Let’s be real, kitchen cabinet space is prime real estate- in my house at least. Over the years, I’ve definitely narrowed down my favorites that help with cooking and more specifically cooking healthily. Can you do without some of these? Yes. But I find they make my life easier and when we can make eating better a little more simple, that’s a win in my book. So let’s dive in. 

1. Blender- I don’t make smoothies every morning but I do love the ability to mix some fruit, veggies, yogurt and protein powder for a quick meal or snack. Also, this is one of my favorite ways to get kids involved in the kitchen. Letting my son experiment (within reason haha) with what we put in and why those foods are healthy has really gotten him to enjoy the process of making healthy foods. 

2. Rice cooker- This may seem like an “extra” to many people but I love including rice as the carbohydrate component with dinner and probably use this at least twice a week. I have tried cooking it on the stove, or in the instant pot, but it never comes out quite as fluffy and nice as the rice cooker. Also, I really don’t like cooking anything in plastic so those steamer bags are a pass for me. 

3. Garlic press- I laugh at how much I use this. It barely makes it out of the dishwasher in time for me to use it again. It’s definitely a must in the kitchen. I used to just use the side of a knife to press then chop the garlic but I find the flavor is even better with pressing plus it saves a bit of time. Also, a big plus of using a garlic press, is that it prevents your fingers from smelling like garlic. 

4. Salad spinner- I went without this one for a while, but now I’ll never turn back. I like to wash my lettuce in the outer bowl of the spinner by soaking it in water with a bit of vinegar. I then strain the lettuce in the inner slotted bowl and spin it and voila, no more soggy salad. 
   

5. Electric pressure cooker- Admittedly, I had this and didn’t use it for a bit but I have definitely found a new appreciation of it. I made a delicious stew in less than 45 minutes, nutritious lentil soup, and even prepared a whole butternut squash soup in less than half the time it would have taken otherwise. I love how tender it makes tough cuts of meat and how much time it saves. I find it so much easier and faster to prepare beans, lentils, and even sweet potatoes. Also, a huge plus of the instant pot to me is that the inner bowl is made of stainless steel so I don’t need to worry about the risks that come along with some of the scratch resistant coatings. 

6. Steamer basket- My kids (and I) always enjoy the fact that this contraption looks a bit like a flying saucer. It is super helpful for steaming veggies which saves much of the vitamin content compared to boiling which can leach some nutrients into the water. Steaming vegetables also adds moisture to them making them softer and easier to digest. Some nutrients are even more bioavailable when slightly cooked.

7. Cast iron skillet- I have had the same cast iron skillet for over 11 years. It seems like each new “safe” coated skillet or pan is either proven unsafe or ends up scratching and then is no longer non-stick and ends up in the trash. There is a bit of an art to using cast iron but once you get the hang of it, the others don’t compare! Also, there is so much versatility. You can even cook things in the oven with it. I use mine for everything from pancakes, to veggies, to chicken thighs, to cornbread, and stir fry. 

I hope this was helpful and I’d love to hear what some of your favorite kitchen appliances are! Anything that can save time, money, increase the quality of your diet, and make cooking more fun is a good investment. Afterall, investing in you and your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the ones you love!