When it comes to kitchen gadgets and trends, it can be overwhelming to sift through what’s truly worth the investment. As someone who has spent over a decade testing various small appliances and kitchen accessories, I’m here to share my top picks that not only save you time but also help you save money in the long run.
Since I share many of the products I use to help you navigate a jam packed list of options, naturally my posts contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Food Saver
My family has had one of these since I can remember. We got one back in the 90s when it first was available to consumer households. If you’re not familiar, this machine ensures to suck all the air out the bag you have meats or other food in, and then seals it shut. Allowing it to last in the freezer for months (probably years). Thankfully the newer ones are nice an compact so they don’t take up tons of cabinet space!
Save money: Stock up on sale items like proteins without worrying about spoilage. Save time: Easily repackage and freeze excess food for future use without waste.
Slow Cooker
The ultimate, “throw a bunch of stuff in and let it cook all day” machine. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using your slow cooker and almost every recipe is very hands off. Everything from soups to lasagna can be made in here. Similar to the food saver, you can add chicken, roasts or loins that you bought and not sure what to do with, and cook plain before they go bad. Bonus tip: make sure you grab some liners for no clean up!
Save money: Cook larger quantities of food before they go bad. Save time: Prepare a wide variety of dishes with minimal hands-on effort.
Air Fryer
This one took me a bit to come around to, but it is my go to meal prep tool for extra lazy days. You can put almost anything in here and have it come out like you grilled it! A great go to meal to save you time and money in the air fryer is chicken thighs and baby red potatoes. Start by throwing in a small bag of whole baby red potatoes with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Once done, you can just reuse the air fryer for a small pack of chicken thighs. Add a microwave veggie, some seasoning and you’ve got an entire week’s of lunch ready to go.
Save time: Perfect for quick meal prep on lazy days, cooking food with a grilled texture without the hassle.
Muffin Tins
I certainly use my muffin tins more for cooking than baking. This is an easy way to make food that can be portioned out! Egg muffins, mini meatloaves, baked ziti poppers and so much more you can add into a muffin tin and then just pop a few into a container to take.
Save time: Portion out meals easily and silicone liners make cleanup a breeze.
Loaf Pan
Another underestimated kitchen tool! If you’re really not wanting to stand over a stove to brown ground meat, my favorite hack is to throw it in a loaf pan and bake it. Literally dump in it and have on 350F for 20 minutes or so. Once it’s cool you can crumble and it’s just like you ground it on the stove top.
Save time: Convenient tool for baking without constant stovetop monitoring.
Cost is a significant concern for many families today, especially those with active kids involved in sports. However, viewing these kitchen gadgets as essential tools can shift your perspective on cooking. Investing in items that streamline your cooking process is a worthwhile decision, similar to having essential tools like a hammer or screwdriver. Once you integrate these gadgets into your routine, cooking will become more efficient and enjoyable.
Make your kitchen work for you by incorporating these time-saving and money-saving gadgets. Effortless meal prep and reduced food waste await!
June 17, 2024
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