Home: Kitchen Magic

Countertop real estate is a valued commodity in most kitchens. But for many home cooks, the siren call of new gadgets and electric appliances can be hard to ignore. We tested the newest arrivals and found a few worth making room for. --By Lisa McLaughlin

VITA-MIX

At $600, the Vita-Mix Professional Series is one expensive blender. But this commercial-grade appliance not only emulsifies, grinds and chops; it also turns raw vegetables into steaming hot soup in five minutes.

THE BBQ PIT

Looking to carry the tastes of summer into the fall? The Crock-Pot BBQ-Pit ($120) can slow-roast traditional pulled pork, chicken, barbecued beef brisket or ribs right on your countertop.

BLUE CHILL

The Oster Blue Chill double-wall insulated blender jar ($20) is filled with a freezable liquid that keeps smoothies and frozen drinks slushy for several hours and fits most Oster models.

SODA-CLUB

Make your own soft drinks with this $100 countertop soda fountain that can brew a liter of soda in about 30 seconds. Comes with a choice of 25 flavors and a replaceable CO2 canister that can carbonate 110 L of water.

EGG & MUFFIN TOASTER

This $50 toaster will simultaneously brown your bread and poach an egg in the attached heating tray, producing a tasty breakfast sandwich in just four minutes.