Essential kitchen gadgets & appliances that inspire creativity in cooking

A well-equipped kitchen makes cooking enjoyable, efficient and, most importantly, successful. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook who loves to experiment, having the right appliances on hand can make all the difference in how meals come together.

From the basics to the more advanced gadgets, the following are essential kitchen gadgets and appliances that can elevate your cooking experience.

1. Meat thermometer

One of the most crucial tools for any home cook or chef is a meat thermometer. Ensuring that meat is cooked to the correct internal temperature is vital not just for taste, but also for food safety. Undercooked meat can lead to foodborne illnesses, while overcooked meat tends to be dry and flavourless.

A reliable meat thermometer provides an accurate temperature reading, allowing you to cook meat perfectly, whether it’s steak, chicken, pork or fish.

Importance of Using a Meat Thermometer:

Precision: Guarantees that meat is cooked to the desired doneness, whether you prefer rare, medium or well-done.
Safety: Ensures that meats reach safe internal temperatures to kill bacteria. For example:
- Chicken and turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Beef and pork are safe at 145°F (63°C), while ground meat should reach 160°F (71°C).
Consistency: Helps produce consistent results every time, so you can replicate your best dishes confidently.

Best Practices:

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone for the most accurate reading. Using a digital or instant-read meat thermometer will provide quick and reliable results, making it easier to ensure your meat is cooked perfectly.

2. Blender or food processor

A blender or food processor is a versatile appliance that every kitchen should have. Whether you’re making smoothies, soups or sauces, a high-quality blender can handle various blending tasks. A food processor goes further by chopping, slicing and shredding, making it great for meal prep, from chopping vegetables to making dough. This appliance speeds up many kitchen tasks that would otherwise take up precious time, allowing you to enjoy cooking more and spend less time on tedious prep work.

When to use:

Making purées or soups
Preparing sauces and dressings
Chopping vegetables and nuts

3. Stand mixer

A stand mixer is essential for those who enjoy baking or making dishes that require heavy mixing. It makes tasks like whipping cream, kneading dough or mixing batter much easier than doing it by hand. A stand mixer can often be used with various attachments, making it a multi-functional tool that adds value to any kitchen.

Key uses:

Kneading dough for bread or pizza
Mixing cake or pancake batter
Whipping cream and egg whites

4. Slow cooker or multi-cooker

A slow cooker is a fantastic addition for anyone who appreciates convenience and depth of flavour in their meals. It allows you to set and forget your cooking, making it perfect for soups, stews and braised dishes. For added versatility, a multi-cooker, which often includes functions like pressure-cooking and sautéing, takes this convenience to the next level by combining multiple cooking methods in one device.

Perfect for:

Stews, soups and chilli
Roasting meat
One-pot meals for busy weeknights

5. Air fryer

Air fryers have surged in popularity thanks to their ability to create crispy, delicious food with little to no oil. This appliance is a healthier alternative to deep-frying and is ideal for making everything from French fries to chicken wings. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy healthier versions of their favourite fried foods.

Why you need one:

Quick cooking times
Healthier alternative to deep-frying
Versatile cooking options, including baking and roasting

6. Microwave oven

A microwave is more than just a tool for reheating leftovers. It can be used for steaming vegetables, defrosting meats and even cooking certain dishes. Modern microwaves often come with various settings and power levels, making them more versatile than ever. They’re essential for quick meals and efficient food prep, especially on busy days.

Benefits:

Quick and efficient for heating and cooking
Great for defrosting ingredients safely
Can be used for specific recipes that require quick cooking times

7. Toaster or toaster oven

A toaster is essential for quick breakfasts and light snacks, while a toaster oven adds more functionality, allowing you to bake, broil and reheat small portions. Toaster ovens are perfect for toasting bread, melting cheese on sandwiches or even baking small desserts. The added versatility makes a toaster oven a valuable tool in any kitchen.

Use Cases:

Toasting bread or bagels
Baking small items like cookies or muffins
Reheating leftovers without using a full-size oven

8. Rice cooker

For those who enjoy rice regularly, a rice cooker is a must-have. It simplifies the process of making perfectly cooked rice every time, freeing up your attention for other parts of meal preparation. Many rice cookers come with added functions for steaming vegetables or cooking other grains like quinoa, making them even more versatile.

Why it’s helpful:

Takes the guesswork out of cooking rice
Can double as a steamer for vegetables
Keeps rice warm until serving

9. Coffee maker or espresso machine

For coffee enthusiasts, a quality coffee maker or espresso machine can transform mornings and gatherings. Whether you prefer a basic drip coffee maker or a more sophisticated espresso machine, having one at home can save time and money while allowing you to enjoy your favourite brews whenever you like.

Features to look for:

Programmable settings for convenience
Options for different brew strengths
Built-in grinder for freshly ground beans

10. Electric kettle

An electric kettle is perfect for quickly boiling water for hot drinks or instant foods. It’s more energy-efficient than using a stove and heats water in a fraction of the time. Look for a model with temperature control if you enjoy different types of tea that require specific water temperatures.

Uses:

Making tea or coffee
Pre-boiling water for recipes
Preparing instant soups or noodles

Conclusion

Stocking your kitchen with essential appliances can make cooking more efficient, enjoyable and successful. From the convenience of an air fryer to the precision of a meat thermometer, having the right tools ensures that you’re prepared for any recipe and cooking task. The meat thermometer, in particular, stands out as a vital tool for anyone who cooks meat regularly, ensuring safety and enhancing flavour by achieving the perfect doneness.

Each of these appliances contributes to a well-rounded kitchen setup that can accommodate various cooking styles and needs. For those interested in refining their cooking and ensuring the best possible outcomes, adding or upgrading your kitchen appliances is a step worth considering. Exploring more about meat thermometers and finding options that suit your needs can make a significant impact on your culinary confidence and success. For more insights, check resources like this page.

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On our radar: Henry Quick Pet cordless vacuum cleaner

We’re the proud owners of a couple of Henry vacuum cleaners; one for regular, run-of-the-mill cleaning jobs (the pet-fur-busting green Harry) and an old, 2^nd hand one for very filthy jobs (the regular red Henry) such as removing the ash from our wood-burners and range cooker.

Just this week, I’ve discovered that Numatic have launched a Henry Quick Pet cordless vacuum cleaner. I’d expect it gives the same reliable, workhorse performance, but in miniature form. It would be the perfect tool for cleaning our upstairs bedrooms. I say ‘upstairs’, but what I really mean is ‘upsteps’. In our cottage, we have narrow wooden ladders leading up to the loft rooms. It’s a struggle manoeuvring the heavy, bulky Harry up & down through the small opening in the ceiling/floor.

Carrying the Henry Quick Pet cordless vacuum (which weighs just over 3kg) would be a cinch in comparison – and it would mean that the job of vacuuming would get done more often too!

Induction cook tops: are they worth the price?

The ‘battle’ between gas and induction cook tops has been going on for a while, at least ever since you can see everyone on TikTok using induction ones. Whether they look better or are simply more efficient, we can’t tell for now, but what’s sure is that most people want gas stoves to be gone, especially since gas is no longer considered a sustainable choice.

That’s the reason why chefs on social media talk about the benefits of cooking with induction appliances. Jon Kung, for example, prefers them because they keep the air cleaner since they don’t burn natural resources to be operable.

But how reliable are induction cook tops really? And what about the costs of owning and running one? If you’ve ever wondered about these products’ efficiency, we’ll discuss some of these aspects to help you decide if it suits your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Induction cook tops: the technology of the future

Induction cook tops are fairly similar to electric ones as far as design is concerned, but what differs between them is the electromagnetic technology behind induction. The cook top doesn’t necessarily heat up, as the energy is transferred to the pan.

In the beginning, induction cook tops were merely a trend on social media. Nowadays, more people have got the handle on it and are switching from gas or electricity to this safer and more energy-efficient solution.

What’s the difference between induction and gas?

Induction is superior to gas in many ways, such as when we talk about surfaces used for cooking. However, the most significant benefit of induction is that it’s sustainable when compared to gas – for both nature and humans. Gas stoves can lead to respiratory problems due to emitting pollutants and are more dangerous to kids, who can be prone to developing asthma with prolonged exposure to gas from stoves.

Are there other advantages of switching to induction cook tops?

Besides being a sustainable and less health-damaging solution, induction is an excellent choice from many perspectives. Firstly, it’s incredibly safe since there are no naked flames resulting from the process. This means that it’s impossible to be burned by touching the surface of the hob. Also, there’s practically zero risk of the kitchen igniting. Moreover, most induction cook tops will automatically shut off after you remove the pan from it after a few seconds. Hence, even if you forget to switch it off after cooking, it’ll shut itself down almost immediately.

At the same time, induction is a more precise method than gas or electric when cooking & heating food because it directly heats only the bottom of the pan. When you switch the stove top off, the heat immediately cuts out, so your food won’t overcook. And since induction is more powerful than electric and gas stoves, it’s also more energy-efficient.

Finally, induction cook tops are extremely easy to clean, as any spilt food won’t burn or stick to its glass finish. Hence, you don’t need powerful cleaning products applied with lots of elbow grease; a simple wipe with a damp cloth and everything’s clean. If you install it in handleless kitchens, then you won’t have to worry about spots ever again.

However, induction is not for everyone because…

Induction is quite costly. Since it’s a fairly recent product on the market, only a few have had access to it so far. Prices tend to start at around £800. The cost for an electrician to install it will be an additional outlay; the electrical wiring needs to be installed safely. On the whole, induction is more expensive compared to gas and electric appliances.

The installation cost will be further increased if you’re making the switch from gas to induction. This is because both a plumber and electrician are needed as it will be necessary to remove the gas line safely, following which you’ll have to install specialist wiring. Finally, they’re required to test to ensure that the stove is properly integrated into the property’s electrical system.

In addition, as the material above the induction unit is glass, the appliance is prone to scratching with regular use. Even the edges are challenging to keep in good quality, which is why some induction cook tops come with a metal frame that helps them last longer in terms of appearance.

Finally, cooking on an induction cook top requires a little getting used to because it works in differently to regular gas and electric hobs. For instance, there’s a lot less waiting time when boiling or frying since pots & pans will reach the necessary temperature almost immediately.

You need a certain type of cookware

The thing with using induction cook tops is that you may have to replace your cookware or simply learn which one of your current ones are suitable for usage. For instance, aluminium, copper or glass won’t work because the material needs to have a magnetic pull for the induction to work.

You can successfully use anything made of cast iron and a particular type of stainless steel with an induction cook top. You can test if your pans are good for induction by sticking a small magnet to each and see if the pan holds it.

What do you think about getting an induction cook top?

Induction cook tops have been trending because they’re smooth and easy to use and clean. They don’t work with literal heat, so the cook top’s surface won’t burn you or the food that falls from the pans. At the same time, the heat is distributed better, so preparing foods may be smoother and faster than with any other stove powered on gas or electricity.

However, before deciding to purchase such an appliance, know that the financial outlay and installation can be quite expensive and the glass surface on top is susceptible to scratching.

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Should you include appliances when selling your home?

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When you’re hoping to put your home up for sale, there are a number of different questions you may have running through your head. How much is your property worth? When do you want to move? But also, what are you actually going to include in the listing? Although this may seem like quite a simple question, many sellers are thinking the exact same thing. Technically, you can take anything that isn’t permanently attached to the property, which includes your kitchen appliances. Here’s more information about whether you should or shouldn’t include appliances when you’re selling your home or going live with your property listing.

Repair and maintain your appliances before listing

If you’re thinking about listing your home with your kitchen appliances, it is important to maintain and repair them beforehand. Many buyers will lower their offer or completely lose interest in your home if there are broken appliances. Now would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to use dishwasher cleaner and maintain your washing machine effectively so that you can ensure your appliances are all in good working order.

It would also be wise to get a plumber out to check and service any appliances connected to water lines, such as refrigerators with ice makers and dishwashers, to prevent any issues during home inspections. This proactive step can avoid potential roadblocks to selling your home and might even increase its appeal and value to prospective buyers. Repairs and maintenance can be essential in showcasing your home in the best light.

Washers and dryers can stay or go

In general, it is normal for kitchen appliances to come with the property, which is why it’s important to maintain your dishwasher and keep your fridge freezer in excellent condition. However, laundry appliances fall in the middle when it comes to keeping them or taking them with you. Only around half of sellers take their washers and dryers with them so it’s completely up to you whether it’s beneficial to your new property or not. Many people choose to leave their washers and dryers where they are because appliances like this can become damaged during the moving process. More often than not it’s safer to keep them in the property you are selling.

Matching kitchen appliances

Buyers generally look for certain things when they’re looking to invest in a property. One of the high priorities for home buyers is having stylish and matching kitchen appliances. If you’re due to upgrade your kitchen appliances soon before you sell your property, you should always try and purchase matching equipment whenever possible. Choosing the same type of finish and style will help the kitchen to appear more aesthetically pleasing to the buyer. On a similar note, choosing the same brand for all of your appliances such as your fridge, oven, microwave and cooker will also add a level of consistency which is always extremely appealing to buyers on the property market.

With these points in mind, you can make an individual decision that suits your personal circumstances. On the plus side, new and well-maintained appliances can attract buyers to your home, however you can list your home for a more competitive price if you take your appliances with you. All in all, it’s worth asking for some advice from a local estate agent to see what would be expected in the area you’re looking to sell.