Quote from Taryn Yudaken on July 7, 2024, 11:33 AM

For the past few years, I’ve been dreaming of a better food processor. Last year, when some good sales came around, I finally got the processor of all processors, said goodbye to my old one, and never looked back. It was a million percent an investment worth making since I absolutely LOVE this tool, but it was even nicer to know that I got it on sale.

Here are ten highly-rated must-have kitchen tools that I use myself and can fully endorse. I use each one on a weekly or daily basis, and they have each made my life infinitely easier and better.

I'll start with the top 5 bigger buys, and end with 5 much smaller ones.

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1.  The Almond Cow

It was only about two years ago when I started reading everywhere about seed oils and emulsifying gums. I was going along my happy way, mostly drinking oat milk or almond milk, when I began scrutinizing the ingredient list on my faves and realizing that everything I was drinking had some kind of processed junk it in.

My oat milk had seed oil, my almond milk had guar gum, and the answer became clear: The Almond Cow. Sure, I had my doubts. This is a pricey machine simply to make milk. But I tried a cheaper version–the MioMAt–and just wasn’t convinced.

When I got the Almond Cow, I was convinced. This machine is mind-blowingly fast, efficient and easy to clean. It barely leaves behind any waste, it seriously squeezes out every last drop of you nuts. The craziest part is that is does this in about 60 seconds tops. And with a quick, soapless rinse, it’s dry in even less time.

The Almond Cow also makes more than just almond milk. I’ve made pistachio milk, rice milk, oat milk, hazelnut milk, macadamia nut milk and my personal favorite go-to, cashew milk. All you need is water and your nut (or oats or rice) of choice. You can sweeten if you like, and add whatever ingredients your mind can think up. Sometimes I toss in vanilla or maple syrup, but usually milk and cashews is good enough for me.

You can also choose between making milk or a thicker creamer by using the smaller bucket.

2. Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine

Nespresso Espresso is made in our house daily. I am one of those people who absolutely loves coffee but am pathetically sensitive to it’s caffeine effects, and so is my mother who still uses her Nespresso every day, too–but with decaf pods. I used to think an espresso machine might be used as a once-in-a-while treat, but this baby is the centerpoint of every morning.

First, it’s ease of use is unbeatable. I used to drink sub-par coffee made from a regular old Black and Decker coffee machine, then graduated to a French press which made better coffee, but was even more annoying to clean.

Enter the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine. You honestly do not have to clean this thing. When the pods fill up the little box catcher thing, you simply slide it out, dump out the pods and give it a quick rinse. That is ALL. And if you’re worried about the pods going in your trash, never fear. Nespresso has environmental awareness built in. You can easily request prepaid labels, and instead of throwing your pods in the trash, you can throw them in a box and send them back. For free. To be recycled. How many companies can say they do that?

Now let’s talk about flavor. There are endless different types of pods and flavors to try, but one thing they all have in common is that once they’ve run through this machine, you can taste the quality. Despite how fast and easy the Nespresso is, there is literally no compromising on taste. We’ve tried at least 20 different pod flavors and brands, and each has been delicious in its own way. Even the decaf ones!

What also makes this espresso machine extra luxurious is the milk frother. Oh, how I love the milk frother! In several seconds you can turn your milk from liquid into a delectable, bubbly froth to top your coffee. It’s smooth, effortless and makes you feel pretty fancy. Did I mention it only takes seconds? And yes, it’s also as easy to clean as the espresso machine.

With the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe model, you can choose how much you’d like to drink–from a full cup of coffee to a small shot of espresso. So whatever your taste, caffeine-tolerance or cup size, you will find something amazing in this machine.

3. Nutribullet Blender

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the blender brand that I’ve been using for about fifteen years now! In that time, I think I’ve only replaced the entire machine once, and it included an upgrade from just a Nutribullet cup to a package with 2 cups and a full-size blender.

I use, and I mean, I USE this machine almost on a daily basis. A quick morning smoothie is my default breakfast, and so this little blender lives on my counter. The full-size blender isn’t necessarily little, but the cups are relatively small and such a convenient size for daily use. They are just big enough for a smoothie for 1 or 2.

In all my years as a loyal Nutribullet customer, I’ve seen how long the blender lasts. Years. Really, years. And in these handfuls of years, the quality of the machine doesn’t budge. The quick whir of the motor chops my fruit and veggies into a liquid smoothie in seconds every time. No struggle. No complaints.

4. Cuisinart Food Processor

The Cuisinart Food Processor is the absolute cream of the crop. I would be willing to bet that almost any Cuisinart food processor is just as good, but I love my 14 cup model with a passion. I’ve had some smaller, less powerful food processors that certainly get the job done, but this guy works with with the kind of “oomph” that only its pricetag can justify.

In what seems like less than 1 second, an entire onion is transformed from a whole, round vegetable into a pile of perfectly thin rings. Unlike many other machines, this food processor can also make a smooth date paste in a matter of seconds. (Which I use for sweetening almost everything!) It can even knead dough for bread, which is a good enough reason to buy on its own.

5. Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer

The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer is an appliance I did not know I needed until I had. There must be thousands of ways to use this machine (maybe millions?), but here are the top 5 foods I use in it the most:

• • Potato or jicama fries

• • Tofu

• • Rotisserie chicken

• • Candied orange slices

• • Beef jerky

I also find that when I am looking for a quick veggie side, none other of my kitchen tools heats up frozen vegetables as fast as the air fryer. I always keep some frozen sweet potatoes and Brussel’s sprouts on hand, and spreading them out on the tray I’ll have half of dinner ready in a matter of minutes.

Potato fries and tofu are definitely my number one uses for this thing, because it is crazy how much faster and crispier they come out. It also comes with everything you need to make a rotisserie chicken, which is so super delicious you won’t be picking them up at the store again.

Now, since those first 5 items were definitely investments, I’d like to share some smaller products that are equally amazing (and in my rotation of everyday use).

6. Checkered Chef Curved Wooden Cutting Board with Mezzaluna Knife

If you find food prep boring, this curved cutting board with a curved knife (included) might be just the inspiration you need. The knife effortlessly chops anything from herbs and veggies to chicken and meat, and is a fun party trick at a barbecue (ask me how I know).

The board acts as a bowl for the food once you’ve chopped it, so doubles as a serving tray. It is modern, beautiful and efficient. Plus, interesting. And who knew a cutting board could be interesting?

7. Qinline Reusable Ziplock Bags

So, not gonna lie. Picked this pretty random sounding company to buy reusable ziplock bags from based on three things that I often look at to base my Amazon purchases on: the amount of customer reviews, stars, and amount that has been bought in the last month.

At the time of this writing, this brand has just over 19k reviews, 4.5 stars and over 1k people buying in the last month. With an item that’s affordable to begin with, I don’t spend ample amounts of time researching, and I’m happy to say that my impulse choice paid off.

I LOVE this little bags. At least, I love them a whole lot more than using the regular old plastic kind that is both bad for the environment and my body. This silicone-like bags are way hardier than the disposable kind. And you can feel better about them being made with PEVA instead of PVC.

8. KitchenAid Spatula Set

This is honestly one of my most used kitchen sets. Whenever I bake literally anything, my favorite utensil is always a scraper. I can’t explain the joy I get from scraping down every last bit of batter, but maybe it’s self-explanatory.

These scrapers are made of silicone, and the handles are bamboo. Can’t beat it for $11.

9. Dalstrong Gladiator Chef Knife

A good quality chef knife is just one of those things that can not be underestimated. It is so important, so incredibly useful, to have one of these in your kitchen.

Now I know there are some die-hard believers in certain brands, so we went out on a limb trying something a little more unknown. We were not disappointed. This knife is so powerful and sharp, it slices through anything and everything with ease. I’ve been using it for about 2 years now, and never once have I though “Oh darn, this knife isn’t sharp enough,” or anything along those lines.

I love this knife so much that I purchased a Dalstrong Gladiator paring knife as well, which I also use every day with zero complaints.

10. Bell Dream Popsicle Molds

Just for fun, I’m including these fun little molds. We’ve been using them for at least two years now and they are still going strong. No breaks in the sticks, no problems with the molds.

Most often, I make cooling little popsicles of apple juice, but sometimes I get more fancy and toss in some homemade chocolate milk (kind of like a healthy Fudgsicle) or a berry yogurt smoothie.

And there you have it, folks. Happy (sale) shopping!

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