Cooking during the week can be a laborious task. Whether you are racing the clock, have dwindling energy levels, or have a lack of motivation, finding ways to simplify the cooking process and reduce your time in the kitchen will always be a priority.
Whether you are cooking for two or 20 people, there are plenty of appliances and gadgets you can use in the kitchen to speed up the process without compromising on taste and quality. Cooking has never been easier, from Smith City food processors to the cult-favorite air fryer.
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is not a new gadget by any means, but its longevity in the kitchen is thanks to its clever design and ongoing reliability after all these years. Known to some as a pressure cooker, the updated technology has allowed us to indulge in those meals that we all love but always took too much time and effort to put back onto the menu.
These days, you can do more than cook your meals low and slow. Many varieties offer sautéing options and air fryer hybrids, adding dimension to your cooking possibilities and dishes while drastically cutting the cooking time.
Rice Cooker
If you have never tried a rice cooker before because you believe that cooking rice the traditional way is simple enough, you are missing out on a convenience you never knew you needed. You never have to worry about keeping an eye on things in case it burns, and there is no worry regarding uncooked or mushy rice.
All it requires you to do is set it up, turn it on, and continue your cooking. There is a wide range of different cookers available on the market, from cheaper and basic to expensive and extravagant. Spend a little extra for a non-stick version to make cleanup a breeze.
Food Processor
A food processor is the perfect example of an appliance you don’t think you need, but once you start using it, you will pull it out for everything. Apart from the typical chopping and mixing, many versions come with additional blades allowing you to grate, slice, whisk, and even juice.
The biggest negative for many when it comes to using a food processor is having to clean it afterward. The good news is that nearly every type is dishwasher safe, should it require more than a rinse under the tap.
Mandoline
Slicing and dicing your way through fruits and vegetables has to be one of the most time-consuming preparation jobs in the kitchen. Often a recipe calls for uniformity to allow for even cooking times, but for many, their patience quickly runs out.
Mandolines make quick work of the tedious task, allowing you to have evenly cut ingredients every time. The finger guard may leave behind a small piece of uncut food, but you can either chop this final piece manually, save it for soups or stews, or treat yourself to a quick snack.
Egg Cooker
Boiling eggs can be tedious if you want to make hard-boiled eggs. Waiting for the water to boil takes patience, and trying to decide on the perfect cooking time to achieve various yolks can be a guessing game you never win.
For these reasons, egg cookers have become a complete game changer. You no longer have to wait for the water to boil or unsuccessfully decide how long you need the yolk to be soft, medium, or hard. Furthermore, it is ideal for cooking eggs in large batches.
Air Fryer
If you have yet to jump onto the air fryer bandwagon, you are making life far more complicated than it ever needs to be. There is nothing that can’t be cooked in these bad boys. They work by circulating hot air around the food, allowing it to be cooked quickly and evenly. In addition, they require little to no oil and help to eliminate unnecessary fat and extra calories.
To get the best results, preheat the fryer before using it, cut your ingredients into uniform pieces for even cooking, and don’t overcrowd the basket, as it lowers the heat and can potentially cause your food to stick or burn.
Toaster Oven
Having to switch on your big oven every time you want to toast something is an inconvenience and a waste of electricity. Instead, invest in a toaster oven that can be used like your regular oven without the hassle.
Simply choose the desired temperature, select the function, like bake, broil, or toast, and use it immediately. Preheating is not required. It uses minimal electricity and won’t heat up the rest of the kitchen while working. Additionally, when cooking a big meal, you can use it for cooking smaller dishes that may not fit in the bigger oven or require vastly different cooking directions to the rest of the meal.
Indoor Grill
If your family enjoys a BBQ and loves the taste of grilled food, this is the appliance for you. While nothing can beat the authentic taste of a good steak cooked over an open flame, an indoor grill offers a quick and satisfying alternative.
Simply plug it in and begin cooking within minutes. You don’t need to wait for it to reach temperature; there is little to no smoke during cooking, and the clean-up with its non-stick surface is effortless.
