Are you wondering which kitchen gadgets you can easily update for a fresh new kitchen look?
Sometimes, all your kitchen needs is a small appliance revamp instead of extensive renovations.
And, technology changes so fast with gadgets doing more now than ever before, that this can be a fun project.
In this post, we’ll explore a few ways to upgrade your kitchen appliances with minimal effort.
We’ll look at:
- Coffee makers
- Blenders, with an easy make-ahead a smoothie recipe using an unflavoured, smooth protein powder
- Instant Pot® latest design features the Dutch Oven Casserole
- An air fryer with a difference (8-in-1)
Then we’ll take a look at some gift ideas that save time, are good for the environment, and create a big learning opportunity for kids. - 3 unique Etsy kitchen gifts including a wood kitchen playset that’s simply adorable, linen tea towels, and paperless kitchen towels!
What makes a great coffee maker?
This is such a personal choice, which is why there are so many styles on the shelves. Great coffee makers are what suit our lifestyle and personal tastes.
I’m a fan of espresso’s so my coffee maker needs to accomplish this with zero fussing.
I recommend first making a list of what you can and can’t live without in a good cup of coffee.
I love my De’Longhi Eletta coffee maker . . . with one push of the button, my machine is fired up.
Push another button and I’ve selected my favorite, a single or double espresso.
While I organize breakfast this busy coffee maker is grinding the right amount of beans, heating then pushing hot water through freshly ground beans, and pouring a cream-topped coffee into a warmed cup.
(I leave my espresso-sized cups on the top grill to warm up)
Later I’ll drop the small puck-sized ground coffee beans in my compost, which I’ve heard, are great for growing mushrooms!
Meanwhile, I’m sipping on a delicious coffee lightly sweetened with a tiny splash of maple syrup . . and, yum!
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It’s true – I also have the Nespresso coffee maker.
Nespresso uses high-end beans with a fabulous fat content so your drink comes out creamy-smooth even before adding any milk.
This coffee maker is compact, looks classy on the kitchen counter, and is easy to use.
Then, when you go camping or are off for a day hike, don’t forget to take along an AeroPress for a decent espresso while on the run.
We love ours: easy to pack and use, and definitely worth the effort.
The mug doubles up as part of the case and you’ll get 1-3 servings, depending on the amount of coffee you need.
No matter which way you make your coffee, every morning has a much better start when hot water flushes out the aromas, flavors, and fats from roasted beans.
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Ninja Blender
I’m using my blender more often lately as I learn the importance of slipping protein into each meal.
As we age it’s easier to lose muscle mass so adding unflavored and no-added sugar protein to each meal is a healthy way to slow this down.
Have you heard about Amazon Fresh Deals for groceries?
It’s a great place to look for discounted grocery items with a convenient same-day delivery service.
See if you qualify for SNAP groceries through Amazon where you don’t need to be a Prime member, yet still get fresh produce.
Quick smoothie recipe:
Add to your blender:
- 1 frozen peeled banana to make your smoothie extra creamy
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup frozen mango pieces
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple pieces
- 1 cup orange juice, unsweetened and with pulp
To Serve:
- Extra orange juice to thin the smoothie. If you prefer use water or unsweetened oat or almond milk.
Garnish:
- Sprig of fresh mint
Steps:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy
- Scoop out 1/2 cup of smoothie mixture into a glass
- Add extra orange juice and stir until well mixed.
- Add one scoop of protein powder and stir to blend.
Freeze the remaining smoothie in silicone ice cube containers for use later.
Notes:
The next time you feel like a smoothie, pop 5-6 frozen smoothie cubes into a glass and prepare as above.
I use these silicone ice cube trays and love them!
They come with a lid which makes them easy to stack and keeps the freezer smells out.
With flexible bottoms, there’s no fighting the plastic to get anything out and nothing goes flying or skidding across the countertop.
Instant Pot's Dutch Oven Casserole
Anything that Instant Pot® designs are an instant hit in our kitchen.
I’ve just bought a traditional Instant Pot® but now that the Dutch Oven Casserole is available, I’m loving this idea too!
Here’s what this 5-in-1 enameled cast iron kitchen gadget does:
- Braise
- Sear
- Slow cook
- Food warmer
- Cooking pan
Digital Air Fryer
An air fryer is on my Must-Have lists and this one appeals to the geek in me where it’s fun to use and has a ton of options.
Using rapid air technology, like all air fryers, this one uses little to very little oil and crispens food as if cooked in a deep fryer.
More kitchen inspirations from Etsy
No one can have enough tea towels! I love this one.
Linen is an ancient fiber and gets softer with each wash.
These tea towels have mitered corners for a finished look and two lavender flowers for extra elegance.
Size: 23 by 28 ” or 59 by 70cm
Fully machine washable. Ironing can harm the properties of linen so hanging to dry is recommended.
Paperless kitchen towels in bee-themed soft yellow and blue will brighten any kitchen.
100% cotton flannel paperless towels are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable paper towels. They are soft, absorbent, and gentle on all surfaces. Perfect for drying hands, cleaning counters, or cleaning up after a toddler.
Handcrafted kid’s wooden play kitchen includes oven, cupboard, hob, sink, water tap, and drawer.
Inspire your little chef or baker with their own little kitchen.
The surface has enough space for them to ‘bake’ or ‘cook’.
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