https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:51:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2238007 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:37:30 +0000 Janet 2238007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Judy, I have similar preferences!&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks everyone for all the great responses. So fun to read and ponder.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie, I am now following Leicht USA -- thanks for the tip!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2238004 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:20:25 +0000 judy 2238004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating to read what we all love and can't do without.&nbsp; I have been gifted some gadgets, new and used, over the years by people who love and use them.&nbsp; I have a food processor, that rice cooker you all mentioned, an instant pot, a slow cooker, and a vita mix all stored in the pantry and a kitchen aid mixer on the counter.&nbsp; But I find that I am just not really a gadget person in the kitchen.&nbsp; &nbsp;I prefer to chop and grate by hand.&nbsp; (and I'm not a baker).&nbsp; Maybe it's my age, it's just the way I learned to cook.&nbsp; I like to be able to lift a lid and smell and taste, which one can't do with gadgets as easily.&nbsp; But I switched to an electric kettle 25 years ago and have never looked back!&nbsp; That and a toaster of course seem to be my necessary gadgets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2237157 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:04:06 +0000 Angie 2237157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet</b>, we will have our kitchen and bathroom remodel done by Leicht Seattle - German product - and they are on IG! They are incredible if you want to have look.</p> <p><b>Sal</b>, thanks :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2237102 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:10:46 +0000 RobinF 2237102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh Nespresso! Yum!</p> <p>We are pretty simple with our appliances - only a toaster and coffee maker on the counter. We also have a crock pot that we use a couple of times a month, mostly to cook chicken breasts to use later. We have an air fryer that we also only use a couple of times a month. I like it mostly for potatoes and it is big and bulky although not heavy. I could definitely live without it. We also have a Nutribullet that I mostly use when I'm on a smoothie kick and a hand mixer that I rarely pull out but when you need it you need it. I'd kind of love a Kitchen Aid stand mixer but not sure how much I would use it and or where I would keep it. Same with a dutch oven. We had a rice cooker, just the basic cheapie with an on/off button but gave it to our son when he moved out. I'm fine cooking rice and oatmeal in the microwave although I think the rice cooker did a better job.</p> <p>Good luck! So fun having a new kitchen! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2237096 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:52:47 +0000 Janet 2237096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with elpgal! I'd be curious to see your recipes, Gaylene. It sounds like how I would prefer to eat! We get two Blue Apron meals a week -- yes, I am lame and a mostly novice cook, but those meals have taught me a lot and helped me gain confidence in my cooking on nights when we don't have a meal kit. We often opt for the mediterranean or Asian style meals.&nbsp;</p> <p>This has been helpful as it has helped me define and solidify our preferences and needs. I'm going to sit down and make a list of our requirements. I'm also noting things like: we need a place for the dogs' water dish, and we don't want a "landing pad" on the kitchen island. We hate visible clutter! (My idea is to move the landing pad for keys, glasses, etc. into the laundry room, which is also getting a makeover -- it's the room we enter from the garage, and it leads into the kitchen.)</p> <p>SF, I'm angling for keeping a magnetic induction range. We had gas at the ranch, and I always liked that visible flame, but I HATE cleaning those tops. I love that the induction top is easy to clean, and cool to the touch even immediately after cooking. Also, gas would mean having to run a line into the house from the propane tank we have for the swimming pool heater. Not a huge deal perhaps, but I don't necessarily want to be worrying about the propane level in the tank even in the winter when we are cooking the most.&nbsp;</p> <p>Suntiger, we have a salad spinner! It doubles as a strainer/collander for washing veggies. We got it last year when I was harvesting lots of lettuce and kale from our backyard container garden.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie, I'll have to make a list of IG accounts. They're not coming to mind at the moment, although I think I follow the "kitchensofinstagram" hashtag. I also follow some "modern" and "contemporary" interior design accounts. I also obsessively collect ideas on Houzz. I don't use Pinterest a lot but I get a few ideas there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2237090 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:53:09 +0000 Staysfit 2237090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, the rice cooker takes longer to cook rice than the pot on the stove method, however, IMO, the texture of the rice is better.&nbsp; I also use my rice cooker for steel cut oats and quinoa.<div><br /></div><div>Even though our cooktop has four burners, at 30 inches, it does not have space for more than two large pots. &nbsp;The rice cooker helps save a burner for a main dish. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I seriously considered a mini kitchen remodel along with all the other remodeling we did this year. &nbsp;I looked at expanding to a&nbsp;36” cooktop, which our contractor felt would be possible with minimal tweaks. &nbsp;In another house I had sealed gas burners and a down draft vent. &nbsp;Even though the gas burners were sealed, they were harder to clean and maintain than the magnetic induction top. &nbsp;I couldn’t find a magnetic induction top, or a mixed gas/magnetic induction top that I liked enough to warrant making the change right now. &nbsp; I’m curious if you plan to switch to gas or stay with magnetic induction? &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236953 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 19:23:59 +0000 Sal 2236953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting thread! Exciting times Janet and Angie!</p> <p>We are all different -my sisters both adore their thermomix - I don’t see myself needing one. </p> <p>In ranking here are my appliances</p> <p>espresso machine<br /> Kettle<br /> Toaster<br /> Kitchen Aid<br /> Food processor<br /> NutriBullet<br /> Sandwich Press<br /> Waffle machine</p> <p>I broke my old slow cooker and may replace with a new one or instant pot.</p> <p>It is a trade off - the more space you have the more you store and keep. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236920 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 15:58:24 +0000 JAileen 2236920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are websites extolling the virtues of the Instant Pot. &nbsp;For me, though, it’s just an improved pressure cooker. &nbsp;I grew up with a mother who used a pressure cooker, and I used my stove top one for over 35 years. &nbsp;For what they are good at, they are The Best. &nbsp;If you never used a pressure cooker, then an Instant Pot would seem like a waste. &nbsp;<div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236910 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:13:40 +0000 Anonymous 2236910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One more rec: a salad spinner! I don't just use it for lettuce and spinach, but also to drain extra water out of tofu and jar veggies like roasted peppers and artichokes. Then I don't have watery stir frys!<br /> Am making rice right now, just in the normal big pot I use for pasta, couscous and other grains. 20 min- no effort. No extra device! ETA- stirred it maybe 3× (was making my weekly tofu on other burner so was already at stove) and set the timer on the stove for the 20 min. No stick, no burn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236881 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 06:27:34 +0000 Gaylene 2236881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*laughing*<br /><b>elp and Janet. &nbsp;<i></i></b><i></i>My apologies for derailing this thread by giving out recipes. Rice cookers are good…crazy old ladies maybe not so much?</p> <p><b></b></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236880 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 05:03:32 +0000 DonnaF 2236880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We are on our second Zojirushi fuzzy logic rice cooker. You can set it to cook hours in advance and then it keeps the rice warm for a few hours. It has settings for white rice, sushi rice, brown rice, mixed Korean rice, and porridge. I use it every week to make a big batch of steel cooked oats. I used to eat brown rice while DH ate white rice.</p> <p>Those portable appliances were great to use when we were out of our kitchen when it was being remodeled. Maybe you can borrow and audition those you don’t own? It sounds like most of us have expensive appliances that rarely get used. Ours is the Instapot that DH (the cook) found had too steep of a learning curve. My sense is that DD (age 28) would like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236876 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 04:32:10 +0000 Echo 2236876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably shouldn't comment regarding rice, as I've never tried a rice cooker. I had some bad luck with rice when I first started cooking, but once I found the proper method of cooking for the type of rice we use most commonly, it has been smooth sailing - perfectly cooked, no sticking to the pan, done quickly. So I just never felt the need for a separate appliance for it.</p> <p>But these things really are personal. My Dh used to buy every kitchen gadget advertised on the telly, and we don't use 90% of them. Those have mostly found new homes. The bullet blender/chopper is the exception (he uses it a lot; I don't). I didn't get a Kitchen Aid mixer until two years ago, and now I don't know how I survived without it. But the Instant Pot, the food processor, the pasta maker, the pizza cooker, the electric pan, etc. were really a waste. I do still have a blender that lives in the basement and generally only comes upstairs during the holiday season (there's an ambrosia salad that Dh adores that requires it).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2236875 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 03:53:21 +0000 elpgal 2236875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use my Instapot for rice too. But agree it has a steep learning curve unless you are used to a pressure cooker. </p> <p>Gaylene - would love to know what you eat. Your cuisines sound eclectic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236873 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 03:37:27 +0000 Suz 2236873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rice cooker is brilliant! We have a sort of mid-range Zojirushi (now a bunch of years old -- maybe 8?) and use it constantly. It works for other grains, too, and even for stuff like applesauce. It keeps stuff warm, re-warms easily, and as Diana said, means you don't have to watch anything or worry about stirring/ burning. We use rice and other grains a fair bit. (LJ was gluten free for a while). And we cook a lot of Asian, middle-eastern, and Indian food.&nbsp;</p> <p>But as <b>Gaylene</b> said -- it's so personal! You have to know your cooking style and what you'll use and enjoy.&nbsp;</p> <p>I forgot to mention my immersion blender. But it takes up zero room. <b>SUPER </b>useful for blending soups etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236841 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 23:57:32 +0000 rebekahphoto 2236841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We love to cook, but have pretty basic appliances. I have friends who love their insta-pot and rice cookers, so I think they can be useful. But I just use a pan on the stove for rice and slow cook in covered cast iron pots--just like Julia!</p> <p>Our Necessities: <br />Espresso machine &amp; Mazzer Luigi burr grinder. Fab. We have friends who had a built it Miele and it was really nice... I think would be a well used splurge</p> <p>My Vitamix, stays on the counter. And a toaster oven: For toast, cheese toasts, &amp; heating up small servings for the two of us. We have a large 6 burner/griddle gas range and so its nice to have a smaller option for heating/cooking small servings quick. I like that it has a small footprint and is versatile.... We got rid of our microwave when we bought the house and don't miss it&nbsp;</p> <p>We do have stand mixers and slow cooker for parties, But those stay downstairs most of the time. I do like to streamline as Im getting older, less stuff to have around.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236800 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 20:15:18 +0000 Sloper 2236800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Forgot to mention my newest gadget - OXO electric kettle.&nbsp; Boils faster than the kettle on the gas burner.&nbsp; I use it for tea, cocoa, and to heat water for baking and dissolving bouillon granules/cubes for cooking.</p> <p>Love love love my Aroma&nbsp;<b>rice cooker</b>.&nbsp; It is the most basic type (and probably at least 15 years old now) - just an "on" switch.&nbsp; Also has a steamer basket.&nbsp; Just DH and me, so don't need anything else.</p> <p>Zoojirushi is supposed to be the best, I've heard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236794 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:53:37 +0000 Gaylene 2236794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My “fuzzy logic”&nbsp;zojirushi was a gift from my Chinese DIL. I was doubtful I’d use it much at first, but it quickly became worthy of being in my kitchen as my go-to grains cooker. My cooking style these days is a combination Northern European/Eastern European/Mediterranean/Middle Eastern with a strong dash of coastal Chinese (the influence of my in-laws!). Most of these cuisines use grains as a basis for many of their dishes. And, since I rarely cook traditional North American-style dinners for these days, I’ve found my induction burner, small convection oven, and rice cooker to be more efficient when preparing meals for just the two of us—or for a small gathering of friends.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>My cooking style and our way of eating has changed significantly over the years. These days Mr. G and I have gravitated towards a more plant-based and international way of eating. I prefer now to work in a much smaller kitchen, use seasonal local produce, and, generally, want to spend less time in the kitchen while still being able to indulge in my love of cooking and baking.. Having a huge range, multiple prep areas, and an expansive kitchen just doesn’t make sense for us these days, but a rice cooker does.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236752 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 17:50:19 +0000 Diana 2236752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet , for me the rice cooker is absolutely about convenience. I don’t have to time anything, it never sticks or burns, and it keeps the rice warm until the rest of dinner is ready. Also my standard rice is a short grain sushi rice which is more annoying to cook on the stove because it sticks more. Pretty much my least favorite part of cooking is stirring things on the stove so anything that means I don’t have to do that is my best friend. I think we cook rice at least once a week. If you do get one I’d recommend a zojirushi as I think they are the best. I have this one which is very popular among Asian cooks (including my mom and many relatives) - it’s not the super fancy fuzzy logic one but it’s extremely reliable and always makes perfect rice. </p> <p><a href="https://www.target.com/p/zojirushi-5-5-cup-automatic-rice-cooker-38-warmer-tulip/-/A-79992498" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/zojir.....A-79992498</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236738 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 16:53:16 +0000 Minaminu 2236738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>it's interesting to see how our diet is reflected in the kitchen appliances! </p> <p>2022 is also our remodel year :), our kitchen will need to be planned carefully as it's quite compact. We have a small pantry (mainly for food, conserves, yoghurt maker and big pots) and our our kitchen worktop we have:<br />- kettle&nbsp;<br />- toaster<br />- small coffee machine<br />- smooth blender</p> <p>Neatly stored, we have a<br />-&nbsp; food processor (Mini Magimix ) is</p> <p>and used for dinner prep<br />-&nbsp; soup blender</p> <p>&nbsp;Even if we would have a bigger kitchen, I don't think I would add my appliances - maybe I would replace my mini magimix with the standard size as it can do lots!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236718 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:30:04 +0000 Angie 2236718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I LOVE to cook, so this is a fun thread.</p> <p>What <b>Gaylene</b> said too. It's all very personal, and has to suit your diet, cooking style, and lifestyle.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Janet, </b>we are currently planing our own major loft remodel and the kitchen is a big part. VERY exciting! We can compare notes :)</p> <p>After some research, I decided that neither an insta pot, air fryer, Crockpot, deep fryer, bread maker, ice machine, or ice cream maker would suit our eating and cooking habits. I DO want an electric wok when I can store it after the remodel. Not on the counter though. That is the only other device I want to add.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have very few devices on the counter, and in general:&nbsp; </p> <ul> <li>KETTLE FOR TEA&nbsp; - MOST IMPORTANT!!!&nbsp;</li> <li>Toaster for morning toast - next important!&nbsp;</li> <li>Food processor right next to the range (cannot cook another way)</li> <li>Small coffee machine for guests only (we don't use it otherwise)</li> <li>Beautiful turquoise le Creuset Dutch Oven stays on the range</li> </ul> <p>No other devices. Small hand mixer and soup blender in the drawer. And need a new rice cooker. </p> <p><b>Janet,</b> which IG kitchen remodel accounts do you follow? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236693 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:28:08 +0000 Janet 2236693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, SF, I definitely want to check out that book — thank you for the recommendation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236688 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:13:27 +0000 Janet 2236688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s so interesting how varied our needs are! I’m struck reading the comments with how few gadgets we have:</p> <p>- the basic cooking appliances — stove top, oven, plus a microwave that is used daily.</p> <p>- Standard toaster - sits on counter, used frequently. No toaster oven.</p> <p>- Zojirushi water dispenser — used daily for instant hot water for tea. Sits on counter.</p> <p>- Coffee station — used daily! We recently bought a Nespresso Virtuo machine, which we wanted to use on our Airstream trips because our usual French press routine requires a lot of cleanup and water and can result in a fair bit of waste. We like the coffee and the pods are recyclable (I just dropped off a bag to Williams Sonoma the other day). Hubs want to get one of those pricey Miele machines, and I scoffed at first. But of everything in our kitchen, the one thing we absolutely do every day we are home is make coffee. So maybe it is worth a pricey built-in machine! I do like an option that eliminates the need for the grinder and the hot water kettle to be out on the kitchen counter all the time. We still have an old drip coffee maker for times when we have guests and want to be able to make a big pot of coffee, but I think we can get rid of that with the addition of the Nespresso (or whatever machine we add). </p> <p>- Food processor, blender, hand mixer — all infrequently used. I guess our cooking and prep are much more based on knife cutting by hand and mixing in bowls by hand, LOL. These live in a cabinet. </p> <p>- We have a meat grinder that we need to give away. It was a one-time use thing for beef from the ranch. </p> <p>- Crockpot — used occasionally. Lives in a big cabinet. </p> <p>- Juicer — I think I brought it home from my mom’s after she passed. I don’t recall ever using it. </p> <p>A lot of things that sound essential for others don’t mean much to us (and vice versa, I’m sure!). It’s just the two of us, 90% of the time, and we are not super into cooking, although we’ve gotten better at it over the last two years. And even Thanksgiving dinners are not the production they were some years ago — this year my stepson and his wife are hosting for the second time, so we are off the hook! Boy, it’s a challenge doing Thanksgiving dinner for 12 people with two induction burners, an oven, and a microwave! </p> <p>Ok, talk to me about rice cookers. What’s the big deal? I throw rice and water in a pot and set the timer. We mainly do rice with Blue Apron meals. Is a rice cooker really so much better? Can you use it for stuff other than rice? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236674 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 12:13:19 +0000 Staysfit 2236674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, even though I have a very large house my kitchen is proportionally small in comparison. When we designed it, we spent a lot of time considering function. &nbsp;Before building our house, DH and I had experienced many kitchens and our favorite was the very small galley kitchen in our second apartment. &nbsp;Everything was conveniently close. It took very few steps to gather ingredients and tools. &nbsp;Whereas, the other &nbsp;kitchens sprawled, were poorly designed and cooking felt tiring. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>I read the book, Kitchen Design with Cooking in mind. If you haven’t read it, you may want to take a look. &nbsp;IMO, the best idea I garnered from that book was to include two kitchen sinks. &nbsp;Both serve as prep sinks, one doubles as a clean up sink. &nbsp;I have worked in kitchens with large countertops that go unused because everyone crowds near the sink! Another idea from the book is to create extra deep counters which would allow for counter top storage. &nbsp;I considered this, but the extra cost for cutting my countertop to fit was beyond our budget at the time. I did add one counter at a lower height which is perfect for kneading dough. &nbsp;It also worked well for children who were learning to cook. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>On my counters: 1. Breville electric tea kettle &nbsp;2. Cuisinart electric coffee grinder (used for flax and spices since we do not drink coffee) 3. A toaster oven 4. A set of very sharp knives</p> <p>Appliances stored in my pantry on sturdy deep shelves:<br />1. Large pressure cooker (not electric) that doubles as a stock pot<br />2. zojirushi rice cooker (small and used often)<br />3. Food processor and accessories<br />4. Blender<br />5. Old crock pot (which will not be replaced once it breaks)<br />6. Electric hand mixer<br />7. Kitchen aid stand mixer<br />8. Magnetic induction burner/hot plate - I have a 30 inch magnetic induction cooktop, so this serves as an extra burner when I want to prepare multiple items at the same time, for a large meal, etc.&nbsp;<br />9. Waffle iron<br />10. Large wood cutting boards and large ceramic mixing bowls for bread baking.</p> <p>If I had less storage space, I would eliminate the stand mixer, the crock pot, and maybe the waffle iron. &nbsp;I would move the rice cooker to the counter since it is used so often. &nbsp;</p> <p></div><div><br /></div><div>I have a large electric roasting pan stored in my basement. &nbsp;Maybe that should count as one of my appliances? &nbsp;It comes out once a year at Thanksgiving, and then goes back into storage. &nbsp;</p> <p> </div><div><br /></div><div>I also have a coffee pot in my basement for use when we have guests who drink coffee…..hmm, I wonder if it even works…..</div><div><br /></div><div>ETA, my friends who purchased air fryers have regretted them. &nbsp;DD has a multi pot and uses it all the time. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I have had specialized appliances in the past, juicers, and bread machines, however I eliminated them. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236661 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 04:07:38 +0000 Gaylene 2236661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems to me that a person’s “essentials” in the kitchen are like “essentials” in a wardrobe—different for everyone.</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>Downsizing from a house with a large, customized kitchen to a tiny condo meant I had to really think about I wanted to keep. I’m still a “from scratch” cook/baker who rarely follows a recipe and who is constantly trying new techniques and flavors—I mean, doesn’t everyone have 10 different vinegars in their kitchen? Since I’d rather buy a new spice or condiment &nbsp;than an appliance, I’ve severely restricted my small appliances these days. What made the cut are the following:<br />(1) An induction hot plate and a counter top convection oven. If I designed a kitchen these days, I’d eliminate the range entirely and just keep these two appliances. They are my stalwarts for fast cooking.&nbsp;</div><div>(2) A “fuzzy logic” rice cooker for perfect grains.&nbsp;</div><div>(3) A food processor for shredding, soup-making, and doughs.<br />(4) A heavy-duty hand mixer (goodby KitchenAid mixer!) and immersion stick (goodbye blender!)<br />(5) My Nespresso machine for morning lattes and after-dinner espressos along with a good coffee grinder and AeroPress for that mug of coffee.&nbsp;</div><div>(6) An electric kettle and decent kitchen scale.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>These items reside in one shelf and on the counter because they are always in use. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236631 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 01:50:33 +0000 Suz 2236631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an Instant Pot and love it. &nbsp;There *is* a learning curve for the thing, though. You have to devote a bit of time to figuring it out. I use it for pre-cooking (legumes, blanching veggies fast, etc.) but also for "real" cooking -- Melissa Clark's cookbooks are brilliant for this. And I also make a lot of "use up whatever's in the pantry" soups with it. It lives under our bar sink, near where I plug it in when using.&nbsp;</p> <p>Other appliances include a Cuisinart, a Vitamix, a hand mixer etc. and rice cooker, and they all live in a corner cupboard, like Carla's. I put our toaster in yet another cupboard. The only appliance on the counter is our electric kettle (we use it every day).&nbsp;</p> <p>Kitchen renovations. So much fun! &nbsp;(UGH!!!) Mr. Suz and I have stayed married through 3 of them. Incredible or what?&nbsp;</p> <p>The rice cooker and toaster are the most used things apart from the Instant Pot.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236628 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 01:34:46 +0000 Echo 2236628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the type of holder I mentioned. Sadly, we don't have the cabinet space for this, but I would LOVE to be able to have mine set up this way. I use that mixer ALL. THE. TIME. especially around the holidays. When we're not making dough or batter, we're mixing meatloaf or using the attachments to shred cheese or vegetables.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.wayfair.com/Hardware-Resources--Softclose-MixerAppliance-Lift-ML1CH-L903-K~HWSC1812.html?refid=GX528945704365-HWSC1812&amp;device=c&amp;ptid=740860763662&amp;network=g&amp;targetid=pla-740860763662&amp;channel=GooglePLA&amp;ireid=75565173&amp;fdid=1817&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrYymm8uC9AIVwxrnCh0vogDaEAQYAiABEgIshvD_BwE">https://www.wayfair.com/Hardwa.....C1812.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236625 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 01:21:12 +0000 Diana 2236625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, we have many appliances but I’d say the ones I could not live without are the espresso machine/grinder, the toaster oven, and the rice cooker. I also love the food processor for convenience.<br /> Of those, everything but the food processor lives on the counter. As does the kitchen aid mixer and blender although we don’t use them too often. That’s just because they’re too big (or tall in the case of the blender) to easily store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236611 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 23:47:02 +0000 Jenn 2236611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if you've picked your oven yet, but ours has an air fryer mode that works great (it came as a system update on our unnecessarily internet-connected convection oven) &nbsp;I would never have bought a countertop version (for the same anti-clutter reason as you), but I can't believe how often I find myself using air fry mode now. Homemade chicken fingers! Air-fried tempura! Heating up the DoorDash fries that arrived limp and soggy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236594 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 22:34:23 +0000 Anonymous 2236594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never felt the need for either, I just cook everything on the stove. Even when we build the new house, I doubt I'd want to buy them. Everything I make takes under half hour in a pot or pan, so why would I want to drag that out?</p> <p>For storage, I keep the appliances I use everyday on the counter- coffeemaker, toaster oven, blender. I like the idea of empty counters, but am not going to bother putting those things away.</p> <p>A good purchase I made last year though is a little chopper. It's better than my blender for making things like bruchetta, pesto, guacamole, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ok-ylf-cooks%e2%80%a6#post-2236575 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 20:08:04 +0000 Gail 2236575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kitchen Aid mixer is a must for me and the only appliance I have out. I have a slow cooker and an Instant Pot, I no longer use them much since my children are all grown up and moved away. I do use my food processor and rice cooker but they not on the counter, neither is the toaster. </p>