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Must-Have Small Appliances for Busy Home Cooks
If you’re a busy home cook who loves preparing delicious meals for yourself and your family, you know how important it is to have the right tools in your kitchen. While you may have a few essential appliances already, there are several must-have small appliances that can make your life easier and your cooking more enjoyable. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top small appliances that every busy home cook should have in their kitchen.
1. Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is an essential small appliance for any busy home cook. This appliance is perfect for preparing meals that require long, slow cooking times, such as stews, soups, and casseroles. With a slow cooker, you can simply add your ingredients, turn it on, and let it do its magic while you attend to other tasks. Plus, slow cookers come in a range of sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
2. Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a healthier way to prepare your favorite fried foods, an air fryer is a must-have small appliance. These appliances use hot air to cook food, producing a crispy texture without the need for oil. Plus, air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from vegetables to chicken wings.
3. Blender
A blender is a versatile small appliance that can be used for a range of tasks, from making smoothies to blending soup or pureeing baby food. When selecting a blender, look for one with multiple speed settings and a powerful motor. This will ensure that you can tackle a variety of tasks with ease.
4. Food Processors
Food processors are a versatile small appliance that can help you chop, slice, grind, and puree foods quickly and easily. With a food processor, you can easily prepare ingredients for your favorite recipes, saving valuable time in the kitchen.
5. Stand Mixer
If you love baking, a stand mixer is a must-have small appliance. These appliances are perfect for mixing dough, whipping cream, and beating egg whites. Plus, stand mixers come with a range of attachments, so you can tackle a variety of tasks with ease.
6. Coffee Maker
For coffee drinkers, a good quality coffee maker is an absolute must-have small appliance. Whether you prefer drip coffee or espresso, there are a range of options available to suit your needs. Plus, investing in a good quality coffee maker can help you save money in the long term by reducing the need for expensive coffee shop visits.
7. Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is a must-have small appliance for any tea drinker. These appliances are perfect for quickly boiling water, and can be used for a range of tasks, from making tea to cooking pasta.
8. Toaster Oven
If you’re short on space in your kitchen, a toaster oven is a must-have small appliance. These appliances are perfect for toasting bread, baking small batches of cookies, or reheating leftovers. Plus, they take up minimal counter space, making them a great option for small kitchens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several must-have small appliances that can make a busy home cook’s life easier and more enjoyable. From slow cookers to air fryers, blenders to stand mixers, investing in these appliances can help you save time in the kitchen, and prepare delicious meals for yourself and your family. When selecting these appliances, look for high-quality models that are durable, efficient, and suit the needs of your lifestyle.
FAQ: Small Appliances for Home Cooks
What are small appliances?
Small appliances are electrical devices that are designed to help with various tasks in the kitchen. They are generally smaller than large appliances like refrigerators or ovens and are meant to be portable and easy to use.
What are some types of small appliances for home cooks?
Some common types of small appliances for home cooks include blenders, food processors, mixers, toasters, microwaves, slow cookers, and air fryers.
What should I consider when purchasing a small appliance?
When purchasing a small appliance, consider the appliance’s size, features, price, and durability. You should also consider the type of food you will be making with the appliance and whether the appliance is right for your cooking style.
What is a blender used for?
A blender is a small appliance used for blending and mixing ingredients. Some common uses for a blender include making smoothies, soups, sauces, and dips.
What is a food processor used for?
A food processor is a small appliance used for chopping, slicing, and shredding various foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
What is a mixer used for?
A mixer is a small appliance used for mixing ingredients, such as cake batter or cookie dough. Mixers are available in hand-held or stand-up models.
What is a toaster used for?
A toaster is a small appliance used to toast or brown bread, bagels, and other bread products. Toaster ovens can also be used to bake or broil small items, such as frozen pizzas or chicken breasts.
What is a slow cooker used for?
A slow cooker is a small appliance used for cooking food over a longer period of time, such as stews or soups. Slow cookers are known for their convenience and ability to tenderize meat.
What is an air fryer used for?
An air fryer is a small appliance used for frying foods without using oil. They are popular for making healthier alternatives to deep-fried foods, such as french fries and chicken wings.
What should I look for in an air fryer?
When purchasing an air fryer, consider its size, wattage, ease of use, and additional features such as a timer or temperature control.
What is the difference between a microwave and an oven?
A microwave uses radio waves to heat food, while an oven uses heat from an element or burner. Microwaves are generally used for reheating or defrosting food, while ovens are used for baking, roasting, or broiling.
What should I consider when purchasing a microwave?
When purchasing a microwave, consider its size, wattage, and additional features such as a defrost setting or a preset cooking function.
Do small appliances come with warranties?
Yes, most small appliances come with a warranty that guarantees the product against defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period of time.
Can I use small appliances to replace large appliances?
Small appliances are generally not designed to replace large appliances, such as ovens or refrigerators. They are meant to complement larger appliances and provide added convenience in the kitchen.
What is the best way to care for small appliances?
The best way to care for small appliances is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance. Some general tips include cleaning the appliances regularly, using them only for their intended purpose, and storing them safely.
Can I save money by purchasing small appliances?
Yes, small appliances can provide a cost-effective alternative to larger, more expensive appliances. They can also help save time in the kitchen and allow for more variety in cooking and meal planning.
What are some popular brands of small appliances?
Some popular brands of small appliances include Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Breville, Ninja, and Hamilton Beach.
Small Appliances for Home Cooks: The Best Products on Amazon
- Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker РThe Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, saut̩ing, steaming, and more. It can even make yogurt and cakes. The DUO60 model is the most popular size and has a 6 quart capacity, making it perfect for small families or meal prep.
- Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade – The Vitamix blender is a powerful machine that can blend anything from smoothies to soups to nut butters. It has a high-speed motor and durable blades that can handle tough ingredients. The 5200 model is one of the most popular and reliable options on the market.
- Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer – This appliance is a combination of a toaster oven, convection oven, and air fryer. It can bake, broil, toast, and air fry with less oil to make crispy, healthier versions of your favorite foods. The TOA-60 model comes with a spacious interior and easy-to-use controls.
- Ninja Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker, Air Fryer, and More – The Ninja Foodi is another versatile appliance that can pressure cook, air fry, bake, roast, and more. It has a large 8-quart capacity and comes with a variety of accessories, including a reversible rack and crisper basket. This is a great option for large families or those who love to meal prep.
- KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer – The KitchenAid stand mixer is a must-have for any home cook who loves to bake. It can mix, knead, and whip ingredients with ease, thanks to its powerful motor and multiple attachments. The Artisan Series comes in a variety of colors and has a 5 quart capacity.
- Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S Programmable Cook & Carry Oval Slow Cooker – The Crock-Pot is a classic appliance that makes meal prep and cooking easy. It can slow cook stews, soups, and roasts to perfection, and has a programmable feature that lets you set it and forget it. The SCCPVL610-S model is oval-shaped, comes with a locking lid, and has a 6 quart capacity.
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro Convection Toaster Oven – The Breville Smart Oven is a high-end toaster oven that can also bake, broil, and roast. It has convection cooking for faster, more even heating and comes with a variety of presets for different types of food. The BOV845BSS model has a spacious interior and easy-to-use controls.
- Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor – The Cuisinart food processor is a versatile appliance that can chop, slice, shred, and puree ingredients. It has a large 14 cup capacity and comes with multiple attachments for different tasks. The DFP-14BCNY model is a reliable option that can make cooking and meal prep easier.
- KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener – A good knife sharpener is essential for any home cook who wants to keep their knives in top condition. The KitchenIQ knife sharpener is a compact and easy-to-use option that has two stages for sharpening and honing knives. It has a non-slip base and can be used for both straight and serrated blades.
- Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System and Blender – The Ninja Mega Kitchen System is a powerful blender that can also chop, shred, and blend food. It comes with multiple attachments, including a food processor, blending cups, and a dough blade. The BL770 model is a great option for home cooks who want a versatile appliance that can do multiple tasks.
