Must have kitchen gadgets

sparrer

Not wrong at all to get excited about something you really want. Over the years I've had a Dyson, a step ladder, a kneeling stool, a sack barrow, a Miele Cat & Dog (11 years after the Dyson), a water butt, paving slabs, an iron and many more practical things I wouldn't have afforded for myself. All things I really wanted and not just frivolous coveted nonsense because my neighbours have them.

Happy 30th for next week :j , hope you get what you really want.

ps like annegeddes and owen I prefer the Miele and keep the Dyson upstairs cos the pets aren't allowed up there

mummysaver

Jam maker from Lakeland - it's been my favourite toy for ages now! Can do jam, pickle, rice pud, dulce de leche, it's brilliant and only takes an hour once you chuck your ingredients in!

daska

Jasper27 wrote: »

I've always avoided gadgets as I have a small kitchen and hate clutter, so I've always beaten, chopped etc by hand. However following failed surgery it looks like my right hand and arm are going to be permanently disabled. It's not that bad, but I now have very poor grip, can not lift anything heavy and my arm gets tired very easily. Cooking is one of tasks I'm finding most difficult which is frustrating as I enjoy it and always cook from scratch and bake cakes etc. OH helps with chopping, lifting pans and trays from the oven etc but I think I'd cope better with a few gadgets.

I've posted here rather than the disability and dosh forum as I know there are lots of cooks here. So what gadgets do you have you wouldn't be without and which are gathering dust? It can't be anything heavy as I can't move it by myself and I don't have much cupboard space. I don't mind spending money for something quality that's going to last but don't want to waste cash on something useless.

I have a smoothie maker which I have found great for whipping cream and a few other tasks. I've just ordered an electric can opener and some new kitchen scissors that are easier to grip. I'm also considering a stick blender with the attachments for chopping, whisking etc. There are knives for people with impared grip/weak arms but I don't know if I'd be better off just having decent sharper knives. Can anyone suggest anything else they think might help? All suggestions gratefully received.

I'm in a similar boat to you as I have ME which affects my arm and grip and find cooking tough as a result. I'd recommend as basics:
* a really good quality chef's knife and a sharpener (and use it!) - saves so much effort chopping!
* lightweight plastic chopping boards - lakeland do some very light ones but I prefer the IKEA ones because my 'very sharp knife' can cut through the lakeland boards.
* a Bamix as it's more powerful than other stick blenders and will replace your liquidising jug and hand-blender - it's fab for whipping cream or eggs and you don't have to chop your vegetables as small (carrots can be left in large chunks, onions just cut into 8) - it also reduces the amount of washing up you have to do because you can stick it straight in the pan. Whilst it is more expensive than others, this is the one gadget I really wouldn't be without, I've tried others but they just don't compare for ability/flexibility.
* a baby-boa for opening jars - they sometimes come in a pack with a can opening thing which is also a real god-send. see here for an image (this isn't a recommendation for a supplier as I've never used them) http://www.benefitsnowshop.co.uk/products/Kitchen_and_Dining/Openers/Baby_Boa_Canpull_Pack.htm

In addition, depending on your budget, a Magimix food processor, a morphy richards slow cooker, a big freezer and lots of storage boxes.

other tips: ask for help chopping and make larger quantities to freeze to give yourelf 'easy' days. soak onions in boiling water for a few minutes to make them easier to peel. buy lazy garlic/ginger or ask someone else to do a large batch for you and freeze small quantities in ice trays. 'Cheat' - find simpler recipes.

Debt_Free_Chick

A general observation on Dysons

I've found that the build quality of the more recent cylinder models awful, compared to the old ones. I have a "02" which is solid and an "05" which is flimsy by comparison. Ex-OH hated the 05 and thought the 02 to be a much better sucker

On the other hand, my mum has a modern upright and it's fab - it has the attachments that make it work like a cylinder I'm almost persuaded to switch to this, but my old 02 cylinder is still going strong after more than 15 years! :eek:

McKneff

Skint_Catt wrote: »

Oh my God I'm sooo Blonde! I reset mine when I put the bowl on, but then have to watch carefully when adding 10oz to 6oz! :rolleyes: (And no I can never remember how many oz's to lb!)

try to think about sweet (sweet sixteen) works for me

nell2

I've got the Kenwood mini chopper recommended by Delia which I use every day. I think it is fantastic for chopping all sorts of stuff. Highly recommended.

Jasper27_2

Thanks Daska I'll have a look at the Bamix blenders. My electric can opener arrived today and I'm itching to try it but nothing needs opening!

sunrise27_2

don't know if this has been posted before
apologies if it has
but what about those toastie pockets that you put in the toaster to make your toasted sandwiches
I bought some in the pound shop and they're very good

clairelouise100

I love my potatoe ricer, nothing worse than lumps in mashed potatoe. It looks like a big garlic press and makes the potatoes really smooth and lump free - wouldn't be without it now!!

leiela

Ok so my mum still owe's me a christmas prezzy ... yay..

And i'm going out with her tommorrow to get it, i know i want a brown cardigan, and i know its sad and i can't belive im thinking this but i was thinking of asking her to get me something for the kitchen... EEKK.. (i never thought i'd say that)

So what appliance would you get?? what really helps save you time or money and is just fab??? Something around the £30-£40 mark.

I already have a Slow Cooker so i don't need one of those?