4. GET SOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER GADGETS
Here's where the list could get really long. There are a billion kitchen gadgets out there that do everything from core an apple to peel garlic to spin-dry lettuce. We'll tell you about the basics, and then later when you have a little cash just burning a hole in your pocket, you can take a stroll in a kitchenware store and buy these extras. None of these are necessary, just nice.
Appliances
Gadgets
Appliances
- First in line is a microwave, handy for re-heating leftovers and making popcorn.
- A coffeemaker and coffee grinder. Even if you don't drink coffee, you may have guests that do.
- A blender. Daiquiris, margaritas, piña coladas, mudslides… oh yeah, and protein soy shakes or whatever. Just make sure that you get a blender that can crush ice.
- A food processor for all that dicing and chopping you'd rather not do by hand. Often you can get a blender/food processor combo - ideal if you don't have a lot of counter space/cash.
Other useful items:
- Electric hand-held mixer
- Toaster
- Waffle iron
- SnackMaster
Gadgets
These are tons of fun doo-hickeys out there for you to buy, depending on what kind of food you're planning to cook:
- Stainless steel colander
- 4-sided grater
- Wooden spoons (the harder the wood, the better)
- Slotted spoons
- Tongs with blunt, scalloped edges
- Kitchen shears
- Vegetable peeler
- Stainless steel whisk
- Flour sifter
- Garlic crusher
- Soup ladle
- Corkscrew
- Metal and heat-resistant rubber spatulas
You'll also want a solid cutting board to save your knives and your countertops. Contrary to popular belief, wooden cutting boards are far more sanitary than plastic. Speaking of bacteria, keep a dispenser of antibacterial hand soap at your kitchen sink and a first aid kit underneath. We hope those freshly sharpened knives won't claim a finger, but you are a beginner.
And don't forget those pot holders!
