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Post by mammajamma on Mar 19, 2023 2:09:02 GMT
I’m outfitting a new kitchen. What appliances are must-haves? Obviously refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave. But beyond those - what do you think are must haves? Family of 4, and we like to entertain. I have not had any of the new kitchen gadgets or last 10 years or so.
Do I even need a crockpot anymore? Or has it been replaced?
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
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Post by pantsonfire on Mar 19, 2023 2:20:35 GMT
Stand mixer is my top choice. I have 2 - 5 quart tilt head and 6 quart bowl lift pro. I use both weekly and have a ton of attachments for them. The attachments really help with meal prep and baking.
Others that I have and use are: Air fryer, food saver, food chopper (3.5 and 5 cup bowls), coffee maker. Oh and immersion blender and hand mixer.
I no longer saw the need for the IP (took up too much space even though I have a lot of counter space and was a PITA to clean), and while I have a blender, it is hardly used. It is a regular Oyster blender. Nothing fancy.
I haven't had or used a microwave in about 16 years.
A non kitchen gadget that I use a lot is my Le Creuset items. Those and my KA stand mixers are the most used items in my kitchen.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Mar 19, 2023 2:20:59 GMT
I think it depends on the person or people, that use the kitchen. As well as how much cooking they do (or lack thereof).
I don't like cooking. I do basic cooking, because I have to eat.
My must haves are:
George Foreman grill
Toaster Oven
Toaster
Electric frying pan
Microwave
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pantsonfire
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Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
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Post by pantsonfire on Mar 19, 2023 2:22:06 GMT
Oh and as far as a slow cooker goes, Instantpots took over those I think. I havent used a slow cooker/crockpot in about 18 years or about. It was never my thing.
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
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Post by pantsonfire on Mar 19, 2023 2:22:52 GMT
Oh and another item I use a lot is my electric griddle. I make a batch of GF pancakes for DD and freeze them in pairs for an easy breakfast item for her.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 1:35:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2023 2:35:08 GMT
I love to cook and do a lot of it. I wouldn't want to be without my Instant Pot, immersion blender, handheld mixer, induction cooktop, convection oven, food processor, Soda Stream (very old original), and a toaster. I've had aaaallll the other things in the past (food saver, dehydrator, rice cooker, stand mixer, electric griddle, electric fry pan, waffle maker, food slicer, meat grinder, blender, crockpots) and haven't run into a reason to need any of them again since building our new house.
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Post by realm on Mar 19, 2023 2:46:13 GMT
Instant pot. I use this way more than my stove top these days.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Mar 19, 2023 2:49:39 GMT
I used most of my appliances I still use my crockpot I actually have multiple in different sizes, instant pot two sizes, keurig, kitchen aid mixer, cuisinart food processor snd mini, toaster, immersion blender, regular blender, rice cooker regular and mini, waffle makers -Belgium and a few mini ones. I have an egg cooker too. Forgot about it. I store most of these outside in the garage on a shelf. We also have an espresso machine that I use a lot in the summer for decaf iced lattes.
Yes I have a small appliance addiction.
I have a bread machine I don’t use often and an air fryer I need to learn to use.
What you need will depend what you want to cook. I also go in spurts. I wasn’t using my IP but have started using them again. I just discovered that it makes great brown rice and so much faster and better than in my rice cooker. I need to learn to cook more things in them though. At this point in my life I want easy but healthy foods.
ETA. I forgot about our panini maker and have been using it lately. We have an ice cream maker but I haven’t used it in years. I also inherited a hand mixer as ours got lost in our move. It really comes in handy.
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Post by belgravia on Mar 19, 2023 2:54:21 GMT
Our microwave has an air fryer function, which I love. We use it all the time and it eliminates the need for a separate air fryer. I really love our Vitamix too. We have a large gas stove (6 burner plus griddle) but I love having a stand alone induction burner. If we need to make something smelly, like fish or deep frying, we do it outside using the induction burner. I do love my Kitchen Aid stand mixer but haven’t been using it much lately.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 19, 2023 2:56:06 GMT
The things I use a lot:
wide slot toaster (it’s much faster than the toaster function on my air fryer)
air fryer
KitchenAid stand mixer
Instant Pot (we use this a lot in the summer when we don’t want to heat up the house)
mini food processor
DH uses the coffee pot every day
Also used, but not as frequently:
belgian waffle iron
food processor (I just replaced my old one with a new Ninja that is so much easier to clean)
panini press (we’ve had this for a long time and just started using it again)
ice cream maker gets used pretty often in the summer
I have lots of other small electric gadgets but they only tend to get used seasonally.
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anaterra
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Posts: 3,847
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Mar 19, 2023 3:08:06 GMT
I traded in my toaster oven for the toaster oven/air fryer combo thing... it was recommended by the peas....
Kitchen aide.. i bake a lot.. small food chopper... hate cutting onions... its good for garlic n peppers... blender.. margaritas babyyy..
I love my crockpot.... i like it better then the ip... i say that because i never bought one or used one... lol...
I like my electric skillet.. its easy for grandparent weekend for eggs, pancakes, hotdogs, whatever..
Those are my must haves... I do have other small appliances but these are the cant live without
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Post by leannec on Mar 19, 2023 3:21:46 GMT
Can't live without: - microwave - electric kettle - toaster Will always have for the odd occasion: - Keurig - KitchenAid stand mixer - KitchenAid food processor - old school electric hand mixer for when the KitchenAid would just be dumb! *I purged everything else before I moved in November ... crockpot, bread maker, griddle, blender, ect. I obviously do 99% of my cooking on the stove or in the oven!  |
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Post by ntsf on Mar 19, 2023 3:27:27 GMT
I have the standard appliances in a kitchen I just redid.. microwave..built in above the built in wall oven, stovetop, fridge, dishwasher.
small ones: electric kettle, toaster, coffee grinder.
no real room for anything else and I get by just fine. I think it depends on you.. what do you think is essential. I have never had room for mixers, airfryers, or anything else much. so I just get by.
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Post by lainey on Mar 19, 2023 8:30:04 GMT
A kettle, it's the only must have in my opinion.
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Post by monklady123 on Mar 19, 2023 11:02:31 GMT
For me my must-haves would be: -- refrigerator -- stove/oven -- toaster oven -- COFFEE POT (in all caps to show its importance to life  ) -- Instant Pot -- microwave That's the core six. We don't have a dishwasher so that's not essential to me. Of course I use other appliances -- blender for smoothies, air fryer -- but I could get by without them. The other six, not so much. lol eta: After reading the other replies I came back to add an immersion blender to the list, although I don't really consider that an "appliance". Also it's so small that it stores easily. But I do use this one a LOT.... it's a game changer for making pureed soups. Hard to believe there was a time when I would try to transfer hot soup to a blender.  Which probably explains why I hardly ever made that type of soup. lol. |
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Post by lisae on Mar 19, 2023 11:47:37 GMT
I'm using my crock pot today. It's definitely more than 10 years old. When it dies, I'll investigate a Instapot.
My most used small appliances are my Breville oven and FoodSaver sealer. I use the Breville all the time in place of heating up the big oven but if you entertain, it could be a 2nd oven for you if you get one of the larger ones. Just measure the inside carefully to be sure the things you bake in will fit.
There are many other threads here on the benefits of the FoodSaver. If I had to pick only one extra small appliance to have, that would be it.
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Post by AussieMeg on Mar 19, 2023 11:54:57 GMT
My #1 most important life-isn't-worth-living-without-it appliance is my Barista coffee machine.
The next most important would be a food processor, then a stand mixer. I have a Thermomix, which I use instead of a food processor.
We use our air fryer just about every day.
Others that I love and would miss if I didn't have them: toasted sandwich maker, pie maker, slow cooker.
I love my bread maker, although I don't use it much.
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hannahruth
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Posts: 2,616
Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Post by hannahruth on Mar 19, 2023 12:54:23 GMT
I’m not that interested in cooking and really only do so occasionally.
My favourite small appliances would be my crock pot (in two sizes), milkshake maker and vegetable chopper - really necessary for onions.
I have others but they really see the light of day and I guess if I got rid of them then I would need them.
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Post by Patter on Mar 19, 2023 12:58:20 GMT
I always said I did not want a stand mixer. I just got one in November or so, and I keep wondering why I waited so long. Everyone needs one of these. WOW! Also a crock pot. I can't stand my InstaPot. Waste of money.
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Post by smasonnc on Mar 19, 2023 13:06:32 GMT
Oh and as far as a slow cooker goes, Instantpots took over those I think. My Instantpot is my slow cooker now, but I got a sous vide and I use it a couple of times a week instead of the Instant Pot. So here goes: coffee maker hand blender instant pot sous vide stand mixer food processor |
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,762
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Post by pantsonfire on Mar 19, 2023 13:17:23 GMT
I traded in my toaster oven for the toaster oven/air fryer combo thing... it was recommended by the peas.... Kitchen aide.. i bake a lot.. small food chopper... hate cutting onions... its good for garlic n peppers... blender.. margaritas babyyy.. I love my crockpot.... i like it better then the ip... i say that because i never bought one or used one... lol... I like my electric skillet.. its easy for grandparent weekend for eggs, pancakes, hotdogs, whatever.. Those are my must haves... I do have other small appliances but these are the cant live without And how quickly it whips cream! Love it |
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,004
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Post by Gennifer on Mar 19, 2023 14:05:55 GMT
My most used appliances:
Espresso machine, used daily.
Countertop steam/convection oven, used daily.
Toaster, used 4-5 times a week.
KitchenAid, used 5-6 times a month.
Crockpot, used 2-3 times a month.
I absolutely hated my InstantPot. I think I used it 3 times in 5 years, so I finally gave it away last year.
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Post by supersoda on Mar 19, 2023 14:05:57 GMT
I just replaced my crockpot after the heating element started acting wonky. I got a model with a sauté function, and I’m loving it! The crockpot is my most used small appliance.
I have an instant pot, but I use it less than the crockpot (yes I know it also has a slow cooker function, but I wanted a larger capacity for my crockpot).
I don’t use my stand mixer a ton, but I’m always glad I have it when I want to use it. It just makes so many tasks so much easier. And it’s pretty!
I have plenty of others, but I wouldn’t consider them essential.
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Post by katlady on Mar 19, 2023 14:45:03 GMT
Besides the basics (fridge, stove, oven, microwave)
Items I use the most:
Toaster - We have toast almost everyday.
Rice cooker - I am Asian, nothing more to say. 😂
Crock pot - Use this more than the IP
Have but rarely use:
IP
Hand mixer (only when I make a pie or cake)
On my want list:
Air fryer/oven
We don’t even own a coffee maker of any kind or a blender.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,969
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Post by Nanner on Mar 19, 2023 14:56:15 GMT
I also use my crockpot - I have dinner in there right now. I don't like the instapot, but DH will use it once or twice per year.
My absolute necessities (other than fridge, stove, d/w, microwave):
coffee maker
stand mixer
hand mixer
toaster oven
electric skillet.
I have loads of other ones, but seldom use them.
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paget
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Mar 19, 2023 15:06:18 GMT
For me:
Kitchenaid stand mixer
Nespresso
Toaster (I have a Cuisinart airfryer/toaster oven but I basically hate it and never use it for either function).
Microwave
Slow cooker (NOT IP) -I don’t use it much, kinda go in stages with it, but I find it useful when I do use it
Other things I have and are nice but rarely use:
Waffle iron
Panini press
Rice cooker
Blender
Food processor
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Post by lisacharlotte on Mar 19, 2023 15:22:31 GMT
When I did my kitchen reno I purged a lot of single use gadgets. Some have crept back in, but in general I’m pretty basic. I am using my crockpot today to cook my chicken for enchiladas tonight. I never use DH’s IP. He uses it to cook chicken for our dogs and when he cooks Indian.
Like my scrapbooking, I prefer a manual process. My preference is to fussy cut an object or word to add to a photo rather than use a digital stamp and print, that’s part of the creativity for me. In cooking I like to manually chop, cook in a pan, knead by hand. It’s also my presence to cook from scratch instead of prepared ingredients.
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 19, 2023 16:02:10 GMT
Our microwave is also an air fryer and toaster oven(ish). It also doesn't have a clock, so one less thing to change for the time change.
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Post by snugglebutter on Mar 19, 2023 16:10:37 GMT
The range we bought last year has a double oven and I think that could be very useful for entertaining.
Small stuff - we are a family of 7 and have a lot lol. It's also a hobby for me so I like to try new things. You will not see me with a minimalist kitchen!
Regular use items:
high speed blender
toaster
Instant Pots
bread machine
grain mill
stand mixer
coffee grinder
electric griddle
Less often used:
air fryer
waffle iron
electric kettle
immersion blender
hand mixer
slow cooker
coffee maker (we mostly make cold brew)
food processor
Could probably get rid of:
ice cream maker
dehydrator (though I really want to use it more)
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twinsmomfla99
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Posts: 3,987
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Mar 19, 2023 16:57:22 GMT
My air fryer doubles as a toaster and extra oven when needed for roasting veggies for a side. It’s used daily and is #1 on my list.
Next would be my pressure cooker, which is used a couple of times each week.
My crockpot gets used less than the pressure cooker, but it is still a frequent flyer in my kitchen, especially for potlucks, backyard bbq, or other entertaining. For everyday cooking, it is primarily used for soups and cooking chicken for meal prep.
I don’t bake as much as I did when the kids were young and at home, but I would never get rid of my kitchen aid. However, it has moved from my countertops to a kitchen cart that gets stored in a closet.
My Blendtec blender still lives on the countertop where it makes smoothies a few times a week and the occasional alcoholic beverage.
I have a countertop ice maker that will return to the counter when the weather gets warmer. My fridge ice maker just can’t keep up in the summer. I might upgrade to a nugget ice maker (combo bday and mother’s day gift to myself LOL) if I find a good price. I’ll be stalking Prime Day for this one.
I no longer have a Keurig on my counter bc I’m the only one that drinks coffee, and I like it iced most of the time. I have an iced coffee pitcher I keep in the fridge, and if I want hot coffee, I make it using a small French press.
Which brings me to my final “must have” appliance—my electric kettle. I love it for making tea, hot chocolate, and coffee (in the French press).
I have many other small appliances that I keep in a cabinet or closet until I need them. I could live without them, but I don’t want to LOL. As long as I have storage space and use them a few times a year, they get to stay.
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)
Which probably explains why I hardly ever made that type of soup. lol. 
