Some of Consumer Reports’ top-rated small appliances carry big price tags so now’s a good time to look for holiday sales online or in the stores. As the holiday countdown continues, prices are bound to go down as well. Of course, you can also find some top-performing gems for a lot less as we recently reported in “Small appliances at Black Friday prices all year long.” Here are some of the best small appliances from our tests (prices are suggested retail).
For those who have always coveted a stand mixer, consider one of the three KitchenAids on our list of top mixer picks, the Professional, the Classic, and the Artisan. We also recommend the Breville BEM800XL, $300. Another good choice is the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322[1], $180.
![]()
Our four top blenders range in price from $200 to $650 with the Vitamix Professional Series 750, $650, taking the top perch. For the same price you can get the next best performer, the Blendtec Designer 725. But for hundreds less you can buy the Dash Chef Series Digital, $200, and add a pop of color to your countertop as well.
There DeLonghi single-serve coffeemakers have percolated to the top of our Ratings and range in price from $130 to $180 including the top-rated DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T. Joining them on the list is the Starbucks Verismo 600, $150. All four make a good cup of Joe but you may want to make your selection based on the type of coffee you prefer as they all use proprietary pods.
![]()
Breville also won the top spot in our toaster oven tests with its Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL, $250. Another good choice is the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P, $150, which is the revived version of a fan favorite discontinued in 2006. It’s speedy and also makes good toast. Joining them on the list of top toaster oven picks are models from Cuisinart and another Breville.
Our top-rated juicer is the Juiceman JM8000S, $100, but we’ve seen it on sale for less, which makes it even more of a bargain. Another pick from our juicer tests is the Kuvings Whole Slow B6000, $430, an auger-type juicer that is a good choice for nutrition nuts because it leaves more pulp behind.
![]()
Again, Breville sits atop our Ratings with the Breville BFP800XL/A food processor, $400, but it’s joined on the list of top picks by four Cuisinarts, a name almost synonymous with food processors. They range in price from $170 to $300. And don’t overlook the Oster Versa 1100 Series Performance, which at $150 is the lowest priced of all our picks.
In a Consumer Reports’ survey of subscribers who made almost 32,000 appliance purchases last year, Amazon.com was given top marks for selection, quality, service, checkout ease and shipping, and the prices were considered very good. Almost as satisfying were shopping experiences at QVC.com, although readers gave Amazon better marks for selection.
—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)
Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide
Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.
![]()
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.
