Top 8 Countertop Appliances We Can’t Do Without

With few exceptions, the top 8 countertop appliances we used 10 or even 15 years ago are still among the ones that we use the most today.

The makes and models may have changed, and the features may be more advanced, but the core use of the appliance is still very much in use today.

Responding to our demanding needs and desires, appliance manufactures are constantly creating and updating their appliance offerings with unique and innovative features that are sure to keep us hooked on them for years to come.

The following are the top 8 small kitchen appliances in use today.

1) The Coffee Machine:
Our most beloved appliance, The coffee machine is a staple in most every kitchen and office break room in American. We are hooked on coffee more today than in any time in history, You can see this by the tremendous success of Starbucks.

Invented in 1842 , the coffee machine has made the joy of a cup of Joe in the morning, after supper, or in the middle of the day an enjoyable brewing experience.

2) The Microwave Oven:
We use it daily, we use it so much, that we sometimes don’t even think about it as being an appliance. Our microwave is a part of our kitchen, It’s always sitting there waiting for us to heat up our lunch.

Even thought the microwave oven has many useful ways to fully cook an entire meal, most often it is used for instant heat ups or microwave dinners.

3) The Toaster / Toaster Over:
These are actually two different appliances, but they basically do the same thing, just differently. Who doesn’t love toast? toast and butter, toast and jelly, toast and peanut butter, toast for our sandwiches, bagels, and waffles. If it fits in the toaster slot, we will try and toast it.

4) The Blender:
It does what it says, and it also chopps, and purees foods for sauces, deserts, and drinks. We love to use it, and hate to clean it. Modern countertop blenders, blend faster, and look nicer, but they basically haven’t changed a whole lot.

What has changed, is the move to immersion blenders. Smaller and easier to clean, this hand blender for many is a more convenient option because you can blend directly into a pot or bowl without the need for the container that a standard blender uses. Both types enjoy mass appeal.

5) The Food Processor:
Somewhat smiler to a blender, it is most often used for cutting, chopping, and slicing vegetables; but it wont whip or puree your foods like a blender does.

It’s great for the prepping of foods for cooking. You can also whip up some great salads with it. With the free time saved by using a food processor, you start cooking all those unique recipes that you have been wanting to try.

6) The Stand Mixer:
For those who love to bake, the stand mixer Is a must have appliance. Used for mixing, whipping, and beating mixes and doughs.

Modern stand mixers by Kithenaid and Viking have really come a long way. Not only for there mixing abilities, but for the many mixer attachments that can be used to do many other things, such as grinding meat and making pasta. Decorative designer colors have been all the rage lately. For the occasional cook, a hand mixer might do the trick.

7) The Rice Cooker:
It does one thing, and does it well. Cooking rice has never been easier. This appliance is probably the one that has changed the most. What used to look like an electric pot, now looks like some kinda futuristic sports ball.

Two of the top brands, Panasonic and Zojirushi, have digital screens with multiple options for timed cooking and Zojirushi uses something called Neuro Fuzzy logic technology in their better models. This term refers to the stored knowledge of how to cook different types of rice.

8 ) The Juicer:
Last but not least, the juicer has many fans from the health conscious to the fresh squeezed enthusiast. Juicing is growing more and more each year, due to in part with our thirst for more health friendly foods.

There are three main types of Juices… Centrifugal, Masticating, and Triturating. these refer to the methods of extracting and separation of the juice from the pulp. Depending upon the type, brand and or model, your cost can vary widely from a modest $39 to the more affluent $1,200 models.

What are your favorite kitchen appliances ?