As people, we ask a lot from our kitchens. Not only do they need to be highly functional with ample clever storage and easy to keep clean and hygienic, they also need to be comfortable, homely and, ideally, inspiring. All this and they have to tolerate probably the highest level of footfall in the house!
Gadgets help make kitchens work even better, streamlining your cooking tasks and adding efficiency. The best gadgets of course also fit with your sense of style, complementing your beautifully chosen worktops.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, this guide will cover those handy gadgets that can make your kitchen a haven of convenience and inspiration.
Setting the stage for success
Before excitedly filling your shopping basket with a stack of kitchen gadgets, consider how they’ll fit into your existing setup. A well-equipped kitchen balances functionality with design, ensuring every tool has its place and works well in your space.
Firstly, you’ll need to consider how much space you have – both your worktop space and your cupboards, for when your gadgets aren’t in use and if you prefer not to have them out all the time. If you have a compact kitchen, you’ll need to be more selective when it comes to your gadget shopping. Alternatively, those kitchens with large worktop areas and plenty of storage space, such as this St. Albans kitchen (pictured below) can accommodate a wider choice of cool kitchen gadgets.
4044 Airy Concrete. How much space your kitchen has will affect which gadgets you opt for.
You’ll also need to think about your kitchen’s style and what will work best with it. For modern kitchens, a slew of sleek new gadgets will look perfectly at home, but if you’ve opted for a particularly rustic aesthetic, the shinier appliances might look out of place and more vintage-looking pieces would be more suited. When looking at gadget models, choose colours or finishes that harmonise with your worktops and cabinetry for a cohesive look.
It’s not just your kitchen you need to think about, but you and how you like to cook, so think about the dishes you prepare most often. If you love baking, you might want to make sure some digital scales are on your list, or if you like experimenting with different recipes, you should invest in versatile gadgets like multi-functional processors.
Tech to help you prep
Mini chopper
Ideal for quick tasks like dicing onions, chopping herbs or mincing garlic, a mini chopper saves time and reduces mess in the kitchen. They’re particularly useful for quick weekday dinners and thanks to their compact size, they can be stored neatly in a drawer, keeping your worktop clutter-free.
Multi-functional food processors
Perfect for chopping, slicing, shredding and even kneading dough, food processors save time while reducing mess. Modern designs come with stackable attachments, making storage easier, and, if you have a dishwasher, look out for a food processor model that has dishwasher-safe components.
Knife sets with built-in sharpeners
A quality knife set is vital when it comes to preparing food and it’s always good to have them easily accessible. Wooden or magnetic knife blocks can double as a stylish worktop accessory, and some have options with built-in sharpeners to keep your tools in top condition. A reliable knife sharpener keeps your blades razor-sharp, making prep work easier and safer.
Pair wooden knife blocks with light, natural-toned worktops like the warm earthy hues of 5212 Taj Royale for an organic aesthetic. Or, for a more industrial feel, pair metal knife blocks with a worktop like 4001 Fresh Concrete, like at The Waterside Inn.
Citrus juicer
Effortlessly extract fresh juice from lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruits with a citrus juicer. Whether you’re whipping up cocktails, marinades or just juice on its own, this gadget saves time and helps you get the most juice out of your fruit. Compact electric juicers are quick and convenient, while manual presses add a rustic charm to a traditional kitchen.
Mandoline slicers
For even, paper-thin slices of vegetables or fruits, a mandoline slicer is a boon, an absolute must for prepping salads, gratins and garnishes in seconds. It’s not just for experienced chefs though, it can help those who are new to cooking with slicing and dicing.
Bringing it all together
High-performance blenders
A powerful blender is a game-changer and comes in handy in so many recipes, whether you're whipping up smoothies, pureeing soups or blending sauces. A lot of models now have multiple settings to handle everything from crushing ice to creating creamy textures, making them even more useful!
A professional black blender would look stunning set against the light grey industrial concrete vibe of 4044 Airy Concrete with its deeply textured surface.
Hand blender
If you prefer a handheld gadget over a standing one, a hand blender (or immersion blender) is ideal for blending soups, sauces and smoothies, and it does it right in the pot or pan. Lightweight and compact, it’s ideal for smaller kitchens.
Stand mixer
The ultimate tool for bakers, a stand mixer takes the hard work out of mixing dough, whipping cream or even kneading bread. A lot of models include attachments for grinding or pasta making.
Everyday conveniences
Smart coffee machines
Today’s coffee machines go beyond brewing; many feature programmable settings, app controls and milk frothers for barista-level creations at home, adding a touch of sophistication to your morning routine.
Coffee grinder set
If you prefer the experience of grinding your beans yourself, or you prefer the aesthetic of a traditional grinder, a coffee grinder set helps you get the most out of your beans, giving your home coffee a café-quality edge. Look for a set that includes a hand grinder and a storage canister for freshness.
Rice cooker
Achieve perfectly cooked rice every time without the guesswork. Many models also include settings for grains, porridge and even steaming vegetables. Choose a sleek stainless-steel finish to complement contemporary worktops, like the mysteriously dark 5820 Darcrest with its honed finish.
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Health grill
Health grills are designed to drain excess fat while retaining flavour, making them a must-have for quick and healthy meals and are ideal for grilling meats, vegetables, sandwiches and certain cheeses.
Slow cooker
For hearty stews, tender meats and flavourful soups, a slow cooker is unbeatable, and its "set it and forget it" functionality makes it ideal for busy households and meal preppers alike. To help keep your worktop tidy, opt for a model with a cord storage feature.
Water filter jug
Ensure your family has access to great-tasting water with a filter jug. Not only does it give you filtered water almost on tap, it also reduces waste from bottled water.
Innovative tech for modern chefs
Sous vide precision cookers
Sous vide (French for "under vacuum") takes precision cooking to the next level by vacuum-sealing food, such as steak or chicken breasts, and then immersing it in water baths at a precise temperature, ensuring the food is cooked to an exact standard. This technique is used in restaurants and is invaluable in preparing the perfect medium-rare steak, for example.
Induction-safe cookware
If you have an induction hob integrated into your Caesarstone worktop, make sure you’re using cookware specially designed for it. Magnetic-based pans not only heat efficiently (using 70% less energy than traditional stovetops), they also allow for much better temperature control.
These ultra-modern gadgets work beautifully with the textured industrial grey ultra rough 411 Concrita porcelain worktop.
Compact air fryers
Air fryers have become a staple in today’s kitchens, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, fried foods with minimal oil. Their sleek designs and compact sizes make them a perfect addition to any kitchen.
Make it yourself
Ice cream and frozen dessert maker
Create homemade frozen treats like classic vanilla ice cream to refreshing sorbets with ease. An ice cream maker allows you to control flavours and ingredients, perfect for both dietary needs and indulgent experiments. We suggest choosing a model with a removable bowl for easy cleaning and freezing.
Popcorn maker
Enjoy fresh, healthier popcorn at home without the need for butter or oil. These gadgets are perfect for family movie nights or as a fun activity with kids. Choose an air-popper model for a quick and fuss-free experience.
The often fun and bright colours of popcorn makers work especially well with light and airy worktops like 501 Snowdrift, a pure white backdrop with delicate soft grey veining.
Bread machine
Homemade bread is a delight and a bread machine takes the hassle out of baking, and many models include settings for gluten-free or whole-grain loaves.
Carbonator
Bring sparkling water and fizzy drinks to your kitchen with a carbonator. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought sparkling water and an entertaining addition for guests.
Keeping it all organised
A well-equipped kitchen is an organised kitchen. Maximise your gadget investment with these organisational tips:
- Drawer inserts: Store smaller tools like peelers, zesters and pizza cutters in customisable drawer inserts for easy access.
- Shelves: Free up worktop space by storing frequently used gadgets (or the prettiest ones) on your kitchen shelves.
- Appliance garages: Tuck away larger gadgets like stand mixers in dedicated cabinetry with pull-out shelves for a clean and uncluttered worktop.
Final touches for a perfect kitchen
When investing in kitchen gadgets, remember they’re more than just tools—they’re part of your kitchen's design and functionality. Test out gadgets to make sure they suit your needs and work with your worktop and cabinetry choices.
With these must-haves in your arsenal, your kitchen will not only look stunning but also function like a dream. Let Caesarstone’s range of quartz, porcelain and mineral worktops be the foundation for your culinary creativity, offering durability, style and the perfect backdrop for all your kitchen adventures.
