Jeff Flowers on December 4, 2014 1 Comment The holidays are a time for friends and family to come together, often over delicious home-cooked food or refreshing drinks. If these gatherings tend to happen at your home, then you probably find yourself torn between spending quality time and making sure everything is prepped for the event. To help you find a better balance and take the stress off of you during this important time, we’ve put together a list of ten kitchen appliances that will make holiday entertaining easier for you. With these appliances, you can spend less time slaving away in the kitchen and more time with your friends and family. 1. Warming Trays & Buffet Servers Warming trays, warming cabinets, and buffet servers can be a godsend when preparing food for large groups. These handy appliances keep prepared food warm until it is ready to serve, allowing you the opportunity to cook certain portions before your guests even arrive. Keeping hot food hot is also essential for food safety. Adjustable thermostats take the guesswork out of the equation, while wheels, lids, and non-skid feet make many models guest-friendly. The Professional Grand Buffet Server from Broil King is a great option for people expecting a large crowd, while their Pro Warming Tray is a more compact choice for smaller spaces and more intimate gatherings. 2. Blenders Modern blenders can do much more than blenders of the past. A well-made blender is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. From soups and dressings to margaritas and daiquiris, a good blender can quickly mix a variety of party staples. Look for heavy models that will not shake on your counter, trendy colors that add a pop of color to your kitchen décor, or programmable digital displays. The Dash Chef Series Premium Digital Blender combines these three qualities into one powerful and stylish machine. 3. Stand Mixers Stand mixers save time and help you avoid sore muscles. This essential appliance has the ability to knead, mix, and whip a variety of sweet and savory foods, all without requiring you to expend the energy necessary to manually wield a whisk or wooden spoon. Kitchenaid stand mixers are versatile workhorses that come in different colors and involve many different attachments, allowing entertainers to transition seamlessly from cake batter to whipped potatoes or from bread dough to ganache. Recommended Reading: How to Choose the Best Stand Mixer 4. Ice Makers Anybody that throws a big party at their house can confirm that you will need plenty of ice. Before you stuff bags of ice in your freezer, consider buying an ice maker for your home. From portable to built-in, dedicated ice makers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many people do not realize that an ice maker can easily make enough ice to keep a large party going strong all night long, even the smallest units. If you have the space, consider installing a built-in icemaker beneath a kitchen counter. Portable ice makers are a great solution for smaller or alternative party venues. If you are looking for a great way to make an impression on your guests, consider restaurant-quality clear cube makers like the Scotsman Prodigy. 5. Electric Kettles Although an electric kettle may not at first appear as flashy as a stand mixer with all of the attachments or a buffet server with four separate trays, this humble kitchen appliance has a lot to offer the holiday entertainer. Electric kettles boil water quickly and efficiently. Whether you need to make after-dinner tea or morning coffee, an electric kettle like the boldly designed H20 Plus Glass Water Kettle from Jura-Capresso is ready to help. Automatic shut-offs ensure the proper temperature and insulation keeps water hot longer. 6. Wine Refrigerators Different wines are best enjoyed at different temperatures. Purchasing a wine refrigerator for your home not only helps preserve wines longer, it keeps them ready to drink at your desired serving temperature. From free-standing to built-in, there are different types of wine fridges for you to choose from. Many refrigerators are small enough to be displayed right in your common entertaining areas. Whether you collect wine or just want to have some close-by because your in-laws are in town, a wine refrigerator is a guaranteed way to improve the look of your kitchen and please everyone at your party. 7. Food Slicers Particularly when feeding larger groups, investing in an electric food slicer can cut your prep time considerably. Whether you’re looking to slice meat, cheese, or vegetables, a food slicer makes the job fly by, leaving you more time to converse with your guests or focus your time on other parts of your meal. Many of today’s food slicers, including this popular food slicer from Chef’s Choice, are designed with state-of-the-art safety features and easy-clean elements, further simplifying what would otherwise be a lengthy, messy task. 8. Slow Cookers Slow cookers are extremely versatile. They can be used to create tender meats, hearty stews, or quick and fun cheese dips. After a meal has been prepared, slow cookers often double as warming trays or buffet servers. This 12 qt. roaster from Nesco is a great example of this kind of double-duty appliance. Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to save time during the holidays because the majority of them can be left unattended for hours while simultaneously keeping your food hot and fresh. 9. Juicers Fresh-squeezed juice is a beautiful addition to any holiday table. Juice can bring traditional recipes alive, will brighten any breakfast, and is a key component in healthy smoothies and high-end cocktails. Although it is possible to squeeze juice by hand, juicers make the task go much faster and often involve far less mess. There are many models and features you can choose from. Look for quiet models like the Silent Juicer from Kuvings or the Slow Squeeze Juicer from Dash, both of which can run without overpowering the party music, as well as models with multiple speeds and strong motors. Recommended Reading: How to Choose the Best Juicer 10. Rice Cookers Rice is a staple at many holiday feasts. Making rice on a stovetop requires a level of vigilance that can easily draw cooks away from their company. Using a rice cooker allows you to consistently make fluffy rice without the constant worry at the stove-top. Simply put in all the ingredients, start it and walk away. Many rice cookers have large capacities, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Sunpentown makes rice cookers with capacities from 3 cups to 35 cups. Many models also steam porridge, vegetables, fish, poultry, stews, soup and more. All of these appliances, when used correctly, will save you considerable time and energy. Allowing you to focus on what’s truly important during the holidays — spending quality time with your friends and family. Learn More: Holiday Gifts Ideas for Everyone In Your Life 12 Red Appliances to Help Brighten Up Your Kitchen 15 Colorful Appliances That Would Make Great Gifts 5 Must-Have Products for the Holidays
Dan Pauli says December 5, 2015 at 7:24 pm Hi, And thanks for letting me ask my question.. Why do blenders have to cost so much ?? Can I get the same results with a cheaper model blender? Just between you and me $399 is too much for a blender… Reply
