Appliances & Kitchen Gadgets

The workhorse of the kitchen.

(Credit: Zappos)

Kitchen appliances can be great time-savers. Chopping, slicing, and dicing needs can be met with a food processor, microwaves can cook up entire meals with a press of a few buttons, and blenders can rapidly turn chopped vegetables into smooth purees for sauces, soups, and drinks. But when it comes to pure strength, one appliance stands out above others: the stand mixer.

The Viking Professional 5-quart Stand Mixer makes it easy to whip up labor-intensive recipes without strain or stress. The 800-watt motor with metal gear transmission powers through common kitchen tasks such as whipping, stirring, and beating. The locking tilt-back head gives easy access to the work bowl and attachment mount. Included with the stand mixer is a "V" beater, a whip, a dough hook, and the bowl. A number of accessories are also available for many other kitchen tasks: blender jar, pasta maker, food grinder, slicer/shredder, and pouring shield.

The stand mixer does the hard work for recipes that require a lot of mixing or kneading. There is very little to not like about a batch of cookies or freshly baked bread, but the effort required to produce quality results can be distracting. With the stand mixer doing all of the heavy lifting, it leaves time for more important things: like concentrating on the delicious results.

Two mixers in one.

(Credit: Kalorik)

Can't decide between a hand mixer and a stand mixer? No problem, because now you can have both. If you are a fan of combination appliances, you are really going to like appliances that take the concept even one-step further. The Kalorik Convertible Hand and Stand Mixer isn't your ordinary combination appliance. Instead, this device opts to share the main motor drive, in effect creating two kitchen essentials. The mixing unit mounts on a base, securely creating a stand mixer complete with a 3-quart work bowl.

When set up for use as a stand mixer, the stainless steel bowl automatically rotates, making it easy to incorporate ingredients. The five-speed mixing unit is capable of working together dry ingredients or stepping it up to make whipped cream. A turbo function, which is activated at the press of a button, is also included and works at any speed setting. Not only are standard chrome-plated beaters included, but also two dough hooks also come with the machine, further enhancing the use of this appliance.

Measuring 11.5-inches tall with a base of 8-inches by 9.5-inches, the counter top machine doesn't take up much room. The 200-watt machine might not be the most powerful option available, but if this combination appliance inspires one to try new recipes, the trade-off may be well worth it.

Classy and stylish.

(Credit: Williams-Sonoma)

Stand mixers, being the workhorses of the kitchen, get put through the paces. I suppose it is this connection that inspires the home chef to decorate his or her stand mixer such that it is their own. From Alton Brown's flame hot-rod mixer to cow spot decals you can purchase yourself, the mixer has become an extension of personality in the kitchen. It certainly makes sense, since the stand mixer is the one doing all the work for us.

The KitchenAid 90th Anniversary Stand Mixer with Glass Bowl celebrates the longevity of the ubiquitous kitchen appliance. Complete with all the essential features one would expect from a KitchenAid stand mixer, the 90th anniversary model gets its vintage feel from the candy-apple red coating and the inclusion of a tempered glass bowl. The 10-speed mixer has the familiar tilt-back head and comes with a flat beater, a dough hook, a wire whip and a pouring shield.

Much like automobiles, stand mixers tend to reflect their owners' personalities. Unlike cars, however, KitchenAid stand mixers feature impressive compatibility through its product line. An attachment such as a pasta roller or food grinder that connects to the front hub will work with any KitchenAid stand mixer ever made. With so many accessories and features, the stand mixer is not only versatile and convenient, but is also handy tool for expressing your personal creativity in the kitchen.

Good for a variety of tasks.

(Credit: Cuisinart)

When it comes to the kitchen, options are a cook's best friend. Stand mixers have long offered versatility and performance to help cooks save time. Cuisinart has two models of stand mixers, the SM-70, a 7-quart model, and the SM-55, a 5.5-quart model.

Both stand mixers have several attachments designed to do many tasks. In addition to standard paddle attachments, accessories include a pasta maker, a mincer and grinder, food processor, juicer, and even a blender. In addition to the accessory attachments, the convenience of power is also included. The larger stand mixer has a 1,000-watt motor, while the 5.5-quart model has an 800-watts motor. Both models have 12 power settings and three included outlets.

Cuisinart included other desired features besides power, capacity, and versatility. Both models have a tilt back head for easy bowl access and accessory attachment. A 15-minute countdown timer automatically turns off the stand mixer and chimes to alert you when finished. A pause mode lets the user interrupt the countdown if needed.

The 7-quart model has a suggested retail price of $399 and the 5.5-quart model costs $299.