11 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets
Complete your kitchen with these handy gadgets.
Half of the cooking experience relies on your equipment. Invest in these seven must-have kitchen gadgets to bring out your inner chef.
1. Coffee Maker
For all you java aficionados, there is a wealth of coffee makers to select from so that you can start your mornings off with a freshly brewed pot of coffee.
Automatic Coffee Maker: This is the must-have kitchen gadget to provide you with your fresh morning pot. An automatic coffee maker will brew your favorite roast with minimal effort, so you can enjoy a hot cup in no time. Automatic coffee makers are programmable, user-friendly, and give consistent results. Many modern models are K-Cup-compatible and can even grind your beans for you, taking away the hassle of having to do it yourself.
Tip!
If you prefer only one serving of coffee a day, a single-cup coffee maker will give you the perfect serving size with no worries about leftover joe.
Cold-Brew Coffee Maker: A cold-brew coffee maker makes your favorite cold, caffeinated drink with less fuss. All you need to do is fill the basket with coffee grounds, fill it with water, place it in the fridge to let it steep overnight, and wake up to a concentrated brew that’s low on acidity but has a big kick. Though cold brewing usually takes between 18 and 24 hours, there are modern express models with circle-flow brewing technology. These models eliminate the traditional multi-hour brewing process by rapidly spinning the coffee grounds through a vortex of water for quick flavor extraction.
For your sipping needs, electric tea kettles are a must-have kitchen gadget for any tea drinker. Portable and simple to use, electric tea kettles plug into the wall rather than sitting on the stovetop. Because the heating coil is directly in the water, they are generally well insulated and allow less heat to be lost, making them energy-efficient. You can even use yours to boil milk, cook eggs, or brew tea. If you’re in search of a sleek model, clear glass tea kettles are all the rage. Glass tea kettles are treated to withstand high heats and can even boil water faster.
Make baking easier with a mixer.
Hand Mixer: If you are short on space or bake less frequently, consider a hand mixer. Don’t let the size fool you, because this must-have kitchen gadget can tackle small batches with ease. This basic houseware item gives a quicker and more even mix than if you were doing it by hand, plus you won’t tire your arm out! Hand mixers have different speeds and are easy to set up, store, and clean.
Stand Mixer: These reliable, countertop mixers are a must-have kitchen gadget for the serious baker. The stand mixer comprises a mixing bowl, installing base, and stand-mixer arm. The heavy-duty motor hidden within the body of the mixer as well as the multiple speed settings mean the stand mixer can handle large amounts of dough and batter as easy as 1-2-3. Stand mixers come with several attachments, allowing you to perform a variety of tasks, often even including making pasta. This countertop appliance requires less attention, giving you the chance to multitask and work through your recipe faster.
A microwave is a must-have kitchen gadget that eradicates the complicated steps that involve cooking on the stove. This convenient appliance reheats or cooks your food in minutes (straight from the package or bowl!). Most microwaves require electricity to function and have a variety of cook-time settings specific to different dishes.
Countertop Microwave: A quick and affordable option, the countertop microwave will do just the trick. This must-have kitchen appliance is placed on top of your counter near an outlet and requires no installation. Countertop microwaves are portable and can be cleaned with a wet cloth. If you place any objects on top of the microwave, ensure that they don’t obstruct the cooling vents.
Over-the-Range Microwave: A true space-saver, an over-the-range microwave is a convenient and aesthetically pleasing way to install this kitchen essential. Like the name suggests, this microwave sits above a range, usually nestled between cabinets. Over-the-range microwaves are able to siphon out small amounts of steam from any range cooking with their incorporated fans. This type of microwave requires professional installation.
Whether you’re making toast or a bagel, a toaster is certainly a must-have kitchen gadget. Toasters are a kitchen essential that offer speed, practicality, and convenience, evenly toasting your bread in minutes. Not only are there a number of colors and styles to choose from, but many modern toasters come with additional features. Cool-touch exteriors prevents burns, and four-slot toasters offer up double the toast at the same time. For all of your bagel, toast, and English muffin needs, a toaster will crisp them in no time.
If you enjoy crispy food without the calories, an air fryer is the nearly guilt-free kitchen gadget for you. Though called air fryers, they don’t fry at all. Through the use of convection, an air fryer evenly circulates hot air, resulting in evenly air-fried food. Unlike deep frying, you need only brush oil onto your food before cooking, reducing calories while still delivering crispy results. Speed up your cooking with a quick preheat, save energy, and even cook frozen foods with no hassle. Air fryers are versatile enough to cook, bake, grill, reheat, and air-fry all with one single device, saving you money and counter space.
Who doesn’t love a tender pot roast on a Sunday afternoon? Spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals may not be everyone’s cup of tea. With a slow cooker, all you have to do is place your ingredients in the pot, set the temperature, and come back when it’s ready. This hands-off appliance saves you time and money by letting you cook large servings of food that can be eaten throughout the week or frozen for a later time. You can even leave your meal to slowly cook overnight and wake up to tender meat for your family lunch. Check in on your slow cooker every so often during use to prevent any hazards and ensure there is enough liquid.
Creating consistently immaculate meals in water seems too good to be true, but sous vides produce professional-quality dishes every time. Also known as lengthy, low-temperature cooking, this must-have kitchen gadget delivers extreme tenderness and rich flavor produced by the low heat. To use a sous vide, place a sealed, plastic pouch or glass jar in a water bath and let the device cook your food at a low temperature for a longer than usual cooking time. A sous vide gives the same results as blanching your veggies without losing the nutrients or color. Produce professional-quality meals with the push of a button.
Best used for liquids, blenders can whip up smoothies, iced coffee, and your favorite sauces in no time. Make your fruit and vegetables more enticing by turning them into smoothies. A countertop blender can handle large batches that can even be made into desserts. A hand immersion blender is great for making your own mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce, and a personal blender gives you the convenience of a handy container that’s easy to bring to the office. Finally, master margaritas, daiquiris, or delicious iced smoothies with a frozen-drink machine. You don’t have to worry about dulling the blades, because this must-have kitchen gadget is made to crush ice in no time.
A food processor can do far more than you would expect.
Electric Food Processors: A food processor is best used for foods that will mostly remain solid as opposed to a blender which is best used to create liquids. Pulse meat, chop nuts, and bring together dough easily with an electric food processor. If you like piña coladas or any other cocktails, this kitchen go-to is for you.
Blender/Food Processor Combo: Get the best of both worlds with a blender/food processor combo. Blend drinks and chop vegetables with the same machine, saving you time, money and space.
The secret to a perfect stir-fry lies in an electric wok. The nonstick surface is durable and eliminates the seasoning process that a stove-top wok needs to go through. The deep sides allow you to cook large Asian-style meals for the family with no stove. An electric wok is portable and can be used anywhere near an outlet – even on the dinner table with guests gathered round hibachi-style.
No matter your preferences, these 11 must-have kitchen gadgets will make your life easier and your meals tastier.
