Is your kitchen countertop littered with gadgets and gizmos? If you’re registering for your wedding, are you tempted by all the items made specifically for one purpose? Everyone’s needs are different, but with years of experience in my own home, I’d like to share what I consider the essential small appliances for the kitchen.
Essential tools you might need more of
- Crockpot – I currently have a large one and a small one (probably 4 qt and 6 qt) Note that crockpots don’t cook correctly unless they are ½ to 3/4 full so make sure you choose the size you need (check out key crockpot/slow cooker info here). For years of after school activities, I kept 2 of both sizes so I could always have another insert clean if I needed to use it again the next day. The crockpot bags can achieve the same thing now. But I will warn you, you still have to do some washing of that insert even with the bags. I’ve found they leave a white residue in spots.
- “Bullet” type blender – I LOVE this size blender. It’s great for sauces, salad dressings, and single serving smoothies! Of course, if there are several in your family or you plan to entertain, a bigger blender would help you as well. I have both for different size batch needs.
- Food processor – Same thing here, there are small quantities that could benefit from a smaller processor (your food won’t get lost in that big bowl so the blade doesn’t even touch it). But if you do batches of any larger size, chances are you’re going to need a full-sized processor. I made do with a small one for many years, but when my aunt gifted me a large one, WOW what a difference!
Only need one but it’s a “must have”
- Microwave – This one might be a little controversial, but even if you don’t want to use it to cook or reheat meals, I use mine all the time for little things like heating a neck wrap (if you don’t have one of these, you seriously need to get one!), defrosting meat I forgot to set out in time, or heating water (so you don’t waste a lot trying to get your tap water to heat up to wash really greasy things!)
- Immersion blender – This can also handle some more liquid single-serving smoothie applications or even mixing up your chocolate milk! I use mine for making homemade mayo (see my mayo adventures here).
- Indoor grill – My husband is in charge of the big outdoor gas grill. But sometimes, it’s just easier for me to grill some meat or veggies indoors (during winter or rain for sure). I have the Foreman one with removable plates (not an ad). What a difference this makes in cleanup!
- Vacuum sealer – If you plan to “bulk buy” meat in particular or if you simply love making freezer meals, this is a “must have” for you! I’ve only had one a few years, but I LOVE it!
- Instant Pot – I know there are folks who live and die by their Instant Pot…more power to them! I have mixed feelings as it takes 15 minutes for mine to even heat up…kinda negates the “instant” part for me. I do have some recipes I like to do specifically in it but not nearly as many as I see other people doing.
- Airfryer – Another one where I’m on the fence. My husband gifted me with an airfryer top and inner basket for our Instant Pot. Friends LOVE theirs…I have a limited amount of things I use it for, but I’m still working with it. Not something I’d start with right away unless you’ve seen someone use it all the time.
- Digital scale – I didn’t have one for years, but I find it very helpful now when separating out large packages of meat (into 1 or 2# portions depending on my recipes). The best thing about it is how small and slim it is…doesn’t take up much room at all. In fact, it hides between two other items standing on end in my bottom cabinet.
- Keurig – We were gifted one of these and have truly enjoyed it for all manner of things of hot beverages. When we got married, we registered for a coffeemaker (made up to 8 cups) thinking we had older friends and parents that would enjoy that. We used it once! Keurig cups are expensive, but if you’re only going to do a cup at a time, that’s the way to go.
- Hand mixer – I do still have one though I generally only bake for others. This is the kind of mixer I grew up with, and it’s more comfortable for me. Plus, it takes up very little room when beaters are removed.
Ask yourself – “Would I really use these?”
- Spiralizer – I do have one (from Aldi) that I enjoy on occasion. But I don’t use it terribly often. You can buy zucchini and butternut squash in most grocery store produce sections. If you’re low on space, that would be your better bet. But use it within a day or two as it starts to grow things in the middle where its dark and moist. (You should see my face right now just thinking about the surprise I got one time…yuck!)
- Standing mixer – I registered for one of these. Every time I used it, the batter crawled up the beaters into the light and motor. A nightmare for me, but I know many folks who love theirs. For me, the cleanup and amount of space it took up just wasn’t worth it. I gave it to a friend several years back and haven’t missed it a day. If you do register for one, make sure you specify exactly what you want. I wanted glass bowls, but it also came with stainless steel bowls and that’s what we were given. Be specific!
- Bread maker – This is one I’ve never had, but a good friend made bread every week for years and novelty breads for special occasions. If you love making bread and want it freshly homemade every week, you might do well with it. Be prepared for the amount of space they require.
- Steamer, rice cooker, waffle maker, donut maker, quesadilla maker, panini maker – These fall into the category of “I don’t have one and if I make that item, I can make it another way.” I just wouldn’t spend the money nor the counter or storage space for items this big that really have just one function. I steam veggies in a pot, make rice in a pot, make pancakes instead of waffles (when I make them), make quesadillas in a pan, and a panini is pretty much a grilled cheese in my mind (I would make that in a pan). But you do you…just think about it before you invest or register for it.
Make your own small kitchen appliance choices
Small kitchen appliances can take up a lot of room. If you’re just starting out, the temptation is great to put some neat appliances on your registry. I hope I’ve given you some things to consider as you navigate the world of small kitchen appliances and end up with what truly works for YOU!
If you’re a die-hard Instant Pot or Airfyer fan, help me out by shooting me your favorite recipe so I can enjoy these items more!
Check out more essential tools…
