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As a family with two little kids, we do a lot of cooking around our house – and it’s actually made me a pretty good home chef! This wasn’t, however, without its learning curve – especially when it came to having the right gear and gadgets. Having a well-stocked kitchen with the right gadgets has made all of the difference in my cooking – and it may for you, too.
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What to Look for in Kitchen Gadgets
If you’re looking to upgrade your gadgets, it may feel overwhelming to get started. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are a few key facets to look for when upgrading your kitchen gear….
Functionality
One of the most important factors to consider in purchasing kitchen gadgets is functionality. When I used to walk the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond growing up, the amount of stuff that excited me in the kitchen section was enormous! I didn’t cook, so I really had no idea what we needed. Now that I’m on my own, I still am intrigued by these gadgets, but certainly have a better idea of what might be worth it. Before purchasing something, think about how often you might use something. For example, I recently purchased an avocado storage container, which I use all of the time… because I get avocados every week!
Size
Especially for those with smaller spaces, size should be a big consideration! Even the biggest of kitchens can only have so many things in it. So consider the size of the item you’re wanting to purchase. Can it fit neatly in a drawer with a few others or will it require a dedicated footprint on the counter? Is there a smaller size of the same thing that you can get instead?
Durability
Here at TQE, we are so all-about quality that we put it in our name! Especially when considering tools to make your life easier, prioritizing quality will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your products. Beyond that, buying a higher quality item can also help make the cooking task easier and perhaps even safer.
Our Top Picks
Bread Maker
It’s hard to deny the bread-making craze that has swept our world in the post-pandemic era. Whether you’re full-on homesteading or just interested in dipping your toe into the world of making your own bread, a bread machine can be a great way to go. If you haven’t attempted to make your own bread without a bread machine, just know that it is a lot of effort to knead, fold, and monitor the clock to ensure everything is just right. The simplicity of “throw it in and go” of a bread machine is unbeatable. If you’re balling on a budget, try Amazon Basics. Looking to invest more? Breville or Zojirushi are good ways to go, as well.
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Food Processor
My mom recommended I put a food processor on our wedding registry – and boy, am I glad she did! We use it so much. From slicing vegetables in no time to shredding my own cheese (goodbye, preservatives!), it has been well worth it. Many of my friends and family also use their food processors for making doughs, pureeing things, and prepping salad ingredients. I love the adorable mini food processors (especially for those with limited space) from Cuisinart. Our full-size Cuisinart is going on its 4th year though, with no signs of stopping anytime soon. If I really wanted to ball out, I’d totally do the Vitamix system. I swear, their motors can handle anything and will be passed down to your children’s children.
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Knife Sharpener
Something I didn’t think of for our registry is a knife-sharpener. I know, I know… shame on me. Little did I know that sharpening knives regularly helps ensure their precision and efficacy stays at its best – especially if you have a nice set of knives! Many companies offer the ability to ship your knives out to have it done, but who has time for that? If you’re late to the sharpening game like me and looking for a good one, I love the one from Tumbler. For slightly cheaper options, Sharper Image or Material are great, as well.
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Immersion Blender
Another one of my favorite kitchen products is our immersion blender, AKA our “thunderstick.” Get your head out of the gutter! Many people also refer to these as a hand blender or a stick blender, as you simply place your ingredients in a tall cup and insert the blender to blend! Many times, I use it for soups and dressings, which allows me to stick the entire blender in the soup pot without having to 4-5 batches in my little bullet blender. It is also a highly efficient piece of kitchen equipment from a size perspective. Our Cuisinart one does a nice job, as does the Kitchenaid one. For an upgrade, again, I can’t recommend Vitamix enough!
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Juicer
If you grew up watching your mom juice, just know that juicing is back, baby! If you haven’t seen one, a juicer simply takes everyday fruits and vegetables and makes them into fresh juice instantly. Most of the time, a good bit of prep work is required with washing and chopping, but this does change the game for those of us who do enjoy having fresh juice from the comfort of home. Plus, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than going to your local juice bar. This one from Nama is absolutely stunning, but it is a splurge. For a more affordable option, try the attachment for your stand mixer or one from ever-faithful Breville.
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Sous Vide
Recently, many home chefs have taken to a method of cooking called sous vide, which essentially means “under vacuum.” Ingredients are put into a plastic bag and cooked in water to achieve a desired temperature and texture, especially with meat. Many chefs, both professional and at-home, enjoy this method of cooking because it helps ensure tenderness of meats such as steak, chicken, and fish. These range quite a bit in price, especially because their functionality can range (for example: some connect to your phone to help you out!). For a more budget-friendly option, we like the Zwilling from Williams Sonoma or Anova. Of course, for those looking to ball out, Typhur is the way to go.
Meat Probe
For the grill masters (and oven users, too!), a meat probe is an essential part of the cooking experience. These handy little devices help you cook the best meat possible by alerting you when you’ve reached the optimal temperature. This is especially helpful for those concerned about overcooking their meat, which is always a bad day when this happens. These range in style from analog to digital (even with bluetooth capabilities). For a simpler option, OXO will do a nice job, as will one from MEATER. Again, Typhur comes in with the splurge, but that may just be a great buy if you’re going to be using it on a regular basis!
Looking to dive deeper into the world of all things culinary? Check our home edit and explore all our favorite home products.
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