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Small Kitchen Appliances You Should Own

Small innovations for your home

You see it on an infomercial, watch intensely for the entire 30 minutes, convince yourself this is something you WILL use, and with only 4 easy payments, hey this is a steal! How many times have any of us done this? Did you actually benefit from the new next best thing? Was it worth the space and money it took? Small innovations for your home should be a long term necessity, if you don't see yourself using your kitchen appliance in the next year don't buy it.
The market for kitchen appliances has grown over the last twenty plus years, ranging from novelty gadgets to innovative complicated contraptions you will most likely try once and stuff in the attic for your next garage sale or re-gift. As you gaze over the gadgets bought over the years, you realize the money, time, and space wasted over something that was not intended for everyday use, or only had one function.

Throughout my adventures working in professional kitchens, I have come across a lot of gadgets and "this is the new thing" inventions. Yet by the end of the day, or week, I always go back to what I can rely on. There are three questions I ask myself when choosing any kitchen "gadget": does it have multipurpose use, how durable is it, and how good is the quality. When selecting your own kitchen inventory I advise the same, if you can not see yourself using it on a daily or weekly basis, it may not be worth your time and money. I have selected my top 5 favorite small appliances that I have used both in my professional and personal kitchen.

Standing Mixer: The Ultimate Multi-Tasker


This innovative contraption has the versatility of replacing a number of things: hand held mixer, ice cream maker, pasta machine, meat grinder, juicer, and most importantly your priceless two hands. The price for a standing mixer, depending on the brand, can begin at $200.00 and up. The basic models come with the paddle, dough hook, and whisk attachments. When you start looking at all the models and makes, if you are interested in additional attachments make sure the model is designed for it, some are not. They also vary in sizes, ranging from a 3 quart bowl size up to 7 quarts, it all depends on your inner Martha, on which size best fits your needs. You can find used models and maybe even score some attachments, though you do miss out on the warranty that comes with a new one. 

Food Processor: The slicer and dicer.


For those whose knife skills are not quite mastered, this is another great multi-tasker for your kitchen. It can slice, dice, chop, make small batches of dough's, shred cheese and veggies, crush ice, and even whip cream! Depending on the size and brand, food processors can set you back a couple of hundred bucks, there are some starting around forty dollars although these are usually not as durable and may not be as versatile.

Immersion blender: A hand's best friend


This gadget is great for those who have limited counter space and want the attributes of a standing blender but not the clean up or space required. In professional kitchens these babies can stand 3 feet tall and have the power to emulsify 30 gallons of liquid at time, believe me I know. For residential standards the wand can range between 5 to 7 inches long, and can set your wallet back from 49.99 to 189.99 just depending on the brand. Some models can offer additional attachments, like a whisk for those who have no need to fuss with a hand held whisk or suffer from arthritis or carpal tunnel and need assistance with common daily tasks. Cleaning your immersion blender only requires a thorough rinse of the wand under hot water. So whether you are blending your favorite morning smoothie or want to whip up some scrambled eggs this little can do gadget really comes in hand-y.

Spice Grinder: Savor the Flavor


Also known as a coffee grinder, these handy little gems take the place of a mortar and pestle. A spice grinder can save time and money when it comes to your spice rack, for purchasing whole spices can be a lot more economical plus there is no comparison of freshly ground spices. I enjoy making my own spice rubs and herbal blends with this affordable devise as well as coffee blends. You can find a spice/coffee grinder at any major department store and at 10.00 bucks how can you not invest in one of these? I have used a variety of brands and all are pretty much the same as far as durability goes, and I prefer the more simple models.

Electric Can Opener: Need for Ease


Now for some this maybe a petty necessity to own, although for myself I find this a vital commodity among my personal kitchen needs. I am the type of cook who has at least 5 things going all at once and need both of my hands more times than not. I do not want to fiddle with a hand held can opener where most times I have a hard enough time matching up the blade with the can and end up spraining a wrist, sad but true. The price can range from as low as 9.95 for a basic model and can cost as much as 589.00 dollars, for our residential home users the 9.95 basic one is just fine.

Do Brand Names Matter?
In my personal opinion they do, and for good reasons. Ever heard the term you get what you pay for? Well this does apply when investing in any type of kitchen appliance and if you plan on utilizing your purchase to it's up most potential, quality is a must, and so is the warranty provided. Though definitely "shop" around what may work for one, may not for another. If you are not quite sure how much you want to commit to a brand new appliance, definitely look for a used model and try it out. If you decide the appliance does not fit into your kitchen scheme, not much is lost and you can add it to your next garage sale, no hard feelings.
Best Brand Name Appliances | Where To Find Good Deals


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