Category: Utility

Things You Can Blow Your Money On: 10 items for your kitchen that are worth the investment


If you are looking for ways to make your kitchen more efficient, there are a few items that can really help. These expensive gadgets might be worth the investment if you use them often. Here are 10 must-have items for any kitchen:

1) A high quality chef knife set – For professional chefs, these knives are essential tools in their arsenal of cooking weapons. For home cooks, they’re just as important. Quality chef knives will last longer and save time while prepping food because they cut through everything with ease.

2) An ice cream maker – If you love making homemade ice cream this is one gadget that’s well worth the price tag! Homemade ice creams have so much flavor and always taste better than store-bought.

3) A high quality microplane – This tool makes zesting lemons, limes and other citrus fruits a breeze. Just be careful not to grate your knuckles!

4) A stand mixer – A good quality stand mixer can do everything from kneading dough to whipping cream. They come in all shapes and sizes, so find one that fits your needs.

5) An air fryer – This appliance is perfect for those who want to indulge in their favorite fried foods but don’t want to feel guilty afterwards. An air fryer uses very little oil, so your food comes out crispy without all the added fat.

6) A Smart Oven – A Smart Oven is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook. It has all the features of a regular oven, but also comes with a built-in microwave and dehydrator.

7) A pasta maker – If you love making your own pasta, a pasta maker is a must-have. With this handy gadget, you can make any kind of pasta imaginable.

8) A quality blender – A good blender can do so much, from making smoothies to whipping up dips. Invest in one that can handle any task you throw at it!

9) A quality waffle maker – A good waffle maker is a must-have for any breakfast lover. With one of these, you can make restaurant-quality Belgian waffles in the comfort of your own home.

10) A KitchenAid Stand Mixer – This is by far the most expensive item on this list, but it’s also the most versatile. You can use it to knead dough, whip up cream and even make pasta!

Thinking of making the investment? Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Does it come with multiple functions?
  • Is it easy and intuitive to use?
  • Will I actually use this gadget on a regular basis, or will it just take up space in my kitchen cabinet?

If you answer yes to these questions and your budget allows, these items might be worth the investment. If not, there are plenty of other gadgets that can do just as much for a fraction of the price tag!


Five Tools That You Really Need In Your Kitchen


 There are obviously many items that you need in your kitchen. If you have just moved into your first apartment or home and need a starting point, then here are the top five things you should have in your kitchen to get you started. We’ll ignore the most obvious such as utensils, plates, cups, etc. The items listed here will get you on the right track to preparing delicious meals for yourself as well as guests. 

Cutting Board

Cutting boards are generally made of either a plastic material or wood. Whichever one you choose basically comes down to preference. A good teak wood cutting board is one of the easiest to maintain over other wood boards. It has a pleasant and comfortable cutting surface. The only downfall is that it will require a more proper cleaning then a plastic board. If a plastic cutting board is more your thing, then try going with one that has rubber feet so there is no slipping while cutting food. Also, try and find one that has a juice groove to catch any excess liquids. 

Chef Knife

While most people will just purchase a standard set of knives, it is recommended to have one good and reliable chefs knife. These knives are sturdy, durable, extremely sharp, and can be used as a general utility kitchen knife. They generally have a blade that is 8 inches in length and 1 1/2 inches in width. They are typically made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. Unlike other knives, such as a pairing knife, these knives are designed for various cutting purposes. They can be used for chopping, slicing and mincing vegetables, slicing meat, and other cutting purposes. 

High Powered Blender/Food Processor

A blender-food processor combo is an extremely convenient must in the kitchen these days. With its multi-purpose application, it will cut down on food prep by an amazing amount of time. It can be used as a blender for making milkshakes, smoothies, margaritas, or daiquiris. It can be used to chop nuts and vegetables. It can be used to cream together ingredients for dips, purees, and desserts. They come with a variety of very useful attachments that will make life in the kitchen a whole lot easier. 

Large Saute Pan

A saute pan typically has a wide and flat bottom with tall sides, a long handle, and a lid. There are several different types of saute pans on the market. Once again, the type you choose comes down to preference. Non-stick pans have a coating which layers the bottom and sides of the pan. These are ideal when cooking for there is little to no chance of the food sticking. You should always use the right plastic utensils while cooking with these pans, as well as a soft sponge while cleaning them. The coating can become damaged with too much abuse. Classic saute pans do not have the non-stick coating, but rather an aluminum core or base. Many saute pans are also oven safe so they can be used not only for stove-top cooking but in the oven as well. 

Baking Sheet

Baking sheets come in many different sizes and are pretty basic. There are some that are non-stick for easy removal of those freshly baked cookies. While others are a basic aluminum or aluminum steel, and require some light greasing or lining with parchment paper when baking sticky foods. Some baking sheets are light and affordable, while others are more heavy duty and durable. Another thing to consider is whether to get a cookie sheet or a baking sheet. A baking sheet has rolled edges, while a cookie sheet does not. Since the lack of edges on a typical cookie sheet may limit the type of baking you can do, it is probably wise to start off with a baking sheet.