Top 5 Kitchen Gadgets

Christmas is getting closer , and that can only mean two things: plenty of food , and plenty of fun. And if you fancy yourself as a bit of a Nigella in the kitchen , the idea of being able to try out lots of new recipes during the festive season is an enticing one , especially if you’ve got guests coming round to act as guinea pigs. But every chef needs the right tools , so before you start flambéing , sautéing and generally cooking up a storm , have a look at our top five kitchen gadgets to help your Christmas menu go with a bang…1 Easy vegetable dicerWe all know we should get our five fruit and veg a day , especially with all the seasonal treats floating around at Christmas , but the prep that goes with eating vegetables can be frustrating at the end of a long day. By using a vegetable dicer , perfectly formed veg is easy to achieve , and you can even use it to slice potatoes into chips , or cut fruit into manageable chunks for young children. As a special bonus , your fingers will forever be spared from a mistimed knife chop!2 Microwave egg boilerAlthough one of the simplest kitchen tasks , something simple like boiling an egg can feel like a mammoth undertaking on hectic mornings. Heating the water , getting the egg exactly to your liking , and of course the extra washing up can all seem just too much like hard work. A microwave egg boiler , however , does all the work for you. Pour water from the kettle into the base , add the required number of eggs , and pop in the microwave. You can even pick how you’d like your eggs cooked.3 Knife sharpenerLooking after your tools is an imperative part of being a good cook , so a ceramic knife sharpener is a necessity for keeping all your knives sharp and ready for action. Ceramic tends to be harder than steel and longer-lasting , saving you money as you won’t have to replace it as often. Look out for one that is suitable for both straight and serrated knives , to cut down on the gadgets you need.4 Pan grabberWhen you’re rushing around the kitchen preparing lots of dishes , it can be easy to get flustered and grab the nearest pan handle , only to recoil sharply as you realise how hot it is. Burns and blisters are no fun if you’ve got a lot to do , especially if you’re a regular cook and this is a recurring problem. A pan grabber allows you to quickly and securely pick up hot kitchen items , including pan handles , metal containers and casserole dishes without the need for slippery and cumbersome oven gloves.5 Buffet warmerIf you are throwing a party this Christmas , don’t be afraid to serve hot food along with the usual nibbles. A buffet warmer allows you to keep all your food nice and toasty , meaning you can really get creative in the kitchen without worrying about cold , soggy food. It can also be used in more low-key situations , meaning that if you fancy a cosy DVD night with your other half , you can use the buffet warmer to keep your popcorn fresh whilst you relax. The perfect warm-food accessory.The above products are all available at Scotts of Stow , one of the country’s most well-known home-ware specialists. A traditional family-owned business , Scotts of Stow understands the impact quality gadgets and accessories can have on our busy lifestyles , and many of their items are totally unique to the company. Best of all , buying from Scotts of Stow couldn’t be simpler thanks to their easy online ordering system: browse , choose , and order in a matter of minutes.