Small Appliances That Will Revolutionize Your Cooking Routine
If you’re ready to take your cooking skills to the next level, check out these cool smart kitchen appliances. They’ll revolutionize your everyday routine!
Unlike other "smart" appliances that simply use Wi-Fi to access a few features, these products have autonomous hardware that makes them intelligent. For instance, the Breville Joule Oven can automatically adjust cooking time and temperature based on the recipe.
Microwave Oven
Microwaves get a bad rap, but they're helpful assistants in the kitchen that can make quick work of things like melting chocolate and reheating yesterday's leftovers. And with a little research, you can pick the perfect one to suit your needs.
Microwave ovens come in two different varieties: countertop and over-the-range (OTR). Countertop models sit on your kitchen counter and don't require installation other than plugging them into an electrical outlet. They range in size from small to large, with the largest being able to fit a full-sized dinner plate inside. The biggest difference between microwaves is the number of watts they use; higher-wattage models heat food faster and more evenly. You can purchase affordable electronic appliances and furniture using Electronics Coupon Code. These coupons may offer discounts or special deals on a variety of items that can help you save money while furnishing your home.
A few of the many features you'll find in microwaves include the ability to scan the bar code on packaged foods (think Stouffer's lasagna or Hot Pockets) and automatically send cooking instructions to the unit via an app. Other innovations include a touch-screen interface and "express" buttons that let you heat a plate, pop popcorn or cook potatoes with the press of a single button. If you have a smart home, you can give the microwave commands via voice with Alexa integration.
In our testing, this Toshiba model impressed us with top-notch performance and an easy-to-clean interior. Its roomy interior is well-suited for family-size portions, and its sleek exterior has a smudge-resistant finish. It's a great option if you don't want to spend extra on smart functionality or if your space doesn't have enough room for a larger microwave. It only has 700 watts, however, so it won't cook as quickly and evenly as our other picks. This GE model also offers middle-of-the-road performance, but it has a smaller turntable that may not be big enough to hold a full-size plate and doesn't have the same ease of use as our other picks.
Electric Kettle
Whether you’re a fan of herbal teas, instant noodles, or simply like hot drinks on the go an electric kettle is probably essential in your kitchen. Unlike stovetop options, these countertop gadgets heat water instantly at the flick of a switch (no hovering over the burner required). But their convenience comes with a high energy cost.
The UK estimates that in 2012, kettles consumed a total of 4489 GW h, which is 34% of the country’s cooking electricity demand. While some of this is due to the burgeoning popularity of these devices, it’s also due to the frequency with which they are used: nine out of ten people use their kettle every day and 40% boil their water five times or more per day.
But the good news is that an electric kettle can be more energy efficient than a stovetop option. The reason is simple: electric kettles heat up faster and turn off automatically, which prevents overheating and saves energy by not heating extra water that will evaporate.
Some models offer additional features to improve efficiency even further. For example, some have indicator lights or icons that let you know when your water is ready. Others, like the KitchenAid Precision Gooseneck Electric Kettle, feature a hold option that will keep your water at a selected temperature for up to 30 minutes.
Another factor to consider when buying an electric kettle is the material from which it’s made. The majority of electric kettles are made out of plastic, which is created from petroleum-based raw materials. The energy it takes to manufacture and transport these plastics, as well as the electricity it uses to operate the kettle, is a significant component of its overall environmental footprint.
Toaster Oven
In most homes, a conventional oven is the go-to for baking and cooking foods. But if you need something quicker, a toaster oven may be the better choice. It can also save you money on electricity since it heats up much more quickly than a full-sized oven and uses less energy.
Toaster ovens are similar in size to a microwave but have extra cooking options, like baking and broiling. They can be used to make many of the same things as a regular oven, including baked goods, roasts, and pizza. They can also cook food more evenly than a microwave.
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Most toaster ovens offer a few basic functions, but some more advanced models have additional features like air frying and even sous vide. They're ideal for those who don't have enough space in their kitchens to accommodate a full-sized oven but want to add more cooking options.
Some of the more sophisticated toaster ovens also have different rack positions, so you can cook several dishes at once. Some even have a defrost option and can cook foods like rotisserie chicken and whole fish.
While they're convenient, toaster ovens have a few drawbacks. For starters, they can be bulky and take up a lot of counter space. They can also be a bit more expensive than an average microwave or toaster. Plus, they can be prone to overheating, which could lead to burnt or undercooked food.
Pressure Cooker
If you’ve been on the hunt for a kitchen appliance that can cook foods like your favorite slow cooker but is much faster, a pressure cooker is just what you need. These pots use steam to create high heat within the sealed pot, allowing food to cook faster than normal (and even up to 10 times as fast). They’re great for turning tough cuts of meat into tender and juicy pieces, and they’re also ideal for soups, stews, beans, and grains.
Pressure cookers have been around for hundreds of years (even before the buzzy Instant Pot made its debut) and, thanks to improved technology, they’re much safer than the models of the past. While you still need to keep an eye on your cooking, stovetop models only require you to watch it until the desired pressure level is achieved. Then, you can simply lower the heat and let it maintain this level throughout the rest of your cook time. Electric pressure cookers take this concept to the next level by plugging in and automatically maintaining this pressure—as well as often incorporating multiple cooking functions, such as air frying, slow cooking, baking, and making yogurt.
One of the most versatile models we’ve found is the Ninja Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker, which features 14 programmable cooking functions—including air fry, saute, pressure cook, steam, and slow cook—as well as a built-in nutrient extractor for healthy recipes. It’s also easy to use: A simple dial lets you select the desired function, while a touchscreen display makes it straightforward to set the temperature and cook time.
Slow Cooker
The tried-and-true slow cooker, also known as a Crock Pot (named after the brand), is an electric countertop appliance that cooks food at low and steady temperatures. It is ideal for making soups, stews, and braises.
It's easy to set in the morning and forget about while you're at work, allowing you to come home to a hot meal that's ready for dinner time. Slow cookers also make it easy to prepare meat dishes at a lower temperature for longer periods, which helps tenderize less expensive cuts of beef brisket, shoulder, or lamb shoulder.
There are many options for slow cookers available today, from basic manual cookers with just high and low-temperature settings to more advanced programmable units that offer a variety of cooking functions like sauteing, pressure cooking, and air frying. Some models are equipped with a probe that can be programmed to switch to the keep-warm setting once a certain internal temperature is reached, avoiding the risk of overcooking foods.
When choosing a slow cooker, consider its user interface, build quality, and other features. The best models have a large and displayed digital screen that is easy to read, with clear and intuitive controls. They're also sturdy and stable, with solidly constructed bases, pots, and lids that won't warp or crack. Some have handy locking latches to prevent spilling during transport, and some feature a clip-top lid that seals tightly to ensure safe transportation. Many of our top-rated slow cookers also include a power indicator light and a convenient temperature alarm that signals when the cook time is complete. Some even have a lock and delay function that allows the user to set a timer for up to eight hours before the machine automatically turns off.
Conclusion
If you’ve been on the hunt for a kitchen appliance that can cook foods like your favorite slow cooker but is much faster, a pressure cooker is just what you need. The tried-and-true slow cooker, also known as a Crock Pot, is an electric countertop appliance that cooks food at low and steady temperatures. There are many options for slow cookers available today, from basic manual cookers with just high and low-temperature settings to more advanced programmable units that offer a variety of cooking functions like sauteing, pressure cooking, and air frying.
