Top 5 Most Used Kitchen Gadgets
I have a confession. I’m a kitchen gadget addict. When we first moved from a tiny 300 square foot apartment into a space with a kitchen double the size, I thought it would be impossible to fill it. I was wrong, very wrong. Over the past two years I’ve accumulated everything from milkshake mixers and immersion blenders, to bread machines, crock pots, air fryers and pressure cookers.
Coming from someone who has collected them all, let’s talk about my most used kitchen gadgets…
Air fryer
Stand mixer
Espresso machine
Vacuum Sealer
Popcorn air popper
Air Fryer
Welcome to my new addiction. I can’t say enough good things about my air fryer. Between my fiancé and I, we probably use it 5 – 6 times a week. It’s also the gadget I most frequently recommend to friends and family, especially to the ones who don’t enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
Versatility: Although it’s called an air fryer, you can cook practically anything in it. Fried shrimp, baked salmon, French fries, brussel sprouts, you name it, and it can likely be air fried. Best part, everything comes out delicious! I’m continuously experimenting with new recipes and have yet to be disappointed.
Price: Varies depending on the model. Mine was purchased for $69.99 and I’ve been very happy with it. With only two dials, it’s simple, straightforward and easy to use.
Cleanup: Very easy. Remove the basket, wipe down the rack, dry, and you’re done.
Pros:
Healthier, lower fat way of cooking and ‘frying’ foods
Very versatile as to what you can make
Food comes out flavorful and juicy
·Simple to use
·Quicker and more convenient than using the oven (no one likes heating up the house during the summer months)
Cons:
Depending on the air fryer, the amount you can make at one time is limited by the basket size. Note - For two people, I think my 4.5 quart is perfect.
·The air fryer basket gets VERY hot (take it from me, I’ve been burned multiple times)
·They aren’t small. For someone like me with limited counter space storage can be an issue.
Stand Mixer
When my fiancé and I started dating in college, he loaned me his ‘old’ kitchen aide mixer during the holiday season. That same Christmas he surprised me with one of my own, and I’ve loved it ever since.
Versatility: The Kitchen Aide comes with a variety of mixer attachments that allow you to whisk, kneed dough etc. But what I’ve absolutely love is all of the attachments you can purchase. My favorite being the spiralizer. I also have the food processor attachment, the juicing attachment and the grain mill, all of which I use quite frequently. The attachment options are endless (and make for great gift ideas)!
Price: Kitchen Aides are not cheap, and neither are the attachments. Mine was purchased for $499.00 but you can find smaller models for under $200.00. That being said, these mixers last forever. My first Kitchen Aide was close to 10 years old. You can usually find great sales around the holidays but if Kitchen Aide isn’t for you, there are plenty of other similar brands available for purchase.
Cleanup: This all depends on what you’re making. Baking can get messy but clean-up is relatively easy. Remove the bowl, clean and dry the bowl and attachments, and wipe down the machine base.
Pros:
Many uses (especially with attachments)
Durable
Easy to use
Cons:
Heavy – Hard to move
Takes up a lot of counter space (depending on the size)
Expensive to purchase
More attachments = more storage space (I have an entire drawer dedicated to my Kitchen Aide)
Espresso Machine
Calling all caffeine-a-holics. Stop spending $5.00 a day at Starbucks and invest in one of these!
Versatility: Mine can make espresso, and froth milk but that’s all you need to make a delicious latte. Want to get more creative? Keep different syrups and toppings on hand! Although I do love my espresso machine, it doesn’t make regular coffee.
Price: Prices vary significantly based on how many functions the machine has. Mine was $99.99. If you want a machine that can make espresso, and also a pot of coffee, expect to spend a bit more.
Cleanup: Dump the coffee grounds and wipe down the frother. That’s it!
Pros:
Saves money
Easy to use (once you get a hang of it)
You’ll never have to leave your home for coffee again
You can customize your drinks
Cons:
Some only make espresso (not regular drip coffee)
Takes up counter space
Vacuum Sealer
This was the first kitchen gadget I was gifted by [soon to be] mother-in-law. Being someone who likes to buy/cook in bulk and freeze, having a vacuum sealing had been great! Not only does it prevent freezer burn, but it helps to keep my freezer clean and organized.
Versatility: Vacuum sealers do what the name implies, and that’s about it.
Price: Prices can range from $35.00, upwards of $200.00 plus. Mine was $180.00. You’ll also have to purchase additional vacuum sealer bags as needed!
Cleanup: None!
Pros:
Prevents freezer burn
Can vacuum seal both liquids and solids
Helpful if buying/cooking food in bulk
Reusable bags are available for a more ecofriendly option
Cons:
Depending on the model, it can take up a decent amount of counter space
Expect to spend additional money on replacement bags
Air Popper
I know some people may argue with me on this one but hear me out. This is one of my most used gadgets. Popcorn has become a staple in my evenings. Not only is it delicious, but it’s full of fiber and makes for a healthy, low calorie snack.
Versatility: It can only make popcorn.
Price: Most popcorn machines are under $50.00. Mine was $26.00.
Cleanup: There really is no cleanup. Just empty any un-popped kernels and return to storage.
Pros:
Quick, inexpensive & healthy snack
Easy to use
Easy to store
Cons:
Only makes popcorn
All the above products can be found in my Amazon Storefront, check them out!
Http://www.Amazon.com/Shop/NutritionByJulie
What are your favorite gadgets? Comment and share below!
