At this stage of our lives, we try not to load up on stuff, but kitchen necessities are a special category. Although we’re cautious about what we buy, it seems like we’ve been spending a lot. We’ve purchased a few relatively inexpensive tools, but you know, everything adds up.
Two things broke, and we replaced them. We bought a new can opener ($19.95) and a new immersion blender ($50). Our choice was a no-nonsense 2-Speed Kitchenaid Immersion Blender. We don’t make smoothies, so we don’t need ice-crushing power. I pretty much use it for mayonnaise and to puree soups and sauces. The Kuhn Rikon can opener is slick.
We upgraded several tools, including a fantastic new citrus juicer ($22.29). I’ve pretty much moved on from mojitos to margaritas, but both need copious amounts of lime, so I rest my case.
For 20 years, I used a tortilla press with a wobbly hinge. I replaced it with this beauty by Victoria ($36.89). It’s the same size as my old one – 6.5 inches – but I cannot believe the difference. It’s heavy and presses an exceptionally smooth tortilla. I’ve also used it to flatten out naan.
Next up was the hand mixer. Dale had the Sunbeam before he met me, so we’re thinking it’s 46 years old. There was a power surge button that is held together with duct tape, but other than that, it seemed to work fine. The two main things I use it for are to beat egg whites for souffles and to whip mashed potatoes. And yes, I know there are more foodie ways to mash potatoes.
Anyway, I thought my egg whites weren’t stiff enough, so we went with a new hand mixer. I bought the Kitchenaid 5-speed directly from Kitchenaid ($50). The beaters are very different. The new design seems to be a technological advancement. I’ve been super-impressed with the results on egg whites and mashies. Anything more complicated than that, I use the heavy-duty stand mixer.
The final upgrade is a new panini maker. We had the original Cousinart Griddler, which did not have a floating hinge to adjust for thicker sandwiches. The plates were not removable, either. Still, we used it for 12 years with great success.
Dale really wanted one with a floating hinge. Removable plates are a nice feature as well. I researched all the big brands and went with the upgraded Cousinart Griddler ($79). The floating hinge is not exactly a floating hinge, according to Dale, but the height is adjustable, which has the same effect, so he’s good with it. It does more than we need, but it’s not gigantic. We’re not likely to use it as an indoor grill, but you never know.
One of the features I like is that you can buy extra plates and use the Griddler to make waffles. I’ve been, well, waffling about buying a stand-alone waffle maker for years, but I don’t think we would eat waffles often enough to justify it. The Griddler might not make the world-class Belgian waffles of your dreams, but as least we’ll have waffles at home, which I can have with real syrup. Waffle plates are still on my wish list.
The last three items on this shopping spree gone mad are new, as in not a replacement. I’ve been drooling over all the gorgeous bundt pans that are available now, but I just don’t see me making many bundt cakes. So far, I’ve successfully dodged that bullet.
However, I did succumb to a basic scone pan ($31.41). You don’t really need one, but mine become quite irregular when they bake, and I like the idea of containing them for a more uniform shape. I ordered the pan from King Arthur, because it was on sale, and I was getting other stuff anyway.
Also in the baking category, I ordered four stainless steel 6-inch pie pans ($31.94) I love to make savory pies, and I like the idea of making two for us and two for the freezer. The pie pans should arrive tomorrow, just in time to make these mini chicken pot pies from Ree Drummond.
Finally, I bought a rack ($49.99) for drying pasta. I like to make pasta earlier in the day, so I don’t have to mess with it when it comes times to start cooking. The rack keeps the pasta from sticking together as it sits. This little guy works great.
As for spending a lot, now that I add it up, it doesn’t seem so bad. Total cost was $371.47. We haven’t eaten in a restaurant or been anywhere in eight months. But we eat well, and sometimes you just gotta have the right tool for the job.
In theory, I subscribe to the rule of 1 for 1 … you buy something new, you get rid of something else. I have plans to gift the panini maker, but I can’t quite seem to part with that hand mixer. Maybe those new-fangled beaters will turn out to be a hoax. I don’t know … something is telling me to keep it.
I love everything about this post! I have been doing the same thing with my kitchen (plus a sorely-needed new shower curtain). My Sunbeam hand mixer is the same vintage as Dale’s, and I’ve done the same thing – just can’t part with it until I am convinced the new one will work as well. I especially appreciate the recommendation for the scone baking pan and the mini pans. I have met my sisters a couple of times at restaurants that have good patios and social distancing/mask habits. We have real winter here and anticipate that with a surge in cases (already happening) and weather too cold to eat outside, we need to treat ourselves while we can. But chicken pot pies to eat/freeze would do a lot to get me through the winter.
I love that you were able to get together with your sisters! While we don’t have real winters, I’m with you on the chicken pot pies. Our decadent treat is to have pot pie with French fries on the side.
I think you right on target buying stuff to make staying home more pleasant and enjoyable. And I too don’t want to weigh down with too much stuff, so my husband is getting pretty used to the concept, if we buy something, we get rid of something else!
I also had to do some convincing, but my husband seems to be on board as well.
You go, Girl (and Dale)! When you consider how much time many of us spend in the kitchen preparing food it only makes sense to have the right tools. A new food processor will very likely be the next purchase for my kitchen. I’m using a second-hand food processor that a friend had discarded. The “bowl” is coming apart and it sometimes smells like something’s not right (especially during a good workout like grating carrots). But it still works and I make do. I know when it’s replaced I’ll wonder why I waited so long.
It’s funny how so many of us keep these tools until they are absolutely positively dead. Food processors don’t last as long as they used to, but that’s probably true about most modern day appliances.
I’m with you. Using this move to upgrade (knives, waffle iron, popover pan, mixer attachments), as well as buy new on the grounds of downsizing (small sized casseroles, cookie sheets, you name it). You won’t need the old mixer unless for craft projects (a separate story or two)
Sounds like you’re doing the smart thing. Our moves were paid for by employers until I retired, and then it was on our own nickel. Quite spendy. If I have to do it again, I’d get rid of a lot and buy what I need at the new destination.
I did think about saving the mixer for craft projects. The cannabis balm I make can be whipped, but I’ve never bothered. Anyway, I stuck the mixer in a cabinet out in the garage for the time being.
I have a 41 year old Sunbeam stand mixer that still works. Knowing it could conk out any minute, I now also have a newer version. I’ve found having two comes in handy at times. Can’t get myself to buy a KitchenAid although I drool over them. My Sunbeams come apart which makes storage so much easier. I love buying kitchen gadgets which is evidenced by my overflowing drawers and cabinets!! I use most of them too. 😉
Wow — an old Sunbeam stand mixer! Our first food processor was a Sunbeam, and it was great. It worked fine, but we used it in Egypt on a transformer and lots of power spikes, so we sold it before we left. I still have the cookbook that came with it.