Efficiency in the Kitchen: Must-Have Time-Saving Products
The Irwin's Megastore team love to cook. And, like most people, we love cooking even more when we can prepare good food as quickly as possible. Luckily we happen to know a place with the best kitchen time-saving products around. In the name of research, we have tried and tested nearly every product that claims to save time. Here are some of our favourites.
Six Time-Saving Products For Meal Preparation
We live in busy times when it’s very easy to give in to convenience and reach for the takeaway menu. Between work, family, life commitments and finding time to relax, eating a healthy balanced diet can be a challenge. Meal prep is one of the things that puts people off cooking when they are busy or stressed. All that chopping and peeling can seem daunting when you’re under pressure. We have found that with the right tools, you can skim valuable minutes from meal preparation and still eat well. Here are a few of our favourite meal prep tools:
Bullet Blenders: These compact powerhouses swiftly blend smoothies, sauces, and soups, minimising prep and cleanup time.
Food Processors: From chopping to pureeing, these multitaskers handle various tasks in seconds, transforming meal prep into a breeze.
Food Mixers: Perfect for baking enthusiasts, they whip up batters and doughs with precision, saving your arm muscles from fatigue.
Food Slicers: These handy devices effortlessly slice and dice ingredients to uniform sizes, ensuring quicker and more consistent cooking.
Quality Chef Knives: A sharp, high-quality chef's knife reduces the time spent on chopping and cutting, making the process smoother and safer.
Electric Knives: Ideal for slicing bread or carving meat, electric knives offer precision and speed, creating even slices effortlessly.
All of these products can be popped in the dishwasher after use, helping save time on cleaning up too. They are also useful for batch cooking and prepping vegetables and ingredients in bulk to use throughout the week.
Cooking Appliances That Will Save Time In The Kitchen
In today's fast-paced world, cooking appliances that save time have become indispensable for busy, hungry, households. These innovative gadgets not only speed up cooking but also ensure convenience without compromising on flavour or nutrition. Here are some kitchen superheroes that will revolutionise how you cook:
Air Fryers: Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying by using hot air circulation. The dual-basket version allows simultaneous cooking of different items, while the single basket suits smaller quantities. They cook faster than traditional methods, resulting in crispy delights with reduced oil and time.
Popular air fryer dishes include crispy chicken wings, vegetable chips, fish fillets, chicken tenders, stuffed mushrooms and spring rolls. Frozen snacks like nuggets and mozzarella sticks, roasted vegetables and mini pizzas can also be cooked in an air fryer. The versatility of air fryers allows you to enjoy a variety of meals quickly and with less oil.
Fit Grills: Fit grills are a boon for healthy eating and grilling enthusiasts. With adjustable settings and even heat distribution, they swiftly cook meats, vegetables, and even sandwiches. The non-stick surfaces simplify cleanup, making it a time-saving choice for busy households.
Fan Ovens: Fan ovens ensure uniform heat distribution which leads to faster and even cooking. These ovens are perfect for roasting, baking, and multi-dish cooking, saving both time and energy.
Microwaves: Microwaves are synonymous with swift cooking. They defrost, reheat, and cook meals in mere minutes. The range of functions, from popcorn to steam-cooking, caters to various needs without compromising quality.
Sandwich Makers: For quick bites, sandwich makers are a go-to. They transform simple ingredients into delicious grilled sandwiches or paninis within minutes, making them ideal for breakfast or a speedy snack.
These time-saving appliances simplify mealtime, allowing you to focus on the enjoyment of cooking rather than the time. With faster cooking times and minimal effort, you can enjoy flavorful, nutritious meals without sacrificing precious hours. Incorporating time-saving appliances into your kitchen not only enhances efficiency but also leaves time for you to experiment with new recipes. Embrace these culinary allies and reclaim valuable time in the kitchen while relishing the joy of cooking.
Ten Ways to Organise Your Kitchen for Maximum Efficiency
A well-organised kitchen is the heart of efficient meal preparation and a streamlined home cooking experience. By optimising your kitchen layout and storage, you can save time, reduce stress, and make cooking a breeze. Here's how to create a kitchen that maximises efficiency:
- Declutter
Start by decluttering your kitchen. Clear countertops, cupboards, and drawers of unused or rarely used items. Donate or discard what you no longer need to create a clean slate.
- Zoned Layout
Arrange your kitchen into zones based on tasks. Have a prep zone with cutting boards and knives, a cooking zone with pots and pans, and a baking zone with baking supplies. This minimises unnecessary movement and speeds up the cooking process.
- Efficient Storage
Utilise cupboard organisers, drawer dividers, and pull-out shelves to optimise storage space. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and store similar items together.
- Clear Countertops
Keep countertops clutter-free. Only have essential items like your coffee maker, cutting board, and utensil holder on display to create more workspace.
- Labels and Visibility
Label jars and containers to quickly identify ingredients. Use transparent containers to easily see what's inside, reducing the time spent searching for items.
- Meal Planning Station
Create a designated area for meal planning. Keep a calendar, grocery list, and recipe collection in one place for easy access and efficient meal planning.
- Efficient Utensils
Keep frequently used utensils close to the stove. This eliminates the need to search for them while cooking.
- Vertical Storage
Utilise vertical space by installing hooks or racks on the backs of press doors for storing items like pot lids, cutting boards, and oven mitts.
- Clear Fridge Organisation
Organise your fridge with designated areas for different types of food. This makes it easier to find what you need and reduces food waste.
- Regular Cleanup
Clean as you go while cooking to avoid a messy kitchen at the end. This minimises post-cooking cleanup time.
Efficiency in the kitchen starts with thoughtful organisation. By implementing these strategies, you'll create a functional and productive kitchen that simplifies meal preparation and enhances your overall cooking experience.
Make Your Kitchen into a Smart Kitchen
Did you know that smart plugs can be safely used with a variety of kitchen appliances that have a simple on/off functionality? With a simple-to-install smart plug, you can set your coffee maker to start brewing ready for when you wake up. More of a tea drinker? No problem, set your electric kettle to automatically switch on whenever you need it.
If you’ve ever wished for an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, smart plugs will become your favourite cooking hack. You can schedule your blender to whip up smoothies or sauces without needing to be in the kitchen. Control the start and stop times of your slow cooker, allowing you to come home to a ready-made meal. The options are endless.
When using smart plugs with kitchen appliances, ensure that the appliances are compatible with the plug's power rating and features. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. Smart plugs are not suitable for appliances that require ongoing monitoring or precise temperature adjustments, such as stovetops and ovens.
With a few simple adjustments and clever appliances, your kitchen can become a hub of efficient meal production. Leaving you with more time to enjoy the important things in life. Call in to Irwin's Megastore today or shop with us online to get cooking quicker.