Lesser-Known Appliances You Never Realized You're Missing Out On

Think your kitchen or home is already fully equipped? Sure, a Keurig is convenient and an air fryer is a game-changer, but there's a whole world of hidden appliances you may not even know you're missing. These lesser-known gadgets offer innovative solutions that can transform your daily routine, from simplifying meal prep to saving time on chores to adding a little bit of luxury to your daily life.

Let's start with the handheld steamer, the easier, portable sibling of the dreaded, archaic iron. This compact tool offers a quick, easy solution for wrinkled clothes, curtains, and even upholstery. Unlike traditional irons, handheld steamers heat up fast and eliminate wrinkles without the need for an ironing board or complicated settings. Plus, they're lightweight, travel-friendly, and super versatile. In addition to de-wrinkling clothing, you can use a handheld steamer to power through stubborn mildew and dirt on grout, remove odors on upholstery, and steam away potential germs on plastic toys and stuffed animals.

The ​​Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam handheld steamer is a popular option with rave reviews. It takes just 40 seconds to heat up, and its water tank provides up to 15 minutes of continuous steam. The steamer comes with a three-in-one attachment that features a silicone band to stretch fabric for smoother results, a delicate fabric spacer to safeguard trims and fine materials, and a bristle brush to help the steam penetrate fibers on heavier fabrics.

Hollandaise sauce in two minutes? That's not an exaggeration — it's just one of the benefits of using an immersion blender. These tools, also known as hand or stick blenders, are another underrated kitchen appliance that can seriously up your culinary game. Known for their ability to blend, puree, and emulsify in no time at all, immersion blenders streamline food prep in ways that traditional blenders just can't. Plus, they create way less mess.

Need to make a quick batch of silky-smooth soup or baby food? Just dip the immersion blender into the pot, and you're good to go. They're also perfect for blending smoothies, whipping cream, or making dressings or homemade mayo — no need to transfer ingredients between multiple vessels.

The Vitamix stainless steel immersion blender is one of the best on the market. It comes with five speed settings and a scratch-resistant blade guard to prevent damaging pots and pans. One Amazon reviewer even called the Vitamix immersion blender their "new kitchen best friend." They went on to write, "It has completely changed my cooking game! First off, it's super easy to use. Just plug it in, and you're ready to blend up soups, smoothies, and sauces right in the pot or bowl. ... The stainless steel design feels sturdy, and the 18-inch length is perfect for getting to the bottom of larger containers without much effort."

A vacuum sealer may seem like a niche appliance, but it's a must-have for anyone looking to preserve food and reduce waste. Vacuum sealers work by removing air from bags and sealing in freshness, which preserves food by inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria and preventing freezer burn. Vacuum sealers are also great for those who like to meal prep. As one Reddit user said, "No exaggeration, getting the vacuum sealer changed my life. I started batch cooking and it's so much easier to deal with dinner. I don't make marinara for dinner, I make it for 10 dinners and freeze it."

Vacuum sealers are versatile tools that go beyond preserving food. They're perfect for marinating meat quickly by infusing flavors under vacuum pressure. They also make portioning snacks easy, keeping them fresh for longer. Beyond the kitchen, vacuum sealers are great for compressing clothing for long-term storage, organizing seasonal items, or packing efficiently for a move or vacation. They can even be used to prevent wet paintbrushes from drying out. One of the more popular models is the Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro, which features a high-powered vacuum, a double-sealer, built-in bag storage with a cutter, and an accessory port for sealing containers.

A countertop ice maker is a game-changer for hosting enthusiasts or anyone who loves chilled drinks on demand. Compact yet efficient, these machines produce fresh ice in just minutes — no more waiting for trays to freeze or rushing out for a bag of cubes. The benefits of purchasing an ice maker are numerous: Many models allow for customizable ice sizes, perfect for everything from cocktails and smoothies to iced coffee or just keeping your water cold. Unlike refrigerator ice makers, which typically filter and use tap water, a countertop ice machine lets you choose your preferred water for cleaner, better-tasting ice. Plus, freezer-stored ice often absorbs odors from other foods, which isn't an issue with these standalone units.

One popular model is the GE Profile Opal 2.0, which produces soft, chewable nugget ice that's easier on teeth than traditional cubes. Capable of generating up to 38 pounds of ice daily, it's ideal for busy households or parties. The Opal 2.0 also features built-in Wi-Fi and integrates with the SmartHQ app, allowing users to monitor performance and schedule ice production remotely.

A towel warmer offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience, making it a must-have for those who crave a spa-like experience at home. Imagine stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy towel — no more chilly, damp fabric! These racks not only provide comfort but also cleanliness, which is part of the reason they're frequently found in Europe and Asia. Wet towels can take a while to dry and often develop mildew, resulting in a (probably familiar) musty odor. A heated towel rack, on the other hand, dries towels quickly, reducing the growth of bacteria by up to 90% (via Bathroom Butler). This not only keeps your towels fresh but also offers relief to those with sensitive skin.

Heated towel racks come in various designs, from wall-mounted models to free-standing, bucket-style units, making them suitable for different spaces. They're energy-efficient, offering a low-power solution that warms towels without using excess electricity. Beyond towels, they can also be used to dry robes, blankets, and clothing. The HEATGENE 8-bar towel warmer is a popular choice that offers a sleek design and quick heating capabilities — it can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit in just 15 minutes and 130 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes.

Americans tend to be a bit squeamish when it comes to bidets, but the appliances are commonplace throughout Europe and Asia for good reason. Bidets provide an all-around superior, eco-friendly alternative to toilet paper by using a gentle stream of water for cleaning. The bidet method comes with many benefits — its cleaning is not only more thorough than you could achieve with toilet paper, but it also reduces irritation, limits germ spread, and is overall more hygienic. Additionally, in the event of another toilet paper shortage (knock on wood), bidet users would have nothing to worry about.

There are a variety of bidets on the market, ranging from basic models that focus on providing effective cleaning with adjustable water pressure to luxe bidets that offer a spa-like experience with heated seats, warm water, adjustable spray angles, and even air-drying functions. Most bidets sold today are designed as toilet seat attachments, which make them affordable and easy to install. The TOTO WASHLET electronic bidet is among the most popular for its advanced features, including a heated seat, customizable water temperature, and adjustable pressure.