The Best Kitchen Equipment for Hosting Gatherings: Our Top Picks
Hey party people! If you've followed us for a while, you know we're all about making gatherings a breeze. In our guidebooks, we always include a handy equipment list. We've gotten tons of questions about our absolute favourites – the ones we literally couldn't host without. Well, get excited, because we're about to spill the beans!
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Appliance Heroes
Instant Pot: A true lifesaver! This multi-cooker does slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making... you name it! Perfect for prepping dips, sides, and even some main courses in a flash.
High-Powered Blender: Okay, let's talk blenders! If you're still battling lumps in your smoothies or finding surprise chunks in your sauce, it's time for an upgrade, friend. A powerful blender is an absolute game-changer for everything from creamy soups to perfectly whipped drinks. Let me tell you - I wasted way too much time with those cheaper blenders, always feeling like something was missing. The moment I got my Vitamix? Life changed! Trust me, this is one kitchen investment you won't regret.
Meater: Friends, if you're tired of overcooked, dry meat, listen up! The Meater meat thermometer is your new best friend. This little gadget makes sure your meats are cooked just right – juicy, tender, and totally delicious. It's like having a fancy restaurant chef in your kitchen! And here's my pro tip: Go for the upgrade with the higher cooking temp option. That means you can use it on the grill for those perfect steaks and never worry about under or overcooking them again! Seriously, this thing works wonders on all kinds of meat, even fish.
Immersion Blender: You guys, I'm obsessed with this kitchen gadget! It's the Breville All-in-One, and seriously, it's a game-changer. If you're like me and want one tool that does it all, you need to check this out. I'm talking salad dressings whipped up in seconds, perfectly mashed potatoes, even finely chopped garlic – no more stinky fingers! Honestly, I use all the attachments. It's totally worth it!
Food Processor: Listen up, kitchen superstars! You might not think about it often, but a good food processor is an unsung hero. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without mine! It's how I whip up so many of my favorite recipes, from dips and spreads to pie crusts. Want a secret? My sister-in-law and I use it to make our famous salsa – 60 liters in one day! That's the power of a food processor. My personal fave is the KitchenAid – it's a workhorse and just the right size for most things.
Mixer: Does the KitchenAid mixer even need a shoutout from me? It's a classic for a reason! Mine is going strong after 30 years – seriously, it works like it did on day one. If you're looking for a kitchen investment that'll last a lifetime, this is it!
Serving Essentials
Electric Roasting Pan: We love a big, beautiful roast, and let me tell you, an electric roaster is a lifesaver! This gadget is all about "set it and forget it," freeing up your oven space and making those holiday meals a breeze. Anyone else struggle with oven space during the holidays? Yeah, me too! This is one of those appliances you might not use all the time, but trust me, you'll be so glad you have it when you need to cook a turkey and all of the fixings!
Chafing Dishes: Calling all party people! Keeping your food hot and delicious during a gathering can be a nightmare. Frantic reheating? Not on my watch! That's where chafing dishes come in – they're the ultimate lifesaver for buffets. I learned this trick from my amazing friend Vintee, who throws these incredible Indian feasts for like, 50 people! Seriously, she couldn't do it without these handy warmers. Chafing dishes keep your food at the perfect temperature, so your guests can enjoy everything piping hot – no matter how long the party goes on. Trust me, this is a game-changer for any get-together!
Tiered Serving Trays: Okay, let's talk about tiered serving trays. They're not just adorable, they're total space-saving superheroes! Perfect for piling high with appetizers, stacking with sweet treats, or even creating a stylish DIY drink station for your guests. There are so many fun styles out there, so you can find the perfect fit for your vibe. It's one of those party upgrades that makes everything look instantly more polished!
Storage Superstars
Storage Containers: Okay, let's talk about plastic food containers. They may not be glamorous, but let me tell you, they are functional superheroes! They're stackable, durable, and perfect for storing prepped food or leftovers. But listen up, because I have a major organization tip for you!
**I'm obsessed with having all of my storage containers match. This helps me to organize my storage container drawer with precision and it makes it a breeze to find the corresponding lids for the container. Nothing is more frustrating than filling a container with leftovers and then not being able to find the right lid! So here's my best life hack: pick a brand and shape and stick to it. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Mason Jars: Mason jars are seriously the Swiss army knives of the kitchen! You can whip up salad dressings, layer gorgeous desserts, mix up tasty drinks...heck, they even make cute little vases for that rustic farmhouse vibe. Pro tip: Keep the boxes they come in! It's the best way to store them without risking a domino-effect of jars on your shelf. Trust me, it'll save you space and headaches!
Vacuum Sealer: Let's be real, groceries are getting crazy expensive! So when those good sales come around, you want to stock up, right? That's where a vacuum sealer comes in clutch. This awesome tool lets you seal up meats, veggies, and more so they keep way longer in the freezer without getting all frosty and gross. Think of it as an investment – you'll save money in the long run by reducing food waste!
Ziploc/Resealable Bags: From marinating meats to portioning out snacks, these are the little workhorses you didn't know you needed in bulk.
Bonus Points
Portable Speaker: Nothing sets the party vibe like a good playlist! A portable speaker lets you pump the jams wherever you go, inside or out. Bonus points if it's waterproof – perfect for those pool parties! We're big fans of Sonos speakers because you can link 'em up throughout your house for a whole surround-sound experience. Plus, they have Bluetooth for when you're out and about. It's the perfect way to soundtrack your gatherings!
Ice Bucket (or two!): Even if you have a fancy fridge, you'll want extra ice on hand for chilling drinks on the fly.
"Grab and Go" Cooler: A smaller cooler placed near the food lets guests grab drinks without constantly opening your main stash. Yeti is our go-to!
We hope this gives you some great ideas for your own gatherings! Do you have any must-have equipment we didn't mention? Share them in the comments! Want more inspiration, join our gathering scene!
