Despite the return of metal and chrome, primary red and lustrous ebony, the kitchen power tools of this millennium are high-tech wonders that share a retro look but nothing more with their vintage counterparts.

That’s because Cuisinart has married a blender to a food processor, LG Electronics has connected a super-sized toaster to a microwave, and the Oster rice cooker steams vegetables and makes chocolate fondue.

Oster’s arepa maker.

Even bread makers have changed. For a Venezuelan favorite, try making arepas with Oster’s arepa maker. These can be eaten plain, like bread, or stuffed with meat, bologna, cheese, or scrambled eggs.

For more traditional fare, Good Housekeeping approves of the West Bend “Just for Dinner” bread maker for its compact design, easy operation, and quick bake time (45 minutes for a loaf that feeds two to four).

Cuisinart SmartPower Duet.

Food processors still slice, dice and shred, but Cuisinart took it one step further with its SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor. For cooks with limited counter space, this is the ideal setup: One power base, a 40-oz heavy glass blender jar and 3-cup bowl, plus blades.

Short on space but big on bagels? Check out the countertop ovens made by LG Electronics. Its innovative design combines a bagel-sized toaster with a microwave oven. The toaster has nine toasting levels; the microwave has a recessed turntable, ten power levels, and six auto cook options.

LG Electronics microwave.

Can’t decide on chocolate fondue, rice, or soup? With Oster’s multi-use rice cooker, you don’t have to. This all-purpose power tool boasts a steaming tray, 10-cup uncooked rice capacity pot, integrated one-touch operation, and safety automatic shut-off. Recipes are included along with online advice on how to best use the cooker.

Roast chicken and steamed rice are a great combination — especially if the chicken is prepared in a Sunbeam Rotisserie. This unit boasts a large, removable viewing window, an easy-load food basket, removable drip tray, and a three-hour timer that ensures dinner is ready when you are. Online advice provides cooking and carving tips for chicken, beef, bone-in lamb, and pork.

Most of us are familiar with KitchenAid’s line of stand mixers. This rugged power tool helps you conquer any mixing challenge. In the mood for Belgian waffles? Try its waffle maker. The specially designed double-sided baking unit rotates to allow the batter to coat both upper and lower waffle plates, producing two golden grand Belgian waffles.

Waring Tailgate.

Do you like tailgate parties but miss the luxury of fresh-mixed drinks? Check out the Waring Tailgate Blender. Turn your SUV, boat, or car into an instant kitchen with a 15-foot power cord that plugs right into the cigarette lighter. An A/C converter is also included for home use. The 48-oz carafe is break-resistant, with a handy measuring cup set inside the lid.

Got a brewed coffee fan or espresso addict in the family? The Krups solution to this dilemma is the Il Cafe Bistro, a programmable 10-cup coffeemaker and 4-cup espresso/cappuccino machine. Make the most of your daily brew with its Burr coffee grinder: It has 17 “fineness” selections from fine to coarse and is designed to avoid overheating.

Krups Cafe Bistro.

Need a new toaster oven? Check out DeLonghi with its brushed stainless steel housing and chrome accents, and an oven capacity large enough to bake an entire 12-inch pizza. Or save counter space with Black and Decker’s line of toaster ovens that can be mounted under the cabinets. (If you are getting task lights installed, check to make sure there is ample space to mount this appliance.)

If you like cooking Southern fried chicken or French fried potatoes and have a big family, T-Fal’s Avante Deluxe Deep Fryer offers a cooking basket with a nearly three-pound capacity. It features a built-in timer, adjustable thermostat, and a foam filter to minimize cooking odors. The removable lid, basket, and non-stick bowl are dishwasher safe.

Tired of your ho-hum kitchen but don’t have the budget to remodel? Check out the Eclectrics collection of souped-up countertop appliances designed to give your kitchen a facelift without tearing out a single wall. Brainchild of Hamilton Beach, the line includes blenders, coffee makers, stand mixers, and toasters. Online tips demonstrate how to turn a dated kitchen into a 1950s-style diner or a sleek urban eatery. Visit www.hamiltonbeach.com.