Prime Kitchen Appliances: Do You Really Need That?
6 Kitchen Appliances You Might (Not) Need
Prime Day deals might be over, but the shopping never stops.
Have you ever found yourself in the kitchen appliances aisle of a Target, feeling totally overwhelmed by the amount of choice there is now? There are appliances for making waffles, sandwiches, rice, ice cream, even boiled eggs. Do we really need all this stuff? Probably not.
That’s why we’re breaking it down for you today: 6 of the most common or talked-about kitchen appliances, and whether or not you really need them.
Instant Pot vs. Crock-Pot
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is widely regarded as one of the best kitchen appliances—so good that they almost went bankrupt. They created a product that was so good and so long-lasting that no one needed to buy one anymore. And on top of that, it’s multi-functional; the Instant Pot is a slow-cooker, steamer, pressure cooker, and rice maker all-in-one. If you don’t already own a slow-cooker or rice maker, then we definitely recommend the Instant Pot above any other kitchen appliance. You just can’t beat all of those features in one appliance—and for only $130!
Crock-Pot
Now that we’ve talked up the Instant Pot so much, you’re probably wondering why we’d even bother to discuss the Crock-Pot. But the Crock-Pot has its upsides, too! While it is only a slow-cooker, it’s still a good $80 cheaper than the Instant Pot. So if you’re not the most skilled home cook or not looking for a ton of extra features, the Crock-Pot is definitely your best bet.
Air Fryers, Toaster Ovens, Microwaves, Oh My!
Air Fryer
Toaster Oven
Air fryers have become incredibly popular over the last couple years and are widely recommended by many, if not considered a household staple by now. If you don’t already have one, you might be wondering, what’s the big deal?
Air fryers are essentially toaster ovens, but they tend to cook food faster and make it a little crispier than a toaster oven could. If that sounds appealing to you, then you might want an air fryer over a toaster oven. However, you’ll find that many toaster ovens now have an “air fry” setting or advertise themselves as a 2-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven.
Our ultimate recommendation is to spend a little extra for one of these “combo” appliances. This way, you get the best of both worlds, and save a little money and a little counter space!
Air Fryer/Toaster Oven Combo
Microwave
Finally, the appliance we take for granted most often: the humble microwave. Microwaves are a kitchen staple, with most houses or apartments having a built-in, or at least provided, microwave. Whether you have one and want to toss it, or don’t have one and are wondering if you can survive without it, we have the answers.
Truthfully, there is not much that a microwave can do that you couldn’t do on the stovetop or in the toaster oven. Microwaves are primarily popular because they are convenient for things like reheating leftovers, making quick snacks, or quickly softening/heating up an ingredient for a recipe. However, if you can live without this convenience—and with reheating your rice in a skillet on the stovetop—then you can live without a microwave.
Consider saving yourself a little extra countertop space and ditch your microwave for a toaster oven/air fryer and your very own stove!
Rice Cookers
Rice Cooker
Rice cookers are one of those appliances that seem insanely handy, but then superfluous when you think about it for too long. Ultimately, it depends on your diet. Are you someone who makes and eats rice for most/majority of your meals? Then you would probably benefit from a rice cooker (although not if you already bought an Instant Pot 😉).
If you don’t eat a lot of rice, then we recommend sitting this one out. Either purchase a multi-functional appliance like the Instant Pot for the once-in-a-blue-moon occasion that you need rice, or invest some time in learning to cook rice on the stove.
Now, Your Turn…
Ultimately, which kitchen appliances you want to keep around will come down to your personal preferences, and not the opinions of other people: what do you need and what do you like? Hopefully we armed you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision! 💫
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