Expert Opinions Suggest These 9 Kitchen Gadgets Deserve Their Designated Storage Spaces
Over several decades and around 100 cookbooks, Martha has shown us how to prepare various dishes in the kitchen. From her favorite pot roast to cookie recipes, the menu is nearly endless - if you have the right kitchen tools. Space can be a issue when it comes to kitchen tools, making it hard to determine what's essential and what can be stored away. Professional chefs shared their insights on essential appliances for even the most cramped kitchens.
Here's what the experts recommend having, no matter the available space:
- Josh Archibald, executive chef of the Tillamook County Creamery Association
- Ann Ziata, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education
01 of 09## KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer
At the top of Ann Ziata's list is a KitchenAid stand mixer. "There's no substitute," she says. "It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as baking cakes, cookies, and meringues, making bread, pizza dough, pasta, and ice cream, as well as churning butter." Ziata prefers a bowl-lift mixer but also praises KitchenAid's classic tilt-head option. The mixer's power and variety of color options make it an ideal choice for any kitchen.
02 of 09## Martha Stewart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Since pots and pans can consume lots of space, it's best to choose versatile options that can cook different types of food. Martha Stewart's enamel cast-iron Dutch oven cooks quickly and retains heat well, making it suitable for stovetop chili, braised brisket, and homemade bread baking. Its enamel coating adds a pop of color to your kitchen while preserving the cookware.
03 of 09## Vitamix Blender
With a high-powered 64-ounce blender like this, you can blend everything from milkshakes to soup. According to Archibald, the texture and consistency of food made with a Vitamix blender are smoother and more consistent than with any other high-end blenders he's tried. "I'm willing to sacrifice some counter space for this tool," he explains.
04 of 09## Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
Although food processors take up space, they can simplify meal preparation. Ziata loves this 14-cup option from Cuisinart for its incredible power and ease of use. "The blade is large and powerful, making it great for pureeing, making dips, grinding nuts, and aerating flours." With its simple controls and ease of cleaning, it's a must-have kitchen tool.
05 of 09## Martha Stewart Stonare Bakeware Set
Versatile kitchen tools like this three-piece bakeware set are indispensable. Although it's typically used for cakes and cookies, it can be used for many other purposes as well. The set's durable stonare material is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It retains heat well for baking brownies and evenly cooks meatloaf.
06 of 09## Pyrex Glass Food Storage Set
This set of three Pyrex bowls with snapping lids is perfect for storing leftovers and meal prepping. Ziata considers it essential for any kitchen, thanks to its ease of cleaning and durability. "They don't stain or hold odors, making them well-suited for serving as well."
07 of 09## Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale
While it's another gadget to add to the mix, a kitchen scale is important for baking. It helps measure ingredients with greater precision, making it easier to obtain consistent results. Ziata likes that this budget-friendly scale is easy to use and is available in multiple colors to match any kitchen decor.
08 of 09## Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
This multi-fuel pizza oven is a splurge but worth it, according to Archibald. Although it takes up outdoor kitchen space, he uses it multiple times a week. "I love making pizza at home," he says. "The Ooni oven was a game-changer for me—even during rainy weather, I can still use it." The oven can be fueled with either propane or wood and can reach up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking a pizza in under two minutes.
09 of 09## Krups Electric Coffee Grinder
A coffee grinder like this is indispensable, according to Ziata. Although mainly used for grinding coffee beans, it can also be used to create spice blends and grind seeds. "It's easy, fast, and produces perfectly ground coarseness," she says. "It's an essential tool in any kitchen."
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- Martha Stewart shares her expertise on kitchen storage organization in her home design decor book, offering tips and techniques for maximizing space in a kitchen.
- If you're looking for kitchen design ideas, considering shopping for essential appliances recommended by professional chefs like Martha Stewart's favorite KitchenAid stand mixer or a versatile Dutch oven.
- To organize your kitchen storage, try incorporating Martha Stewart's colorful enamel cast-iron Dutch oven to brighten up your space while providing multi-use cooking capabilities.
- For those who enjoy cooking, home design decor and kitchen design ideas can inspire new cooking how-to techniques by incorporating essential appliances into a well-organized kitchen space.
