I get frequent emails from readers asking about recommendations for specific kitchen tools I use. I started this page to share fun new finds I think you'll love (that I love myself) as well as the actual tools I use in my kitchen.
Fun Finds
Periodically I discover new tools or devices I love, especially those that help support nutritional goals and calorie watching! I'll be adding to this list as I find things I think you'll love and will benefit from too.
Yonanas Soft Serve Dessert Maker
This machine creates soft serve ice cream quality desserts from frozen fruit. No other ingredients are needed.
- Only uses fruit so you are getting your daily fruit in 'ice cream' form
- Any fruit can be used; fruit you freeze or frozen fruit from the grocery store
- Has the texture of soft serve ice cream (really!) so it satisfies a dessert craving in a healthy lower calorie way
Where to buy: Yonanas Dessert Maker
Mini Ice Cream Containers with silicon lids
I also just bought these to store extra Yonanas dessert. I have not tried them yet but they have great reviews (will report back).
Where to buy: Ice Cream Containers
I've used this container for years for homemade ice cream. It works well due to having a space between the outside of the container and inside so the ice cream doesn't get over hard.
Tools I Use
There are many versions and great choices with kitchen tools. I've found some I love and highly recommend along the way. They work well, are quality made and make the cooking process easier.
Some tools, air fryers for instance, cook slightly differently brand to brand. I include the type I've used to develop and test recipes in the recipe posts whenever appropriate so others can adjust as needed for their own devices.
These are the tools in my kitchen that I've used and trust.
Cosori 5.8 quart Air Fryer
I actually have two of these and use them to develop recipes and for my personal cooking.
Where to buy: Cosori 5.8 qt Air Fryer
- It is a more powerful machine (1700 watts)
- Has a large cooking basket to easier to cook larger items and batches
- Easy to clean
- Quiet when running
Instant Pot Duo 6 quart multi-cooker
I have used this Instant Pot since I started developing pressure cooker recipes (over 6 years now). It's a great size for most people and easy to operate.
Where to buy: Instant Pot Duo 6 quart
Better Zester
This might seem like a silly thing to share but I discovered the zester a number of years ago and found it life changing! I've given as a gift more times than I can count.
- It removes only the outer layer of peel, never the bitter white pith underneath
- Zests like a dream! It feels like zesting butter.
- There is a container on the back with measurements so you can zest into that and know exactly how much you have zested instead of having to measure it separately.
Where to buy: Better Zester
Hand held juice squeezer
I have multiple handheld juice squeezers and use them at least once a day.
- It extracts juice completely without much effort
- The two-in-one type allows juicing limes and lemons with the same device
- Fresh juice always tastes best and this makes it really easy
Where to buy: Juice Squeezer
Vitamix Personal Blender
I make a smoothie every afternoon as a means to supplement extra protein and other nutrients. This work horse of a personal blender allows making the smoothie in the cup and swapping the blending element for a lid. Blend and go.
It's expensive and was a gift but Vitamix is an excellent brand and I expect it to last for years to come.
- It extracts juice completely without much effort
- The two-in-one type allows juicing limes and lemons with the same device
- Fresh juice always tastes best and this makes it really easy
Where to buy: Vitamix Personal Blender
I have several foodie friend who love the Nutribullet for the same reasons. I have not tried it but it's another consideration for the blend-and-go functionality.
Where to buy: Nutribullet for Smoothies
