I never thought I would ever write about something like “appliances.” I guess part of adulting is getting excited about ways to save time. I get very hyped when talking about how to be efficient in the kitchen.
You may want to be someone who keeps their countertop bare. Sometimes, I think I want to do that too. The truth is that if I don’t have easy access to appliances, I don’t use them. Now, I basically keep anything I use on a regular basis on a countertop or shelf nearby.
Below are my top 5 appliances. Get ready for holiday season 🙂
1. Instant Pot: You may have read my blog post on slow-cooker versus Instant Pot (IP). If you didn’t, I can summarize it for you in 2 words: get both! The Instant Pot is great for days when I forgot to defrost meat or want to make something I haven’t made before relatively quickly and without having to fuss in the kitchen too much. I have not tried the slow cooker mode since it seems like most people feel the IP is not great at that. I keep it in its box on a shelf in the pantry, ready to go at any moment.
2. Slow-cooker: I have several blog posts about how I use my slow-cooker. I have a Crockpot and I use it at least once a week. It is good for frozen meals, heating up liquids (like apple cider!), making overnight breakfasts, or putting a meal together before leaving in the morning. This appliance is cheap and easy to use. It does take up a bit of space, so I keep it in a cabinet but somewhere very accessible. I find it to be a game changer for week night dinners or weekends if hosting several people.
3. Immersion Blender: I didn’t even know this was a thing until I had kids! Immersion blenders are awesome for smoothies, soups, and anything creamy. This appliance is also very low cost and if you like to make soups, I highly recommend it. I even use it for mashed potatoes!
4. Toaster Oven: this appliance is key for pretty much every meal in our house. We toast bread, English muffins, waffles, defrosted pizza, chicken nuggets, and any other frozen meat the kids like. My children enjoy making their own “pizzas” sometimes with whole wheat tortillas and shredded cheese and we toast that in there as well. It is also good for re-heating certain foods like enchiladas or anything baked. When I make something for the kids, it can take too long to heat up the oven and then cook whatever it is I am trying to do. The toaster oven is ready to go at any moment. I put small ramekins and glass containers to heat up mashed squash or potatoes. The possibilities are really endless!
5. Nespresso machine: I drink coffee first thing in the morning and often have another cup later in the day. I may even throw in a decaf late afternoon. I alternate between Nespresso, instant coffee, and French Press but the Nespresso machine is the easiest and most delicious. We also have the milk steamer, so often I make lattes (hot and cold) and cappuccinos. One day, I will probably get a fancy Italian espresso machine but for now, this does the trick and is very reasonably priced.
Bonus appliance: My Primula Cold Brew maker. I will admit I often forget to make it since the coffee has to brew for 24 hours in the fridge but for those of us who love iced coffee, it is amazing! Coffee taste much better than sticking an already brewed pot in the fridge.