WFMW-Kitchen Essentials-Appliances

Here's part three of my Kitchen Essentials series. This is a review of items I think are essential for everyone's kitchen.


When I was first married, every gift-giving occasion, my husband bought me a small appliance for the kitchen. He did this for two reasons: 1) He loves to eat so getting me something to cook with made sense to him! 2) It was easier to pick out an appliance than to pick out jewelry or clothes.


Appliances are very important and I do like them. However, do not buy me a mixer for Valentine's Day! I'm just sayin'.


Of course, there are the large appliances every kitchen needs: a stove, refrigerator (hopefully with an icemaker and adequate freezer), microwave and dishwaher.


However, I'm talking today about the smaller appliances. Here's my list (in no particular order):

• Electric skillet - I have used several of these over the years. I've learned it's best to get one that has a glass lid. I've actually had the paint peel off lids before. I really use my skillets! I love electric skillets because you can keep the temperature constant. What do I cook in my electric skillet? Bacon, sausage, pancakes, french toast, brown meats in it for the crockpot, fried rice, pork chops, chicken - I could go on and on. I also think it is the best thing to use to make milk gravy. Yes, I do use a whisk when making milk gravy and the inside of the skillet gets beat up. So I do have to replace them every couple years, but I feel to have lump-free gravy maintained at just the right temperature is worth it!
• Crock pot - I love my crock pot! There are many many recipes out there for a crock pot. Assemble your ingredients in the morning, plug it in and go about your day. The house will smell yummy when you get home and all you have to do is set the table, and maybe make a salad. What's not to love? I personally believe in having different sizes for different jobs. Right now, I have three: a six quart oval, a five quart round that turns itself off, and a 1 quart. The one quart is so cute! My friend has an oval crock pot that has a divider so that two things can cook at once -- I foresee one in my future.
• Presto Kitchen Kettle - Let's face it, even though we know fried foods are not good for you, there are times we just want some. And if you are going to deep-fry something, a Presto Kitchen Kettle is the best! I've tried fry daddy's over the years but I just love the Kettle the best. You can wash it in the dishwasher! I'm on my second one, now. You can read all about it here. You can also use it as a slow cooker.
• Bread machine - Here again, I am on my second one. I actually wore a hole in the bread pan by using it so much. The two main things I make in my bread machine are crust for pizza and dough for homemade rolls. A lot of the time, I use my machine at least twice a week. My bread machines both have been the BreadMan brand because I like the size of the pan and the timer feature.

Of course, I have a toaster, blender, electric knife and coffee pot but the four appliances that I have highlighted are used all the time and I would really miss them if they quit working. In fact, no question about it, I would go right out that week and replace them. They work for me!

If you visit Kristen at We are THAT Family, you'll find a plethora (don't you just love that word?) of tips to make life easier. I'm all about that!