The pandemic has ushered in a whole new cooking renaissance for lots of us, so I’ve been on the lookout for new gadgets for all you budding gourmets out there. Or anyone who just wants these gadgets to make cooking thee meals a day, every day a little more automated. So I asked the members of our amazing Recipe Rescue Facebook group for their current favorite kitchen gadgets, and wow, they had so many brilliant ideas that would make excellent holiday gifts.
So here they are, gathered in one handy place. Happy cooking! And shopping!
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Top image: Ninja Foodi Digital Fry | Amazon
Related: Kitchen appliances and essentials we’re glad to have during quarantine
Instant-read thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is such a necessity for anyone who cooks meat regularly, and one of our members swears by this Pampered Chef Instant-Read Food Thermometer. It unfolds so you can monitor whatever’s in your oven without opening the door. So smart!
Battery-operated can opener
It’s the little things! Like not dropping the lid of your tin can into the soup during a pandemic that’s turned us all into raging germaphobes. That’s why I’m considering this battery-operated can opener from Dr. Me that our own Lisa Barnes swears by.
Related: 10 awesome kitchen gadgets you can get on Amazon Prime for under $20
A fancy waffle maker
With restaurant brunches mostly cancelled (at least where I live), this Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian waffle iron seems like the perfect way to bring the experience home. Plus, according to one of our Recipe Rescue group members, cleaning is super easy; just wipe it down with a paper towel, and you’re good to go! Almost like having a real server at your breakfast table, right?
Air fryer
Boy howdy, do people love their air fryers! And reading about all they can do, I’m beginning to see why. One member recommended this Ninja Foodi Digital Fry, Convection Oven in particular, which she says bakes, toasts, and folds up against the wall when you’re done using it instead of taking up valuable counter space. If you’ve got an Instant Pot, you can purchase an air fryer attachment and save some cash. (See below).
Related: Star Wars Instant Pots. Is there any more to say?
Fancy pepper grinder
Save your wrists and grab this Puegeot Battery-Operated Pepper Mill that another Recipe Rescue member loves. Yes, they’re pricey, but they last for years and are handy when you need to add more than a pinch of fresh pepper.
Automatic tea maker
If you’re buying for a serious tea drinker this holiday season, check out this Breville One-Touch Tea Maker that seems like the height of luxury. You can choose your tea strength and temperature setting, plus it automatically lowers the leaves into basket when the temperature’s right, and then raises them so as not to oversteep. Wow.
A nice blender
It’s an investment, but if you want to drink a healthy breakfast or lunch or even dinner (hello soup season!) instead, it might be worth it. If you get a great blender like this Vitamix Ascent Series, it can also work as a food processor so you can save space in your kitchen.
Related: The best bread makers at the best prices
Instant Pot
I thought home cooks might have cooled on Instant Pots by now, but Insta love is still burning (steaming?) strong among our members and Cool Mom Eats readers. And given what a time-saver it is, I’m not surprised. One of you even suggested buying the air fryer attachment so you can make your IP do double duty without adding another gadget to your arsenal. Either way, such a versatile tool.
Sous vide
If you’re new to the magic of sous vide, just know that it takes a lot of the guesswork out of making oh-so-tender meat. I’m loving this Breville Jouls Sous Vide that one of our group members recommended since it’s an immersion model that uses the pots you have rather than taking up space on your counter top like some other sous vide styles.
