This smart four-in-one model offers convection, microwave, grill and steam cooking. Appealing extras include an easy control panel and Infraspeed heating for tastier results. LG, $999

Panasonic flatbed microwave oven NN-CF770M

Running out of oven space? Consider this combination model that offers microwave and convection cooking in one. It features a flatbed design (so no turntable), and inverter technology that results in even cooking. Domayne (in-store only), $749

Ilve Piano Flushline 60cm gas cooktop ILFM604TC

Choose between a built-in flush or semi-flush top for this four-gas-burner cooktop. Features include front sensor control panels, programmable cooking times, electronic ignition, and quality cast-iron trivets. Ilve, $1999, 1300 694 583

Fisher & Paykel Three-Zone 60cm induction cooktop C1603DTB2

This newly released induction cooktop features rapid heating, a flat easy-clean frameless glass surface, pan-detection system, and touch-and-slide electronic controls. Fisher & Paykel, $1849

Westinghouse French door refrigerator WHE7670SA

The perfect size for families, this fridge has a 762-litre capacity, an ice and water dispenser, humidity-controlled crispers and electronic touch controls. Domayne, $2799

Mitsubishi L4 grande French door 710-litre refrigerator MR-L710EG-DB-A

With its dramatic black finish, this fridge is designed to be noticed. Features include a multi-airflow system that keeps food fresh for longer, an ice dispenser and heat-resistant tempered glass shelves that hold up to 101kg. Domayne, $3400

Samsung Food Showcase 636-litre side-by-side refrigerator SRS636SCLS 636L

Another smart door-in-door design that gives you quick access to on-the-go items. This fridge also features an in-door ice-maker, triple cooling technology and LED lighting. Samsung, $4599

LG five-door French door 712-litre refrigerator GF5D712-SL

Thanks to its door-in-door design you’ll have access to items without affecting its interior temperature. It also features an in-door ice-maker and three full-width shelves. LG, $5199

Miele fully-integrated dishwasher G6995 SCVi XXL K20 AUS

This clever and stylish 60cm model has a handle-free motorised door that automatically opens at the end of the cycle so all items are completely dry. It also has a 3.5-star energy rating and 5.5-star WELS rating. Miele, $4299, 1300 464 353

De’Longhi freestanding dishwasher DEDW650S

Good looks and quiet operation define this model. It’s energy efficient, too, with a 3.5-star energy rating and 5-star WELS rating. It also features a durable, brushless motor and separate cutlery tray. De’Longhi, $1199, 1800 126 659,

Siemens iQ700 tallTUB fully-integrated dishwasher SX678X01TA

A feature-laden 60cm model that has efficient drying, a flexible loading system, colour TFT display (which projects remaining cycle time on the floor), a pre-programming option, and 4.5-star energy and 5-star WELS ratings. Siemens, $2699, 1300 368 339

Fisher & Paykel built-in double dishdrawer DD60DCX7

Forget bending to load and unload – this model can be positioned at a comfortable height in the kitchen. It has two drawers, nine wash programmes, a 3.5-star energy and 4.5-star WELS rating. Harvey Norman, $1599, 1300 464 278