Top Kitchen Appliances to Keep and to Kick to the Curb

How many gadgets do you own in your kitchen that never sees the light of day? How many gadgets do you own that are plug in electrics? Having these types of appliances in your kitchen not only takes up valuable space in your kitchen but also contributes to a large “cookprint”.

What is a “cookprint” I hear you ask? A “cookprint” is used to describe the energy needed to prepare the food we consume. It reminds us that we don’t always have to plug in to chow down, but also can choose local, plant –based and sustainable food. Check out the list of gadgets to say adios to that take up space and energy.

Appliances and Gadgets to Bid Farewell

Coffee Grinder

Although it may be much easier to roll out of bed, yawn and plug in your electric coffee grinder, it is much better to do it yourself and use a hand crank coffee grinder.

Can Opener

Convenience is key however using an electric can opener is not a product defined by convenience. It takes virtually the same effort to manually open a can, not to mention much less expensive.

Electric Knife

You only use it once a year right? Well if that’s the case why purchase it or keep it around when it just takes up valuable kitchen space and does the same job as good quality knife? Donate to your local GoodWill) or use the parts for other Do It Yourself projects.

Juicer
Are you surprised to find an electric juicer on the list? This is an easy switch that won’t screw up your healthy juice regimen. Hand-held juicers require a little muscle, but they produce big energy savings.

Electric Mixer and Stick Blender
The electric version of this is actually made with less control for the consumer. Old fashioned hand mixers work like a dream, not to mention provide you with much more control over your cooking environment. No food flying here.

Appliances and Gadgets to Keep

Rice Cookers

Although rice cookers use electricity, they are an eco-friendly alternative being that they use less energy than rice’s alternative cooking method: stovetop flame. Be sure you purchase on without a “non stick” surface.*

Countertop Grills
These grills are inexpensive and an energy-saving solution to turning on a stove when you want to just make, say, a grilled cheese sandwich.*

Waffle Irons
Besides topping electric irons in quality and longevity, a manual version will serve you well for a lifetime.*

Hand-Crank Blender
When considering the environment, hand cranking your blends doesn’t seem half as much work. Not to mention you can have a taste of the old days when making food was a slower process.

Mortar and Pestle
This nifty gadget can be a manual food processor. It has been used for centuries to mix, mash and blend spices, pastes and mixes.

* More and more new appliances are made with the “non-stick” element. Most “non-stick” surfaces are made with Teflon or aluminum. Both of these materials are made with PBDE, a prevalent contaminant known to cause harm to the human body and the environment.