Endless kitchen gadgets help turn an amateur cook into a professional. But which ones are worth it? Always invest in the tools you use most often and have room to store. Here’s a list of the best expensive kitchen gadgets worth every penny.
1. High-End Pots and Pans
There is no going back once you move from inexpensive, no-name cookware to high-end! Pots and pans are essential for cooking, so buy ones that last for years instead of months. One of my favorites is Scanpan. They are nonstick and can go from the stovetop into the oven! Game changer.
2. Chef’s Knife
A good chef’s knife is an essential kitchen tool for any cook. You will realize that you can chop food much faster, saving time for meal prep. They are also easier to control and made with better materials, making them safer to use.
3. Food Processor
A food processor is necessary because it is so versatile. Chop veggies for dinner, pulse herbs for a sauce, and grind nuts for a dessert. The amount of time a food processor can save you is well worth it. It also saves you from washing a ton of dishes.
4. Dutch Oven
A quality Dutch oven can last so long it gets passed down to the next generation. Le Cruset and Staub are the best brands and have high standards for production. There are endless recipes for a Dutch oven, but most recommend slow cooking.
5. Stand Mixer
A stand mixer will run you a couple hundred dollars, but it is a real game changer. It is a stationary mixer with different attachments. This makes mixing and kneading very easy. You can add your ingredients and step away!
6. Cooking Thermometer
When cooking meat, it is essential to have the right temperature. Serving chicken undercooked is dangerous. Overcooking or undercooking steak or red meat will change the flavor and consistency.
7. Cast Iron Pan
The cast iron pan is another kitchen item worth every penny and can last a lifetime. Unlike other materials, these are great because they get hot and stay hot. They also get better with use.
8. Immersion Blender
While you can get a cheap immersion blender, this is an investment you’ll want to splurge on. A good one can blend almost anything quickly. Also, they are small to store and easy to clean.
9. Kitchen Scale
Kitchen scales are helpful in baking for perfect measurements. There’s no need to use a lot of measuring cups. Scales can weigh meat, so you know how long to cook. They can also be helpful for dieting and portion control.
10. Coffee Maker and Grinder
This is one of my favorites. The difference between buying ground coffee and whole beans is life-changing. By combining the grinder with the coffee maker, you have a one-stop (coffee) shop!
11. Pressure Cooker
Pressure cookers or Instant Pots have made a name for themselves in the kitchen lately. The cooking time is shorter using this compared to traditional stovetop cooking. Also, using a pressure cooker retains more nutrients than boiling or steaming.
12. Vacuum Sealer
By vacuum sealing your food air-tight, no bacteria get in it, and it does not get freezer burn. This will save you a lot of money over time. It is also easy to use and does not need much space.
13. Salt and Pepper Grinders
The difference between fresh ground pepper and salt and those from a shaker is a big deal. Considering we use these ingredients in everything, it is worth it to buy these expensive gadgets.
14. Blender
In addition to an immersion blender, a large countertop blender, like a Vitamix, is worth every penny. Use it to make smoothies, purees, and frozen cocktails!
15. Cheese Slicer
A high-end cheese slicer can make you appear very sophisticated to your guests. A marble one will also keep your cheese cold and save you the job of slicing snacks as you prep for a party. No more struggling to cut perfectly even slices!