My Top 5 Favorite Kitchen Tools

I’m definitely no connoisseur on kitchenware, but that being said, there are certain tools that I use very often in the kitchen that I’d like to tell you about. So in today’s post, here are my Top 5 Favorite Kitchen Tools in no particular order and a few reasons why I recommend having them on hand:

1. OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer

Though I just recently purchased this item, I can already tell I’m going to get a lot of use out of it. If you’re not familiar with “spiralizer” tools such as these, they are basically types of slicers that will cut your veggies in a manner that yields spiral-like strands.  One advantage of using a spiralizer is to create pasta-like noodles out of vegetables such as zucchini and squash. The other day, I took a raw beet to it and it produced thin spirals of wonderfully, vibrant red beet bite-size pieces that were light and easy to chew. I’m certain there are better manufacturers and models of this type of tool, but space is an issue for me and I prefer a handheld unit to a larger machine that may be cumbersome. Not bad at all for the price of $15. Versatile and fun, for sure — a great addition to your kitchen if you’re going gluten-free or simply desire a different way to prepare your veggies.

Purchase here: OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer, Green

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2. KitchenAid 2 Speed Immersion Blender

I use this device almost every single day. What am I making that requires a handheld immersion blender, you ask? This gets used first thing in the morning if I am making my version of a Bulletproof Coffee. Read more about Bulletproof Coffee here:
https://www.bulletproofexec.com/bulletproof-coffee-recipe/.

Also check out what my blended coconut oil/coffee concoction looks like: https://www.facebook.com/MikeNguyenNutrition/photos/pb.152993101504406.-2207520000.1448382475./664662097004168/?type=3&theater
And please give my FB page a good ol’ like while you’re there – thanks!

This immersion blender helps me emulsify the coconut oil once added to my cup of coffee, creating a frothy head and an amazing cup of homemade coffee. Not a coffee drinker? Fear not, as you can also make a tea drink and blend in your favorite milk alternative like coconut milk to make a chai coconut milk latte. Or you could just use it to puree your soups or to mash your potatoes or parsnips. The possibilities are endless and it’s much easier to use then the bulky blender (which is also much more difficult to clean up). This KitchenAid model is top-notch — made to last and is classy looking and stainless steel.

Purchase Here: KitchenAid KHB1231OB 2-Speed Hand Blender, Onyx Black by KitchenAid

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3. OXO SoftWorks Salad Spinner

I’ve had this gadget now in my kitchen for as long as I can remember and it is surely getting it’s fair share of use. I consume large amounts of salads. I feel like my plate is naked if a salad does not accompany a meal. I pretty much enjoy eating any type of salad green and like to switch it up when I’m able: arugula, mixed greens mix, Romaine on occasion, and my favorite right now, escarole. Read all about escarole here (a previous post of mine): http://wp.me/p5E8l7-10 .

This brand makes great-quality kitchen products and this design works well for me. Though a bit bulky, it’s a must-have for me given how many greens I consume. There’ve been times where I’ve tried cooking at a relative or friend’s house and am perplexed and lost when I discover they don’t own a salad spinner. Drying greens with towels or paper towels does not get the job done well enough for me — trust me on this one. You’ll never be able to go back to drip-drying your salad greens again after using one of these bad boys.

Purchase Here: OXO SoftWorks Salad Spinner

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4. Martha Stewart Collection Multi Pot (Steamer)

Though you can’t really tell from the small picture above, this 12 quart pot can function as a stock pot, a pasta pot, and a steamer. I use it primarily to steam foods. The one I own is 8 quarts and is plenty large enough with the steam tray being able to accommodate enough veggies to fulfill my needs. Steaming is one of my preferred ways for cooking vegetables because it is a quick, time-saving method as well as healthier than other cooking techniques. I have also used this pot to steam fish as well as tamales. I think everyone should own a steam basket or pot of some sorts to be able to take advantage of this easy and healthy way of cooking. I’ve owned simple, expandable steam baskets that insert into pots in the past but they usually didn’t last long since they were poorly made. I like that this particular pot can be used in many ways and will probably last a long time too.

Purchase Here:
Martha Stewart Collection Cooking Elements Multi-Pot, 12 Qt.

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5. Magic Bullet NutriBullet Blender System

I must admit, I was a little late to the game when it came to purchasing one of these blenders. I had heard all about the features and benefits of the VitaMix and mostly procrastinated buying one due to the dollar shock. I do realize that it’s a great product, but based on research and reviews I had combed through finally decided to go with the NutriBullet blender. Price was definitely a big deciding factor in this decision, however I am totally satisfied with my purchase and given my needs and requirements think that it was the best fit.

Space, space, space — that’s always a recurring theme that arises for those living in confined, city apartments. Though I don’t have the tiniest of kitchens, when you start to collect a variety of kitchenware items it all adds up and piles up. I like the slim stature of the NutriBullet compared to the massive, more conventional looking VitaMix. For me, blending up smaller amounts of smoothies or dressings is all I require. The smaller size blending cup that comes with it is usually more than enough and the larger size one tends to leave me with almost too much food. The machine has the power to blend any veggie or fruit I’ve ever thrown at it, and I prefer the ability to clean up smaller sized cups rather than a larger-sized blender.

If you’ve never witnessed one of these in action, they are useful for whipping up practically anything and impart such a smooth texture and consistency throughout the food being blended. I’ve made whipped cream in seconds, pureed soups that come out tasting like they had cream/dairy in them when they did not, and some tasty dairy-free avocado/chocolate mousse.

Here’s a link to the VitaMix as well so you can do your own research and compare it to the NutriBullet:
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender, Brushed Stainless

Purchase Here:
Magic Bullet NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender/Mixer System

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Thanks for reading! Hopefully I introduced you to a new kitchen tool that you weren’t familiar with before or helped you with a decision to purchase one you were already considering buying as an addition to your home.

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