YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Cooking appliances?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Cooking appliances? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:58:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2345018 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:20:22 +0000 Anonymous 2345018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The one that gathers the most dust is an ice cream maker.  It was to make iced cream for those who love it but are on special diets and can't eat the regular stuff. Most used is the coffee maker and little scale.  The toaster is rarely used now and extra wide to accommodate bagel halves is a good option.  It also takes regular slices of bread.  It does not live on the counter top. A small blender/food processor is a help for grinding nuts and making breadcrumbs.   Sloper on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344755 Sat, 18 Nov 2023 04:04:40 +0000 Sloper 2344755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I forgot my rice cooker.  A no-frills, just on/off, almost 20 years old. I have to try it for oatmeal - supposedly rice cookers work well for that. MsMary on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344709 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:27:17 +0000 MsMary 2344709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh,  I forgot to add we have a built-in warming drawer and we use it every single day. (It has a "proof" setting that is great for baking!) Highly recommend for anybody who is planning a kitchen remodel. bella on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344638 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:27:37 +0000 bella 2344638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The following apliances live on the counter because they are used multiple times daily: - Electric kettle equipped with an extra compartment for infusing tea: This is almost always on when we're home. -Toaster grill: More useful to us than a regular toaster, we like our warm sandwiches. - Microwave - Our capsule coffee maker is awaiting service so multiple French presses in its stead. - Turkish coffee maker Used weekly for cooking, baking, making smoothies: - Hand blender 3-in-1: can also be used as whisk and food processor - Vitamix equivalent (different brand) Used only a handful times a year: - Waffle maker - Popcorn maker - Electric juicer - Raclette cat2 on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344535 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 20:38:05 +0000 cat2 2344535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Used frequently: electric kettle, coffee grinder, extra coffee grinder for spices, Cuisinart, Vitamix, and the toaster. Used rarely: stand mixer, pasta maker, waffle iron, ice cream maker, juicer Used when MIL downsized and gave us a lot of kitchen gear, but never replaced: bread machine, rice cooker, electric wok, and lots of speciality fruit cutting implements ChristelJ on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344345 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:38:05 +0000 ChristelJ 2344345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting thread. We have an electric kettle too. I had no idea they were so ubiquitous. Also, we have and use: Toaster from the 1940s, refurbished Blender from the 1960s, refurbished Microwave Food processor Mockmill Immersion blender Air fryer Dehydrator Irina on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344293 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:47:02 +0000 Irina 2344293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My microwave is not only on a shelf, it’s behind a door in a cabinet ! And it’s probably 15 years old! I have never wanted a big kitchen but how I wish I had more storage space! A coffee/tea bar would be a dream! Style Fan on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344253 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:15:09 +0000 Style Fan 2344253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ On our kitchen counter are: Coffee Grinder - Baratatza Electric Kettle- we use it for tea and coffee French Press Vitamix The microwave is on a shelf. I also have a slow cooker, mini chop for herbs (Cuisinart), immersion blender and an electric coffee maker that rarely gets used. I had a food processor that was 35 years old.  It finally broke down. No toaster.  It is on the list. Helena on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344217 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 19:18:34 +0000 Helena 2344217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The appliances that say on the counter are: - electric tea kettle - almost always on the boil, morning and night, summer and winter (waving at Angie, my tea is life sister!) - toaster - used daily - air fryer - used several times a week - DH's aeropress for his coffee - hood fan microwave is over the stove Other useful gadgets: - Instant Pot (would have never thought, but DH sold me, as he does!) - replaced our crock pot - used several times a month, esp in winter - Coffee grinder (DH) - weekly - Milk frother - weekly or a couple times a week, more in winter when I made the kids hot choccies - Immersion blender - weekly in winter for soup - Stand mixer - infrequent baking tool but usefuly - Keurig - for if guests come and I don't have all day to make coffees with the aeropress - Very small food processor, used occasionally to make pesto, or to chop nuts and seeds for outmeal, etc. We are lucky that we have the storage for all of this - DH is Mr. Gadget. I think he has a few others stashed somewhere *rolls eyes* ... I may be more minimalistic, but he most certainly is not!!  Carla on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344203 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:46:42 +0000 Carla 2344203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is pretty interesting, and fun!  <div> </div><div>I’ve been into home reno stuff - including design trends.  Three things that stood out for me vis a vis kitchen trends was: 1) a move away from kitchen islands, 2) a move away from over the range microwaves (and microwaves in general (really!?)), and 3) replacing the liquor cabinet/bar with a coffee bar!   </div><div> </div><div>When a friend had her 1950’s kitchen renovated, she said she listened to the kitchen designer person, who did it for a living - just giving him a list of her ‘problems’ with her existing kitchen.  She said the ‘appliance garage’ he suggested is her favourite feature.  I’ve got all my appliances on a  lazy Susan in a low corner cabinet, and in the pantry.   The Kurig is the only appliance on the counter top, and I’ve got the (unfashionable) over the range microwave!  LOL!</div> MsMary on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344199 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:22:12 +0000 MsMary 2344199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The only appliances that are out on the counter are the fancy coffee maker and the fancy toaster. Oh, and the microwave. They are all used daily or nearly so. Used often (weekly or more): Food processor Stand mixer Used regularly: Rice cooker Spice grinder Knife sharpener Vitamix blender Waffle irons (we have two so we can make more waffles at a time) Used occasionally: Crockpots (multiples because I use more than one at Thanksgiving) Electric skillet Hand mixer Immersion blender Deep fryer Kate on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344196 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:42:34 +0000 Kate 2344196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Electric kettle. Use it daily. My most used small appliance. Immersion blender. It gets a workout in the winter months when I make a lot of soup. Coffeemaker. DH uses. Food processor. DH uses. Countertop microwave. Rarely use. rachylou on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344195 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:25:43 +0000 rachylou 2344195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I *should* get an air fryer because ETA: I have so many other things. I have out always a: Toaster oven Microwave Rice maker Coffee maker Burr grinder and blade grinders Ninja soup making blender Stand mixer Boiled egg maker Electric kettle skinny and pot Then there are: Food processors, two sizes Deep fryer Crockpot Hand mixer Wand mixer Waffle Iron Smoothie makers Mini griddle Mini toaster oven I also have three sets of pots and pans: heavy duty, ceramic, and lightweight Then there are the manual gadgets and specialty pans. Lol I like to cook and bake. But I can’t be bothered to spend more than 15 on making dinner! Angie on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344189 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:35:20 +0000 Angie 2344189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ELECTRIC KETTLE is #1 by far!!!! I don't know how you cope without one. We've had one since the '80s ;)  Tea is life! Next is the microwave, food processor, and toaster. (Not a toaster oven, but a toaster).  Nespresso machine is for guests only. We never use it ourselves. That's it on our counter appliances! We have nothing else.  RobinF on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344187 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:25:37 +0000 RobinF 2344187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun thread! 1. coffee maker! I have one that mimics pour over coffee and it is so much better than regular drip. I make enough to bring to work in a thermos. 2. microwave. I would say we use this daily 3. toaster, stays on the counter but probably only used on weekends. Maybe we should find a home for it in a cupboard 4. rice cooker and air fryer, used a few times a month 5. crock pot and Ninja Nutri-blender, used 5 or 6 times a year 6. Oh can't forget my new-ish stand mixer! I got a KitchenAid dupe before Christmas baking last year and it made it go so much faster! So much better than my hand mixer (which I still have but haven't used since).  Anonymous on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344165 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:20:19 +0000 Anonymous 2344165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have very limited storage and counter space, but even if we had a better kitchen, I wouldn't have more gadgets than I do now. Daily essentials that live on the counter: Simple coffee pot Simple microwave Toaster oven (much more practical than a plain toaster cause I like toasted bread with cheese) Occasional use Blender- for smoothies, acai bowls Little chopper-for small batches of savory spreads like guacamole, hummus, pesto Aside from that- I just cook everything on the stove. If I want something fancy, I'll pay someone else to make it! Never saw the point of a crock pot (seems a fire risk), air fryer (I don't eat fried foods often), stand mixer (I don't bake or even like most baked goods), or instant pot (doesn't seem better than a normal big pot on the stove to me). Staysfit on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344160 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:53:11 +0000 Staysfit 2344160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have given away some appliances that I did not use, most of them gifts from parents or in-laws:  Bread machine, electric juicer, instant pot, coffee maker, immersion blender. I have small tools and utensils which I am not including here.<div> These are the electric appliances I use regularly: 1. Breville electric teapot 2. Cuisinart coffee/spice grinder 3. Vitamix blender 4. Cuisinart Custom 14 food processor (a wedding gift that is now 35+ years old, I replaced the bowl but it still works perfectly), 5. Kitchen aid stand mixer 6. Cuisinart hand mixer 7. Mockmill (grinding grain) 8. Microwave oven 9. Toaster oven 10. Zojirushi Rice cooker 11. Crock pot  I have a magnetic induction pressure cooker pan that I use all the time on my cook top.  I am not sure if it’s an appliance or a pot?  I also have a single magnetic induction cooktop burner that I can plug in and use to either cook or keep pans warm in a buffet.  It’s rarely used but I keep it because we have had a failure of our cooktop in the past and it was handy while waiting for a replacement/repair. </div><div> </div><div> The Mockmill is the only new appliance. The vitamix is about 5 years old.  Everything else is 17-35 years old, so we do get good longevity from our appliances. </div> Olive Green on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344152 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:54:29 +0000 Olive Green 2344152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Runcarla, the crock pot liners changed my cooking style. Lift out the whole mess, pour or place food into a serving dish, throw away the liner.  Probably use it twice a week now. Beans, roasts, soups. No clean-up is a powerful thing! Coffee pot, blender (use it to juice ginger and tumeric roots daily) and one of those so-useful little toaster ovens.  Replaced the lovely flat electric conductive cooktop with a gas stove the first month we moved in.  kkards on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344150 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:41:36 +0000 kkards 2344150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting to see/read what we use The daily’s  -all in one grinder/coffee maker.  This isn’t one of those fancy-schmancy expensive ones.  This is a bare bones Black and Decker model I got at Target probably 15 years ago.  I love it.  So easy to use, and it makes each morning doable <div>-Breville counter top oven.  I bought on this at William Sonoma when they were selling off their floor model, about 7 or 8 years ago.  I LOVE it.  It toasts really well, it heats up fast, and it’s got convection.  I’m not sure I’ve used my wall oven more than once a year since I got this -microwave - I prep and freeze my lunch’s so this gets used on WFH days. But I also use it for almost all veggies, and heating up soups  -basic electric kettle.  Daily use for the tea I drink with dinner the well I have it, might as well use it -instant pot.  Bought into the hype, it’s not lived up to it.  But it is an excellent hard boiled egg maker.  And I’ve found a good Mac n’ cheese recipe  </div> Sloper on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344144 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:45:28 +0000 Sloper 2344144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never thought of using an electric kettle until three years ago. Had to use supplemental oxygen for a few months (fortunately that's resolved) so no open flames. I'm a tea and cocoa lover - decided to try an OXO kettle and LOVE it!  Microwave for popcorn, reheating leftovers, and frozen meals. Toaster oven every morning for my bagel - or reheating a pizza slice, or making a melted cheese sandwich. Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. Must have for baking. An instant thermometer - Thermopen. Don't know how I cooked without. Gave me confidence to try beef filet, whole chicken, etc. Irina on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344140 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:58:58 +0000 Irina 2344140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not much, I think. <div>An electric kettle (used once a day) a small toaster (used once a week by DH) a built in microwave (used every day for reheating) a build in oven a juicer (mostly gathers dust, used to make fruit juice daily but our doctor recommended to eat fruits whole for fiber) a mini food processor and a small blender bought this year to chop food for our grandson. Used more than once a week. </div><div>A fancy coffee machine with pods,  a month old gift from kids. </div><div> </div><div>I like uncluttered countertops but have to keep kettle, toaster, coffee machine on the counter of my small, galley kitchen. </div> SarahD8 on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344139 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:56:56 +0000 SarahD8 2344139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Use absolutely daily without fail: espresso machine and grinder that seemed ridiculously fancy when purchased but have served us faithfully for almost 20 years. Use almost daily: Toaster oven, microwave, electric kettle (we are recent converts to the electric kettle but I love it!) Every week or every other week: Food processor (we’re on a hummus kick, and I use it to grind up almonds for granola since Trader Joe’s stopped carrying them pre ground) Every couple of weeks, weather permitting: Grill with pizza oven contraption (we hardly ever use it just as a grill) In fits and starts but essential when needed: Stand mixer (its season is approaching!) Hardly ever: Mediocre blender Never: Ice cream maker attachment for stand mixer Peri on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344138 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:37:00 +0000 Peri 2344138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not an adventurous cook. I do well on the list of things I have mastered, and I like to invent dishes, but I don't like to explore cookbooks or follow recipes. That said, I still have: <ul> <li>oven and stove of course</li> <li>microwave</li> <li>Vitamix</li> <li>stand mixer</li> <li>waffle iron I never use</li> <li>Large and mini Cuisinarts</li> <li>crockpot</li> <li>Instapot (is that what it's called? I never use it.</li> <li>And now an air fryer</li> </ul> I use the Vitamix for smoothies every morning. I use the crockpot about once a week for lentil soup that I keep a frozen supply of. And of course, the oven/stove and the microwave.  Echo on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344133 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:06:48 +0000 Echo 2344133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, aside from a toaster (used four or five times a week), Microwave (used daily) and coffee pot (used daily), there are very few gadgets I have purchased. We just recently realized how often we use the microwave when it died and we were without one for several days. My mum, however, has bought me everything under the sun, it seems. She sees something and thinks I might find it useful, and brings it without asking, so I have almost anything you can name gathering dust in the basment (pasta maker, bread machine, instant pot, rotating pizza cooker, electric frying pan, etc.). We use a food processor maybe four or five times a year. The one thing I use far more than I ever thought I would is my Kitchenaid Mixer. I use it at least four or five times a week, and sometimes several times a day - often enough that I don't keep it in a cabinet; it has earned a spot on the countertop. Indeed, I need to purchase another bowl for it for the holiday season. I use it to mix cookie dough, cakes, muffins, brownies, pie fillings, meatballs and meatloaf, and everything else. I never thought I'd need one until I had it. avicennia on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344131 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:50:01 +0000 avicennia 2344131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My top two (used daily): Counter top oven — love it! It heats up quickly and evenly, it’s perfect for cake, a single loaf of bread, a small batch of cookies and small pizza. It might take 4 minutes to heat up where the big oven would take 15+. A huge plus: It doesn’t heat up the house in the summer. Immersion blender. Used daily for smoothies and in the winter blended soups. Used 3-5 times a week: Electric pressure cooker (and I have three stove tops ones as well). Used for quick soups in the winter, brisket, ribs, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, beets, risotto, cheesecake and so many other delicious and fast recipes. When we lived in Europe last year for 7 months, the first thing I did was buy an immersion blender and stove top pressure cooker (the later of which came home with me). The only other kitchen appliances are a kitchen aid, hand mixer and a food processor that are rarely used. Roberta on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344126 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:34:39 +0000 Roberta 2344126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My electric kettle gets used twice a day every day, sometimes three times! My other favorite is my ancient toaster oven. Half the time the digital readout doesn't show properly, but I know if I buy a new one it will cost four times as much and break within 2 years. As far as hand-held gadgets, I use my lemon squeezer almost everyday - the kind in which you insert a lemon half and squeeze the handles together like pliers. It only does one thing, but it does it REALLY WELL. Carla on "Cooking appliances?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cooking-appliances#post-2344121 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:14:20 +0000 Carla 2344121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Peri’s post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-use-an-air-fryer#post-2344119">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....st-2344119</a> got me thinking about kitchen gadgetry.  I was going to say that I was old school, and didn’t have any special gadgets…but then I had to reconsider.  Sunday I used a waffle iron to make a hot breakfast, and later in the day I used a food processor to make a nut based crumble topping for baked apples.   <div> </div><div>I use a microwave every day for reheating stuff (though I read microwaves are becoming outmoded in kitchen design!!) and a Kurig for coffee.  Also an electric mixer (hand held) and a stick blender (easily used 5x a week).  The oldest appliance I own is a toaster.   The least used appliance is a large crock pot.  I’ll use it 6-8 times a year for making baked beans, a chicken stew recipe, and occasionally a one pot layered dinner.  I might use it more, but it’s a ‘mare to clean.   </div><div> </div><div>I’ve never had an electric kettle, electric fry pan, or toaster oven and haven’t been interested in an insta pot or air fryer. I grew up with a dad who was the main cook, and who was mad for every gadget ever invented!  He bought a microwave oven in the ‘70’s when they were HUGE.  In his last home, he had a wall cabinet for his cooking appliances, and another cupboard in his garage to accommodate the overflow!  He had smokers, dryers, ice cream makers, egg cookers, etc., etc. What kitchen gadgetry do you own.   Which ones do you love the most, and which ones are gathering dust? (Ooops!  Needs to be moved to Off Topic!) </div><div> </div><div> </div>