Cooking at home is cheaper and usually healthier than dining out, but presents many challenges -- especially if you don't have the right tools for the job. Check out GAYOT.com's Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets to help streamline your most difficult and mundane tasks.
Rancilio Silvia Version 3 Espresso Machine
Price: $640
This top-of-the-line espresso machine from Rancilio is one of the most coveted models on Amazon. Famously reliable, it boasts a heavy-duty brass-boiler and a commercial-grade steam wand rarely found on home espresso makers. The Silvia Version 3 is one of the best machines available at this price point. Keep in mind that it performs best when paired with a good burr grinder.
Le Creuset Screwpull Lever
Price: $85
If you find often find yourself arm wrestling your bottle of Sancerre in front of your dinner guests, it's time to invest in a better corkscrew. Le Creuset's Screwpull Lever earns points for its durability and classic design. As a rule, we much prefer manual openers to electronic ones. Built to work with both synthetic and natural corks, it has an ultra long-lasting screw which allows for up to 2,000 bottle openings. The Screwpull comes with a four-wheel foil cutter.
Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer
Price: $258
Most high-tech kitchen gadgets boast that they go faster than the competition, but the Omega J8006 does just the opposite. A "masticating style" juicer, it processes at 80rpm (most other juicers attain speeds ranging from 1,650 to 15,000rpm). By going at a slower speed, the machine squeezes the fruit instead of grinding it, which helps to preserve nutrients and healthy enzymes. The slower speed also prevents oxidization, which means your juice can be stored up to 72 hours without degradation -- and you can drink it slower, too.
Proteak Rectangle Cutting Board
Price: $75
Used on sailing vessels for centuries, teak is naturally resistant to both moisture and bacteria growth. This attractive Proteak cutting board is crafted from organically grown teak from 16,000 acres of reclaimed ranch land. According to the company, their plantations in Mexico and Costa Rica capture the CO2 of 20,000 cars each day. Each richly-grained board is aesthetically unique and easily maintained with a little soap and water.
Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor, 16-Cup
Price: $400
Food processors have become an essential item for any serious cook. This model from Breville features a 5.5-inch super-wide chute that allows you to slice veggies and fruits without having to cut them by hand. It also comes equipped with a set of eight discs and blades for many different prep options; the discs include a variable slicing disc that can adjust the thickness of your cuts from a paper thin 0.3mm (.01") to a solid 8mm (.3"). Don't be dissuaded by the hefty price tag; this versatile device is worth every penny.
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