Time for a Pasta Maker? (And 9 Other Kitchen Essentials You Deserve Right Now)

Posted on June 21, 2020 by Laura Grande

When it comes to the best and most useful kitchen gadgets, we often don't know where to start. To help, we've rounded up some of the kitchen essentials you deserve right now, from pasta makers and waffle presses to compact food processors and gorgeous statement tea towels.

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Amazon Canada

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Pasta Maker

 There's nothing more comforting than a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-macaroni-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hearty bowl of pasta</a>. But if you're looking for a new project to tackle in the kitchen, make Nonna proud and try your hand at making homemade noodles from scratch. For more mouth-watering recipe ideas, try <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/giada-de-laurentiis-popular-pasta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada de Laurentiis' most popular pasta dishes</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0001IXA0I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B0001IXA0I&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=a328a62ac74d06a723225a5256376b82" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Imperia Pasta Maker Machine – Made in Italy</a>, Amazon, $90.
Indigo

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Air Fryer

 Transform all your favourite guilty-pleasure dishes into healthier alternatives in a snap. That's right, the humble air fryer has been the talk of kitchens everywhere, so it's about time you jump on that bandwagon. By circulating hot air, air fryers prepare fried dishes with 90 per cent less oil – and in almost half the time. Get creative and check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/never-knew-could-cook-in-air-fryer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you never knew you could cook in an air fryer (and five things you can't)</a>. <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-9190882-13710638?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chapters.indigo.ca%2Fen-ca%2Fgifts%2Fproduct%2F854940007670-item.html&cjsku=85494000767" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Compact Air Fryer</a>, Indigo, $75.
The Wonderffle

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Waffle Iron

 You don't have to venture from your own kitchen for your taste buds to "travel" to Belgium. Perfect for those who love a hearty sandwich, the portable Wonderffle stuffed-waffle iron just might be the greatest invention since sliced bread. Enjoy two-inch-thick Belgian waffles jam-packed with all your favourite ingredients, both savoury and sweet. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-waffle-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">waffle recipes that will make you jump right out of bed</a>. <a href="https://www.wonderffle.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wonderffle Stuffed Waffle Iron</a>, Wonderffle, $70.
Crate & Barrel

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French Press

 This gadget – with its old-school plunger-style brewing method – will no doubt grace the table of every coffee aficionado, especially those who love their hot cuppa full-bodied and flavourful. You can also check out these fun facts <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/things-you-didnt-know-morning-coffee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">you didn't know about your morning coffee</a>. <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.ca/bodum-chambord-34-ounce-french-press/s202525" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bodum Chambord 34 Ounce French Press</a>, Crate & Barrel, $55.
Indigo

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Egg Cooker

 If you're short on time, this adorable kitchen essential will cook your eggs in less time than it takes to boil water, leaving you free to go about the rest of your morning routine. From scrambled to deviled, you'll feel like a top chef. For more inspiration, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/creative-ways-to-cook-eggs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">creative ways to cook eggs</a> or the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/genius-ways-leftover-egg-whites/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most genius ways to use leftover egg whites</a>. <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-9190882-13710638?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chapters.indigo.ca%2Fen-ca%2Fgifts%2Fproduct%2F851843006588-item.html&cjsku=85184300658" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dash Rapid Egg Cooker</a>, Indigo, $28.
Poterie Bonmatin

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Olive Oil and Vinegar Dispensers

 It might seem trivial, but there's something so satisfying about investing in a good set of oil and vinegar dispensers. These handmade, dishwasher-safe ceramic beauties will look gorgeous on your kitchen counter or dinner table. And once you've received them you can satisfy your sweet tooth by making <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/olive-oil-blondies-with-chocolate-frosting/22080/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Molly Yeh's olive oil blondies with chocolate frosting</a>. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/773625180/olive-oil-dispenser-pottery-cruet-olive?ref=search_recently_viewed-2&frs=1" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Olive Oil and Vinegar Dispensers</a>, Etsy, $52.
KitchenAid

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Compact Food Processor

 Cut <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/meal-prep-ideas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meal prep</a> time in half with a mini food processor that will help you slice and dice your way through all your favourite recipes. It'll also keep countertop clutter and post-meal cleanup to a minimum – and that's something worth celebrating. Check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/cleaning-kitchen-items-wrong/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the biggest kitchen cleaning mistakes (and how to fix them)</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LZ6QN28/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B01LZ6QN28&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=56668e24ff64fb4e3f3907c09d357e71" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KitchenAid Mini Food Processor</a>, Amazon, $50.
Native Northwest

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Statement Tea Towels

 Looking to spruce up your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a>? Start small by selecting simple pieces that will elevate your space to the next level. After all, even something as carefully curated as table runners or statement tea towels can enliven the room, such as with these Canadian-made tea towels with an underwater motif. <a href="https://www.nativenorthwestselect.ca/Tea-Towel-Salmon-in-the-Wild-Green-by-Simone-Diamond" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tea Towels</a>, Native Northwest, $12.
Crate & Barrel

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Raclette Grill

 Become a master chef and let your culinary creativity shine with a granite cooktop raclette grill that boasts 1200 watts of power and heat control. Now you can revel in the taste of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grilled eats</a> year-round, regardless of the weather. We've also got the scoop on the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/photos/best-bbq-recipes-2020/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best ways to use your grill in 2020</a>. <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.ca/swissmar-ticino-8-person-raclette-grill/s669798" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Swissmar Ticino 8-Person Raclette Grill</a>, Crate & Barrel, $140.
Vitamix

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Blender

 From making purées and soups to smoothies and dips, the blender has been a kitchen staple since its invention. Up your blending game with a high-powered version and even includes a self-cleaning mechanism. Give it a whirl with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-tasty-smoothie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy (and tasty) smoothie recipes that'll keep you full</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07CXVSMZ4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07CXVSMZ4&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=b528b0fd2cce95642d3e79065cd3a1d4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vitamix Explorian Blender</a>, Amazon, $333.
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