The short answer: The Instant Pot Pro Plus ($230) is the best smart kitchen appliance for most homes — Wirecutter's top multicooker pick, saving an average of 4.2.
We aggregated expert reviews from CNET, Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, PCMag, and Reviewed to find the appliances where "smart" actually means "useful." For the full energy savings analysis, see our smart kitchen energy savings guide. To understand which features actually get used, check our kitchen features worth it guide. If you need hands-free, voice-first cooking because your hands are usually covered in dough or grease, our voice-controlled smart kitchen devices under $150 guide scores the sub-$150 subset that actually works without a phone in your hand. For protecting a chest or garage freezer with WiFi temperature alerts and power-outage monitoring — where the stakes are hundreds of dollars of stored food — see our WiFi freezer alarms guide. If you're building out a connected kitchen that pairs with your smart home hub for bedtime power-off routines and voice assistant setup, these are the ones worth your counter space.
Best Overall: Instant Pot Pro Plus
Price: $230 on Amazon
What's Included
What's Included:
- 10-in-1 pressure cooker (pressure, slow cook, saute, steam, air fry)
- WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring
- 800+ built-in recipes
- Alexa voice control support
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the rare smart kitchen appliance where every connected feature actually gets used. Wirecutter named it their top multicooker pick for 2026, and CNET's testing confirmed an average of 4.2 hours saved per week versus traditional cooking methods. Wondering how it compares to a standalone slow cooker? See our Instant Pot vs slow cooker comparison. If you've got smart plugs with energy monitoring managing your kitchen outlets, this one plays nicely with the whole ecosystem.
What We Love
- Multiple cooking functions replace several standalone appliances
- App notifications track cooking progress from anywhere — no more hovering over the stove
- Automatic program selection from 800+ recipes takes the guesswork out of weeknight dinners
- Dishwasher-safe components and a proven 4+ year reliability track record
- Pairs with Alexa for voice-controlled cooking via your Echo speaker or smart display
What Could Be Better
- Learning curve for pressure cooking beginners — expect a few rubbery chicken incidents before you dial it in
- Large footprint requires significant counter space
- WiFi occasionally drops during cooking cycles
- Steam release sounds like a small locomotive
Is the Best Overall: Instant Pot Pro Plus worth buying in 2026?
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the single best ROI smart kitchen appliance — nothing else delivers 4+ hours of time savings per week at $230. If you buy one smart kitchen gadget, make it this one.
"The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the most useful smart kitchen gadget we tested — WiFi scheduling alone justifies the price." — Wirecutter
Does the Instant Pot Pro Plus work with Alexa and Google Home?
The Instant Pot Pro Plus works with Alexa only — Google Home integration is not supported. You can start cooking programs, check status, and adjust settings via Alexa voice commands. The companion app works on iOS and Android independently of voice assistants. For households with Google Nest speakers, the Tovala Smart Oven Pro and Cosori Smart Air Fryer both support Alexa and Google Home.
Is the Instant Pot Pro Plus worth it over a standard Instant Pot?
The Pro Plus adds WiFi connectivity, a larger 10-in-1 function set, and the 800+ recipe app compared to the standard Duo ($90). At $230 vs $90, you pay $59 extra for remote monitoring, app integration, and Alexa control. CNET's testing confirmed 4.2 hours of weekly time savings regardless of model — the "smart" features in the Pro Plus add convenience for users who are often away from the kitchen during longer cooks, rather than changing the core cooking performance.
Best Smart Oven: Tovala Smart Oven Pro
Price: $350 on Amazon
What's Included
What's Included:
- 6-in-1 countertop oven (steam, toast, air fry, bake, broil, reheat)
- WiFi connectivity with Tovala smartphone app
- Scan-to-cook barcode reader
- Steam injection system
The Tovala Smart Oven Pro is the most genuinely useful smart oven available — scan a barcode on a frozen meal or grocery item, and the oven automatically sets the right cook mode, temperature, and time. CNET and Wirecutter both highlight the scan-to-cook feature as the rare smart kitchen gimmick that actually sticks. The steam injection system sets it apart from standard convection ovens, producing crispier exteriors and moister interiors.
"The Tovala Smart Oven is the rare smart appliance where the app integration genuinely improves the cooking experience." — Wirecutter
What We Love
- Scan-to-cook reads barcodes on 1,000+ grocery items and sets cook programs automatically
- Steam + air fry combination produces better results than air fry alone — crispier outside, moister inside
- App controls let you monitor and adjust cooking remotely with real-time notifications
- Six cooking modes replace your toaster, air fryer, and steamer
- No subscription required for core oven features (meal delivery service is optional)
What Could Be Better
- At $350, it's pricier than a basic countertop convection oven
- Interior capacity is compact — fits a 12" pizza but not much more
- Scan-to-cook database skews toward US grocery brands
- Optional Tovala meal delivery adds $12-13 per meal
- WiFi required for scan-to-cook and app features
Is it worth buying?
The Tovala Smart Oven Pro earns its spot for home cooks who want an oven that actually gets smarter with app updates. The scan-to-cook feature removes guesswork from everyday cooking, and the steam injection produces noticeably better results than dry heat alone.
Is the Tovala Smart Oven Pro worth $350?
For households that cook 4+ times per week, yes. The Tovala Smart Oven Pro saves time through scan-to-cook automation — no more Googling cook times or guessing temperatures. The steam injection system produces measurably better results than a standard countertop oven for items like reheated pizza, roasted vegetables, and frozen meals. If you primarily make toast, a $50 toaster oven works fine. The Tovala pays off for cooks who use multiple cooking modes regularly.
How does the Tovala Smart Oven compare to a standard smart air fryer?
The Tovala Smart Oven Pro ($350) covers 6 cooking modes including air frying and steam, while the Cosori Smart Air Fryer ($105) is a dedicated air fryer only. For pure air frying performance and energy savings (40-50% less energy than a conventional oven), the Cosori is the better value. The Tovala earns its premium through scan-to-cook automation and steam injection that a single-function air fryer cannot match. Most households benefit from pairing both rather than choosing one.
Best Smart Coffee Maker: Ninja Programmable Brewer
Price: $170 on Amazon
What's Included
What's Included:
- WiFi-enabled coffee maker
- Multiple brew sizes (6oz to 12-cup carafe)
- 4 brew strength options (classic, rich, over ice, specialty)
- Permanent filter included
Here's the thing about smart coffee makers: the "smart" feature is really just "schedule it the night before so coffee is ready when your alarm goes off." But the Ninja Programmable Brewer does that simple thing exceptionally well, and CNET rated it the best value WiFi coffee maker of 2026. If your mornings start with a voice command to your Echo speaker or Google Nest display — "Alexa, start the coffee" — this is the brewer to get.
What We Love
- Schedule brewing remotely — coffee ready before your feet hit the floor
- Multiple brew sizes handle everything from a single travel mug to a full 12-cup carafe for the whole house
- Permanent filter means zero ongoing filter costs
- Four brew strengths from mild to "I have a deadline" strong
- Compatible with ground coffee AND K-cups — no vendor lock-in
What Could Be Better
- Plastic construction feels cheaper than the $170 price tag suggests
- The 60oz reservoir needs frequent refilling if you're a multi-cup household
- Initial WiFi setup is fiddly — expect 10 minutes of swearing
- No built-in grinder, so you'll need a separate one for fresh grounds
- Descaling required every 3-4 months
Is the Best Smart Coffee Maker: Ninja Programmable Brewer worth buying in 2026?
The Ninja Programmable Brewer nails the one thing a smart coffee maker should do: have your coffee ready before your feet hit the floor. At $170, it's the best WiFi coffee maker for Alexa households. If you prefer espresso drinks, see our smart espresso machines with WiFi & app control guide for the five machines that actually connect to your phone.
"The Ninja WiFi brewer does what a smart coffee maker should — your coffee is ready before you are." — Tom's Guide
Does the Ninja Programmable Brewer work with Alexa?
Yes — the Ninja Programmable Brewer connects to Alexa for voice-controlled brewing. You can say "Alexa, start the coffee" to begin a brew cycle or trigger it via Alexa routines tied to your morning alarm. Google Home integration is not natively supported. CNET rated it the best-value WiFi coffee maker of 2026 specifically for scheduled and voice-triggered brewing in Alexa-centric households.
How much does the Ninja Programmable Brewer cost compared to a standard Ninja brewer?
The WiFi-enabled Ninja Programmable Brewer costs $170, approximately $60-80 more than comparable non-smart Ninja brewers in the $99-120 range. The premium buys WiFi scheduling, remote start capability, and Alexa voice control. If your mornings are consistent enough to manually press start each day, the non-smart version at $99 delivers identical brew quality at lower cost. The smart premium pays off for users who value coffee being ready automatically before they reach the kitchen.
Best Smart Air Fryer: Cosori Smart Air Fryer
Price: $105 on Amazon
What's Included
What's Included:
- 5.8-quart air fryer basket
- WiFi connectivity with VeSync app
- 12 one-touch cooking presets
- Shake reminder notifications
- Dishwasher-safe basket
The Cosori Smart Air Fryer earned Wirecutter's "great for most people" pick, and for good reason: it does the one thing smart kitchen appliances should do — make cooking faster while using less energy. At 40-50% less energy than a conventional oven for the same results, this is one of the few appliances where the purchase pays for itself. Your smart thermostat's cooling schedule will thank you too — less oven heat means less cooling load in summer.
What We Love
- App-controlled cooking lets you start, adjust temperature, and monitor from anywhere in the house
- "Shake reminder" notifications tell you when to flip food — no more unevenly cooked fries
- 12 presets cover everything from chicken wings to dehydrated kale chips
- 5.8-quart capacity handles family-sized portions without batching
- ThermoIQ technology maintains consistent heat distribution — the #1 complaint about cheaper air fryers
What Could Be Better
- The 5.8-quart basket is great for families but overkill for singles
- VeSync app is functional but not pretty — expect a "designed by engineers, not designers" UI
- Preheating takes 3-5 minutes, not instant despite marketing claims
- Basket coating can wear after 12-18 months of heavy use
Is the Best Smart Air Fryer: Cosori Smart Air Fryer worth buying in 2026?
The Cosori Smart Air Fryer is the appliance that actually pays for itself — 40-50% less energy than your oven with better results. If you only buy two smart kitchen devices, pair this with the Instant Pot Pro Plus for maximum savings.
"The Cosori Smart Air Fryer delivers crispy results with 40-50% less energy than a full oven — the best value air fryer we tested." — PCMag
Does the Cosori Smart Air Fryer work with Alexa and Google Home?
Yes — the Cosori Smart Air Fryer supports both Alexa and Google Home via the VeSync app, making it the most broadly compatible appliance in this guide for voice assistant users. You can start cooking, adjust temperature, and check status hands-free. The VeSync app also enables remote monitoring and scheduling independently of voice assistants. No hub or additional hardware is required beyond a standard 2.4GHz WiFi connection.
Is the Cosori Smart Air Fryer worth it vs a standard air fryer?
The Cosori Smart Air Fryer at $105 costs roughly $30-40 more than comparable non-smart 5.8-quart air fryers. The premium adds app control, shake reminders pushed to your phone, 12 one-touch presets, and Alexa/Google Home integration. Wirecutter gave it "great for most people" status specifically for the app-enabled shake reminder feature, which measurably improves cooking results for foods that need flipping. For users who cook frequently, the $30 premium for app control and consistent cooking reminders is worth it.
Smart Kitchen Appliance
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Smarthomeexplorer.comWhen NOT to Buy Smart Kitchen Appliances
Skip most "smart" features if you cook fewer than 3 times per week: The connectivity and app features in smart kitchen appliances return value through frequent, habitual use. The Instant Pot's WiFi monitoring only matters if you're actually cooking while away from the kitchen. The Ninja Brewer's scheduling only saves time if you have a consistent morning routine. Wirecutter's own research found only 30% of smart kitchen features get regular use — the other 70% are set up once and forgotten. If you cook infrequently, a standard version of the same appliance costs 30-40% less. Check our smart home devices under $100 guide for budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver smart features.
Skip it if you don't use smartphone apps regularly: Smart kitchen appliances require app setup, connectivity maintenance, and occasional troubleshooting. If you're not someone who checks apps, you'll end up with a connected appliance you control manually — paying a premium for features you bypass every day. Every appliance in this guide has excellent non-smart operation, but you'll need to be honest about whether you'll use the connected features.
Skip the Tovala at $350 if you primarily make toast: The Tovala's scan-to-cook and steam injection are most valuable for home cooks using multiple cooking modes daily. If your use case is reheating leftovers and making toast, a $50 toaster oven handles that fine. The Tovala pays off for cooks who will use its 6 cooking modes and app automation regularly.
Skip smart appliances as "gifts for someone who doesn't cook": Smart kitchen appliances don't make people cook more. If the recipient's kitchen problem is motivation rather than convenience, a $150 Instant Pot won't change that. These are tools that reward people who already cook — they reduce friction for existing habits, they don't create new ones.
Who Should Buy What
- Best overall time-saver for most kitchens: Instant Pot Pro Plus ($230) — 4.2 hours saved per week, 10-in-1 functionality, Alexa voice control, 800+ built-in recipes.
- Best for energy savings and healthy cooking: Cosori Smart Air Fryer ($105) — 40-50% less energy than conventional ovens, app-controlled with shake reminders, works with Alexa and Google.
- Best smart coffee maker for morning automation: Ninja Programmable Brewer ($170) — WiFi scheduling, Alexa voice control, zero ongoing filter costs.
- Best smart oven for everyday cooks: Tovala Smart Oven Pro ($350) — scan-to-cook automation, steam + air fry, 6-in-1 cooking modes, app-controlled.
- Best budget smart kitchen starter (under $300): Pair the Instant Pot Pro Plus ($230) + Cosori Smart Air Fryer ($105) — replaces 5+ appliances, cuts energy costs 30-40%.
Common Questions About Kitchen
Which smart kitchen appliances actually pay for themselves?
The Cosori Smart Air Fryer ($105) pays for itself fastest — full payback in 1-2 years through energy savings alone. Using 40-50% less energy than a conventional oven saves approximately $75-150/year on electricity, meaning full payback within 1-2 years. The Instant Pot Pro Plus ($230) saves 4.2 hours per week in cooking time per CNET's testing — at minimum wage, that's $1,300+ in time value per year. Combined, these two appliances replace 5+ standalone devices and cut cooking energy costs by 30-40% for households that cook 3+ times per week.
Are voice-controlled smart kitchen appliances worth the premium in 2026?
Yes — voice control is worth the $30-60 premium for hands-busy cooking. Saying "Alexa, start the coffee" or "Alexa, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 20 minutes" beats touching a screen with wet or food-covered hands. The Instant Pot Pro Plus supports Alexa voice commands for starting programs and checking status. The Cosori Smart Air Fryer supports both Alexa and Google. The premium for voice control is typically $30-60 over non-smart versions of the same appliance.
What are the best smart kitchen features to look for in 2026?
Focus on remote monitoring, scheduled cooking, and precise temperature control — the only three features experts say actually get used. The three features experts consistently rate as genuinely useful: remote monitoring (checking cook status from another room via app), scheduled cooking (coffee or slow cooker ready when you wake up), and precise temperature control (holding within 1°F for baking). Wirecutter found only 30% of smart kitchen features get regular use — the Instant Pot Pro Plus and Cosori Smart Air Fryer focus on exactly these three, which is why they consistently top expert recommendations. Which features actually get used? See our kitchen features worth it guide for the full analysis. Skip features like built-in recipe screens and social sharing — those are the 70% nobody uses.
What smart kitchen appliances are actually worth buying in 2026?
Start with the Instant Pot Pro Plus ($230) — it delivers the most time savings per dollar of any smart kitchen appliance. It consistently delivers the most time savings per dollar across every expert review we've analyzed. After that, a Cosori Smart Air Fryer saves 40-50% on energy compared to your oven. Skip anything where "smart" just means "has a timer app" — you already have a phone for that.
Do smart kitchen appliances work with Alexa and Google Home?
Yes — every appliance in this guide supports Alexa, and most support Google Home too. Voice commands like "Alexa, start the coffee" or "Hey Google, preheat the oven" work reliably with these picks. Check our smart speakers guide for the best voice assistant to pair with your kitchen setup.
How much energy do smart kitchen appliances actually save?
Smart kitchen appliances can save $150-300 per year on energy bills compared to conventional ovens. Smart air fryers use 40-50% less energy than conventional ovens for the same results. Smart convection ovens save 25-30%. The Instant Pot Pro Plus uses 60-70% less energy than oven cooking. Over a year, a household using smart cooking appliances instead of a traditional oven can save $150-300 on energy bills. Pair with a smart thermostat with occupancy scheduling and energy reports for maximum savings — less cooking heat means less AC load in summer.
Are smart refrigerators worth the premium price?
No — for most households, smart refrigerators are not worth the $1,000–$3,000 premium. The "smart" features (internal cameras, touchscreen, food tracking) are the type Wirecutter found in the 70% of features nobody uses after the first month. A standard Energy Star refrigerator at $800–$1,200 delivers 95% of the utility. The exception: Samsung Family Hub fridges work well in households that use the shared family calendar and grocery list features daily. But for pure food storage and energy efficiency, put the $2,000 savings toward countertop appliances like the ones in this guide — they deliver measurably more value per dollar.
What's the best way to start building a smart kitchen on a budget?
Start with the Instant Pot Pro Plus ($230) and Cosori Smart Air Fryer ($105) — under $335 total for a smart kitchen that replaces 5+ appliances. Combined, they replace 5+ traditional appliances, save ~6 hours per week, and cut energy costs by 30-40%. Add a smart plug with energy monitoring and scheduling to your existing coffee maker for $25 and you've got a smart kitchen for under $300. Our starter kits guide has more budget-friendly approaches, and our under $100 guide covers the best individual devices on a tight budget.
Do smart kitchen appliances need WiFi to function?
No — every appliance in this guide works perfectly fine without WiFi for core cooking functions. The cooking functions are all standalone. WiFi enables remote monitoring, app controls, voice commands, and smart home integration, but if your internet goes down, your Instant Pot still pressure cooks and your air fryer still air fries. Unlike smart deadbolt locks where remote access and alerts matter for security, kitchen appliances are "smart as a bonus" devices.
What smart kitchen appliances actually save the most time?
The Instant Pot Pro Plus saves the most time — 4.2 hours per week per CNET's testing. It handles pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and air frying in a single countertop device, replacing multiple separate appliances. CNET confirmed 4.2 hours saved per week versus traditional cooking methods. It handles pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and air frying in a single countertop device, replacing multiple separate appliances and unattended stovetop cooking. The Cosori Smart Air Fryer adds another 1-2 hours per week by cutting oven preheat and cook times by 40-50% for common meals like chicken, fries, and roasted vegetables.
Are smart ovens worth the $200-$500 premium over standard models?
For home cooks who use multiple modes, yes — the Tovala Smart Oven Pro ($350) justifies its premium with scan-to-cook automation and steam injection. Scan a barcode on 1,000+ grocery items and the oven sets the right mode, temperature, and time automatically. The steam + air fry combination produces measurably crispier exteriors and moister interiors than dry heat alone. If you primarily toast bread or reheat leftovers, a $50 toaster oven is fine — the Tovala pays off for cooks who use its 6 cooking modes regularly.
Which smart coffee maker is best for scheduling morning brew?
The Ninja Programmable Brewer ($170) is the best smart coffee maker for scheduled morning brewing. The Ninja Programmable Brewer at $170 is CNET's best-value WiFi coffee maker specifically for scheduled brewing. You can set it the night before to start automatically at any time, or trigger it via voice command — "Alexa, start the coffee" — from your smart speaker. It handles everything from a single 6oz travel mug to a full 12-cup carafe for the household, with four brew strength options. The permanent filter means zero ongoing filter costs, and it's compatible with both ground coffee and K-cups.
Do smart kitchen appliances require a hub or work directly with Alexa/Google?
No hub required — every appliance in this guide connects directly to Alexa or Google Home over WiFi. The Instant Pot Pro Plus, Ninja Programmable Brewer, and Tovala Smart Oven Pro work with Alexa. The Cosori Smart Air Fryer supports both Alexa and Google Home via the VeSync app. None require a SmartThings hub, Hue Bridge, or any third-party controller — just download the manufacturer app, connect to your home WiFi, and link your voice assistant account.
The Bottom Line
If you buy one smart kitchen appliance, make it the Instant Pot Pro Plus — nothing else delivers 4+ hours of time savings per week at $230. For the best energy savings, add the Cosori Smart Air Fryer. Together, these two replace 5+ standalone appliances and cut cooking energy costs by 40-50%. Add the Ninja Programmable Brewer for morning automation and the Tovala Smart Oven Pro for scan-to-cook convenience — and you've got a fully connected kitchen for under $860. For countertop ice, our best smart ice makers guide covers WiFi-connected nugget ice makers starting at $75. Living in a smaller space? Our best smart home devices for apartments guide covers compact options that work in any kitchen. If your budget extends into the $350–$750 tier and you want guided cooking automation, combi steam ovens, or professional-grade blenders, see our best luxury smart kitchen appliances guide for the six picks that justify their premium price.
Sources & Methodology
Methodology: SmartHomeExplorer consensus scores aggregate ratings from 21 professional review sources (Wirecutter, CNET, Tom's Guide, PCMag, Reviewed, and others) into a single comparable number. Products are scored before affiliate links are added. Energy savings estimates use manufacturer testing data cross-referenced with DOE Energy Saver guidelines. Time savings claims reference CNET's standardized cooking time comparisons.
Expert review sources used in this analysis:
- Wirecutter — "Best Multicooker" and kitchen appliance reviews (2025)
- CNET — smart kitchen appliance testing, 4.2 hr/week time savings data (2025)
- Tom's Guide — Tovala Smart Oven and air fryer reviews (2025)
- PCMag — Cosori Smart Air Fryer review (2025)
- Reviewed — kitchen appliance long-term testing (2025)
Evidence Summary
| Claim | Source Type | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot saves 4.2 hours per week | Independent testing | CNET standardized cooking comparison | March 2026 |
| Air fryers use 40-50% less energy than ovens | Manufacturer data + testing | Cosori / PCMag testing | March 2026 |
| Only 30% of smart kitchen features get regular use | Independent research | Wirecutter usage survey | March 2026 |
| Tovala scan-to-cook supports 1,000+ grocery barcodes | Manufacturer claim | Tovala / Wirecutter review | March 2026 |
| Consensus scores across 21 sources | Editorial analysis | SmartHomeExplorer methodology | March 2026 |
Author: Nicholas Miles is the founder of SmartHomeExplorer and a longtime smart home enthusiast focused on helping everyday homeowners make better technology decisions. He researches, compares, and writes about products across security, climate, lighting, leak prevention, sensors, home energy, and automation, with an emphasis on real-world usefulness, ecosystem compatibility, reliability, privacy, and long-term value. Drawing on a background in writing and analytics, Nicholas turns complex product categories into clear, consumer-friendly guides and transparent comparison frameworks. He created SmartHomeExplorer's editorial scoring methods to explain not just what ranks highest, but why.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer earns affiliate commissions on qualifying Amazon purchases. Our scoring methodology is independent of affiliate relationships.
Last updated: March 28, 2026 | All prices verified across major retailers
