M ust-have Gadgets

Must-Have Gadgets

USE THESE KITCHEN APPLIANCES AND GADGETS TO CREATE LITTLE MASTERPIECES FOLLOWING MY RECIPES!

Mandolin Grater

A mandolin grater is used for slicing and cutting vegetables, fruits, cheese etc. into thin slices, petals or pieces. It is sometimes called a slicer for it can easily, quickly and beautifully slice a wide variety of products. A mandolin grater is equipped with built-in height-adjustable blades, reducing the need for additional accessories. The blades are well protected by the safety guard and case which makes it safe for storage and transportation. A mandolin grader has two controls: one sets the thickness of a slice and the other dictates the width (when necessary). The minimum thickness of a slice is 1 mm. The set usually includes a special holder for vegetables and fruits to protect your hands while grating.

Measuring spoons

Special spoons of varying sizes, which are very convenient for accurate measurement of liquid and dry ingredients without scales. These are important assistants for everyday use, especially if you are fond of baking. They may be made of plastic, silicone, metal or stainless steel. Sets usually consist of 5 measuring spoons: 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 cup. Alongside typical measuring spoons, it is also possible to purchase measuring spoons with a digital display. It is convenient, compact and, in fact, completely replaces electronic scales.

Measuring cups

These are special, different-sized cups with markings on their walls to measure volumes of liquid. Most often they are made of glass or plastic and have a lip for pouring. To measure dry mixes, one can use a set of measuring cups consisting of 4-8 pieces made of metal or plastic. Remember that good quality measuring cups and spoons are a must for baking: without complying to precise proportions, you may not get a perfect cake or dessert.

A sharp knife

A sharp knife is a super-necessary tool for any chef as a knife performs 99% of all cutting work in the kitchen! A chef ’s knife with a blade length of 20- 25 cm is able to cut through anything; its long and wide blade easily copes with large fruits and vegetables and dense products like meat. Chefs usually use knives made from stainless steel or ceramic. Both have their pros and cons. Pros: both materials do not corrode and do not react with products. While stainless steel knives need timely sharpening, ceramic knives do not. On the other hand, ceramic knives require more careful treatment due to their fragility.

Hand blender

A high-quality and powerful appliance, designed to prepare creams, mousses, purees, drinks, smoothies, etc. Hand blenders are indispensable for whipping airy creams; they give creams necessary texture and consistency.

High-speed blender

This stationary blender or blender-jar works independently and is equipped with an inbuilt knife and a stand. Using a stationary blender, you can whip up cocktails and smoothies; prepare various purées, soups, mashed potatoes, and sauces; stir liquid and semi-liquid dough; create dough for pancakes, and grind nuts and chop ice. But best of all, such blenders handle large volumes of liquid and semi-liquid mixtures.

Food processor

This multi-functional appliance is designed to process different products. Using different nozzles, it can chop vegetables and fruits (the size and shape of the pieces may vary). A food processor may also knead dough and easily grind nuts. This appliance combines the functions of a number of different products, working as a mixer, a blender, a vegetable peeler, a grater, a shredder, a slicer, and even a meat grinder.

Juicer

A juicer is one of the most essential appliances in the kitchen, so you should choose it very carefully. Give preference to an auger juicer - this model does not heat juice and expresses it slowly, saving useful vitamins. Centrifugal juicers are also very good as their ceramic blades do not oxidize food. Another excellent and affordable option is a hand gadget - citrus and pomegranate juicers.

Dehydrator

A dehydrator is a convenient and practical gadget, which is suitable for the preparation of certain foods at low temperatures, saving all their useful properties. A dehydrator is suitable for vegetables, fruits, berries, mushrooms, herbs, and even bread. It is the perfect gadget for making fruit chips; apple, cranberry, cherry or strawberry pastille; or for drying berries and fruits.

Gas cooker

A stove that runs on natural gas. There is a wide range of gas cookers or cooktops available today. When choosing such gadgets, always try to give preference to combined models that work on both gas and electricity – if one of them stops working, you still have the option to make food. The safety system of gas cookers is very important; make sure the gas supply will be turned off automatically if the stove burner goes out.

Oven

An oven is an indispensable component of any kitchen. Predominantly used for roasting or baking, so the final result largely depends on the quality of the oven! Nowadays the selection of ovens for sale is huge! If you like to experiment with your cooking then modern multifunctional ovens are very good. Some of them are equipped with an internal ventilation system, known as a ‘convection mode’: a built-in fan distributes hot air in the oven evenly, ensuring food is prepared better and faster.

Set of silicone molds

Silicone pastry molds and mats are used for casting chocolate and marzipan or for baking. They come in all shapes and sizes and are heat and cold resistant.

Glass containers

Although plastic food containers are convenient, it is much more useful to store food in glass containers. Some foods can even be served this way: for example, yogurt in glass jars looks very attractive and homey.