Top 15 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets
Keeping your kitchen running efficiently is vital. From cooking dinner to preparing school lunches, a well-equipped kitchen can make your life a lot easier.
Fortunately, there are many small appliances and gadgets can help you save time and effort in the kitchen. Here are my top 15 picks to make cooking for your family easier!
Space-saving Tip
While most of these appliances I consider “must-have” there are a few that not everyone would use enough to warrant the cost and space in the kitchen, as noted in the descriptions. There are also quite a few that can pull double duty so if you are on a budget or in a smaller space, keep a lookout for appliances with multiple functions!
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot does everything! It is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more.
With the Instant Pot, you can cook meals quickly and easily, even on busy weeknights. The pressure-cooking function makes it easy to cook tough cuts of meat or dry beans in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them on the stove.
I especially recommend an Instant Pot if you are short on space since you can use it so many ways.
Air Fryer
Air fryers use hot air to cook food instead of the oil in a traditional deep fryer. Air fryers are also great for reheating leftover food, as they can help bring back the crispiness that is often lost during microwaving.
I have a Ninja Air Fryer and it does great with small batches. For large batch air frying, I recommend getting an oven or microwave that has multiple functions and can air fry as an option.
Blender
A blender is a versatile kitchen gadget that can be used for a variety of tasks, including making smoothies, pureeing soups, and crushing ice.
High-powered blenders can even be used to make nut butter or grind grains into flour. When choosing a blender, look for one with a powerful motor and a durable blender jar.
I have had my Ninja blender for over 10 years and highly recommend it!
Food Processor
I purchased my first food processor when my oldest son was a baby to purée veggies and make my own baby food. Little did I know how useful that little guy would be! (And can you believe I have the same one and that baby is heading to college in a month!?)
With a food processor, you can chop vegetables, shred cheese, puree soups, and even make homemade pesto or hummus. Food processors come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that fits your family’s needs.
Stand Mixer
A stand mixer can be used for a variety of tasks, including mixing dough, whipping cream, and beating egg whites.
With a stand mixer, you can easily make homemade bread, pasta, and other baked goods. Look for a stand mixer with a powerful motor and a variety of attachments.
I have a KitchenAid mixer and LOVE it. They can be pricey but they last forever. The first one I had I bought used and it was 15 years old! It was still working 10 years later when I finally splurged on a new one.
Handheld Mixer
A handheld mixer is a more affordable alternative to a stand mixer. With a handheld mixer, you can still whip cream, beat eggs, and mix batter, but on a smaller scale. Handheld mixers are also easier to store than stand mixers.
I personally do not have a hand mixer, but it is a great option if you don’t have the space for a stand mixer or don’t want to invest in one.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven can be used to toast bread, bake small dishes, and even roast a chicken.
With a toaster oven, you can cook small meals without having to heat up your full-size oven. Look for a toaster oven with multiple rack positions and a variety of cooking functions.
Some toaster ovens can air fry too, so that can be a space saver. I have a 5-in-1 microwave that can function as a toaster oven and air fryer. (It came with our house and is no longer available for sale.)
Immersion Blender
An immersion blender can be used to blend soups, sauces, and smoothies. Immersion blenders are easier to use and clean than traditional blenders, and they take up less storage space.
I admit I don’t use my immersion blender too terribly often, more often in the winter when I tend to make soups a lot. But it is nice to have around and doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen.
Coffee Maker
Maybe I should have put the coffee maker at the top of my list, since that’s how many of us start our day!
Look for a coffee maker that fits your family’s needs, whether that be a single-serve coffee maker or a full-size drip coffee maker. We have had both over the years, including the “fancy” Nespresso machine but I end up coming back to my single-serve Keurig time and again. We use it with reusable K-cups to save money.
Electric Kettle
An electric kettle can quickly boil water for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Electric kettles are faster and more energy-efficient than boiling water on the stove, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles.
I personally don’t use an electric kettle but rather have a traditional kettle that boils VERY quickly on my induction stovetop. Most all of my friends the year we lived in England had electric kettles on hand for quickly enjoying tea however, so if you are a big tea drinker this would be very convenient.
Slow Cooker
My slow cooker is probably (along with my instant pot) my most-used kitchen gadget. With a slow cooker, you can make soups, stews, chili, and other hearty dishes with minimal effort.
Slow cookers are perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to watch over a pot on the stove. I use my slow cooker a TON during the school year when I am busy playing taxi for kid’s activities and sports. It’s so convenient to have dinner ready and waiting when we finally get home in the evening.
Food Dehydrator
A food dehydrator is helpful if you like to dry fruits, vegetables, and meats. With a food dehydrator, you can create your own healthy snacks, such as dried fruit, beef jerky, and kale chips. Food dehydrators are also useful for preserving produce, as they can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
I have a dehydrator but I do not use it much. We used to make fruit roll up type of snacks for the kids when they were little, experimented with making homemade beef jerky, and honestly I use it now mostly just to dry herbs from the garden. So this is one kitchen gadget that is really only needed for people who really love drying snacks, etc.
Handheld Spiralizer
A handheld spiralizer is a small gadget that can be used to turn vegetables into noodles. With a spiralizer, you can create healthy and delicious meals using zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. Handheld spiralizers are easy to use and clean, and they take up minimal space in your kitchen.
I actually use my spiralizer quite a bit and for how inexpensive it is, you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you like to eat low carb – zoodles are one of my favorites!
Waffle Maker
If your family is big on breakfast, a waffle maker can be a fun addition to your kitchen. They are relatively small to store and waffles are always a big hit in our house!
In addition to regular waffles it is also fun to use other things in it, like cinnamon buns or cookie dough!
Griddle
Another gadget great for breakfast (and more) is an electric griddle. They are perfect for pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more; which is what I used mine for most often. Have a large flat cooking surface makes cooking breakfast faster than using individual pans.
You can also use them for smash burgers, diced chicken, and other meats that are not too thick as well as makig those perfectl buttered and toasted buns.
I used my griddle SO much, but ended up retiring it when we purchased a Blackstone a few years ago. (I miss it sometimes when I’d rather cook inside though!)
Having the right kitchen appliances and gadgets can make a huge difference in your daily routine. From saving time to creating healthy meals, these tools can help you stay organized and efficient in the kitchen.
