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But the best kitchen tools can alleviate much of that time suck.
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With everything going on these days, anything that makes life simpler is a big win in our book.
Here are a few that you may want to add to your drawers.
Its probably the kitchen tool Ive gifted most to family and friends.
They are affordable and stay sharp for a long time if you properly care for them.
Garten recommends replacing them annually, since the blades can dull with use over time.
Accordingly, you could also just buy yourself a three-pack like this one to keep them in steady supply.
It’s also slightly more compact than standard options, saving you room in your kitchen drawer.
I slice tomatoes on my mandoline as long as its thin.
I slice up citrus.
And onions, definitely, to save myself some of the tears.
Its so durable, and I use it every day for prepping produce with ease, says Beller.
The blade and the handle work really well together, making it effortless to prep veggies.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty to guarantee a sharp blade for years to come.
Geoff Feder, owner ofFeder Knives, previouslyrecommendedit to SELF for any beginner who wants a versatile knife.
With built-in storage containerschoose plastic or stainless steelthis board also helps you achievemise en place.
Anything youre working on, you’re able to just scrape it right into a container.
It keeps things really organized because the containers fit right between you and the cutting board, Cheatham says.
Breville Immersion Blender
For blending and whipping, a lightweighthand blenderis another essential to keep on hand.
An immersion blender gives you fast and easy results with so much less clean up and stress.
“It cuts prep time in half and stores so easily.
Choose from 15 speeds to achieve the texture your dish requires.
There are so many options out there, from collectible glass and porcelain styles (hello,Anthropologie!)
to stainless steel options that are easier to clean oil and grease from.
The possibilities are endless!
Thinksheet pan dinners, roasted anything, granola, focaccia…I could go on.
That means less time spent worrying about accidentally ruining your favorite pan.
She also notes that it retains heat, so your cooking time is reduced.
“And finally, there’s just something special about the flavor imparted from cast iron.
Ive also used it to steam raw vegetables and fish.
The tiers make it easy to prep a whole meal too, she says.
She recommends cooking fish or chicken in the lower basket, and putting vegetables in the top basket.
Plus, the Instant Pot is a major time-saver.
It also comes with a steaming rack, so you might cook veggies while your meal cooks below.
We’ve also rounded up a slew of our favorite containershereif you want more options.
Just dont stick the lid in the oven.
And you’re able to even bake with them.