Whether you love to cook, hate to cook or just have to cook, your life in the kitchen is easier when you find the right tools.
1 of 9
Now you see it
Cable news shows harshing your morning mellow? Cut the cord and tune in to your toast with the Dash Clear View Toaster. The viewing window lets you watch as your bread browns, and the wide, single slot lets you think outside the breadbox to toast odd shapes. A reheat feature keeps neglected toast butter-ready. $50. (855) 564-5705; kohls.com.
2 of 9
High-tech toast
Burning your bagel is not a good way to start the day. Why take a chance? The Cuisinart Touch to Toast Leverless Toaster lets you select your own personal shade of grain and counts down the action with an LCD display. No levers to push; with this toaster, the morning magic happens at the touch of button. $100. (888) 237-8289; bestbuy.com.
3 of 9
Belgian bonus
What’s better than sharing a breakfast of piping hot waffles with deep pockets to hold extra syrup? With the Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker, you and your breakfast companion can eat together—a treat for every cook who has had to serve others, then eat alone. And should you wander away, this waffle maker plays an audio tune to signal that your waffle is ready. $100. (800) 726-0190; cuisinart.com.
4 of 9
Multi-tasker
Push a few buttons and dinner is done with the Fagor Lux Multi-Cooker. It cuts cooking time and can steam, saute, slow cook, make rice and yogurt, and keep food warm until you’re ready to eat. $140. (877) 812-6235; williams-sonoma.com.
5 of 9
Set it and forget it
Remember the pressure cooker that hissed and rattled on Grandma’s stove? It cooked potatoes in a flash, but everyone was afraid to get near it. Breville’s Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker is an easier breed. It has 11 food-specific settings, plus a custom setting when you want to follow your own path. Steam releases automatically—quick or slow, as you choose, and it keeps food warm without a single hiss or rattle. $250. (877) 812-6235; williams-sonoma.com.
6 of 9
Be your own barista
Create your own caffeinated concoction and save a stop on the way to work with the Ninja Coffee Bar. Choices range from a classic brew to iced coffee or specialty drinks; you choose the strength. The Ninja’s thermal carafe keeps drinks hot for up to two hours, or you can brew a single cup and be on your way. The included Easy Frother adds a creamy top. $180. (866) 235-5443; belk.com.
7 of 9
Multiple choice
Dad is devoted to his K-cups; Mom loves her tea bags. Bunn has come up with a truce for the beverage wars: the MCU My Cafe Single Cup Multi-Use Coffee Brewer. Using an interchangeable tray system, this machine can deliver a cup brewed from ground coffee, loose tea, prefilled pods or tea bags in less than a minute. $160. (800) 466-3337; homedepot.com.
8 of 9
Inside job
A mega-mixer is a must for thick batters, but what if you just need to smooth the lumps out of a sauce? For small-batch blending, consider the KitchenAid 2-Speed Hand Blender. A 5-foot cord lets you use the blender right in the pot, or use the 3-cup jar that comes with it. The stainless-steel shaft is removable for easy cleaning. $60. (800) 541-6390; macys.com.
9 of 9
Smoothie operator
If you’re a bleary-eyed morning smoothie maker, you want to do as little chopping as possible. With the Vitamix Ascent 3300, throw those frozen, unpeeled, uncored fruits and vegetables in, and they turn into a lump-free liquid treat. The unit is programmable, so you can save your settings and blend favorites at the touch of a button. $450. (800) 848-2649; vitamix.com.