SMEG’s Mini Appliances Are Fall’s Coziest Kitchen Upgrade for under $200 – I Tried Two and I'm Smitten

In the world of aspirational kitchenware, SMEG is a dominant tastemaker. Its glossy white espresso machines and award-winning best refrigerators are iconic, but it is no secret that they demand plenty of kitchen space and a deep wallet.

However, over the past two years, I've seen the brand open its doors to a wider audience with a line of small, fun appliances (milk frothers, soda makers, tea kettles) priced under the $200 mark.

As someone who tests the best kitchen tools and baking essentials, like the best stand mixers, for a living, I was curious: are these petite SMEG purchases worth it? With baking season in full swing, I decided to test two of their smallest, bite-sized treats. Here's my review of both the $159.95 SMEG Scales and the $179.95 SMEG Tea Kettle.

The SMEG Scales Review

I used the SMEG scales for three months, weighing various ingredients for my everyday recipes – from solids like butter and baking flour to pantry staples like legumes, to liquids, such as water and milk for batters.

Product specifications

Design

The SMEG Scales are adorable. True to the brand’s retro identity, they feature a softly curved silhouette, a polished stainless-steel bowl, and a turquoise blue, black, or white base that would look right at home in a 1950s Italian café.

As you can see in the photo above, the bowl detaches easily for cleaning or transferring ingredients to your best stand mixer.

All together, the SMEG scales are surprisingly lightweight; I moved them around my kitchen island with ease. The build feels solid, the base has good stability, and digital controls are super user-friendly.

Performance

Before testing, I was a little concerned that the SMEG scales might just be all style and no substance. But they actually proved to be one of the most quietly competent tools I’ve used all year.

Weighing out flour, sugar, and even lightweight herbs, the response was consistently quick and accurate. Switching between units was intuitive, and the digital interface was bright and easy to read from a distance.

I also loved that I could actually mix ingredients in the SMEG scales bowl, which is really handy for small-batch pancakes or quick salad dressings.

The SMEG scales have become my go-to for baking and everyday prep – even measuring quinoa before boiling or nuts for granola. The compact footprint and pleasing aesthetic mean that they now live permanently on the counter, and I'll seriously never use another weighing scale again.

Cleaning & maintenance

The rechargeable battery on the SMEG scales lasted weeks without needing a top-up, which is great for frequent bakers – and it was easy to rinse the steel bowl after use. Just be sure to thoroughly dry the bowl before you place it back onto the housing for the scales; if you leave it damp, it can create mould and nobody wants that near their baked goods!

The SMEG Tea Kettle Review

I tested the SMEG Tea Kettle on my induction hob, but it is also compatible with gas and electric.

Product specifications

Design

The SMEG Tea Kettle is so cute and retro. The domed shape and spout have a vintage look, and the choice of pastel colorways can add a pop of personality to the kitchen. I chose the cream shade, which instantly added charm to my very modern, minimalist kitchen.

Performance

The SMEG kettle takes some getting used to. The handle is comfortable, but it is a little hard to pour from; the handle gets quite warm to the touch, and the pouring spout can be a bit spitty at times.

In my tests, it took about 3-and-a-half minutes to boil on my induction hob's fast boil. The gentle whistle is charming and cozy, and I was pleasantly surprised by how long it keeps the water hot afterwards.

Compared with the Aarke Stainless Steel Kettle that I use every day – the best non-toxic kitchen appliance I own, with its smooth, precise performance, safe materials, and a similar price point – I'm not sure the SMEG kettle stacks up.

If you have bags of patience and you're all about retro aesthetics, you might love it, but it is not a match for anyone chasing a quick cup of tea or coffee.

The verdict

SMEG’s mini appliances prove that you can get that unmistakable Italian-retro charm in a smaller, more affordable package. Testing both appliances certainly brought some joy and vintage style to my routine.

The SMEG scales were a clear winner for me. They are accurate, easy to use, and genuinely lovely to look at. If you bake or cook regularly like me, they’re well worth the investment and will quickly become a permanent countertop item.

I felt that the SMEG tea kettle is more about style than speed or efficiency. It’s nice for slow, cozy moments, but not the best choice if you’re often in a rush. I probably wouldn't buy it myself.