Choosing counter-top appliances can be a tricky task. When you are thinking of purchasing an appliance that you are not sure if you will need, review its uses against your needs. If its uses do not suit your needs, you should hold off on purchasing it.
Blender: A blender is a great tool to have in the kitchen. It cuts time that you need to prepare certain items and makes smoothies for the kids. It can blend large quantities of food in several small batches. You should always check the blender often to ensure that food pieces are not over-blended or chopped. A blender cannot whip foods. You should always cut food into small pieces, at least 1-inch pieces, before adding it to the blender. If you are putting hot mixtures in the blender, allow it a few minutes to cool and only fill it half full. You should always cover the top with a towel in case of heat escapes. You do not want the top of the blender to blow off if there is too much heat built up. Always start warm mixtures on low speed.
Handheld Blender: A handheld blender, also called an immersion blender, has the ability to liquify or puree foods while they are still in the pot or when they are in a bowl. This reduces clean up.
Bread Machine: This machine allows you to add all ingredients in one step and completes all of the steps to making bread for you.
Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is essential for mixing, whipping and beating foods. If you have the counter space, it is a good investment to get a heavy duty stand mixer.
Food Processor: A food processor can do many of the same things that a blender or electric mixer can. It cannot whip foods, but it can slice and process heated mixtures.
Indoor Grill: An indoor grill allows you to avoid the elements while still being able to grill foods.
Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is great for tenderizing meat and infusing flavor over a long period of time. It is great for ensuring that flavors seep into large pieces of meat, without drying them out.
Toaster Oven: A toaster oven can make several slices of bread at one time. It is also great for reheating a few slices of pizza. There are many things you can do with a toaster oven, and it doesn’t take a long time to preheat.