The 6 Best Kitchen Gadgets to Save Time in 2026

Assorted kitchen appliances including air fryers, electric kettles, induction cooktops, and a rice cooker arranged on a bright blue background. best kitchen gadgets 2026 canada, smart kitchen gadgets 2026, app‑connected kitchen gadgets

In 2026, we’re seeing some of the most innovative additions to the kitchen space since the new appliance wave of the 60s and 70s. From the best kitchen gadgets of 2026 to smarter everyday tools, smart technology is now showing up in cookware, too! Why? Smart kitchen tools can help you save time, reduce effort, and bring creativity to your meals without adding complexity to your routine.  

  1. Air Fryers

Air fryers have advanced from simple gadgets to intelligent appliances built around efficiency, customization, and ease of use, making them strong contenders in the best air fryer category. 

What’s New in 2026 

The biggest change comes from built-in sensors that automatically adjust time, temperature, and airflow. Some can detect moisture, food type, and even portion size to prevent overcooking or dryness. 

This is an advancement over basic presets, which don’t accommodate cooking a wide variety of foods. Not to mention triple heating elements, dual-zone air fryer technology, dual baskets, and voice-control models that all deliver maximum efficiency for countertop cooking. 

Why It Saves Time 

  • Eliminate guesswork with automatic adjustments 
  • Faster preheating and cook times with advanced heating systems 
  • Dual-zone cooking allows multiple foods to be cooked at once with synchronized finish times 

Featured LD Picks

Best For 

Air fryers are a great tool for busy parents, athletes who meal prep, college students, and anyone looking to simplify dinner prep without sacrificing quality.    

Browse air fryers at London Drugs. 

  1. Kettles, Coffee Makers & At-Home Barista Tools

Today’s beverage stations are smarter than ever, with smart coffee gadgets and automated drink maker settings that make brewing your daily cuppa a breeze. Coffee makers and espresso machines bring artisanal coffeeshop quality to your fingertips, while smart kettles can transform your morning routine. 

What’s New in 2026 

Modern kettles feature app-based and temperature-specific controls, making them a key category in app-connected kitchen gadgets. You can heat water to the exact degree needed for green tea, pour-over coffee, or French press. 

Milk frothers and espresso machines have also evolved, offering customizable drink profiles and smart scheduling so your coffee is ready when you are. 

Why It Saves Time 

  • Pre-set schedules mean drinks are ready when you wake up 
  • Precise temperature control removes trial and error 
  • Multi-function machines reduce the need for separate tools 

Featured LD Picks 

Best For 

Early risers, coffee lovers, and anyone who wants cafe-quality drinks at home without the wait.   

Explore coffee makersmilk frotherskettles, and espresso machines at London Drugs.

  1. Multi-Tasking Cookers & Countertop Ovens

For those looking to streamline their kitchen and save space, look for cookers, grills, and toaster ovens that combine multiple appliances into a single unit. These app-connected kitchen gadgets are redefining efficiency in compact spaces. 

What’s New in 2026 

Today’s multi-cookers and countertop ovens feature 6-in-1 (or more!) functionality, handling everything from pressure cooking and slow cooking to baking and air frying. Many models are now fully app-connected, letting you monitor and control cooking remotely. 

Why It Saves Time 

  • Replaces multiple appliances, reducing setup and cleanup 
  • Programmable cooking functions allow hands-off meals 
  • Faster cooking methods like pressure cooking cut meal time significantly 

Featured LD Picks 

Best For 

Countertop appliances and multicookers make the most of limited kitchen space, and are particularly helpful for those who hope to maximize functionality, families, and meal preppers.  

Browse multi-cookers and toaster ovens at London Drugs to compare features.

 

LD Tip: Compare Online, Test In-Store 

Compare models online through London Drugs product pages, then take advantage of free in-store pickup to get cooking faster—or find a store near you to see features and sizes in action before you buy.

 

  1. Thermometers, Scales & Smart Sensors

Upgrade your cooking accuracy with precision cooking tools designed for maximum consistency. 

What’s New in 2026 

Precision cooking tools now include predictive, instant-read thermometers and ultra-accurate digital scales. Some models even sync with apps to guide cooking temperatures or track measurements, making them essential gadgets for home cooks of all skill levels. 

Why Precision Matters 

  • Reduces cooking errors and wasted ingredients 
  • Ensures consistent results every time 
  • Helps prevent undercooking or overcooking 

Featured LD Picks

Best For 

These gadgets are suitable for home bakers, detail-oriented cooks, and anyone looking to improve consistency and confidence in the kitchen.  

Explore kitchen tools and gadgets online at London Drugs.

  1. Rice Cookers & Hot-Water Dispensers

In 2026, kitchens are reflecting more diverse cooking needs than ever. These time-saving kitchen gadgets simplify everyday meal prep while supporting a wide range of cuisines. 

What’s New in 2026 

Modern rice cookers now offer advanced keep-warm and scheduling functions, along with multi-use settings for different grains and dishes. 

Why It Saves Time 

  • Set-it-and-forget-it functionality frees up your schedule 
  • Multi-grain settings eliminate the need for multiple cooking methods 
  • Keep-warm features ensure food is ready when you are 

Featured LD Picks

Best For 

Home cooks who value reliable hands-off cooking and exploring diverse cuisine with the help of staple kitchen appliances.   

Browse rice cookers at London Drugs.

  1. Energy-Efficient, Low-Waste Gadgets

Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it’s built into modern design. Many of today’s energy-efficient kitchen appliances focus on reducing waste while improving convenience. 

What’s New in 2026 

Kitchen gadgets now prioritize smarter storage and efficiency. Vacuum sealers extend shelf life, while dehydrators preserve ingredients for long-term storage. Emerging smart pantry tech—like connected storage containers—helps track freshness and reduce spoilage. 

Why It Saves Time 

  • Less frequent grocery trips thanks to longer-lasting food 
  • Batch prep and preservation reduce daily cooking demands 
  • Minimizes food waste and the need to replace ingredients 

Featured LD Picks

Best For  

Sustainability-focused households, those who buy in bulk, meal preppers, and anyone looking to reduce waste while maximizing efficiency.   

Find vacuum sealers and dehydrators at London Drugs.

Explore Smart Kitchen Gadgets at London Drugs 

Kitchens are smarter, faster, and more intuitive than ever before. Whether you’re upgrading a single appliance or rethinking your entire cooking routine, today’s tools are designed to save time and enhance how you prepare and enjoy food. 

From intelligent air fryers to precision cooking tools and sustainable storage solutions, there’s never been a better time to upgrade. Explore kitchen appliances at London Drugs with convenient delivery or pickup options. 

6 Sensational Recipes for the Instant Pot

For those who don’t know, the Instant Pot is a multi-purpose kitchen tool that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer, warmer, and yogurt maker.

With all that in one space-saving appliance, it’s no wonder the product is a huge success. Still, some might feel challenged to ensure they make the most of each Instant Pot feature.

Don’t worry, here are some sensational recipe ideas to get you started…

 

For the Pressure Cooker: The best part about pressure cookers is preparing dishes that would normally take hours in mere minutes. Meaning, whole new categories of dishes, like roasts and stews, can be added to your night-of cooking rotation.

1. Easy Chicken and Chickpea Masala

Instant Pot Recipe - Chicken Tika Masala

[Photo: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

Cook Time: 20mins.
Ingredients:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Onion, finely diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fresh Ginger, grated
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Coriander
  • Turmeric
  • Cayenne pepper (as needed, to taste)
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Spinach, trimmed
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • Chicken drumsticks and thighs (4 to 6 of each)
  • Chicken stock
  • Chickpeas, drained
  • Heavy cream
  • Kosher salt

Full instructions at SeriousEats.com

2. Classic (Instant) Pot Roast

Cook Time: 45mins.
Ingredients:

  • Chuck or blade roast (2 inches thick)
  • Garlic
  • Small onions
  • Unsalted chicken stock
  • Light soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Bay leaves
  • Red wine or balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • White mushrooms
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Cornstarch + Water

Full instructions at PressureCookerRecipes.com

3. Vegan Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Instant Pot Recipe - Curry Soup

[Photo: DETOXinista]


Cook Time: 30mins
Ingredients:

  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Curry powder
  • Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Water
  • Coconut milk (or coconut cream)
Optional:
  • Hulled pumpkin seeds
  • Dried cranberries

Full instructions at DETOXinista.com

 

For the Slow Cooker: Sure, nearly everything you can make in a slow cooker is faster in a pressure cooker. But certain recipes may benefit from a slow approach. Plus, you can leave a slow cooker on during the day and simply sit down to dinner at night!

4. Gluten-Free Beef Stroganoff

Instant Pot Recipe – Beef Stroganoff

[Photo: 365 Days of Crockpot]

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low)
Ingredients:

  • Beef chuck roast, cubed (or buy stew meat)
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Sour cream
  • Non-fat dried powdered milk
  • Cornstarch
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Beef bouillon
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Dried onion
  • Gluten-free flour
  • Water
  • Sliced green onion, to garnish
  • [Can be served over any gluten-free pasta or rice alternative.]

Full instructions at 365DaysofCrockpot.com

 

For the Rice Cooker: A rice cooker is great for so much more than just making rice. Even if you do make rice in it, there’s no reason it needs to be plain. With just a little added technique, you can make entire satisfying meals like this paella.

5. Rice Cooker Paella

Instant Pot Recipe - Paella

[Photo: MyVega.ca]

Cook Time: 25mins.
Ingredients:

  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato, diced
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne
  • Saffron threads
  • White wine
  • Vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Short grain rice
  • Fennel, roasted
  • Artichoke, with small amount of reserved brine
  • Green beans
  • Capers
  • Parsley, chopped
  • Lemon, sliced

Full instructions at MyVega.ca

 

For the Yogurt Maker: This is one Instant Pot function many of us are probably still unfamiliar with. But the rising popularity of protein-rich yogurt breakfast parfaits mean it’s likely to become a more popular option soon. Ready to give it a shot? Read on.

6. Homemade Yogurt (plain)


Cook Time: 25mins
Incubation Time: 8-10 hours
Ingredients:

  • Milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
  • Plain yogurt (with live cultures, used as a starter)
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
  • Additional fruits or other flavours (optional)

Full instructions at KitchenJoyBlog.com

You can purchase one of two different sizes of Instant Pot at London Drugs in-store or online. Have a question about the Instant Pot? Feel free to ask an LD Expert in person, or you can reach us in the comments section below and wherever you find London Drugs on social media.

ALSO SEE: LD’s Full Instant Pot Review – with Korean-Fusion Burritos Recipe