Which Small Electric Kitchen Appliances Should You Buy?

The small electric kitchen appliances you buy will be a direct reflection of the types of cuisines you like to cook. 

Whether you are professionally trained or completely self taught, the small electric kitchen appliances you purchase will be based not only on the type(s) of cuisine you prepare, but also on your personal preferences and comfort. Although all chefs (professional and amateur alike) will have certain basic tools in common, such as knives, pots, and pans, your preference, and passion, in the kitchen will to a large extent dictate the specialty equipment you purchase. This is because many small electric kitchen appliances are made to perform very specialized tasks. 

Bread Maker

For example, if you have a passion for Italian cuisine, you will very quickly develop the desire to prepare your own pasta. This will naturally lead you in search of a quality pasta machine. Are you looking for a complete Italian dining experience, than perhaps an espresso and cappuccino machine is also in your future? If you find grinding pignoli nuts and basil leaves with a mortar and pestle too tiring, a food processor will whip up the perfect pesto in no time at all.  

Perhaps you fancy yourself a baker. You'll find that a quality stand mixer can turn out pizza dough, cake batters, and can whip frostings with ease.  

If your preference is for Asian or Spanish food, an electric rice cooker is certain to become an essential part of your kitchen.  

There are also several small electric kitchen appliances that are appropriate for everyone. The most obvious ones are a microwave oven, a coffee maker, toaster or toaster oven, blender, ice cream maker, and knife sharpener. All of these appliances are useful to everyone and are not task specific to a particular cuisine.

Although there are many who prefer the traditional methods of performing many of these tasks by hand, the major benefit of these small electric kitchen appliances is time. Not only will the task be performed faster, and more consistently, but several appliances (such as bread machines, coffee makers, and rice cookers) are programmable. How many bakers can prepare a loaf of bread while they're sleeping? Or brew a perfect pot of coffee while in the shower? 

So unless you're planning to audition for Iron Chef, or have an insatiable need, and unlimited budget, to purchase every type of appliance and gadget available, chances are you'll only actually purchase the one or two small electric kitchen appliances that are you'll actually need. But determining which small electric kitchen appliance is right for you is a decision only you can make. Take a look at the cookbooks you own and the foods you like to prepare, the answer should be pretty obvious.  

Which Small Electric Kitchen Appliances Should You Buy?