A version of this post was originally published on April 20, 2024 in From the Editor, Stephanie Wu's newsletter that brings together the most important news and articles in the world of food. read archive and Subscribe now.
We've launched Kitchen Upgrades, the ultimate guide to kitchen shopping. We've tackled how to spruce up the most important room in your home during major life changes, like moving into your first apartment as an adult, combining your kitchen with your partner, or downsizing. Ta. This is a reminder that household items are often much more than functional, they record periods of our lives and hold a lot of significance. Inspired by this, I wanted to share some of the kitchen items that were turning points in my own life.
University Savior: George Foreman Grill
I survived most of my college years on a disturbing combination of cafeteria food, pasta made by my roommate, and Dunkin Donuts breakfast sandwiches. That is, until I got my hands on a George Foreman grill during the height of the panini craze. With this compact machine, you can make yourself a hot meal using refrigerator essentials, make all kinds of grilled cheese and cold cut sandwiches, and even reheat leftovers like quesadillas and burritos. Ta. I finally had to part with it when I moved last time, but I will always fondly remember the one and only product that supported my student days.
Pandemic hobby: KitchenAid stand mixer
Like many people, I fell in love with baking as a pandemic hobby, trying to master everything from biscuits and cinnamon rolls to milk bread. In the meantime, I splurged on a KitchenAid and was amazed at how easy it became to do basic prep tasks like creaming butter, kneading dough, and even julienne vegetables. I'll admit he's been gathering a bit of dust lately, but he's still one of my favorite investments. And that classic cherry red color of the machine really looks great on your counter.
Winter staple “Cuisinart electric kettle”
Every Chinese household needs two things: a rice cooker and an electric kettle. I used to use a Zojirushi boiler that dispensed hot water with the push of a button, but a few years ago I replaced it with an electric kettle. Our Miroko Kettle can only do one thing, but it's a savior to get you through the cold winter and flu season. This one from Cuisinart has a similar feel, although it's out of print.
Hosting Upgrade: Nespresso Pixie
I received this espresso machine as a gift a long time ago, and I'm never going to part with it because I love its small size and the fact that I always have a single-use cup of coffee on hand. A hostess' favorite thing to do these days is to offer guests an after-dinner espresso, regular or decaf. It's a nice touch to end the evening on a cozy note, and somehow feels very grown-up.
A new tool to save parents time: Beaba BabyCook
I don't usually have much of an objection to disposable home appliances, but I was completely charmed by this baby food maker. You can steam and puree in one machine without dirtying pots, pans, or mixers, and it's easy to clean. Sure, the puree stage is short, but it's a stressful one. I gave it to my in-laws in between kids to get the most out of it. I look forward to passing it on again when I'm done with it in a few months.
What's your favorite kitchen appliance you can't live without? Share it by sending a note to fromtheeditor@eater.com.
