We spend a lot of time in our kitchens and with open plan spaces more the norm, the counter top that was once just a cook prep surface is now on view from the TV room. Kitchen accessories have come a long way from standard black or white plastic. Stainless steel, ceramic, recycled materials and a broad spectrum of color are widely available. From a spatula to a KitchenAid mixer, modern design and a fresh take on what was once ordinary has elevated kitchen gadgets to something worthy of display.
Morning coffee, but make it midcentury modern
Italian based Smeg has been at the forefront of merging design and function by collaborating with some of the world's top architects. They gave large appliances a chic made-in-Italy upgrade in the 1950s and have since expanded to smaller products. Midcentury modern style in pastel blue with stainless steel accents and 30 grinding levels should earn this coffee grinder a prime position on your counter top. $329.95 from Williams Sonoma (Lenox Square or Ponce City Market). Williams-Sonoma.com
Salad, but make it metal
You might think you don't need a salad spinner, but trust me, you do. Nothing is worse than trying to dress wet lettuce leaves. Oil and water don't mix. It's a scientific fact. Spin those greens to salad perfection while making a bold statement with this OXO salad spinner. Take the stainless steel bowl from spin to table. $64.95 from Crate and Barrel Alpharetta CrateAndBarrel.com
Seasoning, but make it exotic
I'm going to make an exception and shoe horn a non-gadget into this list. Spices aren't technically a "gadget", but when you come across one that is so tasty, unique and has so many delicious applications... well, I'm calling it a gadget. Aleppo pepper: it's a must-have, quiet storm of flavor. This Turkish crushed chili has an ancho-like flavor with a little more heat and tartness. Put it on eggs, potatoes, chicken, salad and, by all means, sprinkle liberally on hummus. $8.79 for an 8oz jar from Penzeys spices in Sandy Springs Penzeys.com
Sugar saver, but make it adorable
This one makes the list for just being plain genius... and cute. If you are baker like me, you will no doubt have experienced a brown sugar hard-as-a-rock moment where you had to run to the store to buy a fresh bag. I was today years old when, in researching for this article, I discovered the Bertie Bird Sugar Saver. A friendly terracotta bird nestled in a jar of brown sugar will keep it soft and usable for 3-6 months. What?! Just soak Bertie for 15-20 minutes, pat dry and place in the sugar jar. $4.95 from The Cook's Warehouse CooksWarehouse.com