Toss-up between the KitchenAid Mixer and the coffee bean grinder... I just love fresh-ground coffee, but I couldn't bake without my KitchenAid.

My Mr. Beer home brewing kit.

This isn't an appliance, but until you've tried to cook without one, you don't appreciate it: a Spatula! I have 5-6 of them at my house, and 3 whisks, and my mother had neither, until I started staying with her through her recuperation. I simply cannot believe she didn't use either to cook!

From there, I'd say that the microwave shelf above my stove was my very best kitchen addition. I have soooo much more counter space because of it!

Question: I need a set of knives, mostly steak, paring, bread, carving ones - the big one cleavers I can do without. Any suggestions on brands for the money?

My wok. I got it from Ikea for 6.99 minus my employee discount. I can cook just about anything in it.

I have a set of Chicago Cutlery Classic Chef:
http://www.chicagocutlery.com/usr/pr...cChefBlock.jpg


According to the site, they're sold at:
AAFES
Amazon.com
Corningware Corelle Revere Factory Stores
Fred Meyer
Kmart
Shopko
True Value Hardware
United Hardware

I know they're durable, because my husband uses my kitchen knifes for things that kitchen knifes are not meant for (ie cutting shoelaces off his shoes, trimming hedges, and as wire cutters :confused: ), and they're still as sharp as ever.

Amazon.com has them listed for about $37.

I know they're expensive, but I can't imagine not having my Cutco knives. The steak knives are rounded at the tip (instead of pointy) so they can also easily spread butter, cream cheese, etc. I think they call their steak knives table knives. The company will sharpen all their products (even scissors) at no cost (other than shipping) for the life of the knives. Plus, if one of them breaks or gets damaged somehow, the company will replace it free of charge. I heard that a man used one of his Cutco knives to trim a branch or two off his Christmas tree, broke the knife in the process, and Cutco (knowing the true story) still replaced his knife for free. I've never been disappointed with mine.

sydneyk- i too love my cutco knives!!they are still sharp after many, many years of use.

i love my garlic press!!

a moonshine still

I just got a microplane grater. It's the best!

I love my Williams Sonoma spatula, because it can withstand ridiculously high heat.

I also love my "Ove-Glove"- basically it's a pot holder in glove form, with fingers. Much easier to control and grab things.

I also love my knives. Miracle Blade III, baby. Chef Tony knows what he's talking about!

I love my convection toaster oven. I don't have a micro & my stove is OLD so I love love love the TO!