In our “Buy It For Life” posts we feature products that are built to last a lifetime. We also give preference to products that are very durable, are warrantied for life, and are made in the U.S.
Breville BOV 800XL Smart Convection Toaster Oven
This 1800 watt convection toaster oven by Breville comes highly recommended by professional chefs and home users alike. It features 9 pre-set programs that can be programmed for personal preference and automatically adjusts individual heating elements for consistent cooking. Energy efficient, the convection oven speeds cooking time by 30%. It has the capacity to hold a 13-inch pizza or six slices of toast.
Manufacturer warranties are hard to come by with toaster ovens. Breville says they design their products with durability in mind and that their products can last up to 20 years. The company offers a 1 year replacement warranty.
Over 630 Amazon users have given the Breville an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Breville BOV 800XL Smart Convection Toaster Oven is for sale on Amazon for $250.00.
KRUPS BW500 Electric Kettle
KRUPS has a long-standing reputation of quality and this 1.8 quart cordless electric kettle is one of the most durable on the market. Made of stainless steel, the 3-pound weight may be off-putting to some, but this adds to the sturdiness of the kettle. The 1500 watts heats water quickly and efficiently. There is an automatic shut-off once the water reaches the boiling point.
Simple to use, the KRUPS doesn’t feature all the bells and whistles of some other programmable electric kettles, which is why we like it. Simplicity often translates into reliability.
Most electric kettles have a 1 year limited warranty, but KRUPS offers a 2 year limited warranty. The KRUPS BW500 received an average 4.4 star rating from 14 Amazon customers. It sells for about $58 on Amazon.
If you find the design of this electric kettle a bit too utilitarian, you might consider the “Krups BW600 Silver Art Collection Electric Kettle” which features a polished chrome finish.
Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker
Zojirushi manufactures some of the most top rated rice cookers on the market. Worth the investment, Zojirushi rice cookers not only stand the test of time, but they produce perfect rice every time. The Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Micom rice cooker features micro-computerized Fuzzy logic technology, menu selection, and an automatic keep warm function. The clear-coated stainless steel exterior is a unique process for rice cookers and makes for a more durable product that is easy to keep clean.
Like most rice cookers, there is a 1 year limited warranty. Out of 298 Amazon reviews, this model boasts an average 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. The Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker sells for about $130 on Amazon.
Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Cuisinart, a name synonymous with high quality kitchen products, makes this fully automatic and 24-hour programmable coffee maker with a separate hot water system for tea, cocoa, and soup. Though it’s difficult to find an drip coffee maker without plastic parts, the Cuisinart is made with all BPA-free materials. Included is a charcoal water filter to remove chlorine and other bad tastes from the water, as well as a gold tone filter for brewing.
Cuisinart offers a 3 year limited warranty, typical for high-end coffee makers. Over 160 Amazon reviewers have given this coffeemaker and average 4.3 out of 5 stars. The Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker sells for about $88 on Amazon.
Another durable small kitchen appliance that is still made in the USA is a Bunn coffeemaker. The Bunn products are high quality and are well reviewed by users, however the design of these systems keeps the reservoir of hot water heated at all times which translates to high energy costs. There is a vacation switch that can turn off the tank heater, but it will take roughly 15 minutes to heat back up in order to make coffee. While we can’t recommend the Bunn as the most efficient option on a daily basis, it might be a consideration for those who entertain a lot. Since it can brew a cup of coffee in about 3 minutes, it would be great for parties.
