Everyone knows that the kitchen needs a stove and refrigerator. But what about small household appliances? There are so many varieties of it that you can get confused. And we can do just fine without some devices - are they really needed?
All small kitchen appliances can be divided into the following categories:
- for cooking food
- for grinding and mixing
- for making drinks
- other equipment
In this article and in its continuation, we will analyze what functions are performed by small appliances for cooking, and you will read about other appliances in the Quartblog in the very near future. Stay tuned!
Microwave
What is he doing? It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without microwave oven... It can be used to reheat and defrost food, prepare semi-finished products and simple dishes, and with extended functionality, bake complex dishes and grill.
Is it really necessary? The microwave makes life much easier: it is more convenient to heat food than in a frying pan or in a saucepan, and defrosting is much faster. If there is no room for a microwave, you can buy an oven that has a microwave function.
Roaster (mini oven, electric oven)
What is he doing? This device is a compact substitute for an oven, microwave and toaster. The capabilities of each mini-oven depend on its size and functionality: some can only cope with heating and quick baking, while others are almost as good as full-fledged ovens.
Is it really necessary? If you have big kitchen and you already have an oven, a microwave, and a toaster (or you don't need one), then the roaster is useless for you. Otherwise, this great option save both space and money.
Multicooker and double boiler
What is he doing? The classic multicooker combines the functions of a pressure cooker, rice cooker, cooker, double boiler and bread machine. Not to mention, the multicooker can be used to make stews, soup or compote without even turning on the stove. Some models have advanced functionality: you can fry, deep-fry and make homemade yoghurts in them. If from all of the above you only need to steam dishes, then choose a regular steamer - it will cost less.
Is it really necessary? A multicooker or double boiler is a huge savings in time and effort. Since the device itself monitors all processes, you do not need to be able to cook and you do not have to worry that something will burn or boil away. These devices are compact, but you still have to find a place for them, and multicooker with good functionality is not cheap (but still cheaper than an average oven), so it's up to you to entrust cooking to a multicooker or stand by the stove yourself.
Who benefits from a multicooker especially:
- lovers of healthy food;
- those who are on a diet;
- young parents;
- those who have little free time;
- those who do not like or know how to cook.
Convection oven
What is he doing? The airfryer performs the functions of a mini-oven, microwave and part of the functions of a multicooker: in addition to grilling, it can fry, stew, steam, boil, smoke, bake, reheat, dry, and so on. The complete list of features depends on the specific model. The airfryer looks like a glass bowl with a lid, and cooking takes place according to the same principle as in a convection oven - due to hot air.
Is it really necessary? If you need the above methods of cooking, then an oven or mini-oven is no longer enough. Usually the choice rises between a multicooker and an airfryer, but this is a separate big topic. If there is an airfryer at home, you can refuse the oven, that is, save space in kitchen set and win for the money.
Electric grill
What is he doing? This appliance works more like a grill pan than a classic grill on a wire rack. The embossed bottom and lid of the appliance press and heat food on both sides for quick, even frying and attractive stripes. In addition to meat and vegetables, you can make toasts and hot sandwiches using the electric grill.
Is it really necessary? The electric grill allows you to quickly and easily prepare a delicious breakfast or second, but is replaced by the use of an oven or grill pan.
Kebab maker
What is he doing? A real barbecue at home without a barbecue is real. Kebab makers are usually vertical in shape: the skewers are set around a central heat source and constantly rotate so that the kebab is baked evenly.
Is it really necessary? Can't imagine how to endure good weather to go to the barbecue? Want to surprise your guests? In this case, you need a kebab maker. But it is definitely not included in the list of mandatory kitchen appliances.
Toaster
What is he doing?Allows you to get several mouth-watering slices of toasted bread for breakfast in a minute. A pleasant bonus - the degree of frying is easily regulated, and the shutdown occurs automatically, that is, the bread will not burn.
Is it really necessary? If toast is a regular feature on your menu, the appliance will be very useful. The bread will turn out nicer than from a frying pan and faster than from the oven. Only a mini oven (roaster) can compete with a toaster.
Sandwich maker and waffle maker
What is he doing? Often hot sandwiches, sandwiches and waffles are prepared with the same device with replaceable inserts, but individual devices are also sold. In mechanics, a sandwich maker or waffle iron is similar to an electric grill and can even replace it if there is an insert with ribs.
Is it really necessary?If you have an electric grill, then it will do a good job of a sandwich maker, although it is larger in size. But if you also like to cook waffles, puffs or curly pancakes, look at a model with replaceable inserts for these tasks.
Bread maker
What is he doing?Fresh homemade bread fresh from the oven - if it's a pleasure you appreciate, the bread maker will help you: you just need to load the recipe ingredients into it, and it will do the rest, including kneading the dough.
Is it really necessary?It all depends on your love for bread. Most multicooker also has a bread maker function, not to mention the oven, but the dough will have to be kneaded by hand. Maybe look for a good bakery near your home?
Deep fryer
What is he doing? Convenient fixture for preparing french fries, donuts and various crispy breaded dishes. Consists of a container into which oil is poured and a mesh basket for lowering food. Some deep fat fryers can also be used for fondue.
Is it really necessary? Unless you only eat deep fat (which is unlikely), of course, you can cook it in a simple deep frying pan / saucepan or slow cooker. Yes, cooking in a special deep fat fryer is faster and easier, but you can do without it.
Pancake maker
What is he doing? A small round bar with a non-stick surface and uniform heating: pour the dough on it and distribute it or even dip it into the dough itself (called a submerged pancake maker) and - voila! - ready thinnest pancakes for breakfast.
Is it really necessary? The pancakes are thinner and cook faster, so the device will be useful on the eve of Maslenitsa or for a large family. But if you don't want to look for a place under the pancake maker, the frying pan and skill can easily replace it.
Egg cooker
What is he doing?Boils eggs. It only does it with steam, so the protein is more tender. Special settings will help you get an egg of the desired consistency: hard-boiled, "bagged" or soft-boiled. Silicone egg cookers are specially designed to make poached eggs easy.
Is it really necessary? Many housewives believe that this device is completely superfluous in the kitchen, because it is not so difficult to boil eggs in a saucepan using a timer to get the desired result.
Yoghurt maker
What is he doing? Allows you to prepare homemade yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir and even cottage cheese from milk and sourdough.
Is it really necessary?If dairy is an important part of your diet and you want control over the ingredients, the yogurt maker will take root in your kitchen.
Freezer
What is he doing? Allows you to make soft ice cream at home without ice crystals.
Is it really necessary? If you love this delicacy and want to experiment with flavors, this appliance will be a nice addition to your kitchen appliances. But, of course, not at all obligatory.
A lot of kitchen appliances are now produced. Modern kitchen - downright receptacle of various devices that facilitate cooking, storage, making the kitchen air cleaner, “responsible” for the cleanliness of dishes, etc. However, there is a special category among kitchen appliances - appliances for preparing not only tasty, but also healthy food. Our story will go about them.
In this review, "Culinary Eden" will present to your attention models from well-known and well-established manufacturers. household appliances... Their devices are often slightly more expensive than others, less renowned manufacturers... However, the likelihood of encountering a low-quality product when buying models famous brands still less than when buying cheaper equipment. However, we will not argue that all "unknown" brands are bad. The choice is always yours.
Steamers
Let's start with the steamers familiar to many. Someone actively uses a double boiler, someone has it gathering dust in the closet, and someone is just going to buy it (what you need to know in this case - read in the section "Kitchen appliances"). But everyone understands that steamed food is healthy and tasty (although the latter, of course, is a subjective factor). To make it easier to steam, the man came up with special device - a double boiler. Nowadays, you can see many steamers in stores. In this case, we will talk about "ordinary", free-standing steamers, although some manufacturers also offer built-in models.
Braun FS 20 is the only steamer presented by the famous German manufacturer in Russia. Braun's “colleagues” in the “home appliance workshop” have a wider range of such devices. But that doesn't mean the Braun FS 20 isn't worth your attention.
Power heating element steamer Braun FS 20 - 850 W. The design includes a specially designed Braun steam generator. Thanks to this, the food begins to heat up within a couple of seconds after turning on the appliance.
Braun FS 20 comes with two plastic (opaque) food containers. That is, a double boiler 
allows you to cook two meals at the same time. The capacity of each container is 3.1 liters. There are two water trays for collecting condensate to prevent mixing of different aromas. In addition, the manufacturer put an additional black container in the box with Braun FS 20 - for “soiled” products (carrots, beets, etc.) that can stain white plastic. There is also a container for cooking rice.
Braun FS 20 steamer control is simple and straightforward - electromechanical. On the front panel there is a timer, setting which for a certain time, you do not have to worry that the dish is "overcooked". In addition to it, on the control panel there are also icons of various products with an indication of the time of their preparation. True, many users argue that food needs to be cooked more than it is written - you have to adjust. Such is the simple and intuitive device from Braun. Only the most required functions... In Braun stores FS 20 can be found for 2.5 thousand rubles.
Jacket potatoes with cottage cheese, carrots and dill (recipe for the FS 20 steamer from the special Braun cookbook)
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
800 g young potatoes average size;
600 g of sputum;
½ a medium bunch of dill;
500 g of cottage cheese;
salt pepper.
Preparation:
Wash the potatoes without peeling and place them in the lower steam container. Chop half of the dill there. Wash, peel and cut the carrots into strips and place them in the black tab (container for coloring food). Chop the remaining dill there. Place the black insert in the upper steam container. Steam for 40 minutes. Beat cottage cheese with a mixer until creamy, mix with spices. Peel the potatoes when ready and serve with cottage cheese and carrots.
Philips HD9140 is more expensive, but not much - about 3 thousand rubles. This steamer is "three-story", it has three transparent plastic container (3.5 / 2.6 / 2.5 l) for heating, and they are designed collapsible, so that you can steam, for example, a whole and rather large chicken. The package also includes a bowl for cooking rice (1.2 l) and an egg holder.
Power Philips HD9140 - 900 W. She has a special external device for topping up water during operation - convenient. There is also an indication of the water level in the tank. The control system is electronic, there is a display. Even auto-cooking programs are provided. It is only necessary to press the button with the image of the corresponding product - the display will show the preset cooking time (changes are available). Then the cooking process can be started. After the cooking time has elapsed, the appliance will beep and ... will automatically switch to the Keep-warm mode. The steamer is able to keep the dish warm for up to 20 minutes, then if the heating mode is not extended by the user, it will automatically turn off.
The highlight of the Philips HD9140 is the Flavor Booster. It allows you to infuse your food with the aroma of your favorite herbs and spices. Just put the seasonings in the container intended for them and at the end of cooking you get a fragrant result. We also note the light indication of the need to descale the steamer, provided by the Philips HD9140 design.
Multicooker
An electric cooker is a device that combines the ability to cook, stew, bake and steam. Externally, the multicooker looks like a bread maker or a saucepan, if you like. However, let's take a closer look at the multicooker using a specific model as an example.
SUPRA brand has been known in our country for a long time - wide range video and audio equipment. But the company also represents in Russia a wide range of household appliances, including kitchen appliances. Among this technique there is also a multicooker - SUPRA MCS-4511.
SUPRA MCS-4511 costs about 3 thousand rubles (in online stores, in "ordinary" stores it can be a little more expensive). Multicooker power - 650 watts. The design of the model provides a five-liter removable inner bowl with non-stick coating... The SUPRA MCS-4511 multicooker has an electronic control system and a liquid crystal display. There are 8 auto-cooking programs for various dishes. Among them there are three modes for rice: "normal" (for cooking various, including a large number rice, up to 50 minutes), "fast" (for medium or small amounts of rice, 30-40 minutes), "brown" (for cooking brown rice, including with vegetables). There are also modes for baking a cake, cooking soup, porridge, for cooking steamed dishes, as well as a heating mode (heating). The "Keep warm" function is also provided (up to 24 hours).
Note that the modes "Normal", "Fast", "Soup", "Porridge" in the SUPRA MCS-4511 multicooker can be used not only for rice, but also for other products, including stewing.
Fish with vegetables (multicooker recipe)
Ingredients:
1 kg of river fish;
2 large onions;
1 medium carrot;
1 medium beet;
1.5 tsp salt;
1 tsp Sahara;
0.5 measuring cup (usually included in the delivery
multicooker) sunflower oil;
ground black;
2-3 bay leaves;
any seasoning for fish.
Preparation
Peel the fish, gut and cut into small pieces. Cut onions, carrots, beets into rings. At the bottom of the multicooker bowl, put half of the grated vegetables, fish, seasoning, pepper on top. Next, lay out the remaining vegetables. Put salt and sugar in a measuring cup, add a little water, pour the solution into the multicooker bowl. Pour on top sunflower oil... After turn on desired mode cooking (in SUPRA MCS-4511 you can use "Normal", "Soup", "Porridge", there are multicooker with the "Stew" mode). The fish is ready in two hours.
In addition to SUPRA, several other manufacturers of household appliances also produce multicooker. For example, there are a couple of models from Panasonic. In terms of functionality, they are similar to SUPRA MCS-4511, but are less spacious and more expensive. In this case, it is not entirely clear - why pay more? Unless you are a fan of Panasonic technology. But that's a completely different story.
Slow cooker
There are also such devices - slow cookers. What are they needed for? From the name it is clear - to cook food slowly (unlike pressure cookers). Why cook slowly? Firstly, in a dish slowly cooked at a low temperature, much more nutrients and vitamins are preserved. Secondly, the products with this cooking method are very tender. This is especially true for meat. In a slow cooker, you can, for example, cook deliciously the meat that for cooking in the usual way unusable (turns out to be tough). Third, you can cook in a slow cooker without oil - important for those who strive for a healthy diet, for a healthy lifestyle in general.
But that's not all the advantages of a slow cooker. She, oddly enough, in addition to everything else, can save the hostess's time. So, for example, porridge can be cooked in a slow cooker in the evening, and in the morning, without wasting time on cooking, you can have breakfast. Before leaving for work, you can spend a few minutes and put the products you need to prepare a dish in the slow cooker - dinner will be ready by evening. Moreover, if it is ready by 5 pm, and you have dinner at 7, the slow cooker will keep the dish hot (at modern models there is a keep warm function).
Slow cookers from various manufacturers can be found in stores. For example, Kenwood CP707. This model costs about 3 thousand rubles. Its power is 350 watts. The capacity of the ceramic food pan is 4.5 liters. The lid of the pot is made of transparent impact-resistant glass. The saucepan in any slow cooker is usually removable. It (including Kenwood CP707) can be washed in dishwasher... The maximum cooking time for this model is 10 hours. The slow cooker body is made of of stainless steel... The handles do not heat up. The Kenwood CP707 slow cooker control system is electronic and has a display.
Slow cooker Morphy Richards 48730 (English brand, production - Southeast Asia) costs a little less - about 
2.5 thousand rubles. Power - 350 W. She also has a metal case. The volume of a ceramic pot (removable, dishwasher safe) is 6.5 liters. The lid, like the previous model, is transparent, made of high-strength glass. Control - electronic, there is a backlit display. There are several cooking modes (low intensity, medium, high intensity), food can be cooked (in fact, stewed) at temperatures from 76 ° C to 140 ° C. The maximum cooking time is 12 hours. There is a "Keep warm" function. The slow cooker (the manufacturer on the official website calls it "samovar") Morphy Richards 48730 has cool handles. For complete set only the rubberized legs are missing. However, why not enough? They are.
Roast goose with potatoes and quince (slow cooker recipe)
Ingredients:
1.5 kg of potatoes;
1 quince;
goose meat on the bone;
100 g raisins;
2 tbsp. tablespoons of tomato paste;
250 ml of water;
salt, pepper, spices to taste
Preparation:
Cut the quince, potatoes and goose into medium-sized pieces. Put everything in a slow cooker, add raisins, water with diluted in it tomato paste, salt, pepper, spices. Mix everything. On the high-intensity setting, the cooking process will take about 4 hours. When using the "Heat" mode (if available) or at the lowest power setting - about 10 hours. You can turn on the multicooker in the morning and go to work. In the evening, a warm dinner will be waiting for you.
In addition to the designated kitchen appliances, there are other appliances that contribute to a healthy diet. This is, for example, a rice cooker. But purchasing it only makes sense if you are a real fan of rice (like, for example, Chinese cuisine). Otherwise, a steamer or multicooker will cope with cooking rice. It is impossible not to remember the yogurt maker, because yogurt is a very useful product. And made at home, no preservatives, only from natural ingredients - he, one might say, is doubly useful. Yoghurt makers include Tefal and Moulinex, both of which are part of the international SEB group, which includes other manufacturers of kitchen appliances. About worthy juicers - another device from the cohort of "healthy" - "Culinary Eden" not so long ago talked about in a separate article. In general, a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet as an integral part of it is not such a difficult matter. Moreover, if you stock up on the appropriate equipment. Be healthy!
Healthy eating is not just a popular movement, but almost a necessity in modern environmental conditions. To compensate for snacks on the run, it is a good idea to prepare healthy and healthy meals at home.
Growing vegetables and greens at home, keeping them fresh, cooking without loss of nutrients and vitamins - all this will be helped by special tools that you should have in every kitchen.
Lotus Plus ™ Steamer Gray Joseph Joseph
Steam cooking is one of the pillars of healthy eating. Stylish steamer made of high-quality polypropylene is a new reincarnation of a metal insert in pots familiar from childhood, but lighter and more modern. It also has adjustable sides, which allows it to suit different sized pots. Can be used as a colander or vase for fruit and candy.
Price: RUB 1,150
Eco Salad Greenery Storage Container
Keep greens and salads fresh for a long time a stylish container designed specifically for storing them will help. Greens can be washed directly in the lid of the container, then pour water into a special container with a stopper and put it in the refrigerator. In this container, greens and salads will keep their freshness and nutrients for up to three weeks.
Price: RUB 2 190
Greenhouse SOKKER
Greens can not only be stored for a long time, but also grown in own apartment... This will help the greenhouse from IKEA, which provides good conditions for seed development and plant growth. Steel frame and polystyrene panels provide optimal temperaturewhich can be adjusted using the roof panels.
Price:1 299 rub.
Jar for germination of grain Bodum
Continuing the topic of growing food at home, it is worth talking about the Bodum Grow Green glass jug, specially created for germinating grain. The sprouts contain a lot of nutrients and vitamins; they are used in many recipes and are one of the main elements of light salads. Wheat, soybeans, buckwheat, lentils and other grains will sprout within 3-5 days.
Price:RUB 2,499
Set for making salads
Another indispensable thing in the kitchen is a multifunctional set useful items from Hoff, which includes graters and knives to cut food different sizes and forms, a holder for knives, a container with a pusher for drying herbs and berries, a basket-colander and a spacious bowl. All parts are made of high quality food grade plastic.
Price: RUB 1,790
HerbZipper Herb Knife
Those who love spices and herbs will love the useful HerbZipper tool, which quickly separates the leaves from the stems of various herbs. Thyme, rosemary and other herbs with it are easy and convenient to process: just place the stem in one of the holes suitable size and stretch the stem through it - the leaves are separated from the stem.
Price:RUB 500
Stripper LooseLeaf Kale and Greens
Another item similar in function, but with more wide range actions. This handy kitchen tool easily removes tough center ribs from lettuce, cabbage, turnip, beetroot and other healthy vegetables. Eight holes of different diameters make it easy to peel large cabbage leaves as well as thin sprigs of rosemary or oregano. Ideal for green smoothies and table setting and reduces food waste.
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How to choose the right kitchen appliances
Dryer for vegetables and fruits
Today, almost no one dries fruits and vegetables with oven, since the fruits after such processing lose all their beneficial properties.
It is much more efficient to prepare food using an electric dryer, which will quickly and carefully dry the fruits with little or no attention from the hostess. With reviews about what is proposed to be found in a separate article.
Coffee turk
Everyone loves coffee, and the most notorious coffee lovers prefer to brew this invigorating drink in a Turk, which is the ideal container for brewing a powdery substance.
Turks are aluminum, brass, silver, copper and even clay - about how, you can talk for hours, literally every container has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Remember only one rule: turk should be small in volume, hold liquids for exactly one cup.
Meat grinder
Today, few people twist meat in a standard cast-iron meat grinder, giving the process a lot of valuable time and effort. 
In fashion, which can literally bungle an excellent one in a few minutes, juicy minced meat and save the hostess from the problems associated with this painstaking work.
How do you choose the perfect electric grinder? The main thing in household appliances - power. The more powerful your device is, the better it will handle even the toughest meat-twisting tasks.
Juicer
Even one glass of fresh juice, squeezed a minute ago, gives your body the necessary energy and perfectly quenches your thirst. 
How do you choose which one is perfect for your needs? First of all, consider buying universal juicer, capable of squeezing juice from any fruit, even from potatoes.
Then pay attention to the power of the device - a quality juicer can process large quantities of fruits and vegetables in just a minute or two. It is also worth paying attention to the brand, since there are many equipment on the market today that breaks down quickly or works very badly.
Pan
If a cast-iron pan is not available to you, choose a ceramic one - one of its indisputable advantages. 
lies in the fact that the surface of the dishes is not easy to scratch, and the components of the dishes are simply excellent, do not fall apart during frying or stewing.
About that, as well as reviews about this device, read in a separate material.
Bread maker
Despite the fact that multicooker has almost ousted bread makers from the market, the latter are still quite popular among those who prefer to cook bakery products houses, 
without risking the health of your family, since purchased bread often contains harmful additives.
An important role in choosing the ideal device for your needs is played by the power of the latter. Expert advice on how to help you make the right decision.
Eating well requires certain kitchen utensils and appliances that must be chosen wisely. Listen to the feedback and advice of professionals, lose weight quickly and with pleasure!