Since starting the single chef project, I find that the question I’m asked the most is: What (fill in the blank) do I need in my kitchen? I’ve never been able to answer this question in a concise way. So, for my New Year’s Resolution I decided to focus on giving advice that can help you solve your single kitchen dilemmas with a section called Essentials for the Single Cook.
In this installment I’ll focus on 5 Essential Small Appliances for the Single Cook (plus a few more). I picked out some of my favorite tried and true appliances, and put them all together in my Amazon Store (and I’ve found some of the best prices available!).
1. Food Processor
Like chopping, slicing, dicing, grating, kneading, pureeing, and emulsifying by hand? I didn’t think so! Save time, energy and frustration by investing in a good food processor. You’ll save so much prep time, you’ll wonder why you’ve spent precious years without one.
My Pick: Cuisinart DFP-3 Handy Prep 3-Cup Food Processor: $48.19
Why? It’s small, but it’s mighty and has great attachments (like a citrus juicer!)
2. Toaster Oven
Do you like toast? Check. Do you like rotisserie chicken? Check. And if you’d like to cook, bake, and broil everything in between, a toaster oven is for you. The toaster oven is the perfect device for the single cook’s kitchen because it wastes less energy than a conventional oven, and is perfect for single serving-sized meals.
My Pick: Black & Decker CTO7100B Toast-R-Oven Digital Rotisserie Convection Oven – $79.99
Why? Though this oven is a little pricier than other models, it does more: it has a rotisserie and a convection feature. Worth the extra $20.
3. Coffee/Spice Grinder
Let’s face it, grinding spices using a mortar and pestle is tremendously time consuming. Why not save yourself a few minutes (or hours!) with and use a coffee/spice grinder?
My Pick: Krups Fast Touch Coffee Grinder: $16.99
Why? It’s quick…though a little tricky to clean. Use a flexible tooth brush to clean under the blade.
4. Mixer
I have a confession: I believe every kitchen needs a KitchenAid stand mixer. There. I said it. It makes quick work of doughs, whips the most delicate meringues, and produces perfect peaks for soufflés. It also has an attachments that make ice cream, minces meat for sausages (homemade sausage!!), and makes pasta. But not everyone can afford the $300 price tag. I’m sympathetic to this. So if you have the money, purchase the KitchenAid stand mixer. If you don’t have the money, or you don’t intend to make your own sausage, purchase the Hamilton Beach 62695V Power Deluxe Hand Mixer.
My Picks: Hamilton Beach 62695V Power Deluxe Hand Mixer – $19.99
Why? The Hamilton Beach Mixer is inexpensive, but has a strong motor. The KitchenAid Artisan is the perfect blend of style and substance.
5. Immersion Hand Blender
Blend sauces, mix smoothies, and whip mash potatoes with ease, by using an immersion hand blender. I’ve written a blog post extolling the sheer beauty of the immersion hand blender, so I won’t repeat myself. Except to say this: buy one today!
My Pick: Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender – $23.78
Why? Read this post. It’ll change your life.
And now for a few less essential cooking appliances…
6. Yogurt Maker
Last year, I featured a post called Why Aren’t You Making Homemade Yogurt, and I pose the question still. Yogurt is cheap and easy to make, and you’ll be proud of the results.
My Pick: Euro Cuisine Yogurt Maker – YM80 – $34.70
Why? When my favorite yogurt maker was discontinued, I despaired a bit, until I saw this one.
7. Juicer
Stop giving your money away at the juice bar. It’s time you make your own!
My Picks: Waring Health Juice Extractor- $56.90
Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain – $99.00
Why? I’ve been using the Waring Juice Extractor for years, and I love it (though it’s not the best at extracting juice from greens). The Breville is a bit pricier, but is a near perfect juicer.
8. Countertop Grill
I debated for a while about putting this one on the list, because I prefer using a grill pan, but a lot of single people are attracted to the countertop grill for ease of use, so it had to be included. Use it to make paninis and burgers, or to grill fish and chicken.
My Pick: Cuisinart GR-3 Griddler Jr 3-in-1 Nonstick Countertop Grill – $53.59
Why? It’s durable. You won’t be replacing this grill every two years (like another, more famous model).
9. Blender
Entertaining a crowd? Get a blender. And one with a strong motor and a nice, heavy glass jar is preferable.
My Pick: Cuisinart BFP-603 SmartPower Deluxe Blender and Food Processor – $92.95
Why? Though it’s a bit pricey, it is a duel blender and food processor, which is perfect for entertaining a crowd of four or more.
10. Waffle Maker
Everyone deserves a treat (especially in the morning), so why not make yourself a waffle.
My Pick:< Proctor-Silex 26500 Morning Baker Belgian Waffle Baker – $26.39
Why? At just over $25 it’s an affordable indulgence.
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