Every kitchen should have some appliances to make food preparation quicker and less complicated. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it is a good start for a well-prepared kitchen. Here are five must-have kitchen appliances:
1. Mini hand blender/smoothie maker. If you make smoothies, protein shakes, or mixed drinks, these kitchen gizmos are must-haves because of the convenience they afford. They are even good for mixing gravies and sauces right in the pan. They are not expensive, they are small and lightweight, and clean up easily.
2. Full-sized blender. Occasionally you need a little more power than a mini-blender will afford you. A full-sized blender will save the day when it is time to crush ice or blend larger batches of drinks. They work well for pureeing foods for soups and sauces, and even chopping nuts and seeds for breakfast cereals and desserts.
3. Food processor/chopper. If you have an extremely sharp knife and are good at using it, you might not need a food processor. If not, processors make chopping large batches of veggies for salads and casseroles much faster and simpler. When selecting one of these devices, make sure you get a well-built one that is easy to assemble and disassemble. That will make it easier to clean after using. One that is dishwasher-safe is a bonus.
4. Slow cooker. Next to the microwave, this may be the most essential piece of equipment in the kitchen. They are so versatile that their usage is nearly infinite. They are wonderful for on the go people who need to come home to a warm meal. Foods will not burn in a slow cooker, so everything will be just right when dinnertime comes. Roasts, ribs, chickens, soups, chili and stew are all good candidates for a slow cooker.
5. Microwave oven. Microwaves are so commonplace now that it is hard to picture any kitchen without one. Even if it is a small, cheap unit, it still has worth in the kitchen. Frozen dinners, snacks and treats, sandwiches and side dishes are all prepared quickly in a microwave. If you prefer a higher-end unit, you can get one big enough to cook a turkey in. They come with probes, delay timers and many more features that add to their ease and functionality.
These gizmos are not costly, and yet they can add a lot to the kitchen in the way of speed and convenience.
Written by Stephen Ayer. Visit his website at PLR Daddy and PLR Appliance Articles
