Plus 1 honorable mention!
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Ok- let’s be clear, we are spoiled rotten in the kitchen these days. It really wasn’t THAT long ago when people were cooking over fires, and now we get upset when our coffee maker doesn’t turn on at the pre-set time before we wake up….. however, if I did have to go without a stove, give up my whole kitchen, and only choose 5 appliances or tools to keep, these would definitely be the winners (plus 1 honorable mention).
I grew up in a cook everything from scratch home- thanks Mom!- so that’s been a pretty normal thing in our home as well. If it can be made instead of bought, more than likely it is (except for like butter and stuff, I’m not that good).
Can I tell you a secret…. I actually don’t LOVE cooking. I think the thought of spending hours on food that we consume in 15 minutes seems silly-(I know hours seems excessive but you know what I mean). But I do value creating nutritious meals and family time around the table, so having home cooked meals is a nonnegotiable.
All that said- I need appliances and gadgets that make it easier for me to accomplish this goal. I have tried my fair share, I have drawers and cupboards full of gadgets, but these 5 (plus 1) bring joy to my kitchen!
1. The Rotary Cheese Grater. $26.99
Yes, we all already have cheese graters, but do you know how terrifying it is when every time you go to shred cheese you’re putting the skin of your finger on the line?
I was shocked at what this could do! It shreds cheese incredibly fast and has attachments for slicing and fine shredding.
All pieces come apart and can go in the dishwasher so cleanup is easy peasy.
2. The Electric Kettle $27.99
SO HELPFUL. What do I love about it? I love that I’m not using the microwave and I’m saving time compared to the stove.
It’s great for hot drinks, foods that need boiling water such as oatmeal, and I even prep water in here before pouring it in a pot that needs to come to a boil for foods like noodles and rice.
This wasn’t the plan but while we’re talking hot water can I throw in a quick plug for an instant water tank. (mind blown emoji inserted here)
This one comes with water filter (highly recommend for all water use but that’s a different subject for a different time), the tank, and a spout for the counter top.
INSTANT hot water. Need I say more? Really if you’re a home cook or drink hot drinks this is something you didn’t know you needed until you have it.
This is not necessary- it’s a luxury which, in my opinion, = great gift idea!
3. The Instant Pot $139.99
This bad boy is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, sautér (is that a word?), yogurt maker, warmer & sterilizer.
It will basically do what a crock pot does but in a fraction of the time-yum! It is too often that I forget to thaw the chicken before dinner but thankfully this will even cook frozen chicken in 15 minutes after pressurized.
4. The Breville Countertop Oven $399.95
Ok this one is HANDS DOWN the most useful of them all.
At first I thought “oh my gosh where the heck am I going to put this thing?” Now it isn’t the smallest appliance. Thankfully my handy dandy husband build a side table for in my kitchen to fit a few things including this beaut.
Let me sum up why it’s necessary special.
#1- The only time I ever turn on my big oven now is for either pizza because I need it HOT, or if a pan is too big which is rare. So this saves money and time. This little guy heats up so so much quicker so preheating is hardly necessary.
#2- I no longer own a toaster this one does an excellent job
#3- I hardly ever use the microwave. This reheats wonderfully so between this and my electric kettle we’re pretty set on heat. Of course this is requires a tad more patience than using a microwave, but I’m ok with that.
5. The Breville Espresso Machine $699.95
This was a gift. One of the best. It’s one of those things I probably wouldn’t have allowed myself to splurge on, so I’m incredibly thankful someone else did.
This makes professional tasting lattes and really all the other coffee drinks too. I just personally am a big latte fan.
Don’t forget to get espresso beans, keep the extras in the freezer, and maybe watch some videos on proper usage – so worth it! I’m a complete coffee snob now.
Honorable Mention: The Ninja CREAMi $249.95
Ice cream. Homemade (potentially healthy) Ice cream. And a myriad of other drinks such as slushes, creamiccino, and milkshakes at your fingertips.
I love homemade ice cream, but the process with a traditional machine is a bit extensive, so we always kept it for special events and then half the time forgot.
Now I keep the containers always filled and in the freezer ready for any moment we need a yummy drink or homemade ice cream spun up. The flavors are as endless as your imagination and the add in option for toppings makes it more like a blizzard.
I mentioned healthy above. There are so many recipes for protein and meal shake based ice creams. One of my favorites includes a chocolate meal shake with maple syrup instead of heavy cream and sugar.
It is one of the larger of the appliances and surprisingly loud, but if you have the space it is so much fun!