We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we cook and eat our meals, spend time with family and friends, and chat away while we prepare dinner. So that’s why we want to save time doing boring mundane kitchen tasks and enjoy our kitchen vibe more.

There’s no doubt that what we count as staples in our kitchen has changed dramatically in the last century, even in the last 20 years. So, what do we count as essentials today, and how did they come to be as they are now?

1. Electric kettle

Though kettles are thought to have been used as early as 3000BC, it was in 1891 that the electric kettle was invented and in 1893 they became commercially available.

According to Statista Research Department, 95% of British homes now have a kettle making it the number 1 small kitchen appliance. Though many new homes now boast boiling water taps, it is unlikely that kettles will fall dramatically out of favour in a nation that places so much emphasis on the ritual of making tea.

2. Microwave

The microwave was accidentally invented in 1945 by Percy Spencer, a self-taught engineer, who discovered that electromagnetic radiation has heating properties.

As of 2018, 93% of British homes are equipped with a microwave, a figure that has been relatively stable for a decade. There have been some concerns surrounding whether microwaving food is bad for you, but the World Health Organisation states that microwaves are perfectly safe if used correctly.

3. Air fryer

The first air fryer to be sold commercially was introduced in 2010 by Philips. However, it was not until recently that their popularity has skyrocketed.

As such, there aren’t yet statistics that reveal what percentage of UK homes have air fryers, but John Lewis said that their sales of air fryers increased 400% in 2021.

The benefit of air fryers is speed and the fact that they require far less oil for cooking in comparison to deep frying. The air fryer has become the latest in a long line of small kitchen appliances that are here to stay - so much so, we have even gone out and chosen the best of them for you!

4. Coffee machine

Although the espresso machine was invented in 1884, it wasn’t until 1906 that it began to be produced commercially.

Today, it’s estimated that a third of British homes have an espresso machine, usually using one little pod for each shot. Nespresso is seen as the market leader, helped by an endorsement from George Clooney.

The focus in recent years has been on improving the visual design of espresso machines, and nowadays many compact and sleek models are available. Important too are the measures to make the capsules more environmentally friendly... here is a site which tells you about the best of the eco-friendly alternatives to Nespresso, that can be used in the pod machines.

5. Slow Cooker

The modern slow cooker, or crock pot, was patented in 1940 by Irving Nachumsohn, having been invented to make a traditional Jewish stew called cholent. Slow cookers reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s before losing popularity at the end of the 20th century.

It's hot! Damn hot! In my shorts I can cook things, a little crotch-pot cookin'!

Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam knew that everyone would know he was referring to the good old crock pot!

However, the 2010s have seen a resurgence in slow cooker sales. Today, slow cookers are often part of multi-cookers that can function as slow cookers or pressure cookers. Producers of slow cookers are seeking to make them even more versatile and low maintenance - and, with today's energy costs, cheaper to use.

6. Electric mixer

The first electric mixer is thought to have been invented by Rufus Eastman in 1885, but it wasn’t until 1919 that the mixer was available for use in the home, and until 1930 that the price became truly affordable for the standard household.

Today, the preferred brands for many are Kitchen Aid and Kenwood. Electric mixers revolutionised home baking - not to mention looking gorgeous in their new pastel colour schemes on GBBO - and have almost made us forget that everything had to be done by hand once upon a time.

7. Electric can opener

The first electric can opener was patented in 1931 by Preston C. West, but it was unsuccessful. However, in 1956, Walter Hess Bodle created a freestanding device that found great success.

Though manual can openers continue to be more popular, electric can openers are a boon to cooks who have mobility or strength issues and are considered a safer option as they keep fingers away from the sharp tin edges.

8. Boiling water tap

The boiling water tap was invented by Henri Peteri in 1970 but was not launched until 1992. It was invented with a view to eliminating kettles - thereby saving counter space -and making boiling water instantly available.

The popularity of boiling water taps is exploding at the moment as people look to win on space and have instant filtered boiling water. However, the high installation costs are likely to mean that kettles will still have a long life ahead of them.

Do you have one and have you retired your trusty old kettle to the small kitchen appliances junkpile?

9. Steamer

The earliest known steamer in existence comes from Ancient China and it continues to be a staple in kitchens around the world. However, in the UK, they are less popular than elsewhere, with only around 4 in 10 Britons owning them.

Steamers are known for being healthy because nutrients do not escape while steaming. Nowadays, the majority of steamers are made with metal or bamboo.

10. Toaster

The first electric toaster was invented by Alan MacMasters in 1893, but it wasn’t until 1921 that Charles Strite patented an automatic pop-up toaster.

When sliced bread became popular, the demand for toasters rose and today toasters are seen as a standard appliance in British homes. Indeed, Statista reports that in 2017, 91% of British households had a toaster.

Are there any other small kitchen appliances that we have missed off our list that you simply can’t do without? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.