Five essential kitchen gadgets for a new home

Cuisinart Coffee Maker with Hot Water Dispenser

There are some things one just can’t live without, especially when referring to food processing and kitchen appliances. With our hectic lives, cooking is a hard and strenuous process anyway, so why not make it as easy as possible. There are many gadgets at various stores around Chicago’s neighborhoods that will not only make your life a whole lot easier but will add a touch of glamor and style to your kitchen.

1.) First thing when you move into a new home, you need to get a hold of a quality coffee maker or an espresso machine, depending on how rough your mornings are; there’s nothing that compares to nice, creamy java to start off your day. Cuisinart Coffee Maker with Hot Water System might be a good solution if you want to enjoy a good coffee, instant soup, hot cocoa, or tea in the comfort of your own home.

2.) Slow/Rice Cookers can be of real help in the kitchen, especially if you’re not good at guessing; everything is so simple with this type of cookers, you just have to put in the suggested amount of ingredients. What I love most about rice is that it’s so versatile and easy to cook; just mix rice (white/mixed, sushi, porridge, brown or quick rice) with water, oil/butter and salt and there’s your meal, all hot and delicious! For an extra flavor add some fresh herbs, finely minced, and gently mix them with the hot rice before serving. It’s gonna make a wonderful side dish!

Ceramic peeler available at William Sonoma

3.) Ceramic Peelers do a wonderful job on both veggies and fruit and for potato-lovers they are life-changing! Adjustable and very easy to use, the peeler shaves outer layers from produce with effortless speed. Available at Williams-Sonoma.

4.) Grilling has gained a lot of popularity lately as it’s become a viable, low-fat alternative to traditional oil cooking. Besides being en vogue, owning an indoor grill might transform your kitchen adventure into a picnic-like delicious joy. The DeLonghi Indoor Grill will cook quick healthy meals for you in a matter of minutes, both vegetables and meat.

5.) Hand blenders come in extremely handy when your entire family is screaming for food and you don’t have the time to truly indulge in the cooking process. You get to blend, chop, whip, slice, shred and even knead – with just one tool. These little time-savers will help you get creative and bring some really great dishes to your table.

What are your favorite kitchen appliances?