A Well-Stocked Kitchen: Small Appliance Edition
Welcome to another edition of A Well-Stocked Kitchen, where I’m sharing with you the tools and gadgets that have helped me become a better cook and baker. This week, I’m talking about small appliances, the ones that are relatively portable and can sit on your counter or be stored away when you’re not using them. These are listed in order of the frequency I use them, with most frequent first.
Which small appliance can’t you live without?
Food Processor: My #1 most used small appliance. Before I had one, I didn’t know I needed one, but now that I do, I use it constantly for cooking and baking.
Rice Cooker: Rice is my all-time favorite food (weird, I know), so this was a worthwhile investment. If you don’t eat rice too often, it’s definitely not necessary, but I make it at least twice a week. Mine is cute, little, and yellow, but it takes forever to cook the rice (over an hour for 2 cups), so there are definite pros and cons to this model.
KitchenAid Mixer: This kitchen staple has simplified my life more times than I can count. It’s also expensive and sucks up counter space, so if you don’t bake often, consider a handheld mixer instead.
Blender: Handy for soups, smoothies, crushed ice, and other liquidy treats.
Toaster: Duh. I just included it because it matches!
Ice Cream Maker: We got this as a wedding gift, and it’s been an unexpected favorite! It’s a fun, refreshing way to let your creative juices flow; the flavor possibilities are endless!
Crockpot/Slow Cooker: I’ve used ours once, and it was a total flop, so I’m a bit scarred. I’ve been waiting for cold weather to try again. Anyone have any great slow cooker recipes?
In addition to what you have listed above, I would add an immersion blender. It’s pretty inexpensive and fantastic for soups. Also, a griddle. I have the Cuisinart panni maker which has three seperate plates that are dishwasher safe and it can be used as a grill, griddle, panni maker etc…..definitely a must-have in my kitchen. And personally, I’m in love with our fondue pot, I’ve gotten it out several times to serve chocolate fondue. I love the fact that it plugs in and is dishwasher safe, it’s fantastic for any type of gathering or party. I know we’re going to be pulling it out even more this fall and winter and doing lots of melted cheeses. We’re even considering a second one for some of our larger parties! But, it’s only worth it if you know you’ll use it, we were long time lovers of Melting Pot so it was a natural progression for us.
Oh! This list makes me SO INSANELY JEALOUS! Mostly because I OWN all these things… but they are all in storage in my parents’ basement, because a teeny tiny D.C. condo does not have a kitchen large enough for any appliances. I would sacrifice my dishwasher for a food processor in a HEARTBEAT, but unfortunately, I do not have that option. :(
I’d have to say though, I’d take a toaster oven over a toaster any day of the week. It’s the small appliance that I DO have, it can hold 4 (6 if squashed) slices of toast instead of just 2, and I love that I can use it as a mini-oven for tiny things instead of having to heat my entire big oven for something really little, like if I am just making soy non-chicken nuggets. Saves electricity and money!
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Well, Im kind of insane about kitchen countertop clutter so I refuse to buy any small appliance. That said, a few have made their way into my house via very nice gifts so now Im hooked on the mini cuisinart and the kitchenaid stand mixer. My husband and I are in a constant struggle about the panini maker and toaster – I think it belongs hidden, he wants it out for all to see. So I guess you can count those two in as well.
Great suggestions, ladies!
@Jen After a close call with hot soup in my blender last night, I think I’m going to ask for an immersion blender for my birthday. I was glad to read your endorsement!
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I second the immersion blender. A pure convenience device, but not getting splattered in scalding-hot soup is a convenience I gladly pay up for!
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I have the Kitchen Aid Immersion blender and I highly recommend it. I did a little consumer report research before I registered and this immersion blender had the highest marks. I got it from bed bath and beyond. It’s not a bad price with a 20% off coupon! http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&BRN=1&sku=13374236&
Also, if you’re struggling with the crock pot, have you tried this website? http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ I’ve found it a great resource when experimenting with the slow cooker…
I second the immersion blender. I love mine! And I also recommend the crockpot365 blog. Her book on crockpot recipes is coming out soon.
I also love my griddle. It’s great for making breakfast. I can make eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast all on one surface.
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Ohhh, you know what your list is missing? Popcorn popper! :) I’m a huge popcorn fan so this is a must for my kitchen. Also this isn’t exactly an appliance, but my favorite things in the kitchen is my VeggieChop: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku5834783/?pkey=cfruit-vegetable-tools&ckey=fruit-vegetable-tools
I use it constantly and it makes prep go so fast. I’d love to see you do a post on some of the more obscure tools you have in your kitchen that you love for whatever reason.
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@Jenna That’s so funny! I do actually have a popcorn popper, and totally forgot about it when I wrote this post since I rarely use it. And I do have a random “other random stuff” post planned as the last one in the series… thanks for the suggestion!
amy i’s most recent blog post: Cream of Tomato Soup
I have a rice cooker/crockpot in one! I would recommend to anyone who is short on space (or just don’t need more stuff) and might be more likely to use one of them more than the other.
