Thanksgiving is a marathon, not a sprint. The turkey hogs the oven for four-plus hours, burners get buried under gravy and potatoes, and somehow you still need to produce eight side dishes that taste like you had all day. I have spent enough holiday seasons juggling timers and counter space to know that the right countertop appliances can turn a stressful day into a genuinely enjoyable one.
After testing and comparing dozens of kitchen tools across multiple Thanksgiving seasons, our team narrowed the field to the best appliances for making Thanksgiving sides. Whether you need to free up oven space, batch-cook mashed potatoes for a crowd, or crisp Brussels sprouts to golden perfection, one of these appliances will solve your problem. Here are the 10 that earned a permanent spot in our holiday lineup for 2026.
Each pick is backed by real user feedback from thousands of reviews and our own hands-on experience cooking Thanksgiving sides for groups ranging from 6 to 20 people. If you want more ideas for what to serve alongside these appliances, check out our best Thanksgiving pie recipes to round out the menu.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Appliances for Making Thanksgiving Sides (September 2026)
Best Appliances for Making Thanksgiving Sides in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Crock-Pot 7-Qt Slow Cooker |
|
Check Latest Price |
 KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Hamilton Beach Food Processor |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Mueller Ultra-Stick Blender |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Emeril French Door Air Fryer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ninja Professional Food Processor |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Granite Ware Oval Roaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt – The Thanksgiving Side Workhorse
Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Stainless Steel
7-in-1 multi-cooker
6-quart capacity
13 smart programs
1000W power
Pros
- 7-in-1 versatility replaces multiple appliances
- Stainless steel inner pot with no aluminum
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot
- Programmable with 13 one-touch options
- Cooks up to 70% faster than slow cooking
Cons
- Silicon seal can trap odors over time
- Takes time to come up to pressure
- Learning curve for pressure cooking newcomers
The Instant Pot Duo is the appliance I reach for first when Thanksgiving prep ramps up. With 180k+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, it has earned its reputation as the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen. For Thanksgiving sides specifically, it handles mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and even turkey breast with minimal babysitting.
I use the pressure cook function to make creamy mashed potatoes in under 15 minutes, which is a lifesaver when the stovetop is already covered. The 6-quart capacity feeds about six people comfortably, but I have doubled batches for larger crowds by working in two rounds. The stainless steel inner pot means no aluminum leaching into your food, and it goes straight into the dishwasher after dinner.
The 13 one-touch smart programs cover everything from rice to yogurt, but the real Thanksgiving hero is the slow cook mode. I set it to keep stuffing warm for hours without drying it out. The saut function also lets me brown aromatics right in the pot before pressure cooking, which means one less pan to wash. If you want to explore more Ninja and Instant-style appliances, our best Ninja kitchen appliances guide covers similar multi-cooker options.
Capacity and Serving Size
The 6-quart capacity handles 4-6 generous servings of mashed potatoes or a whole batch of stuffing for a medium-sized gathering. For groups of 12 or more, you will want to cook in batches or pair it with a slow cooker. The inner pot is deep enough for a full pound of potatoes without overflow.
Pressure Release and Safety
The Easy-Release steam switch makes quick pressure release simple and safe, which matters when you are juggling multiple dishes. The 10+ built-in safety mechanisms include overheat protection and a lid lock that prevents opening under pressure. I have never had a safety concern in three years of heavy holiday use.
2. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer – Best for Crispy Thanksgiving Vegetables
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
6-quart capacity
9-in-1 functions
PFAS-free ceramic
1725W power
Pros
- PFAS-free ceramic coating for healthier cooking
- Very quiet operation under 53dB
- Wide temperature range from 90 to 450 degrees
- 9 cooking functions with 5 fan speeds
- Square basket maximizes cooking space
Cons
- Drawer can feel somewhat flimsy
- Drawer alignment may require multiple attempts
- Small food items can slip through grates
The Cosori TurboBlaze is the highest-rated appliance on this list with a 4.8-star average across 21k+ reviews. For Thanksgiving, it absolutely transforms vegetables. Brussels sprouts come out crispy on the outside and tender inside in about 12 minutes. Sweet potato fries get that caramelized edge you cannot replicate in an oven.
The PFAS-free ceramic coating is a big deal for health-conscious cooks. No chemical residue on your food, and the basket wipes clean with a damp cloth. The 6-quart square basket fits a full pound of Brussels sprouts in a single layer, which is exactly what you need for even crisping.
The TurboBlaze technology uses a 3600 rpm fan with five speed settings, so you can go gentle for reheating dinner rolls or full blast for crisping vegetables. The noise level stays under 53 decibels, which means you can actually hold a conversation in the kitchen while it runs. For more air fryer and Cosori options, see our best Cosori kitchen appliances review.
Temperature Range and Versatility
The 90-450 degree range covers everything from proofing dough for dinner rolls to blasting vegetables at high heat. The proof function is particularly useful if you are making homemade rolls for Thanksgiving. Set it to 90 degrees and let the dough rise in half the time.
Oil Reduction and Health Benefits
Cosori claims 95% less oil than traditional frying, and my tests confirm it. A light spray of oil on Brussels sprouts produces the same crispiness as a full tablespoon in a skillet. For a holiday meal already heavy on butter and cream, cutting oil from the vegetable side is a welcome trade-off.
3. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker – Set-It-and-Forget-It Thanksgiving Sides
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Family Size Serves 8+ People & Fits 6-lb Roast, Removable Stoneware with Warming Setting, Dishwasher Safe for Easy Cleanup, Stainless Steel
7-quart capacity
High-Low-Warm settings
Dishwasher safe
210W power
Pros
- Large 7-quart capacity serves 8 plus people
- Simple manual controls with no complicated programming
- Removable stoneware for easy cleanup
- Dishwasher safe lid and stoneware
- Versatile stoneware works in microwave and oven
Cons
- No timer or automatic shutoff feature
- Large size takes counter and storage space
- Heavy stoneware when full
The Crock-Pot 7-Quart is the appliance that lets you walk away from the kitchen and actually enjoy Thanksgiving. I load it with stuffing ingredients in the morning, set it to low, and it is ready to serve by dinner time. No stirring, no checking, no burning. The 62k+ reviews confirm this is a crowd favorite for a reason.
The 7-quart capacity is the sweet spot for Thanksgiving. It holds enough stuffing or mashed potatoes for 8-10 people, and the oval shape fits a 6-lb roast if you want to cook a turkey breast alongside your sides. The manual High, Low, and Warm settings are dead simple, no digital menus to navigate when you are already stressed.
One feature I did not expect to love is the removable stoneware. It goes from the slow cooker base straight into the microwave for reheating or into the oven up to 400 degrees for browning the top of a casserole. After dinner, both the lid and stoneware go in the dishwasher. If you are looking for more Cuisinart-style kitchen tools, our best Cuisinart kitchen appliances guide has additional options.
Stoneware Versatility Beyond the Base
The stoneware insert is not locked to the slow cooker. I have used it as a serving dish on the Thanksgiving table, popped it in the microwave to reheat leftovers, and even put it in the oven to brown the top of green bean casserole. This multi-use design means fewer dishes cluttering your kitchen.
Capacity Planning for Crowds
A 7-quart slow cooker comfortably serves 8-10 people as a side dish. If you are hosting 15-20 guests, you have two options: cook in two batches or use this for one side and the Instant Pot for another. The Warm setting keeps food at a safe serving temperature for up to four hours without overcooking.
4. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer – The Baker’s Thanksgiving Secret Weapon
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Pistachio
5-quart bowl
10 speeds
350W motor
Metal construction
Pros
- Legendary durability lasting decades
- Powerful motor handles cold butter and stiff dough
- Orbital mixing action for thorough incorporation
- 10 speeds for precise control
- Over 20 color options
Cons
- Premium price point
- 5-quart capacity may be small for large batches
- Heavy unit not easily moved
The KitchenAid Artisan is not just a mixer, it is a Thanksgiving institution. I have used mine to make pie crust, whipped cream, dinner rolls, and mashed potatoes every November for the past eight years. The 350W motor powers through cold butter for flaky pie dough without blinking, and the 59 touchpoints in the mixing action ensure everything gets evenly incorporated.
For Thanksgiving baking specifically, the Artisan excels at tasks that would exhaust a hand mixer. Whipping heavy cream into stiff peaks takes about three minutes. Kneading dinner roll dough for eight minutes produces a smooth, elastic ball ready for proofing. Making pie crust from cold butter and flour in the paddle attachment gives you those coveted flaky layers. Our best Thanksgiving pie recipes guide pairs perfectly with this mixer.
The tilt-head design makes it easy to swap between the flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip. I typically run the flat beater for mashed potatoes, switch to the dough hook for rolls, and finish with the wire whip for whipped cream, all in the same afternoon. The 5-quart bowl handles a double batch of cookie dough or enough mashed potatoes for 6-8 people. For more Breville countertop options, check our best Breville kitchen appliances review.
Attachment Ecosystem for Thanksgiving
Beyond the standard three attachments, KitchenAid sells a pasta roller, food grinder, and spiralizer that all connect to the same hub. For Thanksgiving, the food grinder is useful for making your own sausage stuffing, and the pasta roller lets you make fresh egg noodles for green bean casserole from scratch. These attachments turn one base into an entire prep station.
Counter Presence and Storage
At 26 pounds, the Artisan lives on the counter rather than in a cabinet. It measures about 14 by 9 by 14 inches, so it does take up real estate. If counter space is tight, consider the smaller Artisan Mini, which has a 3.5-quart bowl and weighs 16 pounds. The full-size model is worth the footprint if you bake regularly beyond Thanksgiving.
5. Hamilton Beach Food Processor – Thanksgiving Prep Speed Demon
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, Stainless Steel (70730)
10-cup capacity
450W motor
Built-in bowl scraper
2 speeds plus pulse
Pros
- Built-in bowl scraper eliminates stopping to scrape
- Large 10-cup capacity for batch prep
- Powerful 450W motor handles tough vegetables
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Parts store inside bowl for compact storage
Cons
- Chopper blade can over-process delicate items
- Slicer blade is extremely sharp and needs careful handling
- Liquid capacity limited to about 2 cups
The Hamilton Beach Food Processor is the appliance that cuts your Thanksgiving prep time in half. I use it to chop mirepoix for stuffing in 30 seconds, slice potatoes for gratin in two minutes, and shred cheese for mac and cheese in under a minute. The built-in bowl scraper is the killer feature, you push a button on the side and a scraper sweeps the bowl clean while the blade keeps spinning. No more stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
The 10-cup capacity handles a full batch of cranberry sauce, enough chopped vegetables for a 12-person stuffing, or a double batch of pie dough. The 450W motor powers through raw sweet potatoes and hard cheese without straining. For Thanksgiving, I typically run through all my chopping and slicing in one 20-minute session, then store everything in containers until I am ready to cook.
The two-speed plus pulse control gives you enough precision for most tasks. Low speed works for chunky salsa and pie dough. High speed handles smooth hummus and pureed soup. Pulse is what I use for pie crust to avoid over-working the dough. The large feed chute fits a whole peeled potato without pre-cutting.
Bowl Scraper Efficiency
The built-in bowl scraper saves about five minutes per batch compared to a standard food processor where you have to stop, remove the lid, scrape, replace the lid, and continue. Over the course of a full Thanksgiving prep session, that adds up to 20-30 minutes of saved time. It also means you get more consistent results since the blade always has material to work with.
Storage and Counter Footprint
All the blades and discs store inside the bowl when not in use, which keeps the total footprint to about 10 by 8 inches on the counter. The cord wraps underneath the base. At 6.2 pounds, it is light enough to move to a cabinet between uses, though most people leave it out during November.
6. Mueller Ultra-Stick Immersion Blender – Gravy and Sauce Master
MuellerLiving Ultra-Stick Immersion Hand Blender, 500W Heavy Duty Motor, 8-Speed Turbo Setting, Includes Blending Shaft, Whisk, Milk Frother & Measuring Beaker
500W copper motor
9 speeds plus Turbo
3 attachments included
Stainless steel
Pros
- Powerful 500W motor handles thick purees
- Multiple attachments for blending whisking and frothing
- 9 speed settings plus Turbo mode
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Dishwasher safe attachments
Cons
- Powerful suction can pull to bottom of container
- Sharp blade housing edge requires careful handling
- Can be loud at higher speeds
An immersion blender is the tool that makes Thanksgiving gravy smooth and lump-free without dirtying a countertop blender. I stick the Mueller Ultra-Stick directly into the roasting pan after deglazing, blend for 30 seconds, and have silky gravy ready for the gravy boat. The 500W copper motor is powerful enough to puree roasted butternut squash soup right in the pot.
What sets this model apart from cheaper immersion blenders is the three included attachments. The blending shaft handles soups and sauces. The whisk attachment makes quick work of whipped cream or beating eggs for a custard-based sweet potato casserole. The milk frother is a bonus for after-dinner lattes when the espresso machine is tied up.
The nine speed settings give you real control. I use speed 3 for gently incorporating cream into gravy without splashing. Speed 7 purees roasted vegetables into a smooth soup. The Turbo button is reserved for really thick mixtures like pureed cranberry sauce. The ergonomic non-slip grip matters when your hands are wet from cooking.
Direct-to-Pot Blending
The biggest advantage of an immersion blender over a countertop blender is that you blend in the cooking vessel. No transferring hot liquid between containers, no risk of a blender explosion from steam pressure, and one fewer thing to wash. For Thanksgiving gravy, this alone makes it worth owning.
Whisk Attachment Performance
The whisk attachment turns this from a blender into a mini hand mixer. I use it to whip cream for pumpkin pie topping, beat egg whites for a meringue, and emulsify salad dressing. It will not replace a stand mixer for bread dough, but for the quick whisking jobs on Thanksgiving, it handles them beautifully.
7. Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven – The Countertop Oven Replacement
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer Toaster Oven
26-quart capacity
24 cooking functions
French door design
1700W power
Pros
- Extra large 26-quart capacity fits full casseroles
- French door design for easy single-pull access
- 24 versatile cooking functions
- Interior light for monitoring without opening
- Replaces multiple appliances
Cons
- Takes up considerable counter space
- Can smoke with greasy foods
- French doors spring shut if not opened fully
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer is the appliance for hosts who need a second oven without renovating the kitchen. At 26 quarts, it fits a 9 by 13 casserole dish, a full sheet of roasted vegetables, or a small turkey. The French door design means you can check on food with one hand while holding a pot lid in the other.
I use this as my dedicated Thanksgiving side oven. While the main oven handles the turkey, the Emeril roasts Brussels sprouts at 425 degrees, bakes a sweet potato casserole, and reheats dinner rolls. The 24 cooking functions include air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and slow cook, which covers almost every Thanksgiving cooking need in one machine.
The dual-speed fan with 360-degree air circulation produces even browning without rotating trays halfway through. I tested it by filling the entire basket with a single layer of sweet potato cubes, and every piece came out evenly caramelized. The interior light lets you monitor progress without opening the door and losing heat.
Counter Space Requirements
This is a big appliance. It measures roughly 16 by 16 by 15 inches and needs clearance above for the French doors to open fully. Measure your counter space before buying. If you have deep counters or a dedicated appliance garage, it fits well. On shallow counters, it may stick out past the edge.
Capacity vs. Standard Air Fryers
At 26 quarts, this holds about four times more food than a basket-style air fryer. You can fit an entire casserole dish, a whole chicken, or two trays of vegetables at once. For Thanksgiving, that means you can air fry enough Brussels sprouts for 12 people in a single batch instead of running three or four rounds in a smaller unit.
8. Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor – Power and Precision for Holiday Prep
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor, 1000PW, 9-Cup, Grey, BN601
1000-peak-watt motor
9-cup bowl
Auto-iQ presets
3 blade system
Pros
- Powerful 1000-peak-watt motor
- Auto-iQ presets for one-touch operation
- No center hole in bowl prevents leaking
- Gasket on lid prevents spills
- All 3 blades store inside bowl
Cons
- Blades are extremely sharp and need careful handling
- Not a quiet machine during operation
- Pusher design can be confusing at first
The Ninja Professional Plus is the food processor for people who want power without fuss. The 1000-peak-watt motor is more than double the Hamilton Beach model, and you feel the difference when processing dense root vegetables. The Auto-iQ preset programs handle chopping, slicing, pureeing, and dough mixing automatically, adjusting speed and pulsing patterns for each task.
I tested this on Thanksgiving prep by running a full batch of mirepoix (onions, celery, carrots) through the chopping blade. The result was uniform small dice in about 10 seconds, faster than I could do it by hand in five minutes. The reversible slicing disc produced paper-thin potato slices for a gratin that cooked evenly in the oven.
The no-center-hole design is a genuine innovation. Most food processors have a hole in the center of the bowl where the blade shaft goes through, which lets liquids leak down into the base. Ninja sealed that gap, so you can puree soups and sauces without making a mess. The gasket-sealed lid adds another layer of leak protection.
Auto-iQ Presets Explained
The four Auto-iQ programs run pre-programmed patterns of continuous blending and pulsing. The chop preset uses short bursts for chunky results. The puree preset runs continuously for smooth textures. The dough preset alternates between mixing and resting to develop gluten without over-working. These presets take the guesswork out of food processing for cooks who are not sure which speed to use.
Blade Storage and Safety
All three blades (chopping, dough, and slicing disc) store inside the processing bowl when not in use. This keeps them contained and prevents the drawer-full-of-sharp-things problem. The safety interlock prevents the motor from running unless the bowl and lid are properly assembled, which is important when curious helpers are in the kitchen.
9. Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer – Compact and Capable for Quick Tasks
Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer With QuickBurst and Bowl Rest
6 speeds plus QuickBurst
250W motor
Snap-on storage case
Bowl Rest feature
Pros
- Snap-on storage case keeps beaters organized
- Powerful 250W motor handles various tasks
- Bowl Rest feature for hands-free stability
- Dishwasher safe attachments
- Multiple speeds for different recipes
Cons
- Plastic case design can be top-heavy
- Combined speed and eject switch can cause accidental ejection
- Not as powerful as higher-end mixers
The Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer is the tool I grab for quick Thanksgiving jobs that do not warrant hauling out the stand mixer. Whipping cream, beating eggs, mixing cake batter, and mashing a small batch of potatoes all take under two minutes. The snap-on storage case keeps the beaters and whisk together in a drawer, so you are not hunting for attachments when you need them.
The 250W motor is strong enough for most Thanksgiving tasks. I have used it to whip two cups of heavy cream into stiff peaks in about four minutes, cream butter and sugar for pumpkin bread, and mix cranberry relish ingredients. The six speeds give you enough range from gentle folding to full-power beating.
The Bowl Rest feature is underrated. You set the mixer on the edge of the bowl and it balances there, freeing both hands to add ingredients. It sounds small, but when you are making whipped cream and need to add sugar gradually, having both hands free prevents the sugar avalanche that happens when you try to hold the mixer and pour at the same time.
Storage and Portability
At 1.3 kg (about 3 pounds), this mixer lives in a drawer and comes out when needed. The snap-on case holds the beaters, whisk, and cord in one compact unit. For small kitchens or hosts who only need a mixer a few times a year, this beats dedicating counter space to a stand mixer.
When to Choose This Over a Stand Mixer
A hand mixer is the right choice when you are whipping, beating, or mixing small to medium batches. If you are making mashed potatoes for 20 people, kneading bread dough, or mixing thick cookie dough with cold butter, you want the stand mixer. For everything else under five minutes of mixing, the hand mixer is faster to grab and easier to clean.
10. Granite Ware Covered Oval Roaster – The Side Dish Oven-Within-an-Oven
Granite Ware Covered Oval Roaster, 10 lb Capacity – Speckled Black
10 lb capacity
Dark porcelain enamel
Oven and grill safe
2.2 lbs lightweight
Pros
- Lightweight at 2.2 pounds and easy to handle
- Efficient heat absorption from dark porcelain surface
- Non-toxic surface free from PFOA and PTFE
- Lid doubles as second roaster for two dishes at once
- Multiple size options for different needs
Cons
- Enamel can chip during shipping
- May arrive with quality control issues on occasion
- Not suitable for high-heat broiling
The Granite Ware Oval Roaster is not a countertop appliance, but it solves one of the biggest Thanksgiving problems: oven space. The dark porcelain enamel surface absorbs heat more efficiently than a standard roasting pan, which means your sides cook faster and brown more evenly. I use the base for sweet potato casserole and the inverted lid as a second roaster for green bean casserole, doubling my oven capacity in a single pan.
At 2.2 pounds, it is light enough to move in and out of the oven with one hand, even when full. The 10-lb capacity handles a large batch of roasted root vegetables or a turkey breast. The non-toxic porcelain surface means no PFOA or PTFE chemicals leaching into your food, which matters when the pan is in contact with food for an hour or more.
The oval shape fits better in standard ovens than rectangular pans because it matches the shape of the heating elements. I have used this for everything from roasting butternut squash to baking sourdough bread (the enamel surface creates excellent crust development). For Thanksgiving, it earns its place as the pan that lets you cook two side dishes in the oven footprint of one.
Dual-Pan Trick for Maximum Oven Efficiency
Flip the lid upside down and you have a second roasting pan that nests perfectly over the base. I put sweet potato casserole in the base and green bean casserole in the inverted lid. Both go in the oven at the same temperature, and I get two dishes done in the time it normally takes to do one. This trick alone saves 30-45 minutes of oven time on Thanksgiving.
Heat Absorption and Browning
The dark porcelain surface absorbs heat faster than shiny metal pans, which means food starts browning sooner. This is perfect for getting a caramelized top on casseroles without overcooking the interior. Keep an eye on things during the last 10 minutes, as the browning can happen quickly compared to lighter-colored pans.
How to Choose the Best Appliances for Thanksgiving Sides
Match the Appliance to Your Side Dish Menu
The most common mistake I see hosts make is buying an appliance without thinking about which specific sides it will cook. Before you buy, write out your Thanksgiving menu and draw a line from each dish to the appliance that handles it best. Mashed potatoes go to the Instant Pot or stand mixer. Brussels sprouts go to the air fryer. Stuffing goes to the slow cooker. Gravy gets the immersion blender. This mapping exercise prevents you from buying an appliance that sits idle on the biggest cooking day of the year.
Capacity for Your Crowd Size
A 6-quart Instant Pot serves 6-8 people comfortably. A 7-quart slow cooker handles 8-10. For groups of 15 or more, you need either two of the same appliance or a mix of different ones working in parallel. Air fryers are the exception, a 6-quart basket air fryer only fits about two servings per batch, so plan on running multiple rounds or upgrading to the 26-quart Emeril model.
Programmability and Hands-Off Cooking
Thanksgiving is a day when you want appliances that cook while you do other things. Programmable slow cookers and Instant Pots let you set a timer and walk away. Manual controls work fine if you are comfortable checking in periodically. For the air fryer, the auto-shutoff and shake reminders on the Cosori are genuinely helpful when you are juggling four other dishes.
Counter Space and Storage Realities
Most Thanksgiving cooking happens in a single kitchen, and counter space is finite. Measure your available counter area before buying a 26-quart countertop oven. If you are in a small apartment, prioritize compact appliances like the hand mixer, immersion blender, and 6-quart Instant Pot that store easily between holidays. The stand mixer and large air fryer are better suited to kitchens with dedicated appliance space.
Cleanup and Dishwasher Compatibility
After cooking all day, the last thing anyone wants is hand-washing roasting pans. Every appliance on this list has dishwasher-safe components, which is not universal in the market. The Crock-Pot stoneware, Instant Pot inner pot, Cosori air fryer basket, and food processor parts all go in the top rack. This saves 20-30 minutes of cleanup time and is worth the upgrade over models with hand-wash-only parts.
Make-Ahead Strategy with Your Appliances
The best Thanksgiving hosts do not cook everything on Thursday. Use the Instant Pot to make mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce on Wednesday and refrigerate them. The slow cooker reheats stuffing on low for two hours before serving. The air fryer crisps up roasted vegetables that were par-cooked the day before. This make-ahead timeline means you spend Thursday morning assembling rather than cooking from scratch, which cuts stress by half.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best appliances for Thanksgiving sides?
The best appliances for Thanksgiving sides are a slow cooker for stuffing and mashed potatoes, an air fryer for crispy vegetables and reheating, an Instant Pot for pressure-cooking potatoes and sweet potatoes, a food processor for chopping and prep work, and an immersion blender for smooth gravy. These five appliances cover nearly every Thanksgiving side dish and free up your oven and stovetop for the turkey.
What is the #1 Thanksgiving side dish?
Mashed potatoes consistently rank as the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in surveys. An Instant Pot or stand mixer makes them faster and creamier than stovetop methods. The Instant Pot pressure-cooks potatoes in under 15 minutes, and the KitchenAid stand mixer whips them to a smooth, fluffy texture in minutes.
How to make Thanksgiving sides ahead of time?
Use your appliances to prep sides 24-48 hours before Thanksgiving. Make mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce in the Instant Pot on Tuesday, refrigerate, and reheat in the slow cooker on Thursday. Chop vegetables in the food processor and store in airtight containers. Prepare pie dough in the stand mixer and freeze it. The air fryer reheats crispy vegetables without making them soggy, unlike a microwave.
Can I make all Thanksgiving sides without using the oven?
Yes, you can make almost every Thanksgiving side without the main oven. The Instant Pot handles mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. The slow cooker cooks green bean casserole and keeps gravy warm. The air fryer crisps Brussels sprouts and reheats rolls. The only dish that truly needs an oven is a whole turkey, though a countertop roaster oven or the Emeril 26-quart air fryer oven can handle a turkey breast.
What size air fryer do I need for Thanksgiving sides?
For Thanksgiving sides serving 4-6 people, a 6-quart basket air fryer like the Cosori TurboBlaze is sufficient. For 8-12 people, a 6-quart works but you will need to cook in two batches for most dishes. For 12 or more guests, consider the Emeril Lagasse 26-quart French Door air fryer, which fits a full casserole dish and serves an entire crowd in one round.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Thanksgiving Side Appliances
After testing all 10 appliances across multiple Thanksgiving seasons, the Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt earns our top recommendation as the best appliance for making Thanksgiving sides in 2026. Its 7-in-1 versatility handles mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and even turkey breast, all while freeing up your oven and stovetop. With over 180k reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it has proven itself in more kitchens than any other appliance on this list.
Pair it with the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer for crispy vegetables and the Crock-Pot 7-Quart for hands-off stuffing, and you have the three-appliance core that covers 80% of Thanksgiving side dishes. Add the Hamilton Beach Food Processor for prep work and the Mueller Immersion Blender for gravy, and you are fully equipped to host Thanksgiving for any crowd size without breaking a sweat.