DarlaS Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 We have a kitchen remodel on the horizon, and of course, I'd like to rethink some of what's in there. Which top five tools/appliances etc do you feel are must haves? (Major appliances excluded. I'm not even going to consider life without a fridge! ;)) Mine would be: Really sharp knives good cutting board complete set of cookware for every day my slowcooker a toaster Which five would be the first to go? I would toss small cluttery gadgets like: garlic press egg slicer that box grater thing (I have a food processor that does the same tasks) extra dishes & accessories like napkin rings etc. duplicate knives that are just "so-so" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 How horrible is it that I would keep everything in my kitchen. It took me years to collect the proper tool for the job. And since we move every couple of years I keep the things I don't use down to a minimum. So everything in my kitchen is used regularly or used for holiday baking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Knives Kitchenaid Mixer A good Food Processor Immersion Blender Great set of cookware The rest, I could easily make do without. If I could squeeze in one more thing it would be a slow cooker. First things to toss... My Salad spinner Toaster Sandwich maker The umpteen million little gadgets I've inherited over the years that I don't even know what half of them are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 My kitchen is pretty minimalist, as is. I'm just not a gadget gal! My five must-haves are: knives (I have two plus a sharpener) cutting boards (I have one small, one large) cast iron (I have one skillet, one wok) bamboo steamers (I have a variety of sizes) rice cooker I don't own a mixer, blender, coffee maker, food processor, box grater, garlic press, or egg slicer or any of the other gadgets. The only items I have aside from my must-have list above are a teapot, crockpot and toaster oven, the latter two a friend left with me while he was in between homes. I've used each a few times, but prefer to just continue on doing my own thing. I'd miss my teapot, but could make do without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Keep Knives and scissors Colander Cookware Toaster oven Mixing bowls Toss Wooden block for the knives and scissors (I really need a better way to store them) Mortar and pestle Glass pitcher Pizza stone Garlic press Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Things I use all the time: Slow cooker Rice cooker Blender Electric kettle Toaster Microwave (that's six) Things I can do without: Coffee maker (I'm happy making coffee in a cone on a cup) Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mrsjamiesouth Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 How horrible is it that I would keep everything in my kitchen. It took me years to collect the proper tool for the job. And since we move every couple of years I keep the things I don't use down to a minimum. So everything in my kitchen is used regularly or used for holiday baking. :iagree: I am with you. I bake a lot and I have 3 cabinets just of baking pans and tools. I do get rid of tupperware on a regular basis, it always seems to multiply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikeBookBread Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 The items that I own and would ALWAYS keep: Le Creuset French oven Le Creuset frying pan Silpat Henckels chef knife, boning knife and paring knife (can those count as 1? a set? :lol:) KA stand mixer My locking OXO metal-safe chef's tongs: they have functionally replaced my wooden spoons, pasta scoop and meat fork - a super handy tool! Heavy duty kitchen scissors Baking stone Microplane classic grater The items that I have that I could live without, but I'd be sad without them: rice cooker garlic press KA mini chopper/food processor Poultry scissors for cutting apart poultry blender food processor the million specialty gadgets that are handy, but aren't used on a weekly basis Stuff I'd ditch in a heartbeat: automatic bread maker Ebelskever pan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 My kitchen has plenty of room, I keep a lot in it, but I really am a chunker, not a hoarder. If it was crowded I'd get ride of more. I've kept- Kitchen Aid food processor five crockpots Four sets of china Knives, cutting board small grinder thingy for when I don't want the processor out. I hate toasters but the family insists on one. Things I wouldn't keep bread maker garlic press egg slicer cheese grater no good deep fat fryers that never work and make me sit around for 45 minutes waiting for them to heat up until I lose my temper and toss them in the garbage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 That is the one room I would never be able to minimize! That is my hobby, my passion. I could not do it. I have worked hard at getting what I need for everything I do, well it is a constant work in progress. Now I could minimize the rest of the house, but not the kitchen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarcyB Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Keep: too many to list ROFL good set of utensils - tongs, silicone spatula, metal spatula, whisk good set of knives - one chef's, one paring, one bread, sharpener good set of cookware - 12" skillet stainless steel, dutch oven Blender KA - (with all the attachments in my fantasy world!) Stoneware - bar pan. (I waffled between that and the pizza stone, but I can do everything in bar pan, even though cookies take an extra couple of minutes. Get rid of: Bread Machine All the duplicates. I don't need 3 whisks or 4 spatulas or 4 sets of tongs or 4 measuring cups, 5 casserole dishes (yes..I have them and need to be able to get rid of them. But who do I offend..MIL..or my memories of my mom (inherited her kitchen lol) Microwave Food Processor Cookie press Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Keep: Knives Hand mixer Coffee maker Toaster (though I'd like to trade it for a toaster oven) Crockpot Ditch (or at least store elsewhere): Stemware (we rarely drink) Infrequently used baking supplies like cookie cutters and novelty cake pans Food Saver and it's accessories Blender and I'm on the fence about the microwave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Those of you that would get rid of your garlic press - do you just not use fresh garlic? I use garlic and the press every day sometimes more than once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 We lived in a furnished condo when we moved. The kitchen tools were a frying pan, two pots, one sharp knife, a spatula, a big spoon, and place settings for four. We survived quite nicely for two months, and it made me rethink whether I needed all the stuff I had packed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Those of you that would get rid of your garlic press - do you just not use fresh garlic? I use garlic and the press every day sometimes more than once. Me, too. I'd grab my garlic press in a fire. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Those of you that would get rid of your garlic press - do you just not use fresh garlic? I use garlic and the press every day sometimes more than once. I've never owned one. I just chop mine with a knife nearly every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I need a coffee maker, coffee cups, a popcorn bowl, a microwave, a funnel, some cereal bowls and some silverware. I could make due without anything else. Of course, I would have to go out to eat or get take out every night but that's all right with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 (edited) I cook every day and bake at least once a week, and I have a fairly minimalist kitchen. I haven't ever owned extra appliances like a blender, food processor, bread maker, crock pot, etc. I do have a KitchenAid mixer and a Magic Bullet. I enjoy working in the kitchen, so mincing garlic with a knife, using a hand-held pastry blender for pie crust and scones, chopping herbs and vegetables by hand, etc., aren't jobs for which I've ever wished to own a big, clunky appliance or extra tools to clutter the drawers. I really dislike stuff stored on my kitchen counters, and I don't have much storage space elsewhere. Two appliances that were given to me that are stored in a shed somewhere are a panini press and a deep fat fryer. I should dig them out and pass them on, but since they're not in the way I tend to forget they live here. The things I couldn't do without are good knives, a decent set of pots and pans, a couple of large mixing bowls, sturdy whisks and tongs (I have two of each), heavy-duty measuring utensils and a few pieces of bakeware (half-sheet pan, muffin tin, loaf pan, casserole dish, pie pan). Edited November 4, 2010 by Crissy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 We're pretty minimal. Use all the time: Iron frying pan Revereware pots - huge, 2 medium (one with steamer), 1 small Two jelly roll pans (use for cookies, pizza, bread, and many other things) Big and small bread pans Muffin tin Three cake tins (we like big birthday cakes : ) ) and a pie tin Cookie racks Wooden spoons Bread knife, big knife, paring knife Silverware and china for about 6 people and lots of glasses and mugs Big nylon spoon (almost a ladel) Three big metal bowls Big glass mixing bowl and a glass measuring cup Several cutting boards Potato masher Dish drainer and mat Bread maker Toaster oven Several casserole dishes Tupperware and some thermouses (we eat in the car A LOT) Serving bowls I do have a tiny mixer and a blender; they are nice but I don't use them much. I have various other items in the silverware drawer, like a parer and an apple corer, but we don't use them much. I live for weeks on a boat with a galley that is about 2 1/2 feet long and about 9 feet wide. It has an ice box, a small locker for spices and cereal, one tiny drawer (6X6X18 inches) for silverware and knives, a holder for spatula and spoon and ladel and measuring cup, a small locker with a set of dishes, hooks for six mugs and a bread board, a tiny sink and a 2 burner alcohol stove with a locker under it for paper goods, plastic bags, tinfoil, metal bowls, three pots, and a frying pan. I have camped for months with about the same stuff. If you are going very minimalist, some useful extra things to have in addition to what is in the boat list are a thermous (two if you drink tea and coffee because they don't mix successfully), a pitcher, two dishpans, three large metal bowls (wash things, cut veggies into, store fruit, serve chips, etc.), an iron frying pan, a strainer, expandable toasting forks, a table cloth, and some tupperware. If you want to go extra luxurious, get a beater, one with whirly blades. -Nan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarcyB Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Those of you that would get rid of your garlic press - do you just not use fresh garlic? I use garlic and the press every day sometimes more than once. We use a ton of garlic, I just whack it with a knife and do a quick dice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I can't live without my mixer, bread machine, Cutco knives, and crockpot for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted November 4, 2010 Author Share Posted November 4, 2010 How horrible is it that I would keep everything in my kitchen. It took me years to collect the proper tool for the job. And since we move every couple of years I keep the things I don't use down to a minimum. So everything in my kitchen is used regularly or used for holiday baking. It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into what's in there already and are not subject to impulse buying of oddball gadgetry. KnivesKitchenaid Mixer A good Food Processor Immersion Blender Great set of cookware The rest, I could easily make do without. If I could squeeze in one more thing it would be a slow cooker. First things to toss... My Salad spinner Toaster Sandwich maker The umpteen million little gadgets I've inherited over the years that I don't even know what half of them are. Now I would keep my salad spinner! lol! I like a variety of fresh washed raw greens, but I hate them wet. That is the one room I would never be able to minimize! That is my hobby, my passion. I could not do it. I have worked hard at getting what I need for everything I do, well it is a constant work in progress. Now I could minimize the rest of the house, but not the kitchen. Okay, it doesn't sound like you add gadgets on a whim though. I'm kind of the same way about my sewing stuff. I don't have too many little doo-dads, since I know what I can realistically do, but I use what I do collect (when I sew...). Those of you that would get rid of your garlic press - do you just not use fresh garlic? I use garlic and the press every day sometimes more than once. I use the flat side of a chef's knife to smash it, peel and chop. Cleaning mine is a real pain. I know someone said they can live without their egg slicer. That is something I use regularly. I eat a lot of hard boiled eggs. Trying to slice them by hand is not impossible, but they come out much prettier with the slicer. I'd probably end up keeping mine also. My dd would miss it even if I didn't. She's a gadget girl in the making. :D I cook every day and bake at least once a week, and I have a fairly minimalist kitchen.I haven't ever owned extra appliances like a blender, food processor, bread maker, crock pot, etc. I do have a KitchenAid mixer and a Magic Bullet. I've noticed on cooking shows, the hosts never seem to have a plethora of little doo-dads. Anyone ever see Alton Brown use a garlic press? (Every one of them seems to have some kind of KA or Bosch mixer though!) I live for weeks on a boat with a galley that is about 2 1/2 feet long and about 9 feet wide. It has an ice box, a small locker for spices and cereal, one tiny drawer (6X6X18 inches) for silverware and knives, a holder for spatula and spoon and ladel and measuring cup, a small locker with a set of dishes, hooks for six mugs and a bread board, a tiny sink and a 2 burner alcohol stove with a locker under it for paper goods, plastic bags, tinfoil, metal bowls, three pots, and a frying pan. I have camped for months with about the same stuff. If you are going very minimalist, some useful extra things to have in addition to what is in the boat list are a thermous (two if you drink tea and coffee because they don't mix successfully), a pitcher, two dishpans, three large metal bowls (wash things, cut veggies into, store fruit, serve chips, etc.), an iron frying pan, a strainer, expandable toasting forks, a table cloth, and some tupperware. If you want to go extra luxurious, get a beater, one with whirly blades. -Nan Nan, I'm keeping your list to help us restock our camping supplies. We used to camp a lot when our two oldest were little, but the two youngest have never been. I think next summer would be a good time to change that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Those of you that would get rid of your garlic press - do you just not use fresh garlic? I use garlic and the press every day sometimes more than once. I either buy roasted minced garlic (in olive oil) or slice and dice it with a knife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Keepers I use all the time: cast iron skillet saucepans (at least 2 with at least 1 lid) vegetable knife, slicing knife, bread knife, scissors mixing bowls (at least 2, small and large...lid for the large) baking sheets vinyl sheets liners (2) for pizzas (my silpat is unraveling after less then a year but my cheap one is not), french rolling pin tong, large scraper, big spoon, flipper (I know, such technical terms :tongue_smilie:) measuring cup/spoon (adjustable) small bread pans, stone or clay tile for oven, scale 9x9 glass pans with lids (works for everything from cake to casserole) I would get rid of in a heartbeat: dutch oven (the cast iron taints my chicken stock and I only want 1) microwave (keep the toaster oven) KA mixer (I know, I know...but the lock broke three years ago and it flops around...I need a new mixer with more bread capacity) hot chocolate maker (what was my husband thinking?) blender Things I don't need but I enjoy: electric griddle (the boys eat pancakes soo fast) crockpot whisk wooden spoon large pasta bowls for serving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I'm not even going to consider life without a fridge! ;)) Why not? :D Nothing would convince me to give up my kitchen gadgets, even the ones I never use. They make me happy. :) I would like to upgrade a couple though... My most important are: Grain mill Nice expensive food processor Paring knife Microwave (I know they are bad, but I love mine) Measuring cups and spoons Seed trays. (For growing sunflower lettuce in, and yes, I do that in the kitchen.) I'm saving for a new blender since dh broke mine, but I'm going to get one of those tough ones that puree everything, for green smoothies. After that, a dehydrator will be next on the list. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 We have a kitchen remodel on the horizon, and of course, I'd like to rethink some of what's in there. Which top five tools/appliances etc do you feel are must haves? (Major appliances excluded. I'm not even going to consider life without a fridge! ;)) Mine would be: Really sharp knives good cutting board complete set of cookware for every day my slowcooker a toaster Which five would be the first to go? I would toss small cluttery gadgets like: garlic press egg slicer that box grater thing (I have a food processor that does the same tasks) extra dishes & accessories like napkin rings etc. duplicate knives that are just "so-so" I'm already pretty lean on kitchen stuff. I just decluttered the kitchen last week. I would keep the grater thingy, that's all I really use. It takes more effort to get out and clean the food processor. If I went really minimalist, I would get rid of my crockpot, microwave, breadmachine, cheesecake pan that I've never used, bundt pan, hot air popper and whirly pop ( I know how to make popcorn in a pan on the stove). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I use mine almost daily. In fact, there aren't many kitchen items I have that I don't use. I tend to toss things I don't use. Top 5 (I'm not listing the cutco knives and must-have tools, like spoons - they are necessities, as are pots and pans) Grain mill Bosch w/blender (gets daily use) Crock pot Salad spinner Pizza stone I also use my food processor and juicer a lot. I could toss: Electric Ice cream maker Multiples of pots or pans (though I don't have many duplicates) Probably some excess utensils Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginevra Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 A lot of what I have in my kitchen I would not want to be without. I would not be without: Henkles Knives (probably spelled that wrong) Pizza stones (by far the best way to make pizza and bread) Kitchen Aide Stand Mixer Correll dishes - service for twenty Electric skillet - I use the heck out of that thing Crockpot - ditto; I have two Roaster Pan and temperature probe. (Turns oven off when meat comes to temp.) Garlic Press - I know a lot of you said no to this, but I use it almost daily and I just bought a new Pamper Chef one after wearing out my other PC one! I wouldn't care if I lost: Waffle Iron Toaster Blender Salad Spinner Frydaddy And can I just say, one trivial gadget that I really love is a pie shield. Little piece of tin that keeps the crust edges from burning. That thing is so much better than trying to stick foil on there and keep it in place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 OMG, I could not live w/o a garlic press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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