Recently, I was tempted. A sleek number, with smooth lines and a powerful motor - definitely some muscle there! Yes, it was a Kitchenaid stand mixer. I was in Target, for the first and last time, and there were two different models, deeply discounted. I was torn. Buy? If so, which one? I hadn't done my research, and research is need. Even deeply discounted, a stand mixer is a big kitchen purchase. Ultimately, I wasn't ready to pull the trigger. There will be other days, other sales, when I am more prepared. but it got me thinking about kitchen gadgets, gizmos, and doo-dads.
As you know, there are SO MANY KITCHEN GADGETS. Many of them sound, and look, cool. You look at them and think, "I would totally use that! ALL THE TIME!! But would you? Really?? That microwave poached egg cup is essential to your kitchen? I have a long history of buying cool gizmos that I use twice and then forget about. Except when I bump into them in a crowded drawer or cupboard while looking for something else, or curse the lack of counter space and growing clutter.
As I became more skilled and focused in my cooking, I decluttered. I divested myself of those speciality unitaskers (to borrow a word from the inimitable Alton Brown). Why do I need a difficult to clean garlic press and a Pampered Chef slap chopper when a chef's knife can do more efficiently what the other items can, plus SO MUCH MORE!!
Now, before buying, I weigh the use factor against the space factor. My kitchen is small. Counter space is at a premium. I try not to buy unitaskers (items that serve only one purpose) unless they are really, really great. Not all unitaskers are bad. Beyond a fire extinguisher, thankfully never used, I have a couple of unitaskers that are well loved. My raclette grill, a gift from my sister several years ago. My lever-style cork screw. There is a place for certain unitaskers.
One unitasker I am currently considering is a paella pan. After trial and trial and trial, with much error, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot get the result I want without the proper, unitasking pan. The delightfully toasted rice that is really the whole point of paella is not possible with cast iron, which burns; or non-stick, which doesn't toast; or a regular aluminium pan, which, though the best of a bad lot, still doesn't produce the effect I am after. A paella pan allows the rice on the bottom to delicately toast without overcooking anything else. So now I am on the lookout for the perfect paella pan.
The Kitchenaid mixer... it will come. Then there will be pasta, and sausage, and countless other delights. And I will continue to peruse kitchen stores for ideas. When I find that paella pan.... expect a post.
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