What Are the Most-Used Kitchen Appliances?
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The kitchen is the heart of the home, the place where you make the meals that show how much you love your family and friends. Every kitchen needs a range of appliances that make preparing those meals easier. Think of them as your sous chefs, ready to lend a helping hand to help you get the job done. In a world obsessed with "MasterChef" and "The Great British Bake Off," there are more appliances on the market than ever before. But don't fall for the gimmicks; these most-used kitchen appliances are the ones you really need.
Fridge
Once considered a luxury item, most modern families couldn't contemplate life without a refrigerator. These essential kitchen appliances keep your food and beverages chilled, ensuring they last longer and taste better. Many fridges come with freezers attached to save space. Consider your available space when choosing a new fridge, as sizes vary substantially. There are also refrigerators for every budget, from simple models to more high-tech units with food tracks, door-in-door view panels, and internal cameras that connect to smartphones for easier grocery shopping. Think about your budget and the features that really matter to you when selecting your fridge.
Oven
Sure they're a pain to clean, but if you love roasted meats and vegetables, pasta bakes, and luxurious desserts, you probably agree an oven is worth the headache. The right size will depend on the size of your family and the space available. Then there are high-tech features worth considering, such as warming drawers and safety locks to keep kids out. If the mess really bothers you, consider a pyrolytic oven or one with catalytic liners.
Microwave Oven
Microwaves got a bad reputation with the wave of microwave meals in past decades, but these handy appliances deserve a space in every cook's kitchen. A microwave makes melting butter, steaming vegetables, cooking rice, and making poached eggs easy. And that's just for starters. After you've cleaned down your counters, your microwave can also disinfect your sponge. Put it in a bowl filled with water and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Zapping the sponge for a minute on high power kills all the germs, leaving it good as new.
Food Processor
If you've got an infant at home, your food processor is probably the most-used item in your kitchen. However, these appliances can do much more than making easily digestible meals for your tiny tot. Food processors can also save you time by slicing vegetables, shredding cheese, chopping nuts, and performing other food prep tasks in minutes. Choose a model with plenty of power to streamline your kitchen processes.
Stand Mixer
If "British Bake Off" has inspired you, you need a stand mixer in your life. These appliances are go-to items for any baker, helping them cream butter, mix batters, whip cream, and much more. Just like with a food processor, your stand mixer's power is crucial. Also, make sure the mixing bowl is large enough for mixing your sweet creations. Selecting a stand mixer with an attachment port also increases its versatility, allowing you to add accessories for making pasta and grinding meat.
Electric Kettle
The electric kettle helps caffeine addicts get their coffee and tea fix in minutes. But if you're just using it for hot beverages, you're not making the most of it. A kettle can also help you cook noodles, instant soups, and vegetables. It also makes oatmeal easy if you've overslept in the morning.
Toaster
Speaking of mornings, the toaster is a common kitchen appliance that's often overlooked. However, just think how much tougher your mornings would be without its magical ability to turn bread into crunchy, carb-y goodness! Many modern toasters also have special settings for cooking pastries. Make sure your toaster holds several slices if you live in a large household, as few people have the patience for waiting for their turn first thing in the morning.
Vacuum Sealer
A vacuum sealer can work double duty in the kitchen. These appliances are best known for sealing fresh foods like blocks of cheese and slices of meat so they last three to five times longer. You can also vacuum seal foods before freezing them to save storage space and prevent freezer burn. You'll also reach for your vacuum sealer if you have a sous vide machine. It can create the perfect parcels for slow cooking in a water bath.
Sous Vide Machine
A sous vide machine might sound like an extravagance at first until you start using one — then it's likely to get a daily workout. Many people think they're complicated because they see sous vide meals at fine dining restaurants, but nothing could be further from the truth. Simply vacuum seal your meat, ideally with some herbs, spices, and butter or oil for flavor, drop it into the sous vide machine filled with water, set the timer, and kick back with a glass of wine. You'll enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time without slaving away in the kitchen. We can all drink to that!
Dishwasher
After cooking a gourmet meal, the last thing you want to spend time on is the dishes. A dishwasher makes clean up a breeze. Simply stack your plates, glasses, cutlery, and cooking accessories away and close the door. Easy, breezy, and efficient. Dishwashers also use less than a third of the water that you use hand washing, making them a much greener choice. When taking the easy option helps save the planet's precious resources, who are we to argue?
High-quality kitchen appliances are a major investment, so you'll want to make the most of the ones you buy. Rather than buying new when your appliances falter, consider repairing them with quality appliance parts and accessories from Automatic Appliance Parts Corp. With more than 40 years' experience, we're the appliance specialists you can trust. Come see us in one of our Chicago metro branches or take advantage of our online ordering system. With our shipping service, you'll usually get the parts you need delivered to your door in three days or less.