Do you cook from scratch?
This might seem like a straightforward question, but it’s actually fairly complicated. Does using a meal kit like Hello Fresh constitute “from-scratch” cooking? What about using precut vegetables, frozen pouches of rice, and simmer sauces from the grocery store? Maybe you had more time to cook from scratch before Covid-19, or maybe the pandemic has freed up time for more elaborate kitchen projects.
No matter where you stand on the scale of from-scratch cooks, we have some recommendations for the best kitchen appliances to help you save money and time. So grab a glass of your home-brewed kombucha and read on!
1. A Vacuum Sealer
Buying in bulk can save you tremendous amounts of money. So can growing and preserving your own vegetables and fruits, or even hunting for your own meat. But how are you storing all of your bounty?
If you are not using a vacuum sealer to preserve and protect your foods, it’s time to look into one. These handy gadgets are great for guarding against freezer burn, but they are also good for sealing dry, shelf-stable foods, too. A food sealer will even save you money by keeping refrigerated foods fresher; reseal items like cheese and deli meat to prolong their freshness.
2. A Soda Maker
Drinking a lot of soda or flavored seltzer can get pricey. And it’s no fun having to lug those heavy bottles and cans home, either. Do yourself a solid and invest in a soda maker. This is essentially an item that carbonates water. After you’ve made your H20 fizzy, you can add whatever flavoring you like.
Making your own carbonated beverages not only saves money and hassle but eliminating all those artificial sweeteners and colors will do wonders for your health. Use fruit juice and natural sweeteners for healthy refreshment!
Already make your own soda? Why not supplement it with one of the ice makers that are available?
3. A Multi-Cooker
Chances are, everyone you know owns one of these things. They’ve been on the market since 2010, but are all the rage nowadays because they are incredibly versatile. That means you can dispense with a lot of other single-use appliances. And because you can make entire meals in a matter of minutes, you’ll be less tempted to rely on takeout and convenience foods to feed your family — saving beaucoup bucks.
4. Slow Cooker
Don’t need a device that does everything but clean the kitchen sink? Consider an old-school slow cooker. These come in a variety of sizes and can even be programmed to start when you’re not at home. There’s a little prep work required earlier in the day, but the delicious (and frugal) results will be worth it. And you might be surprised by how much a slow cooker can do!
5. A Stand Mixer
Lots of us have been making bread during lockdown, but a stand mixer is so much more than an extra pair of hands to knead dough or whip cream. It can make butter, shred chicken or pork, mash potatoes, mix meatball ingredients, or make loads of guac for burrito night. It’s an investment, but a good mixer will last for generations.
Which of the Best Kitchen Appliances Do You Use?
Do you own any of these? If so, how do you use it to save time and money? Have we forgotten any items you think should be included in a list of best kitchen appliances to have on hand? Got any good tips for slashing a grocery budget? Have your say in the comment section below!
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