Smart kitchen appliances in 2026 span a spectrum from genuinely app-connected devices — with real-time remote monitoring, guided recipes, and automatic temperature adjustment — to "smart" appliances that are really just digitally controlled with preset programs. For the purposes of this guide, we focus on the former: countertop appliances that deliver meaningful intelligence, whether through Wi-Fi/app connectivity, built-in sensors, or multi-function designs that replace multiple single-purpose devices. The category is anchored by two dominant segments. Electric pressure cookers and multicookers — led by the Instant Pot family and competitive options from Ninja and Chef IQ — combine pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, air frying, and more in a single vessel. Reviewed.com and Food Network both name the Instant Pot Duo Plus and Chef IQ Smart Cooker their top picks after exhaustive recipe testing across soups, risotto, sous vide, and air-fried foods. Smart countertop ovens and air fryer ovens are led by the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, which has held the best-overall position in Tom's Guide, Taste of Home, and Bob Vila for multiple consecutive years, and by the CHEF iQ MiniOven, which claims the most connected smart features including wireless temperature probe integration and full app control. The key buying question is whether you prioritize appliance consolidation (fewer devices, more countertop space) or dedicated performance (each device optimized for one task).
Top-Rated Smart Kitchen Appliances
Ranked by Amazon customer review volume, average rating, and independent lab performance — top 10 per category.
#1
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Instant Pot
Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker (6 Qt)
$99.99
Reviewed.com's best pressure cooker recommendation after testing 14 models against each other in rigorous recipe trials. The Duo Plus is the sweet spot in the Instant Pot lineup — a significant step up from the base Duo with enhanced digital controls, faster pressure build-up, a sterilization mode, and a more informative display, without the bulk or price premium of the Duo Crisp. Food Network calls it best for most people after comparing soups, risottos, rice, and pressure-cooked chickpeas across models. Its app (800+ recipes) provides step-by-step guidance. The Duo Plus pairs with the Instant Brands app and supports 9 cooking functions. At under $100, it's the benchmark recommendation for first-time pressure cooker buyers.
Pros
- Reviewed.com top pick after 14-model test
- 9 functions replace multiple appliances
- 800+ guided recipes via app
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot and lid
- Best value in the Duo lineup
Cons
- No air fryer function (upgrade to Duo Crisp)
- Can't replace a stovetop pasta pot
- Large physical footprint
- Pressure release requires care
#2
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Instant Pot
Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer & Pressure Cooker (6 Qt)
$149.99
The Duo Crisp is Instant Pot's most versatile mainstream model and a consistent top-seller across multiple years. The key differentiator is the dual-lid design — a pressure cooker lid and a separate air fryer lid — that lets you seamlessly switch between pressure cooking and air frying in the same pot. EvenCrisp Technology circulates hot air for up to 95% less oil than deep frying. Homes & Gardens tested the Duo Crisp extensively, roasting whole chickens, pressure-cooking mashed potatoes, and air-frying bacon, calling it potentially kitchen-transforming. The free Instant Brands app delivers 800+ recipes. This 11-in-1 configuration (air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sterilize, warm, rice) makes it the leading all-in-one kitchen device recommendation.
Pros
- True air fryer + pressure cooker in one
- EvenCrisp delivers genuine crispiness
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot
- Homes & Gardens extensive real-world test praised
- 11 functions cover nearly every cooking method
Cons
- Two lids to store and manage
- Air frying not as powerful as standalone unit
- Larger footprint than standard Duo
- No yogurt function in this configuration
#3
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Chef IQ
Smart Cooker with Built-in Scale (6 Qt)
$149.99
Reviewed.com names the Chef IQ Smart Cooker as the best smart pressure cooker alongside the Instant Pot Duo Plus, singling it out specifically for users who want genuine connectivity intelligence. The built-in scale (0.1g precision) allows the app to auto-calculate cooking times and pressure levels based on exact ingredient weight — a legitimately unique feature that removes the guesswork from recipe scaling. The guided cooking system walks you through each step in real time. Wi-Fi connected with a regularly updated recipe library. TechRadar noted the 6-quart capacity, sous vide mode, and stainless steel construction make it a premium step up for dedicated home cooks who want a connected appliance that actively helps them cook better food.
Pros
- Built-in precision scale is uniquely useful
- Reviewed.com top smart cooker pick
- App auto-adjusts time/pressure by weight
- Regular recipe library updates
- Premium stainless steel construction
Cons
- Pricier than equivalent Instant Pot
- Fewer total cooking presets than Instant Pot
- App-dependent for scale features
- Smaller user community than Instant Pot
#4
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Instant Pot
Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart Multicooker 10-in-1 (6 Qt)
$169.99
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the brand's flagship connected model, adding genuine Wi-Fi control to the standard pressure cooker experience. Tom's Guide called it the best of the best in the Instant Pot lineup, praising its smart home connectivity, temperature-controlled sauté mode, and dishwasher-safe cookware. The key advantage over the standard Duo Plus: you can monitor and control cooking remotely from the app, receive push notifications when pressure is reached, and access detailed cooking analytics. The Pro Plus supports 10 cooking functions and integrates with Alexa for voice control of timers and status checks. Reviewers particularly praise the temperature-controlled sauté, which prevents scorching at high heat.
Pros
- Wi-Fi remote monitoring and control
- Alexa integration for voice commands
- Tom's Guide highest-rated Instant Pot
- Temperature-controlled sauté prevents burning
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot
Cons
- No air fryer function
- More expensive than Duo Plus
- Wi-Fi setup can be fiddly
- App less refined than Chef IQ
#5
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Ninja
Foodi 11-in-1 Pro Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer (6.5 Qt)
$179.99
Ninja's Foodi line competes directly with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and, in head-to-head testing by multiple reviewers, often wins on crisping performance. The 11-in-1 Pro includes TenderCrisp technology, which pressure-cooks food to maximum tenderness then finishes with a high-heat air fry for a crispy exterior — a method that reviewers describe as producing noticeably better fried chicken and pork belly than conventional dual-appliance approaches. The 6.5-quart capacity is larger than the standard 6-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp, and the integrated lid design (no separate lid to swap) is more convenient for the switch between pressure cooking and air frying modes.
Pros
- TenderCrisp superior crisp finish vs. Instant Pot
- Integrated lid (no separate lid to swap)
- 6.5-quart larger capacity
- Excellent for whole chickens and ribs
- Strong community and recipe support
Cons
- Larger footprint than 6-qt models
- More expensive than base Duo Crisp
- App less developed than Instant Pot
- Heavy unit
#6
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Breville
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS)
$399.99
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has held the best-overall countertop oven position in Tom's Guide, Bob Vila, and Taste of Home for multiple consecutive years. Its Element IQ system uses smart algorithms to direct power to six quartz heating elements where and when needed, producing the most consistent browning, roasting, and baking results in its class. Thirteen cooking functions span toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, pizza, air fry, dehydrate, slow cook, sous vide, reheat, cookies, and super convection. At 1 cubic foot interior capacity, it can fit a 14-pound turkey, a 13x9 pan, or a 13-inch pizza. Taste of Home's test reviewer used it almost exclusively instead of her wall oven for three years, praising its temperature consistency (±5°F across 10 trials in independent testing). The main trade-off: no built-in Wi-Fi, though its precise hardware controls arguably make connectivity less necessary.
Pros
- Bob Vila & Tom's Guide best overall for years
- Element IQ temperature consistency ±5°F
- 1 cubic foot fits 14-lb turkey
- Super Convection rivals standalone air fryers
- 13 cooking modes covers everything
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi/app control
- Expensive ($399)
- Large countertop footprint
- Bottom drip tray difficult to clean
#7
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CHEF iQ
MiniOven Smart Countertop Oven with Temperature Probe
$499.99
Tom's Guide's reviewer used the CHEF iQ MiniOven daily for three months and named it the most connected smart toaster oven available in 2025. Its strongest differentiator is wireless temperature probe compatibility — the oven automatically reads the probe and adjusts temperature and time to hit exact internal meat temperatures without any manual monitoring. Full app control via Wi-Fi delivers real-time alerts, guided recipes, and remote preheating. The companion app also integrates with the CHEF iQ Smart Thermometer reviewed elsewhere. At $500 it is the most expensive countertop oven on this list, but for buyers who cook meat regularly and want genuine smart automation rather than just digital controls, it's the most capable option.
Pros
- Tom's Guide praised as most connected oven
- Wireless temp probe auto-adjusts cooking
- Full remote Wi-Fi app control
- CHEF iQ ecosystem integration
- High-resolution display and UI
Cons
- Most expensive option ($499)
- Smaller 0.85 cu ft capacity
- Toast performance got mixed feedback
- Relatively new brand vs. Breville longevity
#8
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Ninja
Prestige Smart XL Countertop Oven DT501
$249.99
Tom's Guide named the Ninja Prestige its top pick among countertop ovens for families, largely because of its unique two-level cooking capability — two independent oven compartments that can cook simultaneously at different temperatures and times, effectively doubling throughput. Its Smart Thermometer monitors internal meat temperature and signals when done. Ten preset modes cover air fry, toast, bake, roast, broil, pizza, bagel, dehydrate, reheat, and keep warm. Preheats in under 90 seconds. At $250 it delivers most of what the Breville Pro offers at $150 less, with the bonus of the dual cooking levels. Reviewers consistently praise it for weekly family meal prep.
Pros
- Tom's Guide top family oven pick
- Dual cooking levels — two foods at once
- Smart thermometer included
- Very fast 90-second preheat
- Strong value vs. Breville at $150 less
Cons
- No app/Wi-Fi connectivity
- Large physical footprint
- Louder fan than Breville
- Smart Thermometer less capable than CHEF iQ probe
#9
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Instant Pot
Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid 13-in-1 (6.5 Qt)
$189.99
The Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid is Instant Pot's most versatile single-appliance offering, pushing the count to 13 cooking functions by adding sous vide and bread proofing to the standard Duo Crisp configuration. Homes & Gardens tested it as the most versatile multi-cooker in the Instant Pot range, and TechRadar noted that the 13 functions including sous vide, bread proofing, and a full air fryer lid make it the closest single appliance to a complete kitchen toolkit. The 6.5-quart capacity is ideal for families of four to six. The 1,500W heating element is more powerful than the standard Duo Crisp. The primary trade-off versus the standard Duo Crisp is a slight increase in complexity given the additional functions.
Pros
- Most functions of any Instant Pot (13)
- Adds sous vide and bread proofing
- Homes & Gardens most versatile pick
- 1,500W more powerful than standard Duo Crisp
- Includes all accessories for all functions
Cons
- Most expensive Duo Crisp variant
- More complex to learn all functions
- Air fryer lid still bulky to store
- Larger footprint than 6-qt models
#10
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Cuisinart
TOA-70 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill
$189.99
Tom's Guide and multiple reviewers consistently name the Cuisinart TOA-70 the best value countertop oven for buyers who want strong air fry performance without paying for premium brands. Eight cooking functions include air fry, bake, broil, toast, pizza, roast, warm, and grill. The 1,800W heating element, stainless steel construction, and removable crumb tray deliver reliable daily performance. The grill function is a distinguishing feature absent from many competitors at this price. Reviewers note the TOA-70's interior dimensions are slightly smaller than the Breville Pro, fitting a 6-pound chicken rather than a 14-pound turkey, but for most households the trade-off at $130-$190 versus $400 is very favorable.
Pros
- Tom's Guide best value air fryer oven
- Includes grill function most rivals lack
- 1,800W powerful heating element
- Easy cleanup with non-stick interior
- Well under $200
Cons
- No app/Wi-Fi connectivity
- Smaller interior than Breville (6-lb bird max)
- Fewer cooking presets than premium models
- Gets hot to the touch on exterior