The kitchen is often the center of activity in a home, especially during the holidays, when cookies are baked and meals are prepared for parties and family gatherings.
From countertop essentials to convenient accessories, there is sure to be a kitchen appliance or gadget on this years gift list for anyone who spends time in the kitchen. A gourmet cook to a novice beginner will appreciate these helpful kitchen items that are the perfect gift to share and give to family and friends for use this holiday or any time of the year.
Diamonds are a cooks best friend with the EdgeSelect 120 knife sharpener ($129.95-$149.95) with 2.5 carats of diamonds to put a razor-sharp edge on any knife. On the Web: www.chefschoice.com.
Vacuum packing foods prior to entertaining or to have available for a quick meal is made easy with the FoodSaver Mini Plus ($49) or the FoodSaver V475 ($99) to seal in freshness and save time in the kitchen. On the Web: www.foodsaver.com.
Spice up the holidays with a Chefn Dual Grinder ($24.99), offering the balance of salt and pepper in one tool with each spice ground separately. On the Web: www.chefn.com.
Add style and color to the kitchen with the new Bonny Silicone Tool Collection ($5.99-$6.99) that is heat safe to 450 degrees. Tools come in a variety of translucent colors from ladles to slotted turners. On the Web: www.goodcook.com.
A countertop favorite is the Bosch Compact Kitchen Machine ($199.99), for cooks who want one appliance to perform multiple tasks like blending, mixing, kneading, chopping and food processing. On the Web: www.boschappliances.com.
A cutting-edge gift is the easy-slice Safety Rail-Guided Mandoline by Zyliss ($49.99). This hand-held food slicer includes multiple slicing inserts for thickness and cutting design. On the Web: www.zyliss-usa.com.
A kitchen must-have for leftovers is the Tupperware expandable Stuffables Storage Containers ($17.50 for a set of three) that fold flat when not in use and can be stored in a half-inch of space. When expanded, they hold up to 4 cups. On the Web: www.tupperware.com.
Tea for two is a tasteful holiday gift with the Revolution Tea Pot ($25.50) that makes two cups of tea in minutes. Add the T-Pot Revolution Tin ($11.99) with 15 tea bags available in eight flavors packaged in stay-fresh tin containers to complete the gift. On the Web: www.revolutiontea.com.
For the coffee lover, the Black and Decker Home Cafe ($59.99) single-cup brewing system delivers coffeehouse-style coffee right in the home. On the Web: www.home-cafe.com.
The Hamilton Beach Grill/Griddle ($59.99) with removable grids can be used indoors for pancakes or outdoors for burgers. It offers versatility and easy cleanup. On the Web: www.hamilton-beach.com.
A unique gift for the whole family is the TV Refrigerator by LG Electronics ($3,000-$3,200) so meals can be prepared without missing the news or a favorite show. It features a cable-ready 13.5-inch television screen and FM radio. On the Web: www.lgusa.com.
Jazz up the kitchen with the Eclectrics line of small kitchen appliances available in six splashy colors from Moroccan Red to Intrigue Blue. The line includes stand mixer, blender, toaster, coffeemaker and drink mixer ($59.99-$199.99). On the Web: www.counterscap-ing.com.
Surprise the eclectic cook with Polka-Dot Fry Pans ($14.99-$19.99) from Bialetti of Italy. The 10-inch Teflon-coated frying pans are available in light pink, pale yellow and sky blue and accented with black polka-dot bottoms to liven up any cookware collection. On the Web: www.bialetti.com.
Cleanup before and after the holidays is easy with the Bosch Bagless Jet Upright ($199.99) vacuum cleaner with all the accessories needed to make cleaning easy. On the Web: www.boschappliances.com
A cool gift this season is Britas new Water Cooler ($229.99) with filtration system for use with tap water. An electric touchpad allows for temperature control for the hot and cold taps. On the Web: www.brita.com.
If youre considering a major appliance as a gift, every cook will appreciate the Electrolux ICON( Warming Drawer ($999) that keeps all delicious dishes warm until served. On the Web: www.electrolux-usa.com.
For those who want to engage their guests in the cooking and grilling process, the Raclette cooking grills from Trudeau ($39.99-$99.99) are a great gift. The grill sets have removable non-stick grills and cooking pans with insulated handles so each guest can grill their own creation. On the Web: www.tru-deaucorp.com.
For anyone suffering from arthritic hands or just wanting a kitchen convenience, the Black and Decker LidsOff automatic jar opener ($49.99) makes it easy to open just about any jar. On the Web: www.blackanddecker.com.
Every grillmaster will appreciate a set of tiki barbecue tools from Good Cook ($1.99-$4.99 per tool). These tools offer an alternate look to traditional designs using real bamboo, tropical shapes and colors to add to any festivity. On the Web: www.goodcook.com. n
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
