Useful Tools/Appliances

This is a list of kitchen appliances/tools that will make your life much easier. I have yet to purchase some of the more expensive items that often grace lists such as these like a stand mixer or a food processor (you can get by without it). This is definitely not a complete list, and let me know if you find a glaring omission.

Appliances:

• Crock-pot/Slow cooker - Oh crock pot, how I love thee. Admittedly as a housewife you probably won't cherish what so many others like about their crock-pots (you can throw everything in it when you leave for work and come home to a yummy dinner). It's pretty hard to screw up a good crock-pot recipe and because everything is cooking so long, it's easy to get away with using lower quality beef/etc. After 6-8 hours it's just falling off the bone and amazingly wonderful. Check out the growing list of crock-pot recipes I've posted! This is a useful slow cooker buyer guide.
  
• Hand mixer - If you like to bake, this one is critical. There are so many recipes that just won't come together if you're depending on a whisk (cheesecake for example). You can easily find a good one under $25 at Target.
• George Foreman or other counter grill - I've had pretty good luck with my George Foreman and it definitely is a nice thing to have around when you're trying to cut down the fat associated with pan-frying. Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, chicken and more. Best of all it's really easy to clean and to use.
  
• Instant-read thermometer - These are surprisingly useful and are often the key to a moist pork chop or a properly cooked cake. Again, not critical.
  
• Microwave - for me this is an essential, but there are many folks that can get by without one

Tools/Utensils (beyond the logical knife/spoons/spatula):

• Colander
• Plastic cutting board - You shouldn't put raw meat on a wooden board
• Measuring cups, both liquid and dry
• Measuring spoons
• Nonstick skillet - It might give you cancer, but it will improve the life you have left. You need at least a 12" nonstick pan
• Salad spinner
• Vegetable chopper/mandolin slicer - This changed my life. Seriously.
• Vegetable peeler
• Whisks - One small and one large

Items that a lot of people love, but I don't have:

• Bread machine - Doesn't sound as fun as the old fashion way
• Electric kettle - I'm a big fan of my stove top whistle teakettle - but whatever floats your boat
• Rice cooker - Honestly I don't get it, but I guess if you love rice this is a good thing to have