Kitchen gadgets – are they really worth it?

Thermomix

I have used a Thermomix in professional kitchens since I was 18 years old and they have always been a must-have tool in any kitchen I have worked in or launched since.

The Thermomix is a superior quality blender that can be used for very refined fruit and vegetable purées at a controlled temperature. It also perfect to use as a mixer for making cookie dough, different types of pastry and fresh pasta dough.

Air Fryer

I was a bit late to the party with the Air Fryer craze, but since we introduced one into our home kitchen it is pretty much used daily. With two little ones at home, the thought of having to preheat your oven to bake one slice of Margherita pizza has now become a distant memory.

I don’t love giving my children the usual suspects (like nuggets) but sometimes you have to give in and the Air Fryer eradicates any previous guilty feelings of giving the kids deep-fried food, so I’ll take it any day.

As a chef, it took me a long time to get my head around the concept in conversations I had, but they are handy and perhaps the ideal replacement to the now frowned upon microwave oven.

Bar blender

I have used a Braun household power blender for almost a decade now. It’s always been very useful for recipe testing and working on new restaurant concepts because the smaller size of the blender jug allows me to make smaller recipes, before multiplying the quantities once they are menu-worthy.

It is also the perfect size for making fresh smoothies and purées for weaning babies. I have tried the NutriBullet and many other similar, over-marketed products, but this machine is simple, effective and very reliable. If, however, one day it decides it’s had enough and stops working, then it’s not going to break the bank to invest in a new one. They are superb and seriously well-priced. This machine has never let me down.

Microplane

Not quite mechanical but still a useful gadget in the kitchen to achieve refined grated mature Cheddar in an omelette or fluffy Parmesan cheese on pasta. It’s also great for finely mincing fresh ginger and garlic to make the perfect base for a hearty curry, or adding grated lemongrass and green chilli, if you are making a fragrant Thai green curry.

For any recipe which requires citrus zest, grating lemon zest over freshly grilled prawns or mixing fresh lime zest into smashed avocados, the Microplane will help you add these flavours without having chunks of overpowering zest in your dishes. It makes cooking at home much more refined. Say goodbye to the good old box grater.

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