1. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot promises to be a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more—all in one. But despite its cult following, many owners still nervously flip through the manual every time they use it. Between the “manual,” “pressure cook,” and “sauté” settings, it’s easy to forget which button does what. And if you don’t seal the valve just right, say goodbye to dinner.
Most people bought it with dreams of weeknight magic meals. But after a few confusing encounters, it’s collecting dust in the pantry behind the waffle maker. The thing is, once mastered, it does make killer pulled pork and perfect risotto. But first, you have to conquer the user interface that feels one firmware update away from a spaceship control panel.
2. Programmable Thermostats
These were supposed to save energy and money by auto-adjusting temps when you’re out. But for many Americans, they’re just mysterious wall art with buttons they press randomly when the house feels too cold. The programming functions seem to require a PhD in time management. Worse yet, one wrong press and suddenly your house is 58 degrees at midnight.
People swear they’re “totally worth it” once set up correctly. But the learning curve is steep, and the manuals aren’t written in plain English. In many homes, they’re used like old-school thermostats—just adjusted manually all day long. So much for smart living.
3. Bidet Attachments
These gained popularity during the 2020 toilet paper shortage. Americans loved the idea but not necessarily the execution. There are knobs and dials, and a “rear” versus “feminine” wash setting that’s… not always clear. And if you’re not seated just right, prepare to clean the wall.
Once people get the hang of it, they rave about the cleanliness and eco-friendliness. But at first, most users experience surprise more than comfort. The water pressure often feels like a fire hose aimed at your dignity. Still, once figured out, it becomes a can’t-live-without appliance.
4. Robotic Vacuums
They’re supposed to clean your floors while you live your best life. But instead, most owners end up spending an hour figuring out how to untangle them from a power cord or rogue shoelace. Programming them to avoid specific areas or run at specific times? Easier said than done.
Yet these vacuums do keep pet hair under control and dust bunnies at bay—when they’re not stuck under the couch. Most people swear by the convenience but admit they’ve never opened the app since Day One. And figuring out how to map your house feels like trying to hack into NASA. Still, when they work, they’re like a cleaning fairy you don’t have to tip.
5. Air Fryers
The air fryer revolutionized kitchen counters everywhere with its promise of crispy fries and zero oil. But between all the modes—reheat, bake, roast, air crisp—it’s a guessing game unless you’re a regular. Recipes say 375°F for 10 minutes, but what about when it’s wings versus broccoli? Also, what’s the difference between the basket and the tray again?
Despite the confusion, Americans love their air fryers for their speed and lack of mess. The ability to cook frozen snacks without preheating an oven is a game changer. But many owners rely on muscle memory rather than true understanding. It works—but no one’s entirely sure how.
6. Smart Fridges
They talk to your phone, stream music, and can show you what’s inside without opening the door. But when it comes to changing the water filter or setting the ice maker to “crushed,” most people throw up their hands. The touchscreen looks cool but is often ignored after the first week. And heaven help you if it needs a software update.
Still, the concept of a fridge that tells you when your milk’s expired is wildly appealing. Many owners wouldn’t trade it for anything. But almost everyone just uses it like a regular fridge—albeit one that cost three times as much. And deep down, they’re a little scared of the touchscreen.
7. Washer-Dryer Combos
These space-saving marvels can wash and dry in one cycle—if you can figure out how to set them properly. The controls vary wildly between models, with cryptic icons and cycles that seem to go on forever. Some settings wash but don’t dry, others dry halfway, and none are fast. And don’t even try to wash a large load unless you want to start over twice.
People who live in apartments or RVs swear by these machines. But they also complain about clothes coming out damp or wrinkled. Most end up Googling how to use their specific model more than once a month. The convenience is real, but so is the confusion.
8. Smart Ovens
You can preheat them from your phone and even use voice commands. But the moment you try to switch between bake and convection roast, chaos ensues. Some models don’t even have a traditional knob, just an app. And God forbid the Wi-Fi goes down mid-bake.
While they promise better baking accuracy and time-saving tech, most users end up treating them like regular ovens. That means setting one temp and hoping for the best. Smart features like temperature probes and cooking presets are rarely used. Still, ask any owner—they’d never go back.
9. Electric Pressure Cookers (Non-Instant Pot)
Before the Instant Pot brand took over, standalone electric pressure cookers had their moment. They’re powerful, but many people aren’t sure how long things should cook or what pressure to use. There’s also that underlying fear of them exploding—despite modern safety mechanisms. And releasing the pressure feels like defusing a bomb.
Owners love them for tender meat and fast stews. But the buttons are often unlabeled or overly simplified, making precision difficult. They get used in bursts—usually during chili season—then go back in the cabinet. But when they work, they really work.
10. Digital Slow Cookers
Not your grandma’s Crock-Pot, these modern versions come with timers, warming modes, and multiple heat settings. But figuring out which mode is “keep warm” versus “low” can be a headscratcher. The digital readout is often tiny and unlit, making it hard to read in a dim kitchen. And some beep loudly at 3 a.m. when switching modes.
Still, Americans love the set-it-and-forget-it lifestyle. Dumping in ingredients and returning to a hot meal is a win. The tech adds flexibility, even if most users only scratch the surface of its functions. It’s comfort food made complicated—but still comforting.
11. Sous Vide Machines
Cooking like a chef at home? Yes, please. But figuring out the time and temp for a 1.5-inch ribeye versus a chicken breast takes a lot of trial and error. Also, sealing the bag properly and keeping it submerged can be tricky for newbies.
Once you nail it, sous vide offers restaurant-level results with zero guesswork. But that learning curve keeps a lot of machines tucked away in drawers. They’re often gifts that sound amazing but require a cooking spreadsheet to operate. Still, perfectly cooked steak is a compelling reward.
12. Bread Machines
Nothing smells better than homemade bread. But most people give up after their third lumpy loaf. The settings range from “crust darkness” to “dough-only,” and many folks never figure out which one they actually need. Plus, measuring ingredients by weight (instead of volume) throws off casual bakers.
That said, the appeal is timeless—fresh bread with zero kneading. When people get it right, they absolutely rave. But it’s a steep curve, and most end up just buying sourdough from the store. The bread machine? It lives next to the rice cooker in appliance purgatory.
13. High-Tech Coffee Makers
We’re talking about the ones with grinders, temperature controls, milk frothers, and Bluetooth. Great in theory, but way too much effort before caffeine kicks in. People forget how to program them, clean them, or even turn off the “cleaning” alarm. And the app? Nobody opens it after the first week.
Still, the promise of barista-level coffee at home keeps hope alive. When they work, they produce a cup that puts drive-thrus to shame. But more often, people end up using the same two buttons every morning. Which is ironic, considering these machines cost more than a month’s worth of Starbucks.
This post 13 Home Appliances Americans Swear By—But Can’t Remember How to Use was first published on American Charm.
