How-To & Diy

UPDATE: Modernist Cuisine at Home: Make Water Work for You + Giveaway!

by:
October 19, 2012

This is the final installment in our 3-part series on food science from the Modernist Cuisine team. We're giving away a copy of Modernist Cuisine at Home below, along with some handy equipment for your own Modernist kitchen. (We're selling copies in the Food52 Shop too, at an exclusive discount you won't find anywhere else.)

Today: How to make water work for you -- and don't miss that giveaway! UPDATE: We have a winner!

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Water: Understanding Your Most Common Ingredient
By Nathan Myhrvold and Judy T. Oldfield

You have used a multitude of ingredients in your cooking, but nearly all of them share one thing in common: they contain water, and lots of it. From a chemical point of view, fresh foods are little more than water plus “impurities”: proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and so on. A carrot, for example, is nearly 90% water; a pork loin, about 60%. So it should come as no surprise that much of cooking fundamentally comes down to manipulating water: adding it, removing it, using it as a solvent, or changing it from a liquid to a gas or a solid.

H20

Many of the more challenging aspects of cooking can be traced to the counterintuitive behavior of water. H2O is a weird chemical. Boiling the stuff requires a tremendous amount of energy — but on the flip side, steam deposits a huge amount of heat when it condenses back into liquid form on the surface of food, speeding up the cooking. Water freezes in peculiar ways that can ruin ice cream — or can be exploited to concentrate fruit juices. And water is uncommonly good at dissolving certain kinds of ingredients — so much so that the inevitable impurities in our tap water can have dramatic effects on our cooking.

Let’s start with the proverbial watched pot. It takes so long to boil because the two hydrogen atoms (the Hs in H2O) in each water molecule have wandering eyes: sometimes instead of bonding faithfully with the oxygen atom (the O) in their own molecule, one of them will pair up with the oxygen in a neighboring molecule. It takes a lot of energy to sever those bonds and excite the water molecules enough that they fly away as steam. That’s why it takes so much longer to cook a pizza loaded up with wet toppings, such as tomatoes or pineapple, than it does to bake a plain cheese or pepperoni pie; much of the initial heat goes into boiling off the water in the toppings rather than melting the cheese and browning the crust.

pressure cooked stock
To see a larger version of this photo, click here.

It is possible to get foods hot enough to brown without drying them out, but only if you either dissolve lots of salt, sugar, or some other substance in the water to raise its boiling point or increase the air pressure over the water, which you can do by using a pressure cooker. Stocks in particular benefit from pressure-cooking, saving time and the amount of food needed.

Modernist chefs sometimes use the opposite technique — hooking up vacuum pumps to reduce the air pressure — to lower the boiling point of water. It’s a clever way to concentrate a juice or reduce a sauce without cooking away so much of the flavorful aromatics. The taste of the reduction remains wonderfully vibrant.

ice freezing

You can sometimes achieve similar effects by exploiting how ice crystals grow in water as it freezes. Seal fruit in a freezer bag and chill it at a temperature not far below 32°F. Slow-growing ice crystals become large and sharp, rupturing the cellular walls of the fruit and allowing you to extract more of the juice. (If preservation is your goal, you should instead freeze food fast and hard at the lowest temperatures you can, to keep the crystals as small as possible.)

The effect of dissolved sugar or salt on the boiling and freezing point of water can be dramatic, because water is a powerful solvent for these ingredients. Yet other substances, such as oils, don’t dissolve in water at all. The root of this behavior lies again in the molecular make-up of pure water. Hydrogen and oxygen atoms are differently charged. This imbalance is analogous to the north and south poles of a magnet. As a “polar” liquid, water readily dissolves large amounts of “polar” solids, such as sugar. But it resists intermingling with nonpolar foods, such as oils and fats.

water

As a cook, you should always keep this in mind: water comes out of the faucet already laden with dissolved minerals that affect your cooking. If your water is hard (rich in minerals), you may find that boiled vegetables turn out tough (and in particular, dried beans do not soften properly) because the minerals reinforce the natural mortar that holds plant cell walls together. In such cases, buy bottles of distilled or deionized water and cook with that instead. These purer alternatives are also handy when using Modernist ingredients such as hydrocolloid gelling and thickening agents, which are quite sensitive to calcium and some of the other minerals dissolved in tap water.

Water may be colorless, odorless, (nearly) tasteless, ubiquitous, and indispensable. But simple it is not.

pressure cooker cutting board strainer probe thermometer

UPDATE: The Giveaway!

Thanks to everyone who shared their brilliant modernist inventions with us -- we got together with the Modernist Cuisine team and picked a winner:

Congrats to Toni Kervina! The winning answer: "I would love there to be some sort of machine you could place over your food to see what's happening inside. Too long have I suffered from charred edges and uncooked middles!"

Us too! We loved Toni's simple but universal idea, and Judy Oldfield from the Modernist Cuisine team added, "The desire to see inside food is why we created cutaway photos."

And for those of you who didn't win, you still have time to pick up your copy (at a $40 discount) in the Food52 Shop.

__

Want to win yourself a copy of the brand new Modernist Cuisine at Home, along with some handy equipment from Kuhn Rikon and OXO for your own Modernist kitchen (pictured above)?

Answer the question below in the comments section of this post by Monday, October 15th at 3pm EST*. Don't want to leave it up to chance? Get your copy now in the Food52 Shop (the first 10 orders get a signed bookplate!) with a discount you won't see anywhere else.

Sous-vide machines and pressure cookers have changed the way we cook. What's the not-yet-invented, life-changing kitchen gadget of your dreams?

*Sadly, the grand prize can only be shipped within the U.S., but if you don't live here (and don't know anyone here who could receive a sweet package on your behalf), we'll come up with something fun, but admittedly not as fabulous, to send you instead.

Photos: Book - Chris Hoover; Water - Ryan Matthew Smith / Modernist Cuisine, LLC; Pressure Cooker Cutaway - Tyson Stole / Modernist Cuisine, LLC

 

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • Miafoodie
    Miafoodie
  • Kristen Miglore
    Kristen Miglore
  • sirporkalot
    sirporkalot
  • afduke04
    afduke04
  • Shawn ODonnell
    Shawn ODonnell
Food52 (we cook 52 weeks a year, get it?) is a food and home brand, here to help you eat thoughtfully and live joyfully.

231 Comments

Miafoodie October 21, 2012
I would like a gadget mounted under a kitchen cabinet that would tell you if your leftovers were still edible, if your groceries were safe to eat,(i.e. no e.coli or botulism,etc.) if your produce was pesticide free, if your meat was indeed grain fed or cage free or had died
before it was butchered.
 
Miafoodie October 21, 2012
I would like a gadget mounted under a kitchen cabinet that would tell you if your leftovers were still edible, if your groceries were safe to eat,(i.e. no e.coli or botulism,etc.) if your produce was pesticide free, if your meat was indeed grain fed or cage free or had died
before it was butchered.
 
Kristen M. October 19, 2012
Update: We have a winner! See the blog post above for details.
 
Panfusine October 19, 2012
Love the suggestion.. definitely a winning idea, Congrats Toni...!
 
sirporkalot October 16, 2012
Adding my name to the list of hopeful winners :)
 
afduke04 October 16, 2012
This is probably way nerdy, but I want a replicator, a la Star Trek. Wouldn't it be amazing to just have all of your ingredients at the exact amount and at the exact time that you need them! I was just thinking today how I would love to just snap my fingers and have fennel pollen and whole szechuan peppers to put make tonight's dinner over the top.
 
Shawn O. October 16, 2012
Not sure if this qualifies as a kitchen gadget, but I would love a tool that sucks the smell of food or coffee out of my clothes. As someone who likes to cook and roast my own coffee, I often smell like my hobbies (fried fish, coffee beans, pungent spices, grilled meat). I'd love to taste the deliciousness but not wear it!
 
Shawn O. October 16, 2012
Not sure if this qualifies as a kitchen gadget, but I would love a tool that sucks the smell of food or coffee out of my clothes. As someone who likes to cook and roast my own coffee, I often smell like my hobbies (fried fish, coffee beans, pungent spices, grilled meat). I'd love to taste the deliciousness but not wear it!
 
Jbvc2 October 15, 2012
I would like a home still that could produce a premium scotch.
 
Jbvc2 October 15, 2012
I would like a home still that could produce a premium scotch.
 
daveL October 15, 2012
A device that allows you to make BBQ indoors without a mess or a smokey kitchen. Provides a wonderful bark and delicious smokey flavor without fussing with grill vents outside in the heat or the cold. Temperature probes to test internal doneness of the meat to control "oven" heat would be a nice touch.
 
jtbiddle October 15, 2012
My dream tool would be something that extracts flavorful vapors from food, kind of like a rotavap, except without the high temperatures that break down some of the flavorful and pleasant smelling hydrocarbons.

Flavorful vapor/gasses could be used to add a new flavor to foams or add an "introductory" aroma when the dish is served (just make sure to serve it quick!).

These vapors could also add an interesting visual flair, kind of like dry ice except with the addition of aroma and flavor.
 
Alicyn R. October 15, 2012
I would like a way to taste or even smell recipes in books, magazines, or online, if something looks good and you'd like a nibble to see what it tastes like that you're reading or checking out a food blog or something OR certain global cuisine that you can google then smell/taste it. May be thats too sci-fi but that would be pretty sweet :)
 
sebastian.aya October 15, 2012
a kind of food dehydrating machine, but that works with low temperatures to preserve flavor
 
sebastian.aya October 15, 2012
a kind of food dehydrating machine, but that works with low temperatures to preserve flavor
 
rshidla October 15, 2012
I would like a quick safe way to guarantee that raw food is not contaminated, or to decontaminate raw food without applying heat.
 
rshidla October 15, 2012
I would like a quick safe way to guarantee that raw food is not contaminated, or to decontaminate raw food without applying heat.
 
olechef October 15, 2012
Robotic, programmable knives to do all chopping for me.
 
olechef October 15, 2012
robotic arms to pour and transfer liquids and solids back and forth, and robotic, programmable knives to be my sous chef.
 
kattie.bespalko October 15, 2012
I would love the equivalent of cooking blenders for cooling - If i could have a blender that chills to near freezing simultaneously, I'd be thrilled
 
kattie.bespalko October 15, 2012
I would love the equivalent of cooking blenders for cooling - If i could have a blender that chills to near freezing simultaneously, I'd be thrilled
 
sreuber October 15, 2012
A series of appliances that have a built-in web app synced together so you can program recipes/ingredients (along with step by step cooking instructions that you don't need a flimsy book for), track which ingredients you need when you're running low, as well as generating a shopping list based on your recipes that you can print or send to your mobile phone.
 
velascomike October 15, 2012
A device that lets you infuse flavor from one item to another without changing the core flavor to be infused.
 
Twice C. October 15, 2012
I would have to go with something for making pasta. It is so easy to overwork the dough just in attempting to get it rolled thin enough. I would love to find a solution to having perfect pasta, from scratch, every time.
 
pzleton October 15, 2012
A stove that cannot accumulate grease and grime and never needs more than a quick wipe down.
 
ryansm October 15, 2012
An instant dishwasher that anything can go in and everything is dishwasher-safe.
 
cookinginvictoria October 15, 2012
I would love to have a device that could expertly and cleanly pit Concord grapes and could also remove the skin of blanched fava beans with the push of a button.Another item on mhy wish list is to have a computer/robotic device attached to my freezer. When I wanted an item, it would move that item to the front automatically. No more emptying the contents of the freezer to find that container of pasta sauce that is stuck in the back! Ideally, this device would also keep an inventory of frozen items by category that I could access from my computer. After an item was removed from the freezer, the inventory would be updated automatically.
 
kimbly October 15, 2012
A device to handle mise en place/mandolin work would be a dream. Also, a counter mounted, suction activated. automated recycling sorter/composter that would deposit everything outside, pre-organized!
 
ktodde October 14, 2012
a fixed marble countertop surface that can be heated or cooled with accurate controls for pastry/chocolate work.
 
Gary F. October 14, 2012
A microwave oven with fine controls, such as the ability to focus energy on the exterior of food (i.e., to brown it).
 
Mermont84 October 13, 2012
I need someone to invent something that takes inventory of my pantry and helps figure out what recipes I can make or what I need to buy to make meals for my family!
 
Mermont84 October 13, 2012
I need someone to invent something that takes inventory of my pantry and helps figure out what recipes I can make or what I need to buy to make meals for my family!
 
scott.finkelstein.5 October 13, 2012
High conductivity probes that can alter the cooking pattern of a foodstuff.
A sous-vide machine that works well with fish and isn't a pain in the ass.
 
RWW14642 October 13, 2012
Nathan M. and team show us slices through food in transformation.. Ultrasound imaging on the counter at an affordable price point. Totally within reach today, unexplored territory..
 
vasterblue October 13, 2012
A system to keep track of all our recipes and items in the pantry that would allow you to create shopping lists and meal plans based on what was in the pantry and what leftovers are available.
 
lelialeary October 13, 2012
A babysitter
 
lelialeary October 13, 2012
A babysitter
 
Chef N. October 12, 2012
I would love a gadget that would keep my flour at the perfect humidity level so I would get a precise measurement for my recipes every time.
 
foodfighter October 12, 2012
I think it would be great to have a well programmed cooking system. It could house saved recipes or family recipes. Display next steps, tips and video on a monitor that can be controlled by voice recognition to keep your hands free to stir a pot or check the oven.. Additionally, it could accept cooking notes on substations or audibles during the cooking process, and it could allow feedback from cook and guests that can be stored with the recipes for future reference. Finally, you could have a video camera setup to capture you cooking, and then you could divide recipes into indiividual steps or techniques that could teach others how to cook or get kids and spouses more involved in food prep. Would be helpful to create a meal plan and layout the logical steps so whoever has time to start cooking can jump right in. A system like this would also avoid wishing that you knew how to cook that recipe like grandma did...since you could capture it directly!
 
Candlewic October 12, 2012
A wand like device that cooked the food as you passed over it. Sorta like a handheld microwave/blowtorch but not as dangerous!
 
little C. October 12, 2012
An anti-microbial (not wood) kitchen counter that is heat and scratch resistant.
 
Kim @. October 12, 2012
A robotic maid to clean up after dinner. Like Rosie from the Jetsons!

http://www.designlifekids.com
 
cdngoodmeat October 12, 2012
touch screen cabinets, where I could flip through the entire and extensive contents of my cupboards on an ipad-esq pad and select what I needed and it would automatically bring these to the front, instead of my digging around like a scavenger!

Oh - maybe something that reminds me when things are about to expire too!
 
latkelet October 12, 2012
A high-speed cold infuser to extract flavors without heating the herb or fruit and without the hours/days wait.
 
EmilyArgh October 12, 2012
Self cleaning pots - especially ones that can get all the extra crispy bits off!
 
andrewjswitzer October 12, 2012
cookware that was on the spot moldable.
 
lazychef October 12, 2012
A laser-based cooking device that would allow you to cook internal layers of a dish to different temperatures from the external layers. That is to say, it could cook the inside of something without altering the outside. Think about it...what if we weren't always cooking food from the outside in? Trippy! A scoop of ice cream, molded around a chocolate core that's then melted with the device to create an inside-out hot fudge sundae surprise...
 
Lulu17 October 12, 2012
a gadget that can quickly and easily check whether there is pesticide residue on my fruits and vegetables.
 
Lulu17 October 12, 2012
a gadget that could tell me quickly and easily if there was pesticide residue on my fruits and vegetables.
 
amgchef October 11, 2012
A microwave like device that can reheat food quickly to the proper temperature but will keep pizza crusty, fried chicken crunchy and not turn everything into rubber.
 
smithan6 October 11, 2012
A flat touch screen computer monitor built into the fridge door with WiFi or a slot for my jump drive. This way I could store recipes in one spot and not worry about getting water on my cookbooks or on my iPad. It would also include a program that could keep track of my grocery lists. The program would also allow me to choose a recipe just by plugging in the ingredients that I have on hand, for those nights when I can't figure out what to eat!
 
Dee October 11, 2012
An automatic humidity monitor for the oven! The monitor could figure out the optimum level of humidity for baking x-good and a water container attached directly to the oven that fed in moisture could ensure perfect results every time.
 
gratuitousfoodity October 11, 2012
Fortunately this already exists! What you want is a combioven.
 
Dee October 11, 2012
:O I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE.
 
gsteve.hirst October 11, 2012
A google for the kitchen that would find that missing tool and or ingrediant.
 
gsteve.hirst October 11, 2012
A google for the kitchen that would find that missing tool and or ingrediant.
 
gratuitousfoodity October 11, 2012
A 3-D printer for food, housed inside a temperature and pressure controlled case. Print custom shaped pasta by programatically extruding pasta dough. Print 3-D chocolate forms that immediately set because the case is set to below freezing. Print meat by extruding sausage with transglutaminase, which sets because the case is like an oven. Print a merengue in a vacuum chamber. Anything that can be pureed and cast into another form works. A lot of people have mentioned a food replicator - a 3-D food printer is the first step to realizing that dream.
 
yarnivore October 11, 2012
I'd like a microwave-sized dishwasher -- put in a single dish or a couple of things and set the timer, then POOF, clean, disinfected dishes are ready at the "ding!". :)
 
Dee October 11, 2012
They have compact dishwashers! They cost a few hundred dollars and fit on your countertop. They hook up right to the sink, I believe.
 
Lily,Sheng October 11, 2012
I dream of a computer that will monitor everything in my fridge and pantry, line them up in the order of expiration date, and allow me to select any ingredients, feed them through its brain and comes up with recipes based on the choices, and analyzes nutritional information!
 
savorthis October 11, 2012
A water-proof, grease-proof voice or motion activated computer device that swivels to face me as I walk around the kitchen so I can follow recipes or watch the sure-to-be-awesome videos on http://www.chefsteps.com/
 
unburritable October 11, 2012
it'd definitely be an automatic cleanup feature for me
 
Monomomono October 11, 2012
Food replicator!
 
Heena October 11, 2012
An all-in-one prep device that automatically pits cherries, shucks peas, cleans mussels, shucks oysters, etc. Basically does all the mundane prep tasks so you can focus on the good stuff i.e. cooking.
 
Sam1148 October 11, 2012
For storing fruits and veggies..a device that would pump nitrogen harvested from the air..to prevent spoilage, and prolong fresh things...this could be used for 'fresh' herbs in a nitrogen atmosphere. Done correctly this device could be used to prolong storage of meats. And would pump Nitrogen into bags, containers for storage.
 
Neal K. October 10, 2012
A cooking wand. Hear me out on this. Why do you need a surface or oven? A cooking wand stirring a pot cooks slow and even, pushed through meat it cooks inside out, or run it over the outside of a dish for a crunchy bark. Batteries sold separately.
 
MonkeyCooks October 10, 2012
a refrigerator of some sort that keeps herbs, fruits and vegies fresh for long time would be great!
 
cemarchant October 10, 2012
I'd like a fridge that reminded me when food is going to go bad!
 
shannonstl October 10, 2012
I thought I commented yesterday, but apparently not. I would like some sort of device that removes from shellfish whatever it is that they contain that makes me sick.
 
shannonstl October 10, 2012
I thought I commented yesterday, but apparently not. I would like some sort of device that removes from shellfish whatever it is that they contain that makes me sick.
 
Hunter W. October 10, 2012
The fully integrated kitchen. RFID for items going into an out of the pantry, fridge, and cabinets to track stock levels and automatically order additional items when getting low. Web interface to your kitchen with a dashboard of what you have, what you need for upcoming meals, online ordering/sourcing with integrations with sites like Food52, Epicurious, and others. Also, I'd like it to be able to make educated suggestions on things to cook based on user input, seasonal ingredients, local suppliers, dietary restrictions, etc.

Appliances fully integrated as well, run the fridge, freezer, oven clean, dishwasher at times when power costs are lower. Mobile and web apps to start a slow cooker at a certain time, or turn off a coffee machine. Take all the grunt work and waste out of using your kitchen, no more overbuying, food going bad, etc. Just show up, cook, eat, and clean.

Sure a self cleaning kitchen would be nice... but highly unlikely. Maybe turn your kitchen into the largest dishwasher you've ever seen??
 
sharontalb October 10, 2012
I'm torn between two things...1. a self cleaning fridge! I am horrible about cleaning my fridge. If you can have a self cleaning oven, why not a fridge? Also, the ultimate counter top that can also be used as a cutting board - easy clean, antimicrobial, won't damage your knife blades! That's not too much to ask, is it?
 
Ferrettoy October 10, 2012
I would like a device that puts all my fruits and vegetables and herbs into stasis so that I can always have fresh, beautiful produce, instead of the mostly black bananas I'm constantly throwing into the trash.
 
Jonathan H. October 10, 2012
I would love a self cleaning kitchen. After I'm finished cooking I could press a button, enjoy my meal, and return to spotless appliances, bowls, utensils, etc.
 
alagwc October 10, 2012
A prep/sous chef robot. I would text the robot the dish that I wanted to make and they would wash and prep all the ingredients for me so all I would have to do is cook.
 
L. K. October 10, 2012
The not-yet-invented, life-changing kitchen gadget of my dreams? Self-cleaning refrigerator surfaces.
 
Panfusine October 10, 2012
A table top Ice cream maker with a Liquid nitrogen generator .. Instant fresh Ice cream on demand!
 
Panfusine October 10, 2012
The Nitrogen to be extracted out of the atmosphere.
 
Ryan A. October 10, 2012
Introducing smoke into cuisine is not as easy as it may seem.  Smoke can make food bitter and create harsh tastes if not done properly.  Also, smoked foods are known to be bad for your health because they contain carcinogens and hydrocarbons. My solution two both of these problems would be to create a liquid filtered smoker which would reduce the concentration of smoke and minimize the carcinogenic particulates during the cook. The apparatus could consist of a cooking chamber made from a cylindrical Pyrex glass tube 14" in diameter that is connected to a vacuum which would force heated smoke from an external stem through a water chamber (located directly beneath the cooking chamber) where the smoke is filtered, before entering the cooking chamber and leaving through the vacuum.  The cooking chamber would be controlled by a thermostat device to maintain precise temperature during the cooking process.  The device would be capable of adjusting the relative humidity by means of heating the lower liquid that is filtering the smoke.  The smoke could be from wood chips of your choice, apple, cherry, whiskey barrel, or it could be made from burning alfalfa, bay leaves, herbs, etc... The liquid could be water, but for further flavor enhancements the water chamber can be filled with wine, apple juice, coconut water, etc... Barbeque is too often dry and overdone. This invention would marry old school barbeque with the latest technology like combi ovens, to create some amazing new flavors.
 
Ryan A. October 10, 2012
Correction "My solution TO both of these problems..."
 
Ryan A. October 15, 2012
The water chamber of this device could be filled with an icy liquid and perform as a water-fltered cold smoker.
 
ScottMehring October 9, 2012
An entire counter top that's the ultimate cutting board. Impervious to heat (no more potholders!), has the beauty and toughness of granite but you can safely use it like a wood cutting board without worrying about damaging or dulling your knives, all with the simple cleanup of plastic.
 
jeskohler October 9, 2012
Maybe I'm just kind of simple (or deprived) but I would love a gas stove. I have a terribly '80s early cooktop model and I HATE it.
 
vickyness October 9, 2012
I'd love to have a countertop machine that doubles as an oven/dry ager/smoker...
 
Rosiebud63 October 9, 2012
I would like an automatic composter. It puts my organics in my compost no matter what the time or weather
 
amysarah October 9, 2012
Another one just occurred to me - less high tech than my last. One of my favorite tools is a poultry shear, that won't cut thru soft tissue. For a roast chicken, you simply slice through the skin and meat, then use the shears to snip thru the bone like butter. You can be very free, because you can't cut yourself.

With my microplane, on the contrary, I'm incapable of grating anything (especially small things like a knob of ginger or clove of garlic - but lemon or lime zest too) without grating my knuckles. So, I'd love a really effective, fine tooth grater made of some material that won't grate my poor fingers.
 
JessicaT October 9, 2012
A self-controlling stove top that allows people to input the type of food and the desired temperature/browness, such as hamburger - medium rare. You could then set the patty in the pan, and the stove would cook the patty to medium rare, while informing the user when to flip during cooking.
 
Simon L. October 9, 2012
Machines to make in vitro meat. New interesting meats that are impossible to make in nature could be created.
 
Gardener&Cook October 9, 2012
A replicator programmed to supply great fresh produce, good cuts of meat, staples, and specialty food products.
 
treetownie October 9, 2012
I just want a robot that cleans up after me.
 
donovan.wilson.127 October 9, 2012
I would LOVE to have an automatic, bagless cryovac machine. Just put the item in liquid or solid and it does the work for you!
 
Jkhanna October 9, 2012
A combi oven where you can inject flavors (smoke, essences, laquers) during the cooking process, like you do steam. Self cleaning too!
 
Jkhanna October 9, 2012
A combi oven where you can inject flavors (smoke, essences, laquers) during the cooking process, like you do steam. Self cleaning too!
 
Pezbabypez October 9, 2012
I hope to soon see a compact size chamber vacuum for the home cook to make quick pickles and flavor infusions. The sous vide supreme model is still way too large to be practical for the home cook. That would change my life!
 
pting October 9, 2012
I'd like to see a machine that can change food that from one molecular form to another - say a perfectly smoked pork shoulder into a foam, or a caramelized candy, or a syrup, etc....that way you could work with food in a form that is familiar utilizing tools that you already have, but then end up with some interesting food/taste combinations.

On a more practical level, I'd like to see a home distillation unit for essential oils and similar that is affordable, compact, not dangerous, and is not technically illegal. But that is a discussion for another time...
 
pting October 9, 2012
Sorry for double post - I didn't think the first one had gone through.
 
andrew.m.barry October 9, 2012
A pressurized, convection type oven that utilizes dry heat. It will allow for faster high intensity cooking(such as frying) without using fat. This will make a healthier product that maintains that properties of the fried foods that we love. It should be possible due to how air can transfer thermal energy.
 
pting October 9, 2012
I'd like to see a device that would take food in one form (say a smoked pork shoulder) and then change it's molecular form to be the same food/flavor profile, but in another form - say to a smoked pork shoulder foam, a smoked pork shoulder syrup, a smoked pork shoulder caramelized candy, etc...that way you could work in a form you are familiar with and with tools you are comfortable with, but end up with interesting flavor creations that you would not otherwise be able to complete.

On a more practical level, I'd also like to see an easy home distiller for essential oils and similar applications that was easy to use, affordable, not dangerous, and not technically illegal...but that is a discussion for a different day.
 
Elliott P. October 9, 2012
A machine that can target an area of a product to bring up to temperature. You could have a carrot with a cooked center and a raw skin. Layers of frozen ice cream alternated with liquid sauce.
 
Mark S. October 9, 2012
I would love a gadget that allows you to aged food or beverage for a specified time frame in a matter of moments. Dry aging steak, making salumi, fermenting beer/wine, pickling veg ... the possibilities are endless.
 
Chef N. October 9, 2012
I would love to have a gadget that would make the perfect fried foods (chicken, veggies, croquettes, etc.) without the oil, fat, mess, or danger. There is no greater fantasy than eating fried food that isn't bad for you!!!
 
adambravo October 9, 2012
A microwave that browns meat as well as a grille or saute pan.
 
emily_girl October 9, 2012
I'm happy (or at least willing) to wash pots & pans & knives in my sink. I just hate washing my sink when I'm done in the kitchen -- it gets infinitely more disgusting than anything that it's been holding. So my life-changing gadget would be a self-cleaning/sterilizing sink.
 
tabascoprincess October 9, 2012
A sous chef.
 
yani1shu October 9, 2012
A self sharpening knife
 
yani1shu October 9, 2012
A self/auto sharpening knife.
 
kjrnyc13 October 9, 2012
A device that will do all the mincing, chopping, slicing, peeling, crushing, etc. without ever having to touch the onion, garlic, etc. (that way you avoid your hands smelling like onion/garlic for a week or more). For example all you have to do is tell the machine you want 1 cup of chopped sweet yellon onion and the machine picks up the onion (or finds it in some other interesting way - remember you shouldn't have to touch it), peels it, cuts the ends, chops it up (and manages some way to keep the air "clean" so you won't cry) and gives you a perfect cup of chopped onion (in a glass or bowl or some kind) for you to use in your recipe.

I would also take a refridgerator that organizes itself and if you need an item, all you have to do is ask for the item and it gives it to you (even better would be if there was a way for the fridge to be hooked up to some grocery store inventory...that way when you need more milk either the refridgerator will see the need and as if you want a refill or, all you have to do is press a button and voila milk appears and your card on file is charged).
 
Fog C. October 9, 2012
A de-thawer that can thaw out something like a 2lb. tri tip roast in a matter of minutes, and not affect texture or taste. That would save me a trip to the store if a crew was suddenly coming over for dinner.
 
everlastingdesigns October 9, 2012
For ladies only: Can someone create us a wife?
 
Christine W. October 9, 2012
I dream of a dishwasher that is the size of a small microwave, and that cleans all dishes using less than 1 gallon of water - environmental, and practical for small spaces. Oh yeah, and if it could air dry them all and stack them neatly, that would be rad too. :)
 
MRubenzahl October 9, 2012
My fantasy is a stir-heat cooker. It's platform like a heating pad with a magnetic stirrer. A magnetic wand goes in the glass or ceramic pot and couples with a turning magnet in the base to stir constantly, while the heater cooks. A temp sensor and a wireless transmitter in the magnetic wand tell the base the exact temperature so it can regulate the heat precisely.

Perfect risotto, custards, sauces would be easy.
 
Jenny C. October 9, 2012
hmmm - an expanding kitchen! more counter space when you need it!
 
AmandaE October 9, 2012
I would love a pop-up mixer, one that collapses down when not in use for easy storage in oh-so-small kitchens. Maybe then I would finally be able to convince my hubby that I do need one.
 
ncindc October 9, 2012
Some kind of self-sorting drawers, so that as I put things in, they are magically compartmentalized and save me from rooting through a drawer of pointy thermometers and knives missing edge guards to find my measuring spoons.
 
mokiram October 9, 2012
some way for people to feel comfortable with cooking - whether it be emphasizing that mistakes are okay, or incorporating cooking / baking classes into elementary schools, or cultivating the attitude of experimentation and curiosity in the kitchen. too many people are intimidated by cooking!
 
Daniel W. October 9, 2012
I would love pots, pans, and bowls that could automatically detect the amount of liquid you pour into them. That way, it would get rid of the need for dirtying a separate measuring cup. (I also really wish that there could be a cooking dish that somehow figured out the basic proportions of ingredients so that, when you're experimenting and a dish ends up tasting really great, you can know exactly how much of each ingredient to use the next time.)
 
IlovePhilly October 9, 2012
A sink that truly and properly washes every kind of dish and kitchen implement, even cast iron and overly large items. I hate dishes almost as much as I love cooking! I also think more single people would cook if this were a reality! I remember being so bummed out to do dishes for myself after I cooked a delicious meal and ate it by myself.
 
IlovePhilly October 9, 2012
A sink that truly and properly washes every kind of dish and kitchen implement, even cast iron and overly large items. I hate dishes almost as much as I love cooking! I also think more single people would cook if this were a reality! I remember being so bummed out to do dishes for myself after I cooked a delicious meal and ate it by myself.
 
Ambitious October 9, 2012
A machine that could take inventory of everything that goes in and out of the fridge so that i don't forget about stuff in the back!
 
noons October 9, 2012
I'd love my fridge to come up with menu suggestions based on its contents and for the pantry to keep it's own inventory so that I don't forget about the things hidden in back and buy them again( why are there 3 jars of grainy mustard and no cans of diced tomatoes?)
 
Jvan October 9, 2012
I want the inverse if the microwave oven. I want to cool things down FAST. But I don't want to use liquid nitrogen or subzero freezers... I want something just as quick and easy as a microwave.
 
MelissaH October 9, 2012
I'd love for my refrigerator to communicate to me when something I've bought is going south, and needs to figure in my dinner plans (or otherwise get used up) within the next day or so. Bonus points for extending the functionality to cabinets that hold the non-refrigerated goods that still have expiration dates, or that aren't as good if they've been open too long.
 
TriciaC October 9, 2012
I want my dishwasher to somehow double as my kitchen cabinets. Or vice versa. That small step of moving clean dishes to cabinets always seems like a frustrating waste of time!
 
stevestroud October 9, 2012
voice commands to all of my kitchen appliances
 
stevestroud October 9, 2012
voice commands to all of my kitchen appliances
 
Cristina S. October 9, 2012
A magical refrigerator that linked up 24/7 with my favorite farmers market.
 
thompsa2 October 9, 2012
I know it sounds simple, but I'd like kitchen utensils to hold up better in the dishwasher. Even though a lot of stuff these days is marked as dishwasher-safe, that convenience still seems to really cut down on the life of a tool or utensil.
 
Sarajah October 9, 2012
I'd love for some way to do indoor small batch smoking. Burning my casserole in the oven doesn't count!
 
jheald1 October 9, 2012
A food replicator, like those found in Star Trek. That way I can get any ingredient I want, immediately.
 
sarahyvonnegee October 9, 2012
the not-yet-invented, life-changing kitchen gadget of my dreams would be a Rosie bot like from The Jetsons. all I really need in the kitchen is someone who will clean up the mountain of mess after I cook.
 
meganvt01 October 9, 2012
I would like a small device/oven that toasts nuts and senses whether they are burning. Burned pine nuts, for example are my Achilles heal in kitchen multitasking. Also, I'd like a pressurized device that you could place an oyster or clam and using negative pressure, the device could pop the shell slightly but preserve the shape of the meat - my husband says it could be called the "palm-saver" for all the shucking mishaps he had had.
 
deeper October 9, 2012
A device that will perfectly defrost any food. I still get mixed results from my microwave.
 
deeper October 9, 2012
A device that will quickly defrost any food. Yes, there is the microwave but I seem to still have iffy results with mine.
 
duclosbe1 October 9, 2012
A tomato peeler. I love peeling tomatoes, but I don't do it very often because it takes up too many dishes and too much time!
 
DRSmith October 9, 2012
A dishwasher that loads and unloads itself
 
szamarri October 9, 2012
My life changing gadget would be an automatic metate that would grind corn for me so that I can make corn masa for fresh tortillas! Yum!
 
szamarri October 9, 2012
My life changing gadget would be an automatic metate that would grind corn for me so that I can make corn masa for fresh tortillas! Yum!
 
szamarri October 9, 2012
An automatic metate to grind corn so that I can make fresh tortillas.
 
szamarri October 9, 2012
An automatic metate to grind corn so that I can make fresh tortillas.
 
christian Y. October 9, 2012
The life-changing kitchen gadget of my dreams would be a flavor compound generator. Following the work of Harold McGee and his identifications of certain compounds/aerosols that produce specific flavors, this machine would be able to reproduce the molecular compounds and introduce/inject the flavors into food. So if you needed the essence of truffle without buying a real truffle, this machine could produce true truffle flavor and marry it with your food.
 
JustSomeCook October 9, 2012
A refrigerator that organizes itself and tosses things out that have passed their time.
 
JustSomeCook October 9, 2012
A refrigerator that organizes itself and tosses things out that have passed their time.
 
iamadesertcreature October 9, 2012
I've got osteoarthritis, and it would be so nice to sit in something tall and yet stable, so that I could wheel myself around my kitchen! Tall and compact, so you can get around a small kitchen and not have to reach over your knees to chop an onion. Seriously, try cooking something involved while sitting down. Kitchen counters just weren't made to accommodate that. It would also have to be stable enough to whisk you back to your boiling soup without pitching you onto the floor. Maybe something that you don't *sit* in, but which just.. holds you up? -stares off into space-
 
prettyPeas October 9, 2012
Self-cleaning food processor.
 
Asaracoglu October 9, 2012
Self-loading dishwasher! There could be a slot through which you would just feed your dirty dishes, and the dishwasher would just load it up properly by itself!
 
mister J. October 9, 2012
A chest freezer with shelves that operate on the principle of a ferris wheel thus, making rotating foods less complicated, and using less coolant
 
cupcakemuffin October 9, 2012
I'd love an oven that is a refrigerator during the day, and then at a certain time, it turns itself on and cooks your dinner for you! Then you come home to a hot dinner! Of course, it would hook up to your phone and give you a warning so you could delay the cook time if you realized you would be late!
 
BAD C. October 9, 2012
Self sharpening knives
 
BAD C. October 9, 2012
A computer program that automatically records any recipe as I make it, starting with the source from a website, cookbook or newspaper clipping, and listing all changes and substitutions. The program would include space for me to manually enter comments, and the ability to search by date last made, ingredients and other categories.
 
sinsco01 October 9, 2012
I would like to see refrigeration units redesigned for more functionality beyond keeping cold food cold, freezing, dispensing water and ice cubes. Shelves should be designed to hold inserts of prepped items in an organized fashion that discourages cross contamination. There should be an option to run part of the freezer as a blast chiller for quick cooling of dense products and quickly freeze items for IQF. Having the ability to turn out sorbet and gelato is helpful too.

I would also like an area in the refrigeration unit that is programmable for controlled profiles of temperature, air and humidity control to perform functions such as controlled defrosting, curing & hanging meats, drying, cheese making, fermenting, retarding dough, or beverage storage.

The unit should also use minimal energy.
 
LAchowman October 8, 2012
A device that cuts food into truly evenly sized pieces, and then cleans up easily. (Unlike a food processor, which produces chunks along with the bits, and then has 4 or 5 parts to clean)
 
elainers October 8, 2012
Expandable countertops!!
 
seattlefoodie October 8, 2012
Am I allowed to have two? Because I really want to see something that tracks what you do in the kitchen. Then can write a recipe for you so you don't have to remember exactly how much of each ingredient you put in. And then tracks changes each time you make that recipe so you can see what is the most delicious. Like a video camera that can digitally measure everything for you then print out (or store on an attached phone/computer/iPad) a recipe card. AND I would LOVE to see a kitchen aid/crock pot/blender/food processor all in one that can go in the oven. For under $50. With the same features as the expensive ones. For those of us who are broke and live in small apartments.
 
FoodieTina October 8, 2012
a device that measures my ingredients for me when I get too impatient
 
rasmirac October 8, 2012
I've always thought it'd be awesome to have a little device (or stamp) that would tell you exactly how your eggs are cooked. It's so hard to get them perfectly soft boiled every time. In my dream world, it would change colors as the whites and yolks cook so my lazy weekend breakfasts could be guess free.

 
rasmirac October 8, 2012
I've always thought it'd be awesome to have a little device (or stamp) that would tell you exactly how your eggs are cooked. It's so hard to get them perfectly soft boiled every time. In my dream world, it would change colors as the whites and yolks cook so my lazy weekend breakfasts could be guess free.

 
lizt October 8, 2012
Expandable sink and counters.
 
seattlefoodie October 8, 2012
I want this too!
 
rasmirac October 8, 2012
I've always thought it'd be awesome to have a little device (or stamp) that would tell you exactly how your eggs are cooked. It's so hard to get them perfectly soft boiled every time. In my dream world, it would change colors as the whites and yolks cook so my lazy weekend breakfasts could be guess free.

 
Amberle October 8, 2012
The cooking gadget of my dreams would be an instrument that could create a time bubble so that I can prepare lunch and dinner within 5 minutes, so I can enjoy the process rather than rushing and trying to fit my cooking around grad school.
 
pappas October 8, 2012
An automated home bar -- think like a Coke Freestyle machine -- into which you could place your bottles and program your favorite cocktail recipes, and have it dispense preprogrammed cocktails on demand based on my specifications, fully chilled and in the right volume for my glassware.

And somehow also incorporate fresh citrus and other ingredients.
 
lzhang October 8, 2012
i can't see my previous comment, hope this doesn't become a duplicate.

an automatic spice dispenser that gives you the quantity required.
 
inthebow October 8, 2012
Something along the lines of a minifridge (no freezer) that will go up to 65 degrees and has a humidity control... for curing meats. An easy way to test my creations to make sure I don't poison someone from improperly curing meat might be a good thing too.
 
lzhang October 8, 2012
automatic spice dispensers in the quantities required...
 
Elliana D. October 8, 2012
I am very interested in organics and where my food comes from. I find the comment above, very interesting: “As a cook, you should always keep this in mind: water comes out of the faucet already laden with dissolved minerals that affect your cooking. If your water is hard (rich in minerals), you may find that boiled vegetables turn out tough (and in particular, dried beans do not soften properly)”

Not only are dissolved minerals in our water but, so are pollutants that affect your cooking and your health. Same goes with everything else we eat. I would like a device that could be applied a protein, fruit, veggie, etc. that could tell me what levels of pesticides or other pollutants are in the food, so I could be sure what I am eating instead of just trusting a label.

The same device could tell you the level of vitamins and minerals in your food. That way you could make sure things cook properly on a more molecular level (you could test the water before you cook the beans and adjust it to make sure they soften properly). Another added bonus would be that you could precisely monitor you nutritional intake.
 
beyondcelery October 8, 2012
A flour sifter that doesn't "poof" flour or cocoa all over the place, but keeps it all contained without waste.

Cutting and cooking surfaces that not only refuse to absorb gluten, but actually detect and neutralize any cross-contamination threat: a crumb of bread in eggs, gluten residue from pasta in a colander, flour that floated into a corner of the counter, etc. (It'd make sharing a kitchen a lot easier and safer!)
 
summersavory October 8, 2012
I always get disgruntled when I have to disentangle whisks and spatulas in my kitchen drawers, or when I have to arrange the pot handles just so to close the cabinet doors. Maybe this doesn't qualify as a gadget, persay, but I would like kitchen storage to be more like the pigeonholes in a rolltop desk-places for everything, just big enough, and thoughtfully arranged so everything's findable. Or, so long as we're asking for crazy (and perhaps impossible) things, how about a robotic storage system that keeps everything neat and out of sight and pulls out kitchen tools for me when I ask for them?
 
amysarah October 8, 2012
You know those pot-filler faucets that can be installed over a stovetop, so you don't have to carry a big pot of water from the sink?That's nice, but I've always thought it would be far more useful headed in the other direction - to avoid lugging a big sloshing pot of boiling water to drain in the sink. So, some kind of plumbed high BTU 'burner' unit, with pots that attach to it that can be drained simply by opening a valve - the pots could have strainers fitted inside, to lift the pasta out before draining the water.
 
scott_d October 8, 2012
I'd like something that you could use to partially freeze just the breast of a whole turkey or chicken so that it finishes cooking at the same time as the legs
 
Deanslist October 8, 2012
A combination spice roaster and grinder.
 
cgilsbach October 8, 2012
Food teleporter - instantaneous transportation straight from the grocery store/farmers market/french bistro in paris to my kitchen.

And a lot of the other things people have suggested as well - self cleaning dishes, second skin gloves, etc.
 
cgilsbach October 9, 2012
Food teleporter - instantaneous transportation straight from the grocery store/farmers market/french bistro in paris to my kitchen.

And a lot of the other things people have suggested as well - self cleaning dishes, second skin gloves, etc.
 
Suburbanitis October 8, 2012
You mean, BESIDES a money printer? :)

I think gloves that prevent cuts but allow one to fully feel the food as you chop/mix/etc would really speed up my meal prep immensely - I want to develop great knife skills but am still hampered by fear and every meal goes so...slowly...
 
liaramir October 8, 2012
Self-cleaning dishes.
 
EdCollier2 October 8, 2012
A counter top deep fryer pressure cooker. I want to make chicken just like the Colonel did
 
scott_d October 8, 2012
Magefesa makes stovetop ones. I inherited one from my mother. Haven't used it to pressure fry yet. I have the original book that tells you how. Will try it someday.
 
scott_d October 8, 2012
Magefesa makes stovetop ones. I inherited one from my mother. Haven't used it to pressure fry yet. I have the original book that tells you how. Will try it someday.
 
LovelyVelocity October 8, 2012
Apologies for the triplicate post earlier!

I better respond, people are posting ideas I was contemplating. I love the second skin glove approach.

My life changing gadget is a well designed madoline shield. Maybe one's out there but I haven't met it yet.
 
Neonmoon10 October 8, 2012
A thyme de-leafer. I love Thyme, I HATE pulling it off the stalks. Everyone makes it look so simple on TV. Its just not for me.
 
ladywild October 8, 2012
I know there are ways and gadgets to do this already, but none of them are fool proof. I want a something I can put a bunch of eggs into. The eggs will come out boiled with CENTERED yolks and perforated..not peeled. Then, when I'm ready to eat it, I can gently tap it on my counter...the egg shell will fall off magically, and my egg will be beautiful
 
Debra S. October 8, 2012
"Second skin" gloves - The gloves attributes would be the following: completely heat proof to prevent burns; strong enough that they can't be cut by the sharpest kitchen knife, mandolin, or grater; waterproof, protecting hands when doing dishes; provide the wearer complete ease of movement and dexterity, with the same touch sensations of bare hands; a grip that allows for a firm hold on things; and nonstick capability for handling things like batters and doughs.
 
Debra S. October 8, 2012
"Second skin" gloves - The gloves attributes would be the following: completely heat proof to prevent burns; strong enough that they can't be cut by the sharpest kitchen knife, mandolin, or grater; waterproof, protecting hands when doing dishes; provide the wearer complete ease of movement and dexterity, with the same touch sensations of bare hands; a grip that allows for a firm hold on things; and nonstick capability for handling things like batters and doughs.
 
marshmelones October 8, 2012
A machine that shucks peas and fava beans. Put a bunch in at once, and instantly get perfectly shucked veggies in an instant.
 
sweetlolo October 8, 2012
Self-cleaning kitchen. Push the button, walk away, and voila, an hour later everything is spotless.
 
Sam1148 October 8, 2012
A sectional tray in a Refrigerator that's used to cold dehydrate food. With low humidity and cool air movement. With this you could take mushrooms, herbs and other veggies and slice and dry them in the 'fridge and make jerky and fruit leathers. This could be built in or small unit that would sit in the 'fridge..with a fan powered by batteries that work well at 40 degrees--or small hydrogen fuel cell canisters.
 
Marit.Island October 8, 2012
Home scale freeze drying, definitely!
 
LovelyVelocity October 8, 2012
Is the winner going to be selected randomly?
 
LovelyVelocity October 8, 2012
Is the winner going to be selected randomly?
 
LovelyVelocity October 8, 2012
Is the winner going to be selected randomly?
 
Sam1148 October 8, 2012
A Refrigerator that's smart, and uses outside air to cool the interior in the winter without using much power...and in the summer the compressor vents to the outside so it doesn't fight the air conditioner in the home.
 
evelyn.ribadeneyra October 8, 2012
An oven that instantly heats to the desired temperature.....no more waiting on preheating ovens
 
GSDinSD October 8, 2012
a teleportation device that takes me back to the store to get the items i forgot from my list since i was too busy loading my cart with things i don't need since i decided to shop hungry.
 
madeline.brodt October 8, 2012
Pots that magically clean themselves. OR that can handle going straight into the dishwasher.
 
Melicious11 October 8, 2012
I would *almost* sell my soul for a gadget that washes, dries, plucks, and minces fresh herbs. That would be the best ever.
 
adburchett October 8, 2012
Hmmm, something that would automatically clean the kitchen after I finish cooking? In the meantime, I'll just take an actual dishwasher (besides my husband).
 
klrchili October 8, 2012
A cooking sink that hold two pots, two temperature zones and a garbage disposal drain. One zone for sauce and one for pasta that drains and disposes of spillage. Maybe it could have a cover that seals and can work as an oven. It would be ideal for apartments.
 
chairmanhu October 8, 2012
A dreamy husband who cooks, cleans AND tells you how much he loves you.
 
ATG117 October 8, 2012
does a robot to clean my kitchen count?
 
chairmanhu October 8, 2012
Consumer-grade centrifuge for separation of mixtures by density! I don't really know what we could use that for, but if it's used for science, I'm sure we could find a way to use it in the kitchen. I think it's what "mechanically separated chicken" means... I'm sure some folks would love to be able to separate fats from foods.
 
Musebe October 8, 2012
A digitized spice rack that is temperature controlled that will allow me to input data on each spice and et me know when my dry spices need to be refreshed
 
Ashley B. October 8, 2012
An instant garlic peeler! I can do a lot in the kitchen but sometimes the garlic just gets me! Its so sticky and gets everywhere and there is always that one clove that has to have its skin!
 
tashac October 8, 2012
Instant grocery teleportation. No more running to the store for forgotten ingredients!
 
MsMora October 8, 2012
A baking/ice cream scoop that could be scaled to desired size. For example, a small one that does a tablespoon, half-tablespoon, and teaspoon. Another size grouping with a 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/2 cup. There would be far fewer scoopers in my kitchen drawer with this kind of set up.
 
rhubarbandhoney October 8, 2012
Self-cleaning dishes, pots, pans, etc ... that clean themselves as soon as you are finished with them so you never have to clean another utensil again! One can dream, right?
 
gr8chefmb October 8, 2012
As a lifelong Trekkie, I would love to have a replicator for those rare times when I just don't want to put forth some effort. That is my fantasy pick, but my real world pick would be an appliance that flash freeze in one instant and in another flash heat to sear quickly. That would be seriously cool!! Oh, and I would love some sort of device to automatically peel veggies (especially jicama and hard squashes) as that is my least favorite kitchen task.
 
russell.griggs October 8, 2012
A portable freezing unit that I could point at whatever I wanted to freeze and instantly freeze it (preventing the large ice crystals from tearing apart my food...), especially so that I could freeze food into individual portions.
 
shannonstl October 8, 2012
I would love to have some way to deal with whatever it is in shellfish that make me sick every time I eat it!
 
CathyCB October 8, 2012
An instant pasta maker. Such a simple request.
 
gr8chefmb October 8, 2012
As a lifelong Trekkie, I would love to have the replicator for those nights when all I want to do is tell it what I want and it magically appears. (Don't get me wrong - I LOVE to cook! We all have those days, though, where we just feel out of sorts and don't want to make an effort.) That is my fantasy wish; my real world wish is some sort of device to peel veggies automatically without any effort on my part...this is my least favorite task.
 
gr8chefmb October 8, 2012
As a lifelong Trekkie, I would love to have the replicator for those nights when all I want to do is tell it what I want and it magically appears. (Don't get me wrong - I LOVE to cook! We all have those days, though, where we just feel out of sorts and don't want to make an effort.) That is my fantasy wish; my real world wish is some sort of device to peel veggies automatically without any effort on my part...this is my least favorite task.
 
david.solorzano October 8, 2012
A flash dehydrator so you could have instant dehydrated fruit, vegetables and jerky.
 
chairmanhu October 8, 2012
A vacuum / air drying device. Saves on dirty towels and paper towels. Dries the surface of meats and foods instantly so you can plop them into the oven, onto the grill or griddle without the external moisture so things sear and brown properly.
 
Cardigan_Sue October 8, 2012
I would love there to be some sort of machine you could place over your food to see what's happening inside. Too long have I suffered from charred edges and uncooked middles!
 
Adg October 8, 2012
I'd love an oven that could change temperature immediately upon request.
 
Jessica T. October 8, 2012
I live in Alaska and process a lot of salmon and halibut. I'd love a countertop super-low-temperature flash freezer so that I could preserve fish with the least amount of damage to the cellular structure. It should be big enough for a roast (for the hunters) but not so big that it's difficult to store.
 
mei55 October 8, 2012
something that tells you exactly when your food is done baking/cooking without having to open the oven/pot/bbq to keep checking on it.
 
Spanish S. October 8, 2012
Typo alert! Meant to write: A spray that neutralizes the sting of onion in the air during chopping, a rice cooker that makes a perfect soccarat on a paella and self-washing pots and pans.
 
Spanish S. October 8, 2012
A spray that neutralizes the sting of onion in the air during chopping, a rice cooker that makes a perfect soccarat on a paella and a cutting board and self-washing pots and pans.
 
chgoeditor October 8, 2012
A self-loading dishwasher!
 
cookingbox October 8, 2012
calories neutralizer!
 
MaryWynn October 8, 2012
A transporter that can take me wherever I want to go in the world to source perfectly fresh, in-season fair trade organic produce that I can then cook with myself. Or to send me to fantastic restaurants around the world.
 
slidedtd October 8, 2012
It would be fantastic to cut food with a laser device! Perfectly sliced everything and it would come in handy for trimming cakes as well :)

 
jesseclark October 8, 2012
A voice activated holographic projector for recipes, web sites, and instructional videos. Plastic iPad covers don't cut it.
 
jeanmarieok October 8, 2012
Something to detect and sound an alarm that you are about to burn what's in your pot/oven.
 
chairmanhu October 8, 2012
A tempering device. I'm generally not a huge fan of too many gadgets in the kitchen, but having a quick, easy way to temper foods prior to adding heat (or cooling) would be fantastic. It could help countless home cooks save time and potentially make better food.
 
Elaine S. October 8, 2012
Chris Walken tap dancing in my kitchen as I prepare any meal!
 
QueenEsther October 8, 2012
That's easy: cookware that is never hot to the touch, even when it comes out of the oven. No more potholders catching fire or toasted fingertips!
 
QueenEsther October 8, 2012
That's easy: cookware that is never hot to the touch, even when it comes out of the oven. No more potholders catching fire or toasted fingertips!
 
QueenEsther October 8, 2012
That's easy: cookware that is never hot to the touch, even coming out of the oven! No more potholders on fire or burnt fingers!
 
Grayson October 8, 2012
The life changing gadget of my dreams is a small robot that does all the Mise en plus for me. A Star Trek Replicator would be cool too but I enjoy cooking too much to want anything to do it all for me.
 
Grayson October 8, 2012