When it comes to cooking and baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Luckily, Amazon offers a wide variety of kitchen gadgets that can make your life in the kitchen much easier. I’ve put together a list of the top 10 essential kitchen gadgets on Amazon that you should have in your kitchen.
A sharp knife is the most essential tool in any kitchen and having one can really elevate your game and cooking. A dull knife can make cooking a frustrating and dangerous task, while a sharp knife can make preparation quick and easy. Investing in a good quality sharp knife is a game-changer for any home cook.
Advantages:
- Makes preparation quick and easy.
- Reduces the risk of injury by requiring less force to cut through food.
- Can be used for a wide range of tasks.
Disadvantages:
- Requires proper care and maintenance to maintain sharpness.
- Can be expensive for high-quality knives.
- May require some practice and skill to use effectively.
2. Instant Pot (also known as a Pressure cooker)
The Instant Pot has become a kitchen staple for many home cooks. This multi-cooker can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and more. The Instant Pot saves time and energy, as it cooks food faster than traditional methods, and has a keep-warm function to keep your food at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat.
Advantages:
- Versatile, can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks.
- Saves time and energy.
- The keep-warm function is great for busy households.
Disadvantages:
- The learning curve can be steep for some users.
- Can take up a lot of counter space.
- Some users find the pressure release valve difficult to operate.
An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air to fry food instead of oil. This means you can enjoy all of your favorite fried foods with less fat and calories. Air fryers are also great for cooking frozen foods quickly and evenly, without the need for preheating. If you do buy one of these, definitely get your hands on these silicone liners (makes cleaning up that much easier)
Advantages:
- Healthier cooking method than traditional frying.
- Faster cooking times than an oven.
- No need for preheating.
Disadvantages:
- Can be bulky and take up counter space.
- Not suitable for all types of food.
- Some users find the non-stick coating wears off over time.
An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender or stick blender, is a handheld kitchen gadget that can blend, puree, and chop ingredients directly in a pot, bowl, or glass. This makes it a great tool for making soups, sauces, smoothies, and baby food.
Advantages:
- Can be used directly in a pot or bowl, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
- More compact than a traditional blender.
- Easier to control than a traditional blender.
Disadvantages:
- May not be as powerful as a traditional blender.
- Some users find it difficult to clean.
- Can be noisy.
A stand mixer is a countertop appliance that can mix, knead, and whip ingredients with ease. Stand mixers come with various attachments, such as dough hooks, wire whisks, and flat beaters, to make baking and cooking a breeze. Have a look at my personal favorite one here. Its pricey, but when paired with all the attachments, it can be a real game changer!
Advantages:
- Saves time and energy compared to mixing by hand.
- More consistent results than mixing by hand.
- Can handle large quantities of ingredients.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive compared to hand mixers.
- Bulky and takes up counter space.
- Heavy to move around.
A food processor is a kitchen gadget that can chop, slice, shred, and puree ingredients quickly and easily. Food processors are great for making dips, sauces, and spreads, as well as shredding cheese and slicing vegetables.
Advantages:
- Can handle a wide range of tasks.
- Saves time and energy compared to chopping by hand.
- More consistent results than chopping by hand.
Disadvantages:
- Can be difficult to clean.
- Can be noisy.
- May not be as precise as chopping by hand for certain tasks.
A sous vide machine is a kitchen gadget that cooks food in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath at a precise temperature. This results in perfectly cooked meat, fish, and vegetables every time.
Advantages:
- Precise cooking temperatures result in perfectly cooked food every time.
- Great for meal prep and cooking in bulk.
- Retains nutrients and flavors in food.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive compared to other cooking methods.
- Can take up a lot of counter space.
- Requires a vacuum-sealing machine and bags.
A digital kitchen scale is a small gadget that can accurately weigh ingredients, ensuring consistent and precise results in cooking and baking. Digital kitchen scales are great for measuring flour, sugar, and other ingredients by weight instead of volume.
Advantages:
- Ensures consistent and precise results in cooking and baking.
- Makes it easy to measure ingredients for recipes.
- Can help with portion control and tracking calories.
Disadvantages:
- May not be necessary for casual cooks.
- Some users find it difficult to read the display.
- Requires batteries that need to be replaced.
Silicone baking mats are reusable, non-stick mats that can be placed on baking sheets instead of using parchment paper or cooking spray. Silicone baking mats are great for baking cookies, bread, and pastries, as they prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Advantages:
- Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper or cooking spray.
- Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Disadvantages:
- May not fit all baking sheets.
- Can be difficult to store if you have limited space.
- May discolor over time.
A cast iron skillet is a versatile kitchen gadget that can be used on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill. Cast iron skillets are great for searing, frying, and baking, and they last a lifetime if properly cared for.
Advantages:
- Durable and long-lasting if properly cared for.
- Retains heat well and distributes it evenly.
- Versatile and can be used on a variety of cooking surfaces.
Disadvantages:
- Can be heavy and difficult to maneuver.
- Requires seasoning and special care to prevent rusting.
- May not be suitable for some types of cooking.
Having the right tools in your kitchen can make cooking and baking easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, investing in these essential kitchen gadgets can make a big difference. From the versatile Instant Pot to the essential sharp knife, these gadgets can help you save time, energy, and frustration in the kitchen. So why not add them to your kitchen today?