Move up to the majors

Appliances seem to get smarter every year. These major appliances do their jobs and so much more.

Speedy supper

Get dinner on the table in a flash with a Panasonic Countertop Oven & Indoor Grill with Induction Technology. This oven grills, broils, bakes, toasts and cooks one-pan meals using double-infrared and induction technology. Preprogrammed settings help you select just the right cooking mode for tonight’s feast. $399, (888) 280-4331, amazon.com

Command center

You’re in the middle of grocery shopping, and you can’t remember if you’re out of milk or mustard. No problem. With the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, you can peek inside the refrigerator from wherever you are. This really cool refrigerator also lets you coordinate schedules, make lists and play music. $3,332 and up, (800) 726-7864, samsung.com

Think small

Don’t you hate to fire up the washer for just a couple of items? With the LG Sidekick, you can stop feeling guilty about tiny loads or washing a few delicate items. The Sidekick is a pedestal that operates as its own mini-washer and serves as a base for a full-size LG front-loader (not included; shown atop the Sidekick). $657, (888) 237-8289, bestbuy.com

Jet-powered

Dishwashers are big time savers—but not if you have to wash off every speck of food before you load the dishes. The GE Monogram Dishwasher comes to the rescue with 140 jets delivering a deeper clean. A third rack just for silverware gives you more space below for large pieces. $2,000, (866) 626-2000, geappliances.com