Farmhouse Kitchen-Gadget Essentials

I love gadgets. Especially kitchen gadgets. Anything that promises to make my life easier is a temptation for me.

Over the years I’ve had food processors, liquidisers (until Hubster used the jug for diesel-know!, ice cream makers, soup makers, waffle makers. There really is no hope.

I asked a group of farmer’s wives what their essential kitchen gadgets were-the ones they couldn’t live without.

I didn’t want to know the types. In some cases, the makes were important-food processors, for example.

Interestingly, there were some old school answers-some things even I seem to take for granted like a washing machine for all of those muddy clothes and greasy overalls.

Dishwashers and microwaves were also mentioned. I didn’t have a dishwasher until we moved to the farm but I would hate to not have one now I am used to it.

A combination microwave was there on the list as well as a slow cooker-which I have only just fallen back in love with.

A freezer and a sharp knife were also on the list. I lack a sharp knife to be honest which for cutting raw meat is essential.

There were a couple of things on the list that I have owned in the past but sold on because they didn’t really get used and, with most of these types of gadgets, they tend to take up an awful lot of space. I am thinking of a steamer and an actifry-both which I bought thinking they would change my life but didn’t. It seems other farmer’s wives think differently.

A soup maker was also high up there- perfect for winter lunches to warm those farmers up with at lunch.

Two things I have never tried are a bread maker and a pressure cooker but the wives were adamant that these were a godsend to the,.

As was a range cooker-either Aga or Rayburn which heat the house and cook meals. I have a range cooker myself but it is a Leisure one and more for looks (and extra oven and hob room) than for heating purposes. I do see the advantage of the heating though-especially in Spring when we need to revive small lambs.

It was the food mixer that interested me. No one can deny that the Kitchenaid is a beauty on anyone’s work surface and, while many farmer’s wives own a Kitchenaid, an equal amount preferred the Kenwood Chef and the magi mix for everything from cake making, pastry mixing and general farmhouse kitchen activity.

It has really interested me looking at the different things which have a place in the modern farmhouse.

I have learnt from experience though to really think about whether I need something and how much space it would take to store away before I make rash purchases.

What do you think? Are you surprised at my findings?

Which kitchen gadget could you not live without?