Five Useful Kitchen Tools That Make Life Easier
Having the right kitchen tools can make any cooking project easier and more enjoyable. I love having just the right pan, tool, or handy item to use when I am cooking. I am also always on the lookout for a great new gadget or appliance. There are so many favorites that I use in my kitchen. Here are five of the ones I use the most that I would not want to do without.
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1. Instant Pot
My Instant Pot tops my favorite kitchen tools list every single time. I bought mine on sale during a Cyber Monday sale a few years ago. It sat in my pantry for months because, as much as I hate to admit it, I was a little intimidated by it. Some research was needed. I read some posts about how to use it and I watched a few Youtube videos as well. I discovered that it can do so many things. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker and more! Now I use it 2 or 3 times a week. I love to use it to quickly cook frozen chicken tenders to use in soups, casseroles, chicken salad, etc. It makes perfect chicken for shredding. I also make Irish Beef Stew, several chili recipes, and more.
This is the exact one that I have. Mine is a 6 quart size. Click here to check it out.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot and want one then be sure to check out sales during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas sales. Also, do a little research before buying so that you are not like me and store it away for a long time!
2. Three Station Slow Cooker
This is a must for get-togethers and parties but it is also handy for serving dinner at home. The one I have has three 1.5 quart pots. There are others available that have 2.5 quart pots if you need larger pots. I do not use mine for cooking food so I cannot speak to how well it works as compared to a typical crock pot for slow cooking. One thing that I know for sure is that it is great for keeping food warm and for being used as a serving station. I love to use it for hot dips, meatballs, pigs in a blanket, or other warm party foods. It is great for serving bbq pulled pork, Brunswick stew, and baked beans. You can find so many uses for this great kitchen tool!
This isn’t the exact one that I have but it is very similar. There are several different brands. You can also get one with 2.5 quart pots, a two station instead of three, or get it in a copper finish.
3. Marble Paper Towel Holder
Now, don’t laugh at this one! Hear me out! I switched to a standing paper towel holder about a year ago and I would never go back to a stationary one. The thing that I love most is that I can move it wherever I need it. I can just grab it by the top and move it to the stove, move it to the table, take it in the den for movie snacking, or take it outside for outdoor dining. Mine is made from marble, similar to this one, so it is very heavy. I can pull off paper towels and it stays put. It looks good sitting on the counter as well. It really is very handy!
This paper towel holder is very similar to mine. They do not sell the one that I have anymore. There are many styles available that are very decorative.
4. Cast Iron Frying Pan
My sister told me about this frying pan and how much she enjoyed hers. I bought one and I also use it constantly. It is large enough to cook a one dish dinner or hold several hamburger patties. It is great for searing and cooking meat, such as steaks. I use mine for this Southwest Mac & Cheese recipe every time I make it. It is very heavy and since it is made of cast iron it needs to be cleaned and seasoned with oil each time I use it, but it is worth it! I also like that it isn’t very expensive like some cast iron can be.
This is an actual photo of my pan. This recipe makes a lot so you can see that it holds a large amount of food.
5. Pampered Chef Apple Wedger
This apple wedger is such a handy kitchen tool. We like apples so we use it very often. It’s well made, sturdy, and easy to use. It makes quick work out of slicing apples. The apple slices are perfect and it takes out the core. You might think you would not use something like this but if you eat or cook with apples often it is a very useful tool. Just add some peanut butter or caramel dip and you have an easy delightful snack!
This is a photo of my actual Pampered Chef apple wedger. I know that you can find other brands of these but I have only used the Pampered Chef brand.
Are there any useful kitchen tools that you love?
If you have any really great kitchen tools that you love I would love to hear about them. Please comment below.
If your kitchen needs some sprucing up then check out this post.
Five Inexpensive and Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Kitchen
If you need some new recipes to try then check out our Food Category !
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I’m going to buy one of those skillets and make that mac and cheese recipe. Thanks for all the great gadget suggestions!
Thank you for your comment! I hope you will love your skillet! Be sure to read the directions on how to care for it as cast iron is different from other pans. With good care it will last forever! I hope you will enjoy the mac and cheese as well! It is one of our faves! 🙂
My sister gave me this adjustable Food Storage/freezer bag holder. It has been very useful especially when preparing foods for freezing.
https://www.amazon.com/Siyurongg-Freezer-Adjustable-Storage-Holders/dp/B0C3CFXDDR/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=plastic+bag+storage+holder&qid=1708024281&sr=8-14
Wow! Thank you for this suggestion! I could definitely use those. It would be so good not to have to worry about the bags falling over or spilling out!