MAGAZINE CONTENT

5 kitchen appliances to kick to the kerb

I know this could get controversial but this list is about some of the kitchen appliances I’ve learnt are just not worth the dollars and the bench space, and that I bore my friends and family about with my reasoning. I hope we can still be friends.

Multi-cookers

There are lots of generic brands copying this behemoth of a kitchen appliance which is a very expensive German, direct-sell and extremely successful item which I’m far to scared to mention by name. I used one in my cafe and yes it was great - a lot of béchamel and custards were saved by not having distracted staff forgetting about them. But I just found its perfectly silky sauces a bit … well soulless. Of course they have a multitude of other uses but really those in my Top 5 appliances can do the same job and they have more capacity. The cost of “the one” in this category will cover two or three of my must-haves and I know that repairs on this baby can really add up. I also feel these heating/processing combos strip out the joy of cooking - sometimes you need to get up close and personal with what you are preparing.

Espresso coffee machine.

I realise that I probably am going to upset the rest of you that I haven’t already annoyed, but hear me out. After owning a coffee shop for many years when I sold the business the first thing I was going to buy to survive my new life was a home espresso machine. I had already decided to buy a (very expensive) commercial single-group as I was dubious about the quality and life span of the cheaper domestic brands and had heard lots of complaints. And yes I am a big coffee snob. Espresso machines are complicated pieces of equipment with water pressure and settings that you should be monitoring, and they need to be cleaned properly everyday. Because I hadn’t got round to choosing one yet, I dragged out my stove-top percolator and I have not looked back. They are cheap and compact, easy to use and clean, and are what you find in ordinary Italian kitchens. OK there is no milk frothing (although you could buy a stand alone frother) so no cappuccinos or lattes, but I’m a flat white girl now and life is so much simpler.

Bread maker

I realise most people banished these to the back of the cupboard years ago, but they were once so ubiquitous that I need to mention how awful these were for the uninitiated. This bulky box produced a loaf that resembled a small cushion and was only slightly more enjoyable to eat. Of course it had options for multigrain and fruit but they were all an unmanageable shape and usually had a big air pocket in the middle. I can make all types of bread using my KitchenAid Mixer to knead, a loaf tin and the oven, and they are so, so much better. Do not go there.

Juicer

This list is getting a bit trickier just because there are so many unnecessary appliances out there telling you your life will change if you buy them. This is worth mentioning though for the reason they are expensive, break easily, are awful to clean and take up so much room. Your juice health kick will be even shorter lived with this in your life just because of the cleaning. My other big bugbear with most of them is that all the good stuff - the fibre - is extracted out and you are left with essentially fructose water, which isn't that great for you. You are better with a more versatile plain old blender (which can also make fabulous strawberry daiquiris once you have regained your senses) and at least you are using whole fruit. This also goes for electric citrus juicers - save your money.

Pie maker

I get it - these make great looking pies - but I find them a weird size. Too small for a meal size, too big for finger food, I’m just not sure how to serve them. They make the list because they are so popular but I believe it won’t be long before they begin their inevitable journey to the back of the cupboard - along with the waffle maker, popcorn maker and whatever else lurks there. OK they make just more than just pies, but whatever they are they are, they are all the same shape and this weird “in-between” size which I just can’t get my head around. Please don’t try and talk me out of this one.

Dishonourable Mentions

Popcorn makers
Waffle makers
Egg Cooker (WTH!)
Electric frypans and woks.
Sous Vide Cookers