Food Duchess

Kitchen Appliances and Equipment Recommendations

KitchenAid Stand-mixer
For years I did not own one of these, and I simply got by using a hand-mixer instead, convincing myself that these were not worth the hype. Boy was I wrong. This stand-mixer is a cult-classic for a reason, it makes easy work of ANYTHING. No more hand-kneading dough, or whipping meringue with the hand-mixer! This baby does all that, and more!
Check it out here

KitchenAid Mini Food Processor
This little food processor is such a great thing to have in the kitchen. I use this at least 3 times a week. It is such a little workhorse, perfect for chopping onions, making salad dressings, or even making a quick salsa! I definitely use this way more than my regular food processor as well. With 2 speed settings, chop and puree, you can get the exact consistency you’re looking for. Furthermore, its small size can easily fit anywhere, and the components are dishwasher safe!
Check it out here

KitchenAid Hand Mixer
These hand mixers are great and also very versatile. I use these when I am not making a large batch of baked goods, such as 2 dozen cookies or one dozen cupcakes. However, these have use in some unconventional ways as well, such as for making easy work of shredding meat, or whipping mashed potatoes!
Check it out here

BlendTec Classic Blender
This blender is truly as great as it seems. I’m telling you, those videos are not a gimmick – this thing is super powerful! Before getting this blender, my family had gone through so many cheap blenders, as well as gimmicky ones from As Seen on TV ads. Finally we splurged on this blender, and it is still going strong 10 years later!
Check it out here

Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven
This is probably one of my most used kitchen items. These Dutch ovens are essential for braising anything in the oven, but they have many other uses as well. I use this Dutch oven to make soups, as a deep fryer, as well as making any large quantity of foods. The enameled version of these Dutch ovens are my personal choice, because you do not need to worry about using acidic foods, such as tomatoes, in them. While some Dutch ovens can set you back quite significantly, these Dutch Ovens are less than half the price of Le Creuset ones.
Check it out here

Lodge Enameled Braiser
This braiser is excellent for when you need to braise a dish, but the large Dutch Oven is simply too big. Furthermore, due to its size and heat conductivity, it also great for pan frying things, such as chicken breasts or steak!
Check it out here

Lodge Cast Iron Pans
Properly seasoned cast iron pans are naturally non-stick, and are absolutely insane conductors of heat. Use on the stove, or in the oven, Lodge pans are so versatile in use. These Lodge pans come pre-seasoned, and what is even greater, they are sooooo affordable while still maintaining excellent quality!
Check out the 12″ here
Check out the 10″ here
Check out the 8″ here

JK Adams Rolling Pins
Honestly, these have made rolling out pie dough into the easiest job ever. The pins are raised by a certain height on each end, which results in your dough being rolling out to the perfect thickness (and even throughout) every time! I have the 1/4” for the bottom crust, and 1/8” for the top crust. Furthermore, these rolling pins are great for rolling out cookies, as well as bread dough in certain case (such as cinnamon rolls).
Check out the 1/4″ here
Check out the 1/8″ here
Check out the set here

Macaron Baking Mats
These mats make piping macarons into a super easy process. If you are tired of your macarons coming out all shapes and sizes, consider trying these mats out! I actually find the macarons bake better on these compared to parchment paper as well. I have tried many different brands of mats, but the Amazon ones are actually my favorite, the guide for the macarons includes 3 different sizes, allowing you to easily change it up!
Check it out here

Electronic Food Scale
Some recipes require precision in their ingredients, such as macarons, so a food scale is a must! As well I use Food scales to always measure things such as pasta, to ensure I am cooking the exact right amount.
Check out this one from INEVIFIT

Garlic Press
An essential in my kitchen! Makes easy work of garlic, and is super easy to clean!
Check out this one from OXO

Potato Ricer
A must for silky smooth potatoes!
Check out this one from OXO