Slow Cooker 

Nothing is more heavenly than having a slow cooked, scrumptious supper perfuming your house all day. While slow cooking is synonymous with the colder months, I also love using it during the summer for shredded meat (hello, Ropa Vieja…). The above linked slow cooker is the version I have, but I’ve found other options here and here.

Standing Mixer 

An ultimate kitchen appliance for the home cook! I’ve had my standing mixer for close to 12 years, and I constantly use it! I’ve found a couple different models and price points, here and here.

• Favorite attachments for Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer:
  • Ice Cream Maker: Salted Caramel Ice Cream, anyone?
  • Pasta Roller Attachment Set: Take Italian Night to the next level!

Instant Pot

An appliance that has sparked countless debate (“Do I really need one? Does it take up too much space? Will I use it?”). I too was a skeptic…until I got one myself. It can work magic on your busiest nights, and can save you precious minutes while entertaining! One time I cooked an extra pork roast for carnitas while I had company, worried that my first batch wouldn’t be enough! 

Hand Mixer 

Great for mixing up batter for muffins, mixing dips, or whipping egg whites, this handheld mixer is my favorite. My model is white, but I’m loving this Robin’s egg blue hue! Other models and price points can be found here, here, and here.

Toaster 

We’re toast-lovers in my house, so a good toaster that looks nice (as it lives on our countertop!) is key. This is the closest version of my own toaster, as mine is no longer made. I’ve found other great options for you here and here.

Espresso Maker 

You’re probably thinking, “Really? Do I need an espresso maker?” The quick answer is “it depends”. For years I weighed the idea of getting an espresso maker. When I finally purchased mine, I was left wondering why I hadn’t gotten it sooner! I love having single shots in the morning, but it’s also wonderful for making lattes or other fancy beverages. This is the model I own and love, but a few other options are here, here, and here).

Coffee Maker 

Espresso AND coffee? Yes. Whole heartedly, yes. My caffeination journey is a long one, and after a multi-year deviation from a traditional coffee maker (with stops in French Press, Moca Pot, and Chemex), I’m currently back on the coffee-pot method. The option above resembles mine closely, but other options are here and here.

Immersion Blender 

A must for velvety soups! I love using this immersion blender to liquefy my Roasted Root Vegetable Soup, and while I haven’t personally tried this, I know people that use this tool for smoothies, too. Other versions here, here, and here.

Food Processor 

A must! I love my food processor more than I care to admit. It works wonders for sauces, salsas, soups, nut butters…the list goes on and on. Other options here and here.

Personal or Mini Blender 

I’m a smoothie drinker, and have had my fair share of awful blenders. For that fluffy and whipped consistency, the key is a powerful blender. I love the option listed above, which comes with multiple containers (so my husband can make a smoothie, too!). This also works great for sauces and dips. Other options here and here.

Juicer

If you like fresh pressed juices, then you have to invest in a great juicer. This version is great for juice blends, the motor powerful enough to work through pineapple, whole pieces of citrus, and hearty greens. 

Kitchen Scale 

I originally purchased my kitchen scale to assist in my newfound love of bread baking (which it’s necessary for), but I’ve found myself using it for other baking needs and for meal prep. Other options here and here.