Food52's Editorial Assistant (and college student) Brette Warshaw is curating her very own first kitchen -- and she needs your help. Today: choosing the right kitchen gadgetry.
Sometimes, when my ingredients are laid out on my couch, and my mise en place is in plastic Solo cups, and I’m balancing a mixing bowl on my thigh because there’s no room left on the counter, I like to picture myself in another kitchen.
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These kitchens have roaring hearths, endless counter space, and the colorations of an Instagram photo. Sometimes, out the window, I see the Tuscan countryside; other times, the bustling streets of Paris. Most likely, there’s a handsome man kneading bread in the corner, or an Italian nonna shelling beans.
These other-worldly kitchens, like my own, lack any gadgetry.
While it’s easy for me to fantasize about wooden cutting boards, vintage cutlery, and rows of speckled cookbooks, kitchen gadgets – the blenders, food processors, toasters, mixers, rice cookers, coffee makers, and other plug-ins – seem un-romantic, un-inspired, unnecessary. They’re too shiny for that Tuscan kitchen, too electric-cord-y for Paris. Their odd shapes and sizes – and unattractive names – deem them unfit for those hazy, lazy, sepia-toned afternoons, where things are chopped into uneven hunks and still cook perfectly, and where I have all the time in the world to whip, chop, stir, knead.
That’s why it’s the kitchen of my dreams.
In reality, I’m busy. Crazed, sometimes. Kitchen gadgets, so I’m told, will make my life easier, my prep quicker, my nights shorter. Anything that will make me want to cook more -- that will bring me into the kitchen and guide me towards dinner -- seems worth it.
Maybe gadgets can be dreamy, after all.
Stand mixers vs. hand mixers
I’m a knead-with-your-hands kind of girl. I’m also a making-bread-is-a-major-project-and-I’m-focusing-all-my-energy-on-it kind of girl. Fancy-schmancy stand mixers, like the Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer ($349), are great at kneading dough – but hey, so am I. And since when I’m making bread, I’m making bread – flour on my cheeks, determination in my eyes – I don’t need a handy little machine to make bread for me when I do other grand kitchen tasks. Making bread is my grand kitchen task.
A stand mixer’s other skills – paddling cookie dough, for instance, or whipping eggs and cream – can be accomplished with a simple hand mixer, for a fraction of the price (the Cook’s Illustrated-vetted Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer is $59.95). That is, when I don’t feel like doing it myself. Which, to be honest, is not that often.
Blenders vs. immersion blenders
Practically-speaking, this seems like an easy one.
Immersion blenders are givers. They’re smaller, they’re easily packed away, and they can do their job in any vessel: a saucepan, a mixing bowl, a stock pot, a cute little milkshake glass that I do not own. Plus, they’re cheaper – the KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender, for instance, is $59.95.
But some home cooks swear by their blenders. They say they give food an airier, creamier texture, that they’re worth the counter space, the cleaning time, the potential spillage, everything. But are they worth the extra money? Are they really that much better?
Food processors
I’ve already gotten all poetic and weird about how much I love knives. But in my reality-kitchen, I don’t have all of the time in the world to prep vegetables (wouldn’t that be nice?). When crunched for time, prep is not an entity onto itself; it is a hurdle to cross to get to dinner.
That’s when a food processor would come in handy.
But even beyond prep, a food processor would introduce me to culinary projects that I otherwise may shy away from: baking pies and other pastries, making chimichurris and other condiments, maybe trying my hand at some homemade nut butters. Having a tool that pushes you into the kitchen, to try new things, to challenge yourself? That seems essential. Even though a good one comes at the steep price of $199.
Toasters? Coffee makers? Rice cookers? Juicers?
While I’ve cast many gadgets aside as not-First-Kitchen-worthy, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your most essential kitchen gadgets, and what do you think I’d like for my First Kitchen?
As usual, I'll be pinning everything I'm coveting to my First Kitchen Pinterest board, so check it out!
Email me at [email protected] with your First Kitchen recommendations -- your favorite tools, your favorite cookware. All wisdom is appreciated.
Written by: Brette Warshaw
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55 Comments
Charlie H.
February 23, 2014
I haven't found that immersion blenders are all they're cracked up to be. Get a good regular blender with a glass, not plastic, jar. A low-cost mandoline will handle your vegetable prep until you can afford a food processor. When you do go for a food processor, consider the Cuisinart Prep 11 plus, available for $139.99 at Costco.
craftybee5
July 22, 2013
I was given an Oster Kitchen Center circa 1984. It converts to a stand mixer, blender, food processor and meat grinder all in one. They can be found on ebay or in garage sales, and in my experience those older Oster motors last for ages. I love it and have relegated my blender, expensive viking stand mixer, hand beaters, and food processor to deep storage.
calfes
August 27, 2012
i love my blender for frozen drinks that a stick blender won't work (if don't make that many drinks then stick blender is fine)....if you love rice and varoius pilaf etc., i would consider a rice cooker...i always put it in the nice to have but i don't really need one category till i actually bought one....love, love, love...it has saved me enormous amounts of time because i make things early and stays perfect for hours....i also eat more brown rice and even make steel cut oatmeal overnite...there is a wonderful rice cooker cookbooks that has endless ideas
mira864
August 23, 2012
I concur with other readers that the Cuisinart food processor is indispensible. In addition to the many other uses, readers have mentioned, I love it for making pesto with the basil I buy from the farmers market in the summer. When I lived in South America in 2005, this was the one kitchen implement I truly missed. I had purchased a small, inexpensive, Chinese-made one, but it was so terribly inferior by comparison, I became sad every time I used it.
In the US, I have always had small kitchens, thus space is an issue. I am a big fan of open shelving, which none of the apts. I’ve ever lived in seem to have, so I have used bookshelves in the kitchen to create my own. Since the shelves on one that I have are adjustable, I have my Cuisinart food processor, rice cooker and blender on the bottom shelf. I also have two of those folding metal bookshelves from the Container Store in my kitchen as well, which provide a lighter feel.
I don’t own a large stand mixer, although I wish I did. I’m managed well with a KitchenAid handmixer, although it started to slow down last year (after about 15 years), so I’ve purchased another.
Other kitchen appliances I wouldn’t want to be without are an electric kettle. These are extremely popular in Europe, but I almost never see Americans with them. They turn off automatically when done, so if you forget, you never have to worry about burning up a kettle – something I’ve unfortunately done more than once.
Other notable appliances and gadgets include a recently acquired magnetic timer that sticks to the refrig. It’s quite cute! They’re available at Anthropologie, and use it all the time. I am not sure how I managed without it earlier. But of course, you’re young – you probably know how to easily program your iphone to alert you 5 different ways when each dish is ready.
I have also forsaken the large drip coffee maker and coffee grinder for a small 2 cup Vev Vegano Kontessa stovetop espresso maker. It makes very good café con leche, and I no longer have to have a drop coffee maker and coffee grinder cluttering my counter. Plus, the Lavazza or Illy coffee that I buy for it is far cheaper than the vast quantity of whole beans I used to consume before.
I do have a rice cooker, blender, and stick blender. The latter is wonderful with soups: for this purpose, the regular blender just doesn’t compare. If I had serious space constraints, I could manage without the full blender and rice cooker, but they are nice to have.
Finally, I agree with your other readers: buy the best quality knives, pots, and pans you can afford. You'll enjoy them every day, and they will last you a lifetime.
Have fun stocking your kitchen!
In the US, I have always had small kitchens, thus space is an issue. I am a big fan of open shelving, which none of the apts. I’ve ever lived in seem to have, so I have used bookshelves in the kitchen to create my own. Since the shelves on one that I have are adjustable, I have my Cuisinart food processor, rice cooker and blender on the bottom shelf. I also have two of those folding metal bookshelves from the Container Store in my kitchen as well, which provide a lighter feel.
I don’t own a large stand mixer, although I wish I did. I’m managed well with a KitchenAid handmixer, although it started to slow down last year (after about 15 years), so I’ve purchased another.
Other kitchen appliances I wouldn’t want to be without are an electric kettle. These are extremely popular in Europe, but I almost never see Americans with them. They turn off automatically when done, so if you forget, you never have to worry about burning up a kettle – something I’ve unfortunately done more than once.
Other notable appliances and gadgets include a recently acquired magnetic timer that sticks to the refrig. It’s quite cute! They’re available at Anthropologie, and use it all the time. I am not sure how I managed without it earlier. But of course, you’re young – you probably know how to easily program your iphone to alert you 5 different ways when each dish is ready.
I have also forsaken the large drip coffee maker and coffee grinder for a small 2 cup Vev Vegano Kontessa stovetop espresso maker. It makes very good café con leche, and I no longer have to have a drop coffee maker and coffee grinder cluttering my counter. Plus, the Lavazza or Illy coffee that I buy for it is far cheaper than the vast quantity of whole beans I used to consume before.
I do have a rice cooker, blender, and stick blender. The latter is wonderful with soups: for this purpose, the regular blender just doesn’t compare. If I had serious space constraints, I could manage without the full blender and rice cooker, but they are nice to have.
Finally, I agree with your other readers: buy the best quality knives, pots, and pans you can afford. You'll enjoy them every day, and they will last you a lifetime.
Have fun stocking your kitchen!
sbane
August 20, 2012
The company that I work for - Weston - came out with these really awesome little hand mixer/grinder/processors, and as soon as I used them for a blog, I bought one of each.
First of all, they're non-electric and pretty much silent, so I love them for my apartment since my landlords happen to live directly below me and complain when I close a cabinet.
Second of all, they're lightweight and small, so I have no problem storing them in my tiny space.
And the biggest reason why I think they're a must have: THEY WORK! Seriously, you look at these things and think 'Yeah right," but I swear: I've used them for grinding meat, blending cake batters, making salsa, and a thousand other things, and they held up to the challenge every time. And I should add: They're ridiculously inexpensive.
Here they are listed in order of how often I use each:
1. Manual Kitchen Kit: http://www.westonsupply.com/Manual-Kitchen-Kit-p/16-0401-w.htm
2. Manual Food Grinder: http://www.westonsupply.com/Manual-Food-Grinder-p/16-0201-w.htm
3. Multi Function Mixer: http://www.westonsupply.com/Multi-Function-Manual-Mixer-p/16-0301-w.htm
And each one of those has a ton of functions.
First of all, they're non-electric and pretty much silent, so I love them for my apartment since my landlords happen to live directly below me and complain when I close a cabinet.
Second of all, they're lightweight and small, so I have no problem storing them in my tiny space.
And the biggest reason why I think they're a must have: THEY WORK! Seriously, you look at these things and think 'Yeah right," but I swear: I've used them for grinding meat, blending cake batters, making salsa, and a thousand other things, and they held up to the challenge every time. And I should add: They're ridiculously inexpensive.
Here they are listed in order of how often I use each:
1. Manual Kitchen Kit: http://www.westonsupply.com/Manual-Kitchen-Kit-p/16-0401-w.htm
2. Manual Food Grinder: http://www.westonsupply.com/Manual-Food-Grinder-p/16-0201-w.htm
3. Multi Function Mixer: http://www.westonsupply.com/Multi-Function-Manual-Mixer-p/16-0301-w.htm
And each one of those has a ton of functions.
rroseperry
August 19, 2012
You can do without a food processor, given patience, a grater, and a good knife. But a blender, yes, you need to have a blender. Immersions are quick, but less thorough than a standing model.
In retrospect, I've done a lot of good cooking with minimal gear, but it's amazing how much work a great tool like a KitchenAid saves
In retrospect, I've done a lot of good cooking with minimal gear, but it's amazing how much work a great tool like a KitchenAid saves
southernlady
August 17, 2012
What you consider “essential” depends on 3 things - space, budget and how you cook. While you will probably eventually cherish a KitchenAid stand mixer, a good, sturdy hand-held may serve you well for 5-10 years, depending on how often and how you use it. I have a full-size food processor that I hardly use. I just don’t do enough big jobs to justify pulling it out or cleaning it. Same goes for my stand blender. That said, a mini-processor and a stick blender can be a lifesaver. I have the Braun stick blender, whisk, food chopper combo. While I’ve never had a toaster oven, I’ve always thought they seemed like a good multi-tasker for the space and price. Other gadgets I have but seldom use –toaster (though my husband uses it almost daily), rice cooker, electric skillet, waffle iron and electric knife sharpener. I’ve never owned a crock pot, electric knife, juicer, ice cream maker or indoor grill and haven’t missed them. What you eventually decide will depend on those 3 criteria – how much you will use it, what does it cost and how much space/maintenance it requires. And as your cooking styles and lifestyle changes, so will what you consider essential.
ncindc
August 16, 2012
I too like to do things by hand for the most part, but I could never part with my kitchenaid. I got mine as a gift, but it's proved its usefulness over and over (I have the grinding attachement, and I especially love it.) I've lived for years without a toaster (or a microwave) and done perfectly fine.
I'd recommend the following: an immersion blender (I use mine almost exclusively now, to the detriment of my actual blender, although that comes out for margaritas), a mixer of some sort (hand is fine I suppose, but I cannot strongly recommend a good stand mixer enough, and a small food processor. The big ones are nice if you have the space, but almost everything you'd do in a big one, you can do in batches with a small one (or in the case of pie crust, a bowl and a pastry blender or two forks.)
I'd recommend the following: an immersion blender (I use mine almost exclusively now, to the detriment of my actual blender, although that comes out for margaritas), a mixer of some sort (hand is fine I suppose, but I cannot strongly recommend a good stand mixer enough, and a small food processor. The big ones are nice if you have the space, but almost everything you'd do in a big one, you can do in batches with a small one (or in the case of pie crust, a bowl and a pastry blender or two forks.)
carol.penn.romine
August 13, 2012
I've never had a pop-up toaster, because I could toast bread in the oven. Why buy an extra appliance just for that, especially when it does nothing else? Then I discovered the toaster oven, which can do so much more. I’ve worn out several over the years, and when I discovered the Oster convection toaster oven, I gladly dished out the bucks for it. In it I can roast garlic, beets, tomatoes and scores of other items. It can handle broiling and light baking chores, though nothing too complicated. It’s worth the cost and the counter space simply because it allows me to toast nuts without having to crank up the oven and use a lot of gas to get it up to temp, not to mention all the electricity required to cool off the kitchen and house. If I never own a pop-up toaster, I won’t feel deprived.
sbf-ct
August 13, 2012
Wow! I can't believe I've made it this far without a Kitchen Aid mixer!! Look at all of those chefs RAVING about it! No wonder it's at the top of my list to buy once I move into my dream kitchen (literally NO space to squeeze it right now).
I'm going to toss in a recommendation for a GOOD dutch oven. Use it stove top, in the oven, over a camp fire, whatever. I got mine in a fun orangy red color and it makes me WANT to go cook. I just love it.. (not to mention how awesome my arms feel after the workout it gives me lifting & washing it!). It doesn't have to be the super pricey Le Creusette version to be good either... got mine at Costco & it is my kitchen happiness! Especially once soup season arrives in New England!
I'm going to toss in a recommendation for a GOOD dutch oven. Use it stove top, in the oven, over a camp fire, whatever. I got mine in a fun orangy red color and it makes me WANT to go cook. I just love it.. (not to mention how awesome my arms feel after the workout it gives me lifting & washing it!). It doesn't have to be the super pricey Le Creusette version to be good either... got mine at Costco & it is my kitchen happiness! Especially once soup season arrives in New England!
atlacm1
August 13, 2012
Sometimes "super pricey" means quality and in the case of Le Creuset, a lifetime warranty. I couldn't afford a Le Creuset dutch oven, but now realize I should have just bitten the bullet and bought one. Instead I bought 2 off brand dutch ovens (1 oval and 1 larger round) which I've used constantly for the last several years -- and it shows. The enamel coating on the bottom on both pans are now bubbling and chipping off, so I won't be able to use them (already stopped using my oval for this reason). I could have bought a 7 qt. round Le Creuset oven for the price I paid for these two off brands, and I'd still be using it without any problems! I work in a kitchen where we use Le Creuset and Staub dutch ovens constantly and I've come to really appreciate how well made and durable they are. So, divide the upfront cost of the quality dutch oven over your lifetime (rather than 5 years) and you'll find you won't mind spending a little extra money after all.
GritHippie
August 12, 2012
From a 'teenage' cook to you (ie: not a newbie, but not a seasoned chef either) (and I'm 33...) - my must have kitchen gadgets:
1. Garlic press - no single kitchen gadget has changed my life for the better. Squish garlic, press out. Done.
2. Cuisinart Food Processor - finally sucked it up and purchased this fantastic piece of machinery about 4 months ago and it has changed my life. Before I just had the $8 dealie from Target, which practically sent me to tears each time I had to use it. My new cuisinart has, and I'm not exaggerating, changed my life. Now I can make pesto, hummus, pimento cheese, homemade crackers, etc in less than 5 minutes instead of the 45+ it used to take me. Buy one. You won't regret it.
3. Sharp Knives - These will also change your life. They may also send you to the ER (finger stitches - me? - noooo...), but it's a lesson you'll only have to learn once.
1. Garlic press - no single kitchen gadget has changed my life for the better. Squish garlic, press out. Done.
2. Cuisinart Food Processor - finally sucked it up and purchased this fantastic piece of machinery about 4 months ago and it has changed my life. Before I just had the $8 dealie from Target, which practically sent me to tears each time I had to use it. My new cuisinart has, and I'm not exaggerating, changed my life. Now I can make pesto, hummus, pimento cheese, homemade crackers, etc in less than 5 minutes instead of the 45+ it used to take me. Buy one. You won't regret it.
3. Sharp Knives - These will also change your life. They may also send you to the ER (finger stitches - me? - noooo...), but it's a lesson you'll only have to learn once.
Peggio
August 12, 2012
I didn't know what I was missing until I got my Kitchen Aid stand mixer at age 50+! Others have said it but I will re-iterate ... the fact that you can do other things while it's mixing or kneading is a great time saver! I understand your wanting to get right in there w/your hands making bread or pasta (because I feel the same way) but I really love that I don't have to do ALL the kneading by hand, again saving me time to do the other tasks associated with those recipes. Also, the attachments for pasta and grinding meats are just amazing.
My other can't live without gadgets are immersion blender, toaster oven, multiple whisks, good chopping & bread knives, slow cooker (for great soups & meats cooked while you have to be somewhere else) and a coffee/spice grinder (mine is metal inside w/a plastic lid & I use it for both without noticing any lingering coffee flavor cross-over).
I have a Cuisinart food processor but don't use it much, rarely use a blender or hand mixer and rice made on the stove top in a pan has always come out perfect for me so no desire for a rice cooker.
My other can't live without gadgets are immersion blender, toaster oven, multiple whisks, good chopping & bread knives, slow cooker (for great soups & meats cooked while you have to be somewhere else) and a coffee/spice grinder (mine is metal inside w/a plastic lid & I use it for both without noticing any lingering coffee flavor cross-over).
I have a Cuisinart food processor but don't use it much, rarely use a blender or hand mixer and rice made on the stove top in a pan has always come out perfect for me so no desire for a rice cooker.
vaughan
August 12, 2012
Didn't see a mention of my must-have kitchen appliance - a toaster oven. I use mine everyday. I have a gas range (Viking) but I don't always want to crank up that bad-boy. I use my little Black and Decker oven for toast, cheese toast, heating up leftovers that need to be crispy and evenly cooked, you name it.
I also can easily broil small pieces of meat and make a small loaf of bread. Just love it. Don't own a regular toaster. So, that's my can't live without gadget. Next, is my Kitchen Aid....
I also can easily broil small pieces of meat and make a small loaf of bread. Just love it. Don't own a regular toaster. So, that's my can't live without gadget. Next, is my Kitchen Aid....
phyllis
August 12, 2012
Brette, you're going to have to decide, and, perhaps, build your kitchen gadget list slowly. I won't go into how I was of the first wave to get a Cuisinart food processor in 1971, and how I only use mine a few times a year now, but I will tell you that I have almost every gadget but only use a few. I use: toaster, coffee pot, Breville blender (does everything; hardly use my fancy immersion blender), kitchen-aid stand, but can definitely use a hand mixer for almost anything, box grater and a very sharp knives! I love that you care and are thinking about your purchases. Have fun!!!
Jane E.
August 12, 2012
I have a Cuisinart and a KitchenAid stand mixer and use them lots--maybe the stand mixer more. I could do without them, though, if I had to. I couldn't do without a cast iron frying pan.
J.B.
August 12, 2012
Seems like the consensus is that a Kitchen Aid and Cuisinart Food Processor are worth the sacrifice of time and money, and I heartily concur. In my nearly 50 years of housekeeping I've had cheap tools and finally high end tools (the two mentioned above). In essence you get what you pay for. Bought my heavy duty KA machine to make my daughter's wedding cake. I've always baked bread and kneaded by hand, until my hands went and now to me the machine is priceless, Indeed I still make bread and knead the dough with the KA. Cuisinart processors have been the top performer-value-giver from the get go, from the time when it was RoboCoupe(?). Others processors don't even hold a candle to it in performance and durability. These 2 alone will serve you well; enjoy!
dcremerssf
August 12, 2012
interesting how the styles of cooking change over time. many posters, including you J.B., talk about a food processor or the stand-mixer being essential in making bread. I only recently came to bread-making (and I'm not a young cook) and use neither of those appliances, thanks to the popularity of no-knead bread recipes. It's the most amazingly low-tech way of putting really good bread dough together (as long as you have the perfectly-sized Le Creuset pot to bake it in!). The range of experience, preference and personal style in these postings is really lovely. It's hard for the young starting cook; there are no right (or wrong) answers, you have to find your own way
mamac=joy333
August 12, 2012
Absolutely the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer; it works while you can go about the prepping/chopping/gathering of other ingredients. I also use the Kitchen Aid hand-held mixer for quick/small batches. I must have a good spatula/spoon to scrape the last bit of mix/dough from the bowl, small one to scrape out shortening from a measuring cup. I love my Cuisinart food processor. My son also loves to use my Oster juicer, an old "put the orange half on top and push down while it rotates" kind. Mixing bowls with actual handles are a must for me. Good stainless steel measuring cups and spoons that feel good in your hand are just pleasant to use and easy to clean. Measure your oven and get the right sized baking sheets; I like edges all the way around to keep stuff from sliding off; quality counts too, because the cheaper ones will just warp the first time you use them. Same with baking pans. We use our toaster oven constantly. I use a small, wide Oxo cheese spread knife for frosting cakes and cookies easily; I have two in case my son wants to help! Tongs are a must, as are good offset spatulas in various sizes (larger for flipping omelets to smaller for removing cookies/brownies). And this is a splurge of both money and space, but I use my Breville panini maker a lot for paninis, grilling chicken/burgers/steak/veggies. I also use my dough scraper for transferring cut cookie dough to the baking sheet, cut garlic/onions/etc. to the pan, etc. A good set of knives is an investment that you'll send up prayers of gratitude everytime you use them. Good luck!
red135
August 12, 2012
I have to support the stand mixer - I scrimped, saved, and asked for gift certificates to the store I eventually bought mine from, all at the ripe old age of 22. I think I just lusted after it and knew it would last forever. What I didn't realize about it is that it not only does the work faster than I can, it frequently does the work without me having to stand over it! So I'm free to do other cooking tasks at the same time, a huge time-saver. I also have fallen in love with many of the attachments, and after the in initial investment of the mixer it's cheaper to buy those attachments, as well as space saving, vs. having a separate machine for each task (pasta maker, meat grinder, ice cream maker are my favorites.)
Beyond that, my food processor gets a lot of use, but the best investments are good knives and pans. Many other things I have picked up have been found at a bargain at second hand stores or resale shops where if you don't know what they are they aren't considered valuable- except to me!
Beyond that, my food processor gets a lot of use, but the best investments are good knives and pans. Many other things I have picked up have been found at a bargain at second hand stores or resale shops where if you don't know what they are they aren't considered valuable- except to me!
Kate's K.
August 12, 2012
I have had a Kitchen Aid mixer for almost 20 years but don't use it that much - still works like a dream when I do. I love my 11 cup Cuisinart food processor and probably pull it out the most. I also love an immersion blender - fast and easy. I like my Cuisinart ice cream maker and a small coffee bean crusher for pulverizing spices.
Steffanie
August 12, 2012
We moved to Paris, France when I was 7. My mom brought her KitchenAid stand mixer with her. It was one of my first purchases with my husband to be : we bought it on a trip to see my dad in Florida & got some extra grinder & slicer attachments as a gift from him. And lugged all 25kgs or so it seemed on the plane with us. And then I had to go buy a transformer to make it work (110V-220V). I probably only use a couple times a month, but it just doesn't feel like a home without it.
And yes, they do sell them in France too - overpriced and only the smaller model. And I needed it to come from the States.
And yes, they do sell them in France too - overpriced and only the smaller model. And I needed it to come from the States.
dcremerssf
August 12, 2012
I have most of the plug-in appliances mentioned above - collected over 25+ years, and while I don't find any of them ugly per se, I'm obsessed with not having them set out on the counters. A tangent conversation is how to store and organize all these appliances. When renovating our small SF flat (less than 1,000 SF for two grown men and two rambunctious cats) the most important part of our kitchen was the separate walk-in pantry, with everything on open shelves at eye level. Well-planned storage makes living in a small-footprint (carbon-footprint as well) space perfectly comfortable. Back to the conversation - the stand mixer is indespensible for whipping meringues - one of my favorite things to make. The only thing I don't have from the other mentioned items is a rice cooker - I make rice in a kettle on the stovetop, perfectly every time.
naomisachs
August 12, 2012
I'm curious - what do yopu mean by "Kettle"? I am intrigued! do you mean you use a tea kettle? How do you clean it???
dcremerssf
August 12, 2012
sorry - just meant a pot, 3-quart All-clad stainless. Love my All-clad - heats really well over gas flame and cleans beautifully
Kringler
August 12, 2012
I lived in the Middle East for six years and have worked hard to perfect hummus. A blender makes creamier hummus than a food processor. Just so you know.
It seems like yesterday I was outfitting my first kitchen. Now, I am thinking about downsizing to what will perhaps be my last kitchen. Time flies. Just so you know.
Even though my blender makes the better hummus, I will leave it behind and take the DLC 8 Cuisinart Food Processor I bought in 1980. I have replaced all the bowls and blades, but the motor is going strong. I just looked on ebay, and you can buy one just like mine for $20.50 plus $18.70 shipping.
After I pack my beloved lowtech stuff, the following electronics (in order of importance) will also survive the downsize if space allows:
1. Electric Coffee Maker
2. Immersion Blender
3. Cuisinart Mini Prep (Handiest little gadget out there.)
4. Oxo scale
5. Electric coffee grinder
6. ChefsChoice Electric Knife Sharpener
7. Hand mixer
I love all my electronic gear, but I am going to have to leave behind my rice cooker, ice cream maker, electric knife, and (sob) my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
Best wishes on your project,
Kringler
It seems like yesterday I was outfitting my first kitchen. Now, I am thinking about downsizing to what will perhaps be my last kitchen. Time flies. Just so you know.
Even though my blender makes the better hummus, I will leave it behind and take the DLC 8 Cuisinart Food Processor I bought in 1980. I have replaced all the bowls and blades, but the motor is going strong. I just looked on ebay, and you can buy one just like mine for $20.50 plus $18.70 shipping.
After I pack my beloved lowtech stuff, the following electronics (in order of importance) will also survive the downsize if space allows:
1. Electric Coffee Maker
2. Immersion Blender
3. Cuisinart Mini Prep (Handiest little gadget out there.)
4. Oxo scale
5. Electric coffee grinder
6. ChefsChoice Electric Knife Sharpener
7. Hand mixer
I love all my electronic gear, but I am going to have to leave behind my rice cooker, ice cream maker, electric knife, and (sob) my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
Best wishes on your project,
Kringler
bluet
August 12, 2012
A stand mixer is only for those who LOVE to bake. My beautiful must have it Kitchen Aid is used very rarely. I could not live without my thirty year old Cuisinart food processor and Cuisinart mini choppers. In my kitchen a citrus juicer has been a terrific addition. Love my blender and immersion blender. Other than those, it's hand tools all the way. Microplane, Williams flipper, whisks, spoons, silicone spatulas and finally, many tongs.
JackinAZ
August 12, 2012
I've lusted after a Kitchen Aid mixer for years and have done fine without one. Its such an iconic piece of gear. That said, what I could not do without is the lowly pastry knife/scraper. I use this tool several times a day and it remains out on my cutting board always. Nothing is better in quickly moving minced onions from the board to the pot. My second "could not do without" tool would be my zoji bread maker; two loaves a week for years. I also use my digital scale each and every day (also graduated cylinders for liquid measurements) but that might be the remainder of my life working in laboratories! Cheers, Jack
Kringler
August 12, 2012
On second thought, Jack, I think I will take my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid to the assisted living center, when that time comes. If there is not room in the tiny kitchen, I can make it into a lamp.
Cheers,
Kringler
Cheers,
Kringler
Kringler
August 12, 2012
On second thought, Jack, I think I will take my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid to the assisted living center, when that time comes. If there is not room in the tiny kitchen, I can make it into a lamp.
Cheers,
Kringler
Cheers,
Kringler
Kringler
August 12, 2012
On second thought, Jack, I think I will take my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid to the assisted living center, when that time comes. If there is not room in the tiny kitchen, I can make it into a lamp.
Cheers,
Kringler
Cheers,
Kringler
Kringler
August 12, 2012
On second thought, Jack, I think I will take my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid to the assisted living center, when that time comes. If there is not room in the tiny kitchen, I can make it into a lamp.
Cheers,
Kringler
Cheers,
Kringler
Kringler
August 12, 2012
On second thought, Jack, I think I will take my gorgeous orange Kitchen Aid to the assisted living center, when that time comes. If there is not room in the tiny kitchen, I can make it into a lamp.
Cheers,
Kringler
Cheers,
Kringler
JackinAZ
August 12, 2012
Oh yeah..... How could I fail to mention a quality gas range! Does a gas range qualify, in this context, as a "kitchen gadget"?
And as previously mentioned; a coffee grinder used (and only used) for grinding spices.
Being a luddite I ALWAYS prefer knives over food processors and tend to use my Kitchen aid unit primarily for making hummus and chili verde, etc. (which beats multi-batch mortar/pestel work in the quantities I need).
In my knife-centric kitchen (and maybe yours) a high-quality, large, heavy, esthetically pleasing, kind-to-the-blade-edge, wooden cutting board (mine's a Boos) is another must have "gadget".
Maybe the idea here is electrical gadgets and I am off-base totally. My apologies then.
Cheers
Jack (typing with one hand, stirring with the other)
And as previously mentioned; a coffee grinder used (and only used) for grinding spices.
Being a luddite I ALWAYS prefer knives over food processors and tend to use my Kitchen aid unit primarily for making hummus and chili verde, etc. (which beats multi-batch mortar/pestel work in the quantities I need).
In my knife-centric kitchen (and maybe yours) a high-quality, large, heavy, esthetically pleasing, kind-to-the-blade-edge, wooden cutting board (mine's a Boos) is another must have "gadget".
Maybe the idea here is electrical gadgets and I am off-base totally. My apologies then.
Cheers
Jack (typing with one hand, stirring with the other)
sir_ken_g
August 12, 2012
I will just scan around out kitchen and report.
Food processor, rice cooker, hot pot, toaster, Bunn drip coffee maker, bodum burr coffee grinder, Kitchen aid mixer, ice cream maker, bread maker, microwave, Sanyo electric grill, waffle maker, deep fryer.
Food processor, rice cooker, hot pot, toaster, Bunn drip coffee maker, bodum burr coffee grinder, Kitchen aid mixer, ice cream maker, bread maker, microwave, Sanyo electric grill, waffle maker, deep fryer.
sir_ken_g
August 12, 2012
and I forget this:
http://www.justhungry.com/suribachi-japanese-grinding-bowl-or-mortar
Suribachi, Japanese grinding bowl or mortar
We buy as many whole spices as we can and use this to grind them. Much less messy than a mini-chopper.
http://www.justhungry.com/suribachi-japanese-grinding-bowl-or-mortar
Suribachi, Japanese grinding bowl or mortar
We buy as many whole spices as we can and use this to grind them. Much less messy than a mini-chopper.
Jackie M.
August 12, 2012
My favorite is a decidedly low tech gadget. It is a super spatula. About 8 x 8". Pick up a pie crust, no prob. I bake rolls and can pick up 1/2 dozen a time. Lots of chopped veggies ready to go in a frying pan - you can get 'em all at once. I love my Kitchenaid mixer and my Robot Coupe FP. But a little love for the low tech is appropriate, too.
Judith R.
August 12, 2012
I wrote this several years ago.
A TRIBUTE TO THE KITCHEN AID MIXER
As I was preparing food this Christmas I once again was struck by the design of my Kitchen Aid mixer. Firstly, it has been with me almost 50 years without breaking down. Secondly it accepts new attachments as they come on the market without a whimper, an attribute missing in new products now.
I started with my Kitchen Aid in the early 1960’s with just the standard beater (used for the Christmas cookies), dough hook (used for the marzipan-stuffed brioche for Christmas breakfast), and the wire whip (used for making maple parfait for Christmas dinner dessert.) Eventually I acquired the food grinder so that I could grind the almonds for our family Christmas cookies (kipflins) as well as left-over lamb for shepherd’s pie at other times. Then I found the grater attachment (perfect for grating the cheese for our Christmas Eve cheese fondue) and the slicer (handy for slicing the potatoes before scalloping to accompany our Christmas prime rib). I also have the pasta roller and cutter – much easier to use (almost at eye-level) as opposed to those which attach to the edge of the counter. The pasta roller is also good for flat bread crackers.
A Google search enabled me to trace the history of this remarkable product. In 1908 Herbert Johnston in Troy, Ohio invented an 80-quart mixer for bread dough. In the 1930’s a well-known designer Egmond Arens created three new stand mixer models and in 1937 the mixers were designed to allow for interchangeable attachments. In the words of Arens: “streamlining is a world of great liberation…..It expresses the wishes and hope of all people in all walks of life, whose will and energy have been closed down by the circumstances of the Depression.” (Quote from page 188 of Abstract Expressions by Joan M. Marter)
Several models of Kitchen Aid mixers are in Smithsonian exhibits and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has declared the Kitchen Aid mixer an American Icon.
Judith Liebman
August, 2010
A TRIBUTE TO THE KITCHEN AID MIXER
As I was preparing food this Christmas I once again was struck by the design of my Kitchen Aid mixer. Firstly, it has been with me almost 50 years without breaking down. Secondly it accepts new attachments as they come on the market without a whimper, an attribute missing in new products now.
I started with my Kitchen Aid in the early 1960’s with just the standard beater (used for the Christmas cookies), dough hook (used for the marzipan-stuffed brioche for Christmas breakfast), and the wire whip (used for making maple parfait for Christmas dinner dessert.) Eventually I acquired the food grinder so that I could grind the almonds for our family Christmas cookies (kipflins) as well as left-over lamb for shepherd’s pie at other times. Then I found the grater attachment (perfect for grating the cheese for our Christmas Eve cheese fondue) and the slicer (handy for slicing the potatoes before scalloping to accompany our Christmas prime rib). I also have the pasta roller and cutter – much easier to use (almost at eye-level) as opposed to those which attach to the edge of the counter. The pasta roller is also good for flat bread crackers.
A Google search enabled me to trace the history of this remarkable product. In 1908 Herbert Johnston in Troy, Ohio invented an 80-quart mixer for bread dough. In the 1930’s a well-known designer Egmond Arens created three new stand mixer models and in 1937 the mixers were designed to allow for interchangeable attachments. In the words of Arens: “streamlining is a world of great liberation…..It expresses the wishes and hope of all people in all walks of life, whose will and energy have been closed down by the circumstances of the Depression.” (Quote from page 188 of Abstract Expressions by Joan M. Marter)
Several models of Kitchen Aid mixers are in Smithsonian exhibits and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has declared the Kitchen Aid mixer an American Icon.
Judith Liebman
August, 2010
DrinkingAndDining
August 7, 2012
For me, the number one must have is the immersion blender. Get the best RPM's you can afford (preferably with at least two speed settings). The faster the beauty can spin, the smoother things will get, and having two-plus settings will make it so you can go in stages.
Next on my list is a large capacity food processor (12 cups or so). It's not something I use that often, but whenever I do, it is a lifesaver. I got a perfectly fine one at WalMart for $30 on sale.
I love my hand mixer for making whipped potatoes and whipped cream, but it was kind of a pain in the butt to make cheesecake with. I've made due since stand mixers are out of my price range right now, but it is on my long term wishlist, especially with a grinder attachment.
As for bonus gadgets, get a cheap coffee grinder to use as a spice grinder! You can buy whole spices that are 1) way easier to toast, releasing a world of different flavors, 2) last longer, 3)can be a little cheaper when you purchase larger quantities, 4) you can buy whole dried chilis and make your own chili powders. If you grind coffee, make sure you have a separate grinder for your spices and your coffee, otherwise everything will taste like coffee.
Next on my list is a large capacity food processor (12 cups or so). It's not something I use that often, but whenever I do, it is a lifesaver. I got a perfectly fine one at WalMart for $30 on sale.
I love my hand mixer for making whipped potatoes and whipped cream, but it was kind of a pain in the butt to make cheesecake with. I've made due since stand mixers are out of my price range right now, but it is on my long term wishlist, especially with a grinder attachment.
As for bonus gadgets, get a cheap coffee grinder to use as a spice grinder! You can buy whole spices that are 1) way easier to toast, releasing a world of different flavors, 2) last longer, 3)can be a little cheaper when you purchase larger quantities, 4) you can buy whole dried chilis and make your own chili powders. If you grind coffee, make sure you have a separate grinder for your spices and your coffee, otherwise everything will taste like coffee.
MeghanVK
August 7, 2012
Get thee an immersion blender with the mini food processor attachment! If you aren't making large quantities of chimichurri or whatnot, the mini one is fine and a lot easier to clean and store. This was one of my only kitchen tools for years (it also came with a whisk attachment, but I find it kind of useless).
Also on the food processor note: I have a $60 Hamilton Beach food processor and it's just fine. I won't pretend that it's as good as the pricier Cuisinart, but I'm not mixing restaurant quantities of hummus on a daily basis. Sometimes you don't actually need the best item out there - just the best item for you.
Also on the food processor note: I have a $60 Hamilton Beach food processor and it's just fine. I won't pretend that it's as good as the pricier Cuisinart, but I'm not mixing restaurant quantities of hummus on a daily basis. Sometimes you don't actually need the best item out there - just the best item for you.
Greenstuff
August 6, 2012
So many variables for first time kitchens! Space. Money. Time (as in are you going to move a lot). Eating preferences!
Food processors I've had since they became available in the States. Truthfully, I hardly use it and I'd wait until I knew I had the space, money, and time before I'd advise it for a first kitchen. I didn't get a Kitchen Aid stand mixer until I was past 50 and had a teenage daughter who was doing a lot of baking. A rice cooker got us through a lot of the child-rearing years, as I could set it on its timer and know that "at least we'll have rice." And when my daughter started having her own first kitchens, one of her first gadgets was an ice cream maker. Instant party anytime.
Food processors I've had since they became available in the States. Truthfully, I hardly use it and I'd wait until I knew I had the space, money, and time before I'd advise it for a first kitchen. I didn't get a Kitchen Aid stand mixer until I was past 50 and had a teenage daughter who was doing a lot of baking. A rice cooker got us through a lot of the child-rearing years, as I could set it on its timer and know that "at least we'll have rice." And when my daughter started having her own first kitchens, one of her first gadgets was an ice cream maker. Instant party anytime.
jblong
August 12, 2012
In fact, the ice cream attachment for my KitchenAid mixer is what I like most about it.
Sadassa_Ulna
August 6, 2012
How big is your kitchen? Are storage and counter-space important factors? My top pick - if limited to one - would be a food processor. I use it to "mince" garlic and ginger together for marinades (and almost everything else I make). I grind toasted nuts for cooking and baking. I have made pastry dough in it many times. I use the grating blade to grate carrots for carrot cake and potatoes for hash browns. I have used the slicing blade but not as often. I make ice cream and sorbet with it. I have "juiced" watermelon chunks with it. When my daughter went through a hummus phase I was making it every other night. Long ago I had a bread dough blade (white plastic, similar in shape to the standard food processor blade) but I misplaced it.
My other gadget recommendations would be, if you have the space: toaster oven, stand mixer if you like to bake a lot, and salad spinner if you are obsessive like me about your dressings getting watery from wet greens. Also, I have a Revereware saucepan with a steamer insert and a double-boiler insert; I use these inserts all the time and highly recommend them! And I just went through a cherry pie obsession and I told my husband I'd like a cherry pitter for Christmas.
If space (and money) are issues then I recommend "splurging" on the food processor and getting a hand mixer over anything else. I have a blender that I rarely use, although my kids make milkshakes and my husband did just make daiquiris. But the food processor does just about everything a blender does. Last, if you could borrow a food processor (or any other pricey items) from a friend before investing you might figure out which ones are best for you. Good luck in your quest!
My other gadget recommendations would be, if you have the space: toaster oven, stand mixer if you like to bake a lot, and salad spinner if you are obsessive like me about your dressings getting watery from wet greens. Also, I have a Revereware saucepan with a steamer insert and a double-boiler insert; I use these inserts all the time and highly recommend them! And I just went through a cherry pie obsession and I told my husband I'd like a cherry pitter for Christmas.
If space (and money) are issues then I recommend "splurging" on the food processor and getting a hand mixer over anything else. I have a blender that I rarely use, although my kids make milkshakes and my husband did just make daiquiris. But the food processor does just about everything a blender does. Last, if you could borrow a food processor (or any other pricey items) from a friend before investing you might figure out which ones are best for you. Good luck in your quest!
Brette W.
August 7, 2012
Wow -- so many great ideas here. Love the point about borrowing the appliances from friends -- what a great way to figure out if I'd actually use it!
AntoniaJames
August 6, 2012
This is an interesting, helpful post. I have always been very low tech, for a number of reasons. It was this community here that convinced me to look into immersion blenders, which I'm glad I did. I received a Cuisinart as a gift before I was married, and immediately realized what a great tool it would be. I probably wouldn't have bought one for myself, but it's been a great tool, all these years. I don't have a stand mixer, primarily because I have a thimble-sized kitchen, in a house built in the 1920's, without the necessary clearance between the counter and the cabinets. I do have a footman's pantry with a tiny bar counter that I use for other purposes, where I've been considering putting a stand mixer. I've been discouraged from everything I've read about the Kitchen Aid for making bread, but it seems that the Cuisinart is a good alternative, so thank you for this tip. One other item that's not really a gadget, but doesn't fall into any other category (yet) is my OXO kitchen scale -- sleek, thoughtfully designed (like everything they make) and reasonable in price. Have you considered posting a "First Kitchen" column on measuring vessels, utensils and tools? ;o)
Sadassa_Ulna
August 6, 2012
Its funny, AJ, but my Cuisinart was a gift from my mom, and my stand mixer was a gift from my husband. Like you I probably would not have bought either one for myself but I use both very often. I don't bake bread as much as I bake cookies or need to whip egg whites, but I think you will really appreciate a stand mixer. Your post is reminding me that I need a good kitchen scale.
Brette W.
August 7, 2012
Guess I know what I'll be asking for my birthday :) And yes, AJ, there will be a post on measuring vessels shortly -- thanks!
Panfusine
August 6, 2012
One of the first things that my former House mate warned my Fiance about when she met him for the first time was ' Don't let her loose into a Kitchen appliance store.. you'll have no space to live, after she stocks up there'. My list of Can't do without appliances :
Immersion blender,
hand held blender,
& most important,
My Idli/dosa stone grinder. (Its basically a table top grinder similar to a chocolate melanger)
Immersion blender,
hand held blender,
& most important,
My Idli/dosa stone grinder. (Its basically a table top grinder similar to a chocolate melanger)
Brette W.
August 7, 2012
Kitchen appliance stores are my favorite places in the world! Good to know about your stone grinder -- thanks Panfusine.
Ghost H.
August 6, 2012
My hands down favorite kitchen gadget appliance is Breville smart toaster oven. It comes with a steep price for a toaster oven but I heard that there are no good "mid-range" toaster oven any more. It's either really cheap and crappy or expensive and works great. This can re-bake frozen biscuits and scones perfectly. (it has setting for frozen items and convection option) I can roast, bake, or broil 2-3 people portion root veggies or seafood without turning the big oven and heating up the apartment. Love it!
I didn't start out my kitchen with a lot of gadgets like many others but over the years I built my collection and now own most of those you mention above. One thing out of those that actually changed my kitchen life dramatically was kitchenaid stand mixer. As a big time baker that was one of those moments,"why didn't I get this years ago!" But of course that is because I bake so often otherwise I can see that you can go without it. Food processor seems more useful and practical than blender. I thought a big capacity food processor will change my kitchen life like stand mixer did, but making pie dough with pastry blender didn't seem that much more work than using food processor, though latter gives much more consistently flakey crust. However, I don't think you can make hummus without food processor! (or at least easily within a reasonable amount of time)
I didn't start out my kitchen with a lot of gadgets like many others but over the years I built my collection and now own most of those you mention above. One thing out of those that actually changed my kitchen life dramatically was kitchenaid stand mixer. As a big time baker that was one of those moments,"why didn't I get this years ago!" But of course that is because I bake so often otherwise I can see that you can go without it. Food processor seems more useful and practical than blender. I thought a big capacity food processor will change my kitchen life like stand mixer did, but making pie dough with pastry blender didn't seem that much more work than using food processor, though latter gives much more consistently flakey crust. However, I don't think you can make hummus without food processor! (or at least easily within a reasonable amount of time)
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