kitchen appliances

Bar Blenders

If you entertain guest at home often, bar blenders should definitely form a part of your kitchen accessories. These easy to use appliances can help you to whip up delicious drinks in a matter of minutes. So if you want some extra help making that exotic strawberry or even passion fruit daiquiri just hop online and look for bar blenders that suit your requirements.

Bar blenders are available in several makes and models, so lets take a look at some of the more popular versions in the market:

If you are looking for bar blenders to be used at home there are several models that start at an extremely affordable $59.99 or if you are looking for durability with complaint free performance and intend to use the blender regularly, you may want to choose a more high end model preferably with a steel jar which could cost you to the tune of $142. Some of the models in these categories include:

The Waring Pro WPB80BC Professional Bar Blender with a 48 ounce Jar, the machine is brushed with chrome. The model is available for $59.99 and is by far one of the cheapest yet.
Another model from Waring is the MBB519 Professional Quality food and beverage blender that will cost you $114.50 ; now even though you would end up paying $50 more for this model you get the dual benefits of using the appliance as a food processor as well as a bar blender. So no only can you whip up those cocktails but you could also use this machine to make smoothies, soups and dips etc.

A high end model from the same company is the Waring Pbb25 Professional Blender; this appliance has a stylish black body with a stainless steel jar. Available for $142; this high end model will last you for years.

If you want to buy a bar blender that not works well but also look funky, you should go for the Commercial Bar Blender Hamilton beach; priced a $89.99; this model has a transparent jar that can add to the look of your bar.

Another model that is not only reasonably priced but has several high end features is the Cuisinart SPB-7CH Smart Power 40-Ounce, 7-Speed Electronic Bar blender. This model is available in a chrome finish and despite the additional features is available for a low price of just $69.95.

If you intend to use your bar blenders regularly, you may want to choose an appliance that can handle frequent and sustained usage; one such model is the KicthenAid KCB148SGR Pro Line Commercial Bar Blender. This model is available with a stainless steel jar ad is priced at $149.95. This is among the most durable and high end models that you can purchase as far as bar blenders go.

But if you intend to use your bar blenders once in a blue moon; there is no need to spend that much; the Oster BPST02-B Professional series is priced reasonable and can give you years of service without any issues. This model is priced at $58.95.

If you throw big parties and would like to make enough cocktails to go around, you may want to choose a model with a bigger jar. The Hamilton Beach HBH650 Commercial Tempest Bar Blender has a 64 ounce polycarbonate container that will be just right for a large number of guest. This is one of the more expensive models in the market at $469.99

Always consider when and how much you are going to use the appliance when purchasing bar blenders.

Bread Machines

Nothing beats the aroma of fresh baked bread in the morning, an exotic Spanish omelet or the regular, homely scrambled eggs both will taste like a dream if the bread is freshly out of the oven besides there simply isn’t enough variety when purchasing bread from the grocery store. When you bake your bread at home, you can get really experimental; try adding some parsley or mint to the dough for a distinctive flavor. This bread goes very well with eggs or even meat. If you are a ‘I want jelly in the morning’ person, try something creative like adding walnuts and raisins to the dough. The combination is mouthwatering when served hot with melting butter and strawberry preserve.

So before we feel the taste of these lip smacking combinations and forget all about the one appliance that can help you make these amazing delicacies, lets talk about it: the bread maker.

Like all other home appliances in the market; there is certainly no shortage of make or models when you want to buy a bread maker. However, this is a long term investment besides you will use the appliance regularly so choose well.

Here is a quick look at some of the popular models in the market and an idea about how much you will need to dish out to buy one.

Let’s start with the most inexpensive model in the category; the Breadman TR520 Programmable Bread Maker; you can use it for baking a loaf of up to 2 lbs. Its from Black and Decker so you can be sure that you are buying a quality product for an extremely affordable price of just $50. You would spend a lot more on bread on two trips to Walmart.

On the other end a more high end and slightly expensive model is the Zojirushi BBCCX20 Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine; the machine is as impressive as its name. Priced at $189.99 this is one of the more expensive bread makers in the market.

One of my personal favorite models is the Breadman TR875; its a two pond bread baker with a stainless steel body from Breadman; priced reasonably at just $93.99; this model will add to the look of your kitchen.

Some other models that merit a dekko include:

The Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Breadmaker at $134.13; this square shaped breadmaker takes the pain out of baking. It is easy to use and is sturdy enough to be used regularly.

Another model from Zojirushi that is priced lower than its two pound bread maker is the Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery, One Pound Programmable Mini Breadmaker at $169.99. You get all the features of the two pound bread maker from the same manufacturer in this appliance as well but at a lower price. This is the perfect for a small family of four.

The Oster 5838 ExpressBake BreadMaker is another dandy looking appliance with an all white body. Its reasonably priced at just $65.49 but can give you years of complaint free service.

The West Bend 41300Hi-Rise Electronic Dual Blade Breadmaker is an equally handy appliance and is available at an affordable price of just $79.

The size of your family should be the primary consideration when purchasing a breadmaker.


Can Openers

Have you ever struggled to get a can open when you cat is on the kitchen counter yelping out of hunger and you simply cant get the stupid can to open. Well this certainly happens with me a lot and then begins a mad dash to fetch my Swiss knife simply because its sharper than my manual can opener and works better and faster.

Then there are always these pesky, stubborn cans that blister your hands but simply refuse to budge, if you have been battling your can opener like me; its time to consider the purchase of a new kitchen appliance: the very handy electrical can opener

There are several models and brands available in the market and the sheer variety is enough to bewilder the savviest buyer so here is a look at the most popular can openers in the market and their prices.

The most conventional models are the manually powered can openers; however if you would rather have the machine take care of the job for you, the electronic versions may be better suited to you taste.

One of my favorite manual models is the Oxo SteeL Can opener; even though the piece is slightly expensive at $17.99; this is one of those high end models made from superior grade steel that will last you for years so certainly an investment worth every penny that you pay for it.

Another manual can opener that is a favorite among shoppers is then Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener; as the name suggests, the handles of these can opener are smooth so even after opening a dozen cans you will certainly not have to worry about those nasty blisters. Also, this is one of the products that couples good looks with excellent performance so it’s certainly a steal at $18.86.

Another slightly expensive model is the Oxo Good Grip i-Series Can Opener; this is a battery powered model that can get the job done in a jiffy; priced at $19.99, this piece will be one of the most handy appliances in your kitchen.

If camping is your thing and if the regular camping menu includes cans of refried beans etc, you may want to consider purchasing the Amco wing A-Way 407 WH Portable Can Opener, with its all white body and a price tag of just $8.99, this model is not only a handy kitchen appliance but can also be used as a gift for people who enjoy the great outdoors.

For those of you who would rather go for the electronic versions, the Black & Decker CO100B SpaceMaker Traditional Multi-Purpose Can Opener will be a wonderful addition to your kitchen, with its stylish black body and an extremely affordable price tag of just $33.13; this is certainly a wonderful buy.

Another option is the West Bend 77203 Electric Can opener with its metallic body at $33.13, a sturdy yet good looking model

And finally , if you would like to get performance from your can opener but you don’t want it to occupy space, you may want to consider the Hamilton Beach 76500 Walk N’ Cut Cordless Can Opener, once the job is done simply stow it in one of the cabinets.
As you can see, there are several models if can opener; however, you choice should depend on the amount of money that you would like to spend for the appliance and the frequency of usage.



Chocolate Fountains & Fondue

If you are a chocolate connoisseur or frequently host parties or luncheons you simply must own a chocolate fountain or a fondue vessel. There is nothing more heady than to adding a touch of class to your entertaining and there is very few things that are as elegant as bringing a popular Swiss delicacy at home.

If you entertain a large volume of guests the chocolate fountain can be a wonderful and unique centerpiece to your dessert table; featured in the wedding ceremonies of several celebrities where it replaced the traditional three or more tier cake; you can get a chocolate fountain in two or three tiers. The chocolate fondue on the other hand is appropriate for an intimate dinner or when spending an evening with a 6 or less friends.

The one thing that makes the chocolate fountain and fondue stand out is the fact that there are scores of variations as far as the recipes go and even if you are not in the mood for experimenting, you could create a variety of layouts by changing the items that you serve with the chocolate fountain or fondue. For instance, you could go with bite sized pieces of vanilla cake, or assortment of fruits from wedges of apples and pears to delightful strawberries or bananas.

If you are looking for chocolate fountains, these are high end products that are accompanied by a steep price tag but are definitely worth the money that you spend: Here is a look at what you can get and for how much:

The Sephra 44 inch Brushed Stainless Steel Chocolate Fountain which is available for $2,999. This is one of the more high end models available in the market and you should invest in it only if you intend to serve this dish often or if you own a catering business.

Another model which is significantly cheaper is the Chocolate Fondue Fountain Elite at $249. This is a great buy because you can not only use it chocolate fondue but also with cheese, caramel or any other fondue favorites. It comes with a set of 6 skewers and can serve up to 40 people at full capacity.

On of my personal favorites is the Wilton Chocolate Fountain which is a steal at just $87.99 but you will have to buy the skewers separately when you purchase this model.

For intimate fondue get together you can get a traditional Swiss style fondue vessel; here are some models and their prices:

The Trudeau Eyelet Chocolate Fondue 6 Piece set; an all white model that will lend a touch of sheer elegance to your parties; at a price tag of just $13, lip smacking delicacies certainly don’t come cheaper than this.

For mid sized parties you could get the Trudeau Zen Chocolate Fondue set that is available for $25.

One of my other favorites is the pretty looking, pink Orka Chocolate Fondue Set; this one makes a wonderful bridal shower gift or is great if you have girlie nights often. This model is available for $14.99

If you have eclectic aesthetic tastes, you could choose the polka dotted Okra Chocolate Fondue Set with Spots; this one is available for just $17.

There are several ways to serve chocolate fondue so go ahead and try this lip smacking delicacy at you next get together.

Coffee Accessories

Very few things in life are as refreshing as a freshly brewed cup of steaming, aromatic delicious coffee, the first thing in the morning. Fortunately, not only can you get several varieties of coffee beans and instant coffee mixes in the market today, you can also get hold of the various coffee accessories needed to brew that perfect cup of coffee that can wake you up in the morning. Here is a look at what is available and how much its going to cost you:

For those of you who like to indulge in their penchant for strong coffee and like to create their unique mix of beans to then grind them into the prefect mix, you will definitely need filters; there are two choices here, you could either choose the disposable paper versions or you could opt for the slightly expensive yet handier permanent filters.

Some of the popular permanent filters available in the market are:

The Mr Coffee 4 Cup permanent filter which is available for $9.99 or you could go for the Capresso 750.09 Size-4 Cone Gold Tone Coffee filter which is available at slightly higher price tag of $17. My personal favorite is the Mr Coffee GTF_2_1 Basket Style Gold Toner Permanent Filter which is not only efficient but also relatively cheaper at just $13.93

If you prefer to grind your coffee beans at home every other day for that fresh aromatic flavor, you can choose from several coffee grinder models available at extremely affordable prices. One of the more popular models in the market is the Krups GVX2-12 Burr Grinder; this black and silver model not only works well but also looks good, it will certainly add to the look of your kitchen and with a price tag of just $69.94, this piece is worth every penny that you spend for it. A high end option is the La Pavoni PB Coffee Grinder in brass at $229, even though you are spending substantially more for the piece, it is a long term investment because this model with its brass body will give you years of service. An extremely affordable piece, on the other hand, is the La Pavoni PA-1403-B Electric Mill Grinder for just $18.50

One f the most important coffee accessories for lovers of the heady brew is the milk frother; after all how can you possibly make the perfect cup of cappuccino without he rising milk froth. For this you have a couple of models in the market at fairly affordable prices. One of my personal favorites is the Aerolatte Milk Frother, Satin Finish for just $19.88, you simply can’t make a cappuccino for cheaper than this. Then a slightly more expensive and high end version is the BonJour Primo Latte Frother which includes a rechargeable base. Then there is also the Frieling 0105 Creamer/ Frother pitcher for just $19.95.
Another coffee accessory that coffee connoisseurs cannot do without is a WMF Bistro Coffee Measure which is available for just $5.17, a good cup of coffee is a work of sheer perfection and getting just the right amount of coffee powder is extremely important.

As you can see, if freshly brewed coffee in its various forms is your thing there is certainly no dearth of coffee accessories in the market that will help you to indulge yourself.


Coffee Grinders

Are you one of those people who hate the taste of instant coffee and don’t mind taking the extra effort of buying the prefect blend of aromatic and flavorful coffee beans, roasting them to perfection and grinding them to make the most delicious cup of coffee? The wonderful parts is that there are so many options in the market when it comes to coffee grinders that you can now get the perfect blend at the touch of a button.

If you like to wake up to the taste and aroma of the most perfectly made coffee than you simply cant settle for the run of the mill coffee powders available in the market, for the extra taste you will need to put in the extra effort, so lets start with choosing the ideal coffee grinder for the job.

One of the cheapest coffee grinders in the market is the Mr Coffee IDS76 Electric 12 Cup Coffee Grinder; this cherry red model with its 3 fineness levels is a steal for just $19.88. Another inexpensive version from the same company is the Mr Coffee IDS59 Electric 2-2/7 Ounce Coffee Grinder for just $19.99

One of my personal favorites albeit slightly expensive, as compared to the two models mentioned above, is the Hamilton Beach80374 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder; the piece is all black and is sturdy enough to give you years of service, it s a good buy for $31.59 given the various features that the models boasts of. Another models that I recommend is the space saver Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands- Free Coffee Grinder Platinum for just $25.36

If you are looking for a Burr Mill, there are two options for you which are the most sought after models in the market both are from Cuisinart.

The first is the Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill( CCM-16PC1 for $47.40 and the other is the Cusinart BDM-8 Supreme Grinder Automatic Burr Mill for $39.99.

A high end models is the elegantly designed KitchenAid ProLine Burr Coffee Grinder in an impressive shade of onyx black. This is one of the more expensive pieces in the market t $163.88. A model that is priced a few dollars lower is the Saeco GT-1 Titan Conical Burr Grinder at $119.52. If price is not an object than I would recommend the La Pavoni PA-JV Jelly Burr Grinder Black at $410.

If you travel often and cannot do without a cup of freshly ground coffee early in the morning, you may want to consider purchasing one of these two models:

The Procter Silex Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder#E160b at just $16.95, good coffee simply does not get more affordable than this. Then there is also the B&D Coffee Grinder CBG100S at $16.89

As you can see, there are several versions to choose from when buying a coffee grinder base your purchasing decisions on the frequency of use, the amount of coffee that you would like to grind, the number of people who enjoy ground coffee in your house.

Coffee Makers

Nothing beats a steaming hot cup of coffee in the morning but not all of us have the time to go through the grind of pressing the brew to get the most perfect cup of coffee an easier alternative is of course the coffee maker. These are one of the handiest kitchen gadgets to have ever been invented and adorn several kitchens around the world. Not to add that you can make from two to 20 cups of coffee in the various models and makes available in the market. This means that they are not only ideal for your home but are also appropriate for a small office. So let’s take a look at what is available and popular and how much you will have to spend to get a good coffee maker.

Let’s start with the models that have an affordable price tag:

The first in this category is the Mr Coffee DRX5 4-Cup Programmable Coffee maker. This jet black piece looks impressive, works well and is available for just $19.99; making coffee has never been cheaper.

The next in the list is the Black & Decker DCM2000B Smart Brew 12-Cup Coffee maker; this is again an elegant black coffee maker that will add to the look of your kitchen, it is available for just $24.99

One of my personal favorites and must have for people who travel a lot and have to contend with the bad coffee available at most hotels; the Black & Decker DCM18S Brew’n Go Personal Coffee Maker with Travel Mug is the prefect appliance for you.

Then for people who do not mind paying a bit more for quality and an assortment of features, there is the Keurig B70 Gourmet Single –Cup Home Brewing System; if you enjoy coffee you simply cannot afford to go through life without this piece. At $165 the piece is at the higher end of the spice spectrum but certainly worth every penny that spend for it.

Some of the high end models include:

The Wolfgang Puck WPTPCM010 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe; this models is priced at $99.99.

Another elegant looking model is the Capresso 441.05 MT-500 Plus. This model can make up to en cups of coffee and has a metallic alloy body with a stainless steel thermal carafe; priced at $109.

I also recommend the Cusinart DCC-1200W Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. This is a stunning white and stainless steel piece that can add to the look f any kitchen, priced at $110; this is certainly a model to watch out for.

The Bunn NHBX-B Contemporary 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer is another well designed piece in black and metallic, priced at a reasonable $89.99 this model offers superiors quality and affordable prices

The Braun KF%90 Impression Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is another quality high end products availoable in the market at $119.95.

When you walk into a store to purchase a coffee maker the sheer variety can often baffle you, so base your purchasing decision on the number of people in your home and budget and then choose a piece that looks the best in that specific price range.

Coffee Presses

Not everybody enjoys a cup of coffee that comes out of a coffee maker and is made from the regular instant coffee powders; some of us actually enjoy the heady aroma and the string taste of fresh pressed coffee. If you are a coffee lover and enjoy various mixes of coffee beans you simply cannot afford t do without a coffee press.

Whether you are brewing one cup of coffee to wake yourself in the morning or are serving two cups of strong coffee after an intimate dinner these coffee presses will give you the perfect cup of coffee time after time.

So let’s look at the various coffee presses available in the market and their prices:

One of my personal favorites is the Bodum Chambord Coffee Press that can brew the strongest coffee that you can ever taste. The piece is reasonably priced at just $38.49. You can of course get other models which are far cheaper but not only is the company Bodum Chambord one of the pioneers who bought the fine art of coffee pressing from France t the rest of the world but also it is one of the more reputable companies in the market. So I would certainly be willing to pay a few dollars more for a higher quality product.

Another extremely efficient coffee press is the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker, as you can see; you get the benefits of two appliances at the price of one when you buy this piece. An elegant looking and easy to operative device, this coffee press is a must have for all you coffee lovers out there. The price tag on this model is $25.95

If you are looking for a durable yet reasonably priced piece, you simply cant go wrong with the BonJour Hugo 3-Cup Unbreakable French Press, available i black this piece is affordable and gets the job done, its available for $11.69.

I am also partial to another classic coffee press the Thermos Nissan 34-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Gourmet Coffee Press at $28.33

Two of the more expensive models in the market are:

The Bodum Chambord 8 Cup Pres wit Bonus Pavina Thermal Glasses, this piece is available for $44.99 and is perfect if you have friends who also enjoy the taste of French pressed coffee. This model also makes a wonderful gift.

The other high end model is the Frieling Stainless-Steel 35-Ounce French Press; with its metallic body this is one of the most chic pieces that you can buy. If style is more important than the price then this is the right piece for you.

Then there are several models at the lower end of the price spectrum as well such as:

The Primula PCP-2906 6-Cup Coffee Press; this all black model is available for an extremely low price of just $14.71.

If you would like to enjoy your French pressed coffee even when you are traveling, you should consider purchasing the Bodul 16 Ounce Travel Coffee Press, this affordably priced model at just $14.99 can easily be carried along wherever you go.



9) Combo Coffee Makers

Why settle for coffee when you can get espresso and cappuccino from the same machine. No I am not talking about the awful vending machine coffees; I am talking about the combo coffee makers that can make the most authentic and delicious espresso and are equally good at brewing a frothy cup of cappuccino made to perfection.

Let’s look at the various combo coffee makers available in the market and what they offer besides regular coffee; after all why should you just get a regular cup of coffee when you could get a single machine to give you both espresso and regular coffee and much more.

You need to understand that combo coffee makers are high end devices that generally come with a higher than normal price tag. However, nobody can ignore the convenience of these appliances. Generally, you will get combo coffee makers that can make regular coffee as well as espresso. Here is a look at the various models and how much they can set you back by.

Some of the more expensive models of combo coffee makers are:

The Capresso 465.05 Coffee Team TS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker with Conical Burr Grinder and Thermal Carafe; this classic model is available in metallic and white and is priced at $223.36. This is one of the most expensive pieces currently available in the market.

Another high end appliance is the Delonghi BCO264B Cafe Nero Combo Coffee and Espresso Maker, as the name suggests, this appliance can brew a mean cup of coffee and is equally adept at making the most refreshing cup of espresso.

Another Capresso Model is the Capresso 465.05 CoffeeTeam GS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker with a Conical Burr Grinder; this is an all in one device, if you enjoy fresh ground coffee, you can use this appliance to grind the beans and make a steaming hot cup of coffee.

The most expensive combo coffee maker in the market is the 220 Volt Delonghi Espresso Pumped Combo 3 in 1 Coffee with a steep price at of $442.29, unfortunately, this machine is not USA complaint.

Then there is the Capresso Jura-Capresso ENA5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center With Accessory bundle which is more suitable for offices and commercial operations, this model is priced at $1,199

If you are looking for an affordable price, here are some models at the lower end of the price spectrum:

Mr Cofee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8 –Cup Coffee Maker Combo, you get the dual benefits of this machine at just $70. The model is jet black and looks very elegant and performs well.

Another reasonably priced model albeit a little expensive as compared to the first piece is the Krups XP1500 Coffee Maker Espresso Combo

Then there is the De’Longhi BCO120T Coffee Maker Espresso Combo. This piece is available for $93.27

All three models will cost you less than $100 but are perfectly suitable if you intend to use them at home. Particularly, if you have a small family, these may be the ideal model for you.

10) Convection Ovens

Can you imagine life without an oven? Few chefs and homemakers can. If you cook out of necessity or out of liking, you simply can’t afford to go through life without a convection oven. These handy device offer a range of features from thawing frozen meat to making dips and from baking cookies to the perfect slice of lasagna, you can get all this done in a jiffy with a convention oven.

The wonderful thing about a convection oven is that when you reheat that last night’s pizza or bake one from scratch it will have the same crust that you can get from traditional stone or clay oven unlike the normal microwave ovens which make the crust go limp and soft.

Here is a look at the various makes and models of convection ovens in the market and their prices. The price of a convection oven will depend on the size of the unit and the various features of the product.

Convection ovens from Waring are the most highly priced products in the category; their all metallic body makes them suitable for all types of kitchen decor.
The two popular models from this company include: The Waring Pro CO900B Professional 8/9 Cubic-Foot Convection Oven at $254.93 and the Waring Pro CO900B Professional 8/9 Cubic- Foot Convection oven.

Other high end models include:

The Breville BOv800XL The Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven with Element IQ; this1800 watt model is big enough to accommodate two pizzas and two whole chicken; priced at $245.65; this is one of the most durable and resilient convection ovens in the market today.

If you are looking for reasonable prices then you should consider the following models:

The Hamilton Beach 31197R Countertop Oven with Convection and Rottiserie priced at juts $89.98.

The Black & Decker CTO6301 6-Slice Convection Toast-R-Oven; the body of this convection oven is made of grade quality stainless steel and since Black & Decker is one of the oldest and most reliable appliance makers you can be sure that you are purchasing a quality product.

The Oster 6297 is another reasonably priced model; this convection toaster oven is avialable for $74.99

If you are looking for something different, you may want to choose a Quart or Digital convection oven over the traditional countertop convection oven, you can choose from:

The Sunpentown SO-2002 Digital Convection Oven With Nano Carbon and FIR Heating Element; this model is available for just $79.99.

Alternatively, you could choose the Deni 10400 Quick-n-Easy 10-4 Quart Convection Oven; this is one of the most elegant looking pieces available today, you can take it home for a price tae of $89.64.

Another chic looking model is the Secura Infrared Tabletop Turbo Oven Pro S-777MH , this model is available with an extender ring and it can be yours for $79.99

And finally, there is the Tayama Turbo oven which is available for $79.95

When choosing a convection oven for your home always consider the size of your family and if you use the oven often enough to merit the expenditure.