It is so difficult to pass by those demonstrators who present how to create carrot flowers in 20 different ways! My husband and I have the usual kitchen gadgets but add a mushroom brush, parsley grater, butter curler and the recent but useful spirali tool and you get the picture. So – yes we could list chef knives, boards, spatulas but I am talking about serious appliances that come in modern, vintage reproduction, different colours and all to add style to a kitchen, even if you are renting.

 

Key Kitchen Gadgets

Here are some that won’t be relegated to the garage sale, flea market or spare kitchen drawer:

  • Toaster – I make sure it holds crumpets as well as bread
  • Coffee machine – we’ve had pretty much every kind but my husband is addicted to Nespresso machines. Yes, the capsules are a worry but they are supposed to be launching a biodegradable version
  • Kettle – for those who like tea and often an essential tool on the stove for Feng Shui (see my blog https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2018/12/10/feng-shui-the-kitchen/ )
  • Stab Mixer – this is my favourite, you can quickly make hummus, French aligot cream potatoes, soups and grind nuts
  • Food processor/blender – I love being able to throw ingredients together without decorating the kitchen
  • Knife sharpener – particularly if you use really good knifes
  • Digital scales – really accurate
  • Rice cooker – you can cook a range of items in this apparently but we haven’t tried steaming yet
  • Soda machine – my husband prefers sparkling water and this appliance reduces the amount of bottles we use

You will notice the lack of a microwave oven. I haven’t had one for years having researched about the zapping of all nutrients out of food. The verdict is still out but we haven’t missed one. I am sure I have left some other small appliances off and I am interested to hear what others think are essential. Even if you live in a shoebox apartment, rent a space or have a basic kitchen, these items can make a statement about your personal style.

How to Buy Kitchen Appliances

Stand back and think about where you will put it or store it. Will I use it every day? How big is it? Does it need to be just functional or also decorative? These are important questions as we have all bought something in the past that we don’t really use – think ice cream machines, pasta rollers, raclette and fondue sets, slow cookers and a myriad of others. For example, we love English crumpets and our toaster can fit these in for a lovely Sunday morning breakfast. I prefer a basic food processor as I don’t have the room to display it and it is practical with a guard over the bowl allowing quick and easy mixing.

 

Decorate!

I love funky kettles as they add a real statement at a small price. There are some great colours and shapes these days. My Alessi bird kettle has travelled the world. I also have a funky one in our tiny French apartment and it has character. The SMEG range of toasters have a great range of colours and add a retro vintage look as does these retro-style water jugs.