Sue asked: I’d love it if you would give a little tour of all of your kitchen appliances. I know you have the Nutrimill grinder and some other things but that would be helpful. You could mention what you use them for in terms of your meals. I’d like to know how much you use each item or basically if you think it’s worth the investment.
So you want to know what’s in my kitchen? I’d love to walk you through what appliances we have invested in that have helped us prepare real food, homemade goodies. Take note that we did not purchase all these items at once, but it has been a journey of four years now with a lot of research to purchase all the tools that make my job so wonderfully enjoyable and easy. In fact, most of them were my birthday presents over the last few years or initially as a wedding gift. 
Having these tools definitely has been the real food diet more achievable for me and well worth the wait and investment! But be encouraged even if you are on a tight budget, every little penny saved helps. My priorities with each appliance we have purchased has been as follows:
1. Quality – I want tools that will last me a long time. I don’t want cheap appliances that will break under the daily wear and tear that we put them under. Quality is often found with a higher price tag.
2. Multi-Purpose – I always look for items that will accomplish more than one task, if possible. I don’t want to clutter my counters or drawers with a thousand different gadgets that I must maintain, or waste time trying to locate.
3. Simplify my kitchen experience - I want to invest in tools that will make my job easier as a homemaker. I want to be able to make homemade real food, but for it not to take all day. I have other important things to do in order to keep my home and life running smoothly, so I want to simplify. These are good investments if they keep mommy happy, sane, and maintain less time in the kitchen.
With these goals in mind, we have invested in the following basic appliances/tools for our kitchen. I’m not going to list every item in my kitchen, but rather focus on the larger tools that are used daily on my counter.
1. Bosch Mixer
I absolutely love my all-purpose Bosch Mixer and can highly recommend it and the company that states behind it. I use it practically every day for mixing up batters (cookies, cakes, muffins, etc), whipping cream (butter, sweet toppings), and bread making (up to six loaves at a time). With the kneading & whisk attachment, this mixer can handle any job! It also comes with a basic blender that does a good job for the average task. I also have the food processor attachment for this machine that receives minimal use.
Read my mini review here.
2. Blendtec Blender
We invested in the Blendtec Total Blender this past year as we were looking for something that would accomplish many tasks and do them extremely well, and this machine has stood up to the challenge. It can handle large quantities of green smoothies (which we eat every other day) and blends them nice and smooth and rapidly. I can make sauces (raw applesauce, raw jams/jellies, tomato puree, etc) regularly. It works quickly and efficiently. Love it! They now offer a 4 inch blade, 96 oz jar option which works more speedily and effectively.
Read my full review here.
3. Toaster Oven
We replaced our microwave a few years back with a toaster oven and I have been very satisfied with our decision. It prepares things on a slower more natural pace, but can keep the heat down in the kitchen instead of running the oven. I toast bread, bagels, bake casseroles, brownies, potatoes, thaw and reheat food items, and many other small tasks with this appliance. We found one for $20 on craigslist and it has served us very well. Learn more about my microwave vs. toaster oven review.
4. Nutrimill
The Nutrimill is an excellent grain grinder if you are in the market. It grinds large quantities of grain to make wonderful fresh flour in a few minutes. If I could do it again, I would recommend sticking with the Blendtec for basic grain grinding because it does the job just as well although limiting to grinding smaller quantities at a time.
5. Electric Kettle
We have a basic stainless steel electric kettle which makes for quick hot water preparation. It is wonderful for making coffee, tea, and other hot beverages and especially when you have company! We purchased it mainly for hospitality because it is fast and makes it easy to prepare large quantities of hot beverages. Not essential but if you want hot water, its a good and cheap alternative to stove top.
6. Coffee Grinder/French Press
My husband is a big coffee fan and loves his quality but simple machines – the Breville Burr Grinder and his french press. They have served him very well providing fresh coffee. The french press is a great multi-purpose tool in our kitchen – see all our uses. I am sure we could have survived with a cheaper coffee grinder, but he received this as a birthday gift from his family, and it makes the man happy.
7. Ice Cream Machine
Although the Blendtec can make ice cream, we prefer the Cuisinart ice cream maker for delicious homemade ice cream in larger quantities (or simply because we have the cuisinart first!). They are rich and creamy in comparison, and takes a matter of 25 minutes to make in this machine. Try our yummy chocolate peanut butter ice cream or coconut ice cream – quite refreshing as the weather heats up. We purchased at Bed, Bath & Beyond with the 20% off coupon, and saved $20 (a practice we have used on many ocassions for more frugal discounts on kitchen items). We store this in the garage.
8 . Stainless Steel Cookware
I have a sturdy set of Cuisinart stainless steel cookware that has served me very well. I can highly recommend this set especially for the price! I prepare everything in these pans in addition to my Cuisinart green gourmet omlette pan. I love the omlette pan for preparing eggs, pancakes, tortillas, and various items. Read more about safe cookware for your family.
9. Crockpot
My rival crockpot gets a good amount of use at our home – I make yogurt, roasts, homemade stock, and various other dishes in this appliance throughout the winter time. The crockpot is a wonderful tool because it allows me to prepare meals in the morning when I have more energy and allow them to cook all day and dinner is ready! It also does not require much electricity.
10. Dehydrator
My newest addition just came two weeks ago. I received an Exalibur dehydrator from the lovely folks at Cultures for Health. It has been on my wish list for some time and I was thrilled to receive one for my review especially in time for summer harvest. So far, I absolutely love this machine and cannot wait to explore all the possibilities for its use – everything from fruit leather, granola, yogurt, rising breads, soaking grains, crackers…stay tuned for my complete review in the next few weeks. Currently it resides on a shelf in our garage because of its large size.
The only thing I would desire in the future would be an enameled cast iron french oven – hopefully a Le Creuset oven (as it has a lifetime warranty)! I love the idea of using this on the stove and oven for roasting various meats, stews, and main dishes. It’s on my birthday wishlist!
Further Reading
My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets – the little guys that have served me well
Simplifying in the Kitchen – how I use glass jars for storage and a few simplifying and organizing tips
Safe Bakeware for Your Family - check out the research on the safe options for you
Safe Cookware for Your Family – other great options on the market
That’s a quick glimpse at my kitchen appliances!
What are your favorite tools and why?
Hi Lindsay, how does the Blentec ice cream compare with the Cuisinart ice cream maker?
Thanks,
Ashley
There is a significant difference. The blendtec requires a lot of ice to make the ice cream, which will give you a significantly icy texture. The Cuisinart tastes like the real thing because it is all cream/milk based and is frozen through the turning process. I have heard people suggest freezing cream in ice cube trays to use in the Blendtec, and that very well might solve the icy problem.
Hi Lindsay,
I wanted to share a quick tip on purchasing a Le Creuset- they have outlet stores! I received a dutch oven as my Christmas gift from my husband this past Christmas and I love it! They have a discount store in the premium outlet mall in Marysville, WA. I asked the sales lady why the pots/pans come to the outlet and she said that usually there is some slight imperfection or the coloring is off. Also around Christmas they had an additional $20 off, so we saved at least $100 from the retail price. I have found no imperfection in by pot and love it!
Hi Lindsay,
I recently discovered your site via another site. I love what you are doing here. I’ve tried to share my wisdom of this sort, but just can’t seem to get sitting down to write – how do you do that?
Here are my basic kitchen essentials (no frills here): steel paring knives (not stainless, from Solingen), Global chef’s knife, Boerner and Leifheit mandolines, Kitchen Aid mixer with grain mill attachment (it gets a lot of heavy use here), Braun Multiquick – professional immersion blender (this is the MOST-used kitchen appliance), Cuisinart ice cream maker ($8 at Goodwill), and my Fissler cookware. Should the Kitchen Aid need replacing some time, I will purchase a Bosch…my mom’s has been running for 30 years…
Keep up the great work on this site – I’ll be back for more.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tramontina-6.5-Quart-Cast-Iron-Dutch-Oven-Red/11989387
Hi Lindsay,
I see you want a Le Creuset Dutch Oven. I purchased this Tramontina one from Walmart for $40 and I LOVE it! I think for the price difference, it’s an excellent alternative. Right now, Walmart has it on rollback for $34.
Is your kettle stainless steel inside??
Also is your ice cream maker stainless steel inside?
Thank you for this great information! I love how you replaced your microwave with a toaster oven. The info on the Bosch is also very helpful because a stand mixer is next on my wish list and I really want a strong one. There’s only one problem – why can’t they make Bosch as pretty as KitchenAid?
My husband doesn’t really get too excited about transitioning the kitchen to embrace natural foods, but I know he gets excited about MORE POWER so he’ll definitely approve the Bosch! I love that he wants me to have powerful tools for my kitchen, just like he wants powerful tools for the garage!
Thanks for the fun list! Just a question about the ice cream maker – what is the inside made of? Does it have a non stick coating?
Not really sure. It is always stored in the freezer and never heats up so I don’t worry about the lining.
Hi Lindsay! This is a great post! I have been looking into new appliances (I also like those I can use for multiple things) so it came at a perfect time for me. I was thinking about either getting a blender or dehydrator. I really want to start making Greek yogurt and it sounds like I need to keep it at a VERY specific temperature which I can’t do with my crockpot. How about the Excalibur? Can it be set to specific temps? I don’t really know how they work.
Blessings,
Nicki
Love your blog by the way! Our toaster oven is on a wheeled microwave cart. When we want to use it in the summer we wheel it out to the deck or the front porch. Kitchen stays even cooler then. As long as we remember it is out there! (There is a timer on it that shuts off the oven though.)
Lindsey,
You mentioned you had a birthday list, I too have a gift list. I am curious how you present it to your families? Is it in a email a sheet of paper or on amazon.com? I don’t want to come off to pushey that they must buy me something or they should spend x amount of dollars on me. All I want is that if they are going to get me something that it be of some use to me.
Angie
Your reviews and tools in the kitchen have helped me evaluate my tools of the trade over the past year. : ) We have some of the same things actually. Today I got my Nutrimill from one of your sponsors: Paula’s Bread. Yay! She is in my area.
I purchased a Blendtec last October which we love, love, love! Of course I really enjoy my crockpot too. Very usefull all the time.
I want to add that a french oven is awesome like you are anticipating. I did not purchase the Le Creuset though. I went with the recommendation from America’s Test Kitchen and purchased the equivalent from Sam’s Club (you can order online, too) for $40. Yep, for $40 I love it! One day I may get a Le Creuset, but for now, I am enjoying my Chicken Provence in my $40 french oven. Check it out!
Love your site!
Hi Lindsay – Thanks for this fabulous blog! Hope you enjoy your time away from it
I am about to purchase your dehydrator. If I ordered from Cultures for Health, is there a way for you to get some sort of credit for my purchase? I will wait to hear from you before I order it. I’ve enjoyed your writings very much and have been introduced to both the GNOWFLIGINS ecourse and the Peasants Feast ecourse through you. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Wendy (Rochester NY)
Wendy, thanks for your sweet thoughts and desire to support me. I am so blessed. I would happily recommend you purchase through Cultures for Health as they are such kind and generous people and are a great local company here in Portland. You can mention my referral in checkout, and in a round about way I get credit. They gifted me my dehydrator, and I am happy to support them.
I have a cast iron enamel dutch oven and love it! Mine’s not a Le Crueset, it’s made by KitchenAid. It is amazing and so much cheaper. I got mine at a Marshals’s for $40. The quality may not be as high but so far it is holding up well.
Lindsay, I wanted to ask you if you compared the Vita-Mix to the Blendtec. I am considering getting one or the other and wondered what you thought.
Also, I wanted to share something that I found troubling in regard to the crockpot. Awhile back I came across information that some of the crockpots have been found to have lead in them. Here’s a link: http://insightfulnana.com/home-garden/housekeeping-home-garden/lead-poisoning-and-crock-pots
The Rival was on that list of those with lead (at least at the time of the articles). Mine is a different brand — Hamilton Beach, I think – that is free of lead.
Yes, I have compared them extensively, as reviewed in my original post on my blendtec – follow the link above. But this video gives the best comparison I have seen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7bkHxiQEM&feature=related
I have heard the rumors about the lead content in crockpots, but nothing is totally confirmed yet. No extensive studies have been completed yet to prove that the small amount of lead was actually harmful for our bodies or that it actually leaches out in the first place, so I have determined it is not worth getting worked up over yet. Hamilton Beach is supposedly free from lead but that was not proven either. I did read one report that stated that it could possibly leach after 8 hrs of continual use, which how often does one use it for that amount of time? In the meantime, one of the reasons I wanted to invest in a cast iron french oven was that I could use it in replacement of my crockpot if and when this rumor is proven true.
Hamilton Beach used to have a statement on their website that their crockpots were completely free of lead, etc, but they took it down. I assume this is because they have trace amounts of lead too. I bought a Hamilton Beach because of this, but I now think there is probably lead in it too.
Great post!
I’m curious about the mixer. I have a kitchenaid that I’m learning to use more and more. How do the two compare? I’m assuming that yours is more heavy duty?
Also, if you’re looking for enamelware, I don’t have a single le creuset, but I do have three different pots that are off brands that I love. I have chipped one of them, but it’s because I have a tiny cupboard and they’re heavy and I dropped it against something. I got one at Target (Lodge something) and two at Aldi’s (can’t think of the brand). They’ve been great!
Yes, the Bosch mixer is definitely more heavy duty and has stood the test of time. My mom’s is still going strong after 20 years. It can handle the ability of kneading large quantities of dough (especially for bread baking). The capacity of the bowl is larger as the whisk & dough kneading tool more effective. The Kitchenaid is a great machine but if you want to make bread than the Bosch is definitely the preferred option.
Thanks for the great review. You prefer Bosch to Kitchen Aid? I’ve always wanted a Kitchen Aid mixer, however now you’ve got me questioning myself. I think I’ll take a deeper look at Bosch…hate to know there’s something better and I didn’t at least look at it! ;-D
Yes, mainly for the superior ability that the Bosch has for making bread and heavy batches of dough. I grew up with one and have seen them last without a problem for over 25 years!
I have a kitchen aid and have had it for only 4 years. It can only make enough dough for 2 loaves at a time. If the house is quite while it is kneading the motor aounds like it is about to die. I have not beat this machine up and in it’s life time I have only made bread dough about 10 times. Kitchen Aid now is not made by the same company who started it and the motors aren’t as strong. Oh, I will add that we have electrical tape on ours holding a pin in that keeps the attachment holder from falling on the counter.
I too love my Le Creuset dutch oven. I also use it just about every day. That and my cast iron skillet remain on my stove top at all times so I can throw random things in them while I’m preparing dinner. I especially like making complicated pastas in my dutch oven because it goes straight from the stove-top to the oven while only using one pan. My mother-in-law bought me mine (on a total whim when we were shopping one afternoon), but now that I have it, I would gladly pay the asking price. Go for it!
Our kitchens are very similar.
I have a Bosch and and old k-tec grain grinder, Cuisinart ice cream maker, crock pot, plan to get a toaster oven, but don’t have a microwave. I have a Vita-mix instead of a Blendtec, and just don’t know how I made it without it. 
Thank you for sharing your kitchen with us!
Oh, I love this post! Thank you so much for sharing.
I do hope someone gets you that Le Creuset french oven! It is worth every penny. I have one and I use it nearly every single day. Oh, I LOVE it. I have no doubt you will be delighted by the quality of it, and of how many uses you will get out of it.
I’d love to hear all the ways you make use of it. You mind sharing?
Thanks for the tour Lindsay! (I am the one that asked for it.) Like you, I take a lot of time researching things before I buy something for my kitchen so that was helpful. I am getting ready to purchase two cast iron pans for my kitchen. One is the Lodge cast iron grill pan and the other one is the larger Lodge covered pan. I forget the exact name but it has higher sides and is larger; I use that size when I make my veggie burgers. I love the LeCreuset Dutch Oven however that has enamel. With enamel, you don’t get the iron from the pot into your food; I would have thought you would have selected the non-enameled ones.
Anyway, I have lots of favorites in my kitchen. I use my Zojirushi Mini Bread Maker all the time. Zojirushi is the top of the line breadmaker and more expensive than others but I had a nice sister who bought it for me. I had looked around and felt this one was the best. I love it. I make bread, pizza dough, hamburger buns, cinnamon rolls and jam. It makes one pound loaves which are about half the size of a regular loaf. I also love my Compact Showtime Rotisserie. I cook a turkey in there once a month and then portion the rest in 3 oz sizes for the freezer. The turkey comes out perfect every time and it’s fast! You can cook vegetables on the top in the non-stick vegetable tray although I am looking to use a different less toxic tray on top. The turkey is moist and delicious. I also cook chicken in there. I have an electric mini grill pan that I was using all the time but I have since switched to stove top since I am eliminating anything with non-stick. I’ll get the cast iron grill pan this weekend.
On my wish list is a food processor and mixer. I’d love a food processor with a glass bowl. I have a mini prep food processor for some basic chopping jobs. I am converting my kitchen to glass/stainless steel and cast iron so it’s a work in progress. My favorite new item is my stainless steel over the sink colander. I use it for washing fruits and vegetables along with pasta. Another favorite is my glass jars. I purchase the wide mouth pint and quart jars by Ball (they have the fruit emblem on the front); they are not only pretty but I use them for food storage in the refrigerator as well. I store all of my fruit in them, cheeses, nuts, seeds, lemon and even onions in them (if I slice an onion, I’ll store it in there). That way, I can see the item and nothing is stored in plastic. I order the white, wide mouth, BPA free lids for them (You can order them at the Fresh Preserving Store.). Since everything is wide mouth, I only need one size lid for everything. Everything that’s in a plastic package, like shredded cheeses, etc. go in the jars when I get home. Later this month, I’ll be getting a toaster oven so I can eliminate the microwave.
Honestly, I never have been a big fan of the maintenance of cast iron. I love the idea of it, but don’t like the seasoning and cleaning process. I have had bad experience in the past with them getting all rusty, so I’m not sure what is worse. I had a Zojirushi Bread machine prior to purchasing the Bosch mixer. I loved it for a season, but found it very difficult to get good results with using whole wheat. I also didn’t like the limitations of making one loaf at a time. I like to prepare big batches and freeze them personally. Glad it is working so well for you! Most of these plastic appliances are BPA free, so there is no worries there.
I can understand the maintenance issue. My former mother in law has a wonderful cast iron dutch oven that she has used for over 50 years. I have such good memories of the food from that well seasoned pot over the years that I am anxious to get my own. When she dies, she is going to give it to me and it will definitely be one I will cherish since you can’t beat the memories. As for the Zojirushi, I wanted a small breadmaker since it’s just me. I don’t have a need for anything larger. I like to make things as I use them, which is fine when there is just one person (it only makes 5 hamburger buns in one dough). That’s good to know most of the plastic appliances are BPA free.
Not sure which appliances you’re saying are BPA free – the Nutrimill is, but the Bosch blender is made with a BPA containing plastic…. very often blenders have BPA in them… just a note to say its still worth doing your research before buying something new!!
The Blendtec is BPA free as well.
oops forgot something…. Do you ever use cast iron, or enamal cast iron for your cooking?? I have started using it more and more, and have been very impressed, along with my Stainless Steel
Enameled cast iron is on my wish list, but currently I only use stainless steel.
Thanks for these tips. I am in the market for a blender… I was stuck on a Vita Mix, though you have intreged me to looking more into the blendtec. Oh and I would NEVER give up my nutrimill. I make about 8-10 loaves of bread a week, so I need the high quanity.
I chose Vita-mix because of no electronics. My husband is not a fan of finding the right button to push and the Vita-mix is sooo easy to use.
May the Lord grant your Le Creuset desire! I love mine and use them nearly every day. They’re heavy and expensive, but so worth it! I encourage friends and family to purchase these, and I can’t wait to help my daughters stock their future kitchens with good-quality tools. Durable tools are our servants. Our families are worth the investment! How exciting that it’s only taken you four years to stock up on all of these. I remember getting my first set of All-Clad pans after eight years. My machines came after that, and I’m grateful for them all! I noticed you have a nice set of knives in the background, as well. That’s so important! A dull knife is a dangerous knife. I used to think my dad was just being fussy.
for your stainless steel cookware — do the handles get hot when you cook? I’m looking at that very set, but have been hesitant because I’m afraid the handles will get too hot and I’ll need big pot holders to cook on the stove top. How has that been for you?
Only the lids, and ocassionally the handles if they are too close to another burner, but 90% of the time I don’t need pot holders, except for removing the lid if it was at a very hot temperature.
Thanks, Lindsay! I’m looking forward to giving them a try!
All of those links were really helpful. We also have a rival crockpot & cuisinart ice cream maker (wedding & birthday gifts) and we love them too! I also have Le Creuset oven on my list.
I remember your review for the blender and I think when ours goes out (only had it 5 years with average use and some of the buttons don’t work!) we will be looking into a Blendtec.
Thanks for the reviews, I am especially convinced by advertising when it’s word of mouth by people who use them everyday
Sarah M
My food procssor broke recently and I would love to replace it with a Bosch mixer but they don’t sell them in the UK
. I love my Le Creuset pans. They are heavy but great for cooker top and oven. Great for making soda bread in the oven
Cath
I’m curious how long you’ve had the Cuisinart Green Gourmet omelet pan. It has many negative reviews on amazon, but I purchased one anyway in December. I thought that since I always use coconut oil or butter sticking wouldn’t be a problem, but not true! Have you had a similar experience? (or is your pan very new?)
I love the omlette pan and have had it since Dec 08. I have experienced some sticking but nothing like attempting to use my stainless steel fry pan. It always seemed normal incomparison to other non-stick.
Those sounds like some awesome kitchen gadgets! I love my toaster oven, too. I have heard great things about the Nutrimill and Blendtec blender. My fave would be my KitchenAid. I have several attachments to it including the grain mill, shredder, ice cream maker, and another attachment that I can’t think of right now because it is too early. LOL!
Have a great day!
Sherry