There are certain kitchen gadgets that I absolutely LOVE! Whether you are a working mom, a SAHM mom, or just love to cook, these kitchen gadgets will make it that much easier to prepare your favorite recipes! These are items that I would highly recommend, would give as gifts, and would definitely buy again!

 

My Absolute Must-Haves

InstantPot

No must-have list would be complete without this fantastic kitchen gadget! I really can’t say enough good things about my InstantPot! I use almost every day to prepare easy, simple dinners! In my opinion, it works better than my Crockpot for slow cooking. Plus, if I forget to thaw something or put something in at a certain time, I have the option of the pressure cooker setting. I think my very favorite thing, however, is that I can prepare an entire meal in one device–browning meat on the saute setting, slow cooking or pressure cooking, and thickening the sauce! Did I mention it’s dishwasher safe? Oh yeah, it’s pretty much the greatest!

John Boos Maple Cutting Board

My husband bought me this as a 5th anniversary gift (traditional gift is wood). It is wonderful! Before this cutting board I had some cheap plastic and bamboo ones. This board is attractive enough to be on my counter all the time for the quick fruit or cheese slicing, but is heavy duty and practical for when I have a lot to cut. I still use one of my plastic, dishwasher safe cutting boards for cutting raw meat, but for everything else it’s this one! The only downside is that it does require a bit of care–hand-washing, and I would recommend the John Boos Mystery Oil and Board Cream Care and Maintenance Set too.

Lodge Cast Iron Pans

This was another anniversary gift (6th anniversary is iron)! I use these daily! I find that I get a much more even and intense heat from them. They are especially good for cooking meat and for frying! I only wish I had a few more (dutch oven, grill pan, and a deeper frying pan are all on my list). They do require a little extra care as well, but I think it’s worth it.

Cuisnart Salad Spinner

LOOOOOOOVE my salad spinner! I didn’t even know this kitchen gadget existed until I saw my friend using one. This Cuisinart model is so great! It has a large capacity and works really slick. I put my lettuce or other greens in with a few cups of water and spin it to wash it. Then I drain the excess water and spin it to dry it. The only negative I have to say is that it isn’t dishwasher safe, other than that, it’s amazing!

Salt & Pepper Grinder Set

I feel like a sophisticated chef when I am using my salt and pepper grinders. I buy course sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and special peppercorn blends to refill them. Besides that touch of flair and elegance, I really think that freshly ground salt and pepper really do improve the flavor of a meal!

Really Nice to Haves

Silicone Baking Mat

These nifty silicone baking mats make my list of fantastic kitchen gadgets because they work so well and they are a more green alternative to foil or parchment paper. Silicone baking mats help bakers achieve a nice even bake. Their flexible nature also makes it super easy to remove baked goods from sheet pans. What’s more, you don’t have to feel guilty about going through roll after roll of parchment paper or tin foil.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

This is one kitchen appliance that really makes me nostalgic. The KitchenAid company was founded in 1919, and has been making quality mixers (and other gadgets) ever since. My grandmother had one, which my mom later inherited. I have so many fond memories of baking with my grandma and mom. When I got married, I made sure to add a KitchenAid stand mixer to my registry. It is so versatile and convenient. I use mine whenever I bake and for making ice cream (see below). It is particularly a lifesaver when baking bread (see my post on 5 Simple Bread Making Tips for the Beginner).

Apple Peeler and Corer

This is a really fun (and still practical) kitchen gadget for anyone who loves apples! I have used this to prepare apples for apple sauce, apple crisp, apple pies, apple dumplings, and dried apples. I haven’t tried it on potatoes yet, but I bet it would be great for curly fries!

Just for Fun

KitchenAid Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment

I received this as Christmas gift last year. It attaches to my KitchenAid mixer and allows me to make delicious ice cream. I keep the bowl in the freezer so it is always ready to go when I have an ice cream craving. Before purchasing, make sure you have the correct model ice cream maker for your specific model of stand mixer (you can figure this out on the Amazon page). Check out this delicious ice cream recipe from Your Homebased Mom: Fresh Blueberry Ice Cream!

Oster Wine Bottle Opener

Last but not least, this is such a fun little kitchen gadget! I am terrible at opening wine bottles with regular cork screws–tell me I’m not the only one! This cool rechargeable wine bottle opener is easy to use and comes with a wine bottle chiller and a little foil cutting doohicky too.
**This post contains affiliate links for products I use and love. If you click on a link, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).**

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