I know some people love buying the latest kitchen gadgets and have the room to store them when they are not being used, but do you really need all of these toys? There are a few things that make cooking a little easier and quicker but in reality most of the gadgets and small appliances I see for sale just can't tempt me to buy them when I think of the cost, storage space, how often I would really use them and how much easier they are really going to make cooking.
For example let's look at a rice cooker. They cost anywhere from $14 to over $200 and they are fairly large so they take up a lot of cabinet space when not being used. I use a heavy saucepan with a tight fitting cover when I make rice and it comes out perfect every time. The trick is to use the same saucepan because each pan heats up and cooks a little differently, so once you find the right pan it will just take one or two times to figure out the heat level and cooking time to make perfect rice every time. Here are a few kitchen gadgets and small appliances you may not have that I feel are worth the cost. Don't think you need to buy the top of the line brands.
For example let's look at a rice cooker. They cost anywhere from $14 to over $200 and they are fairly large so they take up a lot of cabinet space when not being used. I use a heavy saucepan with a tight fitting cover when I make rice and it comes out perfect every time. The trick is to use the same saucepan because each pan heats up and cooks a little differently, so once you find the right pan it will just take one or two times to figure out the heat level and cooking time to make perfect rice every time. Here are a few kitchen gadgets and small appliances you may not have that I feel are worth the cost. Don't think you need to buy the top of the line brands.
Vacuum Food Sealer
Take advantage of the great sales at the grocery store by buying food in bulk when it's on sale. Meats, poultry, fruits and vegetables can all be portioned into the amount you want, sealed and frozen for 1-3 years. Cheese and other refrigerated food will last from 1 week to 8 months. Pantry items will last 1 month to 2 years. Another great way to use a food sealer is to pour marinade over your food before sealing and freezing-it will marinate as it thaws.
Scale
A kitchen scale is the only way of knowing how much food you are really eating. I weigh my food to make perfect portions before sealing and freezing it for later use. I also use my kitchen scale to know how many ounces of fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese or any other food item I may be using in a recipe.
Salad Spinner
Salad spinners allow you to wash and spin dry your lettuce, as well as other fruit a and vegetables. To wash food, pour 1 cup vinegar and fill bottom of salad spinner with 3/4 cup of water, rinse food and either spin it dry or place it on a towel to air dry.
Oil Sprayer
Oil Sprayers or misters are great because you can fill them with the type of oil you like to use. You will know the exact ingredient in it and there is no need to buy expensive cooking spray.
Immersion Blender
Immersion blenders make soups, sauces, smoothies, etc. much easier to make because there is no pouring liquids from pots or bowls to the blender and back again.
Meat Thermometer
Meat thermometers let you know that your food is cooked long enough to safely eat. Refrigerator and freezer thermometers are necessary to know your food has been kept cold enough to safely prepare to eat.
Knife Sharpener
Knife sharpeners help keep your knives sharp enough to cut foods safely. If you use a dull knife you are more likely to cut yourself while cutting your food. Cutting soft foods like fresh tomatoes is also a lot easier with a sharp knife.
Mortar and Pestle
Mortar and pestles are used to crush foods like herbs and spices to gain the most flavor. By crushing or mashing the food you release the flavor and aroma from the foods oils. This is a preferred method when making pesto, salsa or crushing garlic.
Steaming Basket
Steaming baskets are inexpensive and easy to store. Steaming foods is a quick and healthy way to prepare them. I have written a tip with cooking times for steamed vegetables, fish and poultry. Click here for my steaming guidelines.
Mandoline
Mandolines are priceless when you want to slice fruit or vegetables evenly and quickly. They are a must for recipes like scalloped potatoes or homemade potato chips.
I have purposely left out gadgets and appliances I felt most people would have. There will always be something someone feels is definitely necessary for their kitchen but I hope you will think about how much you will use something, where you will store it and if it is really cost effective before you buy it.
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