New kitchen gadgets get techie
- Pro Line Toaster keeps toast warm for up to three minutes
- Sistema Containers are made of BPA-free plastic
- Crock-Pot Digital Cook %26 Carry is a portable take on the slow-cooker
Kitchen gadgets are getting very smart. We've seen refrigerators that can text you when you're running low on milk, and ovens that can show you both what's for dinner and how to cook it as well. But just shy of these Jetson-like appliances that won't be mainstream for awhile (they cost a not-so-small-fortune) there are a handful of new high-tech tools that cook-up convenience and dish out a whole lot of kitchen cool.
$299
Technically speaking, toasters haven't evolved all that much since they were invented a century ago, which is part of the reason using KitchenAid's new ProLine toaster is a little bit like magic. It automatically senses the bread in the slot, then lowers it to start toasting, and raises it back up when it's done. You can set it to lightly brown, burnt to a crisp, and everything in between — and an LED panel lets you know the progress along the way. The best part though, is that it solves a once daily problem in my kitchen — it keeps the toast warm and butter-ready for three minutes without burning it. Best. Thing. Ever. Is it wrong to get this excited about a toaster?
Hardworking, Multitasking, Do-Everything Devices
We're all into multi-tasking, right? So why get a gadget that just does ONE thing, when you can get one that does … well … just about everything?
Cuisinart Blend and Cook Soupmaker
$149
Cuisinart has this whole multi-functional series, and a stellar stand-out for making everything from soups to smoothies is the Blend and Cook Soupmaker. It's part blender, in that you can whir and stir anything from frozen margaritas to fresh fruit smoothies. It's part food processor, in that it chops, slices, dices, and purees a host of ingredients like nuts, fruit, vegetables, and whatever else you might need to mash up. It's also part stove, because when you're done whirring and stirring, you just flip a switch and cook right inside of it too. Only getting one thing dirty making an entire meal? Priceless!
Silicone Storage and Serve-ware
When it comes to kitchen tech, silicone is the new go-to. Everywhere you turn, it's being touted as the end-all, be-all of stirring, steaming, serving, and storage-ware. That's because it withstands heat of up to 500 degrees and is safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and better for the planet than plastic bags. I recently talked about this trend with Dr. Oz, as part of his great American Kitchen Cleanout show. One product everyone wanted to get their hands on were Sistema Containers – BPA-free plastic, microwave and freezer-safe containers.
On the more techy-cool-side of silicone, check out Fusionbrands FoodPod($15). You can boil, blanch, or steam just about anything in these weird-looking containers. It also lets you remove, and drain anything really hot, without burning your fingers. Another common problem in my kitchen, solved.
Stop Stirring The Pot
You know the saying, a watched pot never boils? Now you can leave it all up to simple technology and design, with a self-stirring pot that's selling like hot-cakes in Japan. It's called Kuru Kuru Nabe ("round-round pot") and sells for about $100. The way it works is surprisingly simple. When the water gets hot enough, things start to spin counterclockwise. Noodles, vegetables, whatever you're cooking spins "round and round."
For the Time-Crunched, Crock-Pots are Convenient & Cool
If you're a busy person it's time to embrace the Crock-Pot. I have not-so-fond childhood memories of overcooked veggies and soggy meat, but both the Crock-Pot itself and the recipes of what to make in them have come a long way. (Pinterest serves up a great many Crock-Pot recipes these days.) The Crock-Pot Digital Cook & Carry, $60 is an easy, fast, and ultra-portable new take on the classic slow-cooker.
The new digital gauges and high-tech stoneware keep the temperature constant, so everything cooks evenly, no cold or hot spots. The heatsaver stoneware make it great for tailgating, keeping everything warm, even on the go. And – it all goes right in the dishwasher, for fast, easy cleanup.
Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's digital video show TECH NOW. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferJolly.