ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

Must-have kitchen appliances and tips to buy them

Processes like chopping, grilling, broiling, roasting, and sauteing are indispensable in the kitchen and can be extremely time-consuming, even for cooking aficionados. In today’s fast-paced world, kitchen appliances make these processes considerably easier, quicker, and fuss-free. The appliances also allow one to spend more time experimenting with their cooking style and recipes instead of performing repetitive tasks. So, here is a list of must-have kitchen appliances to make daily tasks easier:

Types of kitchen appliances
1. Microwave
A conventional microwave is a multipurpose appliance that can perform a host of tasks like reheating, grilling, baking, cooking, and roasting. Additionally, it can be used to disinfect kitchen items and de-crystallize kitchen ingredients like honey. A microwave saves a considerable amount of time on a daily basis and allows sufficient room for innovation in the kitchen.

2. Dishwasher
While cooking may be a therapeutic process for many, the cleanup that follows does require considerable effort and time. A dishwasher makes this process a breeze by catering to a variety of dishwashing needs, from hard scrubbing frying pans and pots to gently cleaning glassware and crockery. Today, one can choose from multiple dishwasher sizes based on the average number of dishes to be washed and available space in the kitchen.

3. Coffee maker
For coffee lovers, a cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee marks the beginning of their day. Coffee makers are handy kitchen appliances that can brew various types of coffee, from the classic latte and cappuccino to espresso and americano, within no time. One can pick from various coffee maker models based on their requirements and budget range. Today, one can even find compact, portable coffee makers that not only take up very little space in the kitchen but can also accompany one on their trips.

4. Griller
A griller is a handy appliance to make that quick sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. One can also use this appliance to grill vegetables, meat, and other ingredients and prepare a delicious meal quickly.

5. Kitchen exhaust hood
A kitchen exhaust hood, also called an extractor or range hood, is an appliance comprising an electric fan that is suspended over the stove to get rid of fumes, smoke, grease, and steam emitted during the cooking process. So, the exhaust hood gets rid of factors that are likely to increase moisture and contamination and purifies the air in the kitchen.

6. Food processor
From grinding and blending to dicing and shredding, food processors can take over a wide range of otherwise manual kitchen chores. This helps one save time and effort. A food processor has a multipurpose blade rotating at a high speed to break down or combine ingredients, helping one prepare hummus, pesto, sauces, salad dressings, and more in minutes.

7. Oven
There is no better appliance than the classic oven for cooking, heating, grilling, and baking, helping one prepare savory and sweet treats. Today, OTGs, convection ovens, steam ovens, and electric ovens are some of the common types of ovens one can find. Moreover, one can choose from various oven sizes based on their requirements and available kitchen space.

8. Air fryer
Air fryers have emerged as go-to options for those who want to enjoy their favorite fried foods without worrying about the health consequences. From vegetables to meatballs, steak, and fried chicken, one may prepare a wide range of foods in air fryers, which enhance the speed of cooking and the taste.

Buying tips
1. Consider individual requirements
The first step to buying a kitchen appliance is to consider specific requirements based on the foods one prepares, the number of inhabitants, their food preferences and needs, and budget. For example, those who often bake, toast, and grill food should opt for an OTG, while those who are not inclined toward baking but regularly grill their foods regularly would do better with a basic griller.

2. Evaluate the available space
Next, one should consider the amount of space available in the kitchen to accommodate a new kitchen appliance. In a tiny kitchen, one may not be able to fit large appliances unless one disposes of or moves other existing appliances. So, in such cases, it is advisable to either opt for compact appliances or make arrangements to free up some space for new appliances.

3. Explore all options
Being excessively loyal to a brand can limit one’s options considerably, so while shortlisting kitchen appliances, one should consider products offered by different brands and manufacturers, the unique features each option offers, and the prices of different models. A comparison of the features and prices can help one choose a brand and model that offers value for money.

4. Consider the warranty period
Buying products with a long warranty period ensures that one does not have to incur expenses to fix product defects or malfunctions within the specified period. So, one should always ask about the warranty period of a kitchen appliance before making a purchase.

While these appliances can make daily tasks like meal prep, cooking, and food storage easier, choosing the right one for the kitchen requires some consideration. If one carefully assesses individual requirements, sets a budget, and carries out some research to understand the different options available, one can find the most suitable appliance for their kitchen.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.