Most people immediately think of single-function appliances, dishwashers, dryers, and ovens when asked to name common household appliances.
In addition to buying multi-functional furniture, many people living in apartments or smaller homes also buy multi-functional appliances.
The ability to do multiple tasks with a single appliance saves space, money, and time. Your life is about to improve drastically if you don’t already have these things.
A multi-cooker can replace the majority of your kitchen gadgets. You can use them as a fryer, cake maker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. Models with pressure-cooking features can even prepare three-course meals in less than one hour.
If your kitchen is small, you need one of these multi-purpose kitchen appliances immediately since you don’t have much counter space, or you’re always pressed for time.
Most Common Multi-Purpose Kitchen Appliances
There are a variety of versatile multi-purpose kitchen appliances in the market today. Opinions may differ on the versatility of various appliances depending on the preferred use of each appliance and how well the user understands it.
Generally though, blenders, rice cookers, slow cookers, air fryers and steam ovens top the list of the most versatile kitchen appliances. How do these workhorses save you space, time and money while giving you tasty and healthy meals?
Blenders
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Although some may argue that a blender is not necessary, many couldn’t function in the kitchen without theirs. Using a blender in the kitchen can speed up the cooking process and free up more time. And once you do, you’ll find yourself using it for all sorts of things.
A kitchen blender might seem like a simple thing to buy, but there are many different kinds with different levels of power and features.
What are the advantages of using a blender?
We use blenders daily for everything from salsa and soups to smoothies and dips. Exactly what is it about this everyday kitchen tool that makes it so unique to us? It’s useful in a lot of different situations and has a lot of other benefits, such as:
Everyday intake of veggies and fruits
It might be challenging to consume the recommended amount of veggies and fruits at each meal. You are much more likely to maintain a healthy routine if you use a blender to produce your smoothies, juices, and other blended drinks. This is because it saves you a lot of time and makes it simple to receive all the nutrients you need.
Superfoods such as protein powder, flax seeds, goji berries, spirulina, chia seeds, cacao, and chlorella, are great to add to a smoothie’s base of fresh veggies and fruits.
Greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli make great additions to afternoon smoothies for an extra energy boost and a quick meal.
Blenders retain fiber
The benefits of eating veggies and fruits include obtaining the fiber they provide even after being blended. Beneficial for digestion and waste removal, fiber is a must for a healthy body.
Juicing removes fiber from your diet. That pile of pulp you just dumped contains all the beneficial fiber removed.
Blood sugar rises more slowly when you eat whole foods instead of juice, which removes most of the fiber from the food.
A blender is therefore more beneficial compared to a juice as it maintains the fiber in fruit and vegetables, which is an added health benefit.
Easy to clean
Blending also makes cleanup a breeze. After you’ve finished blending your smoothie, you can simply empty the contents of the jar and put the jar in the dishwasher. It’s possible that washing the blender’s jug by hand will take less than 5 minutes, depending on your model.
Even though juicers are simple to clean, juicing creates a substantial mess. When we’re done, there’s always a pile of fruit peels (pits, stems, and feels) on the kitchen counter. Likewise, cleanup should be a top priority after juicing a messy vegetable such as beets.
Extremely versatile
Smoothies aren’t the only thing that blenders can make. This handy culinary tool is perfect for emulsifying a wide variety of foods, including sauces, dips, soups, sauces, and more. You can use it for a wide variety of purposes, and it won’t take up much room in the kitchen.
Less wasteful
Blending is more efficient and produces less waste than juicing. Also, you can keep almost all of the food’s original flavor intact when blending. Some of the most nutritious parts of your smoothie are the skins and peels of your vegetables and fruits. This makes them more straightforward for your body to absorb.
Convenient
Time-saving blenders are a great invention. Just throw everything in the jug, screw on the lid, and start blending. Making a smoothie usually doesn’t take more than 5 minutes.
When compared to juicing, blending is incredibly efficient. Preparing produce for juice might take 30 to 40 minutes. You only need a few minutes to blend.
Slow Cooker
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Most people would eagerly agree that slow cookers are a godsend in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker gives us time to do other things while still giving us the pleasure of a home-cooked meal.
Here are some things to consider when looking for a slow cooker if you’ve decided to join the slow-cooker movement or if it’s time to replace your current model.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from a wide variety of slow cookers, each with their own features and pricing point. Here are some things to think about while you shop for one to ensure you get the best one for your kitchen and enjoy using it for years to come.
Several reasons why a slow cooker could be ideal for you:
- It usually requires little to no supervision
- It preserves the flavorful juices of inexpensive pieces of meat when cooking.
- There will be less of a mess to clean up.
- Doesn’t need stirring
- Use it year-round because it doesn’t become too hot in the kitchen.
Things to look out for in a slow cooker:
Automatic setting
This setting is helpful since it immediately begins cooking on high to bring the food to a temperature quickly. After that, it changes to low for the duration of the cooking period.
Space
Think about the number of people eating at your home, how much food you want to prepare, and how much counter and cabinet space you need. It’s inefficient to use a circular slow cooker. Storing a rectangular stove takes up less room than storing a round one.
Indicator lights
Check that the control switch is clearly labeled and that the indicator lights are bright.
Cleaning
Each part ought to be simple to clean up. Surfaces made of stainless steel may require more frequent wiping due to the appearance of fingerprints. You need to be able to wash up, but it might be challenging to clean up after using a large cooking bowl in the dishwasher or sink.
Gaps and cracks
There shouldn’t be any gaps or cracks that could potentially trap food.
Timer
Having a timer that can keep track of how long you’ve been using your slow cooker is helpful. This is not a delayed-start timer, as the name might lead you to believe. Some folks have been on the lookout for a delayed-timer slow cooker, the kind you can turn on or off before you leave for work or school.
We don’t think you should because germs can multiply in food kept at a warmish temperature, such as in a cooker. A slow cooker that turns off too soon poses a severe risk of food illness, so discard any food in it if this happens to you.
Steam Ovens
One of the simplest and healthiest methods of cooking food at home is to use a steamer. In a cooking tray or tin foil, wrap your meat or carbs of choice, herbs, veggies, and maybe a few drops of olive oil.
After that, leave the rest to your trusty steam oven on days when you have absolutely no time to spare. A steam oven is an easy-to-use appliance that can be used to make yogurt, pastries, and even dim sum.
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As a society, we place a high value on anything that might shorten or simplify our daily routines because we all lead hectic lives. Food deliveries and fast food have adverse effects that most of us are unaware of.
For this reason, most of us look for ways to cut down on the time it takes to cook while simultaneously reducing the amount of mess we have to clean up afterward.
What factors should one take into account while shopping for a steam oven?
- Steaming food is a mild and controlled method of cooking that allows you to manage the oven’s humidity and temperature. This keeps your food fresher and tastier for longer and keeps its nutritional value the same.
- Bread and other wonderful flaky bakery delicacies bake perfectly using the Electrolux Bake+ Steam program. This feature allows you to use steam to form a firm crust on your baked goods before they rise. This will help to prevent them from drying out as they puff up and become fluffy and soft.
- Steam keeps food from getting tough or rubbery while preventing the outside layer from drying.
- Veggies, dumplings, cooking fish, and rice in a steam oven are just the beginning. Steam is a great way to improve the rise, the fluffiness of the center, the crispiness of the crust, and the flavorful textures of baked goods, including pork belly, pizza, bread, and even cakes.
Rice Cookers
A rice cooker may sound like it only has one purpose, but don’t be fooled by its name; it has far more uses than just cooking rice.
This appliance has several uses beyond just cooking rice. Mashed potatoes, pasta, oatmeal, or steamed veggies are some of the other foods you can cook in a rice cooker.
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You can also use rice cookers to poach or hard boil eggs or fruit. A rice cooker is also good for preparing chilies and soups. A rice cooker is great for more than just cooking rice.
A rice cooker can also be used to create a variety of different cinnamon buns, cakes, bread, and other baked items. This small, cheap, and space-saving device is well worth what it costs and how little space it takes up.
Don’t be fooled by the low prices of low-quality rice cookers. Look for a high-end brand that includes a non-stick pot. It should guarantee uniform heating and eliminate the risk of food scorching on the sides.
Should you purchase a rice cooker?
Low-priced home appliances
You can purchase a rice cooker for under $50, making it a more affordable option than high-end toaster ovens and microwaves. Depending on how many people you plan to cook for, the capacity can range from a three-cup cooker suitable for singles or couples to a thirty-cup cooker suitable for a large family. Plus, if you frequently prepare rice, this will save you effort and time, making it money well spent.
Rice cookers do an excellent job of cooking various kinds of rice
Cooking duration and temperatures vary depending on the type of grain, such as brown rice or white basmati. You can put your mind at ease knowing that the everyday rice cooker can prepare any variety of rice.
If you’re someone who enjoys trying out new rice recipes, from sweet-smelling foods to risotto, this is the perfect set for you.
It’s a great way to keep rice warm throughout meals
Rice cooked in a rice cooker can be stored in a warm, safe environment for up to two hours. As a result, it won’t be necessary to reheat it every time before mealtimes.
Quick and easy to use
The convenience of rice cookers is that they take care of everything for you. You can prepare rice in a rice cooker by adding water and turning on the heat. The grains will be perfectly cooked if you let them simmer for a while.
You may leave the rice cooker alone and switch it off when it’s done cooking without worrying about burning the rice. Once it’s finished, it will automatically switch to a “keep warm” setting.
Rice has a far more satisfying flavor
Cooking rice in a rice cooker, which can maintain a consistent temperature, allows for the preservation of the rice’s natural aroma and flavor. When rice is cooked with steam instead of a microwave or stovetop, it is noticeably softer.
They do a better job of cooking rice than a multi-cooker
Multi-cookers like the Instant Pot now feature a dedicated rice setting. This makes it easier than ever to prepare this classic dish. The problem is that, despite the name, it isn’t actually designed to cook rice.
Thus, the results are never quite as excellent as when using a dedicated rice cooker. So, rice cookers are the best when it comes to how fast they work and how good the food they make is.
A breeze to cleanup
You’ll save a lot of time scrubbing pots after using a rice cooker. Since the inner pot of most rice cookers is non-stick, the rice shouldn’t stick to the bottom. Also, to avoid extra work, make sure they can go in the dishwasher.
There is no chance of burning rice
Cooking rice in a rice cooker ensures that it is done at the ideal temperature, and once it is ready, the cooker will switch to a “keep warm” setting. That way, you can rest assured that your rice will always be perfectly cooked.
The mild steaming process produces a deliciously uniform, aromatic, and light-as-air grain texture. Furthermore, you will not need to keep a close eye on the cooking pot.
Air fryer
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Air fryers are some of the most versatile kitchen appliances today, capable of executing more than 10 different tasks, thus saving you money, space and time.
Contrary to popular belief, air fryers do not really fry food. They use high temperatures and dry heat to prepare meals. Food in a basket with perforations can benefit from the circulated heat at the bottom of the basket. Because of this, the air fryer can cook stacked food evenly. It takes less time for hot air to reach the food in the chamber because the room is smaller.
While cooking, you should shake or turn your food occasionally to achieve uniform crispiness and browning. Users will need to physically take out the drawer of the appliance to accomplish this.
A timer in some more sophisticated models serves as a gentle reminder to shake the contents. If you want a completely hands-free experience, look for models with paddles. Such units stir the meal without requiring manual intervention. In addition, they do come at a modest premium price.
Final thoughts on multi-purpose kitchen appliances
With so many options available, picking the finest kitchen appliance brands can be daunting. Buying multi-function kitchen appliances is an exciting venture that should yield positive results for your kitchen’s look and lifestyle.
Don’t go appliance shopping without first consulting this handy guide. You should also determine the height and width of the unobstructed space that will house the new appliances. Buying brand-new appliances and finding out they won’t fit in your kitchen is a major disappointment.