It seems there’s always some new kitchen appliance appearing on the scene, promising to make meal prep more efficient and our food tastier. Of course, no one is complaining. We all appreciate having gadgets that make cooking easier, whether you love to cook or approach the task like a prison sentence.

Nevertheless, the upgrades appear on the market so rapidly that it can be overwhelming. As consumers, we’re tasked with deciphering which appliance most suits our requirements. There’s also the added pressure of ensuring the method of preparation employed in the new tech does not put our health at risk. Also, while many dream of a fully outfitted, modern kitchen, most are averse to spending money needlessly. No one wants to buy the latest kitchen appliance and realise its function mirrors another we already own.

We’ve decided it’s time for a showdown because we understand these woes. We’re squaring off some of the most popular kitchen appliances. Not only that, but we’re holding them up for your scrutiny so you can decide which is most suitable for a given task. Read on as we examine the main difference between some of the top kitchen appliances on the market. Are you ready? Ring the bell, and let’s get started.

Blender versus Juicer

These two have made life so much more enjoyable for those who love juicing. Of course, the blender is the more traditional of the two. Blenders combine your whole fruit or vegetable, while the juicer will extract liquid from fruit pulp or vegetables. In recent times, the juicer has been the tool of choice because it offers a more appealing alternative to ‘eating your vegetables’—you can drink them. However, beverages made from juicing tend to be higher in sugar, which can affect your oral health. Although it is best to consume whole foods, blended drinks retaining pulp are often considered healthiest.

Food Processor versus Blender

In an ideal world, we would have an appliance that can do it all, but until then, we have these two. A food processor is a wonderfully multifunctional device. In addition to blending, it’s excellent at chopping, shredding, grating, dicing, and slicing. On the other hand, a blender is strictly used for puréeing and blending ingredients. Both devices are available in different types and have varying functionality. For example, within the food processor family, there are mini choppers. These do many of the functions their ‘big brother’ does, on a smaller scale, apart from grating and slicing. Blenders are also found in different makes: personal blenders (think NutriBullet™), immersion blenders (hand/stick blenders), and full-size blenders (traditional). Any of these have the edge on food processors when making smoothies and puréed soups. 

Pressure cooker versus Slow cooker

Both kitchen appliances have tremendous value in our busy lives because of one crucial fact: they save time. It’s the technology behind how they do so that polarises them. The pressure cooker is a ‘beast’ at fast-tracking the cooking time of pulses and meats. Using steam, it tenderises tough meats like beef, lamb shanks, and oxtail in a relatively short time. One disadvantage is that it cannot be left unattended, and this is where the slow cooker gains points. Using a slow cooker frees up your time as there’s no need to oversee the cooking process. With some prepping, you can leave food cooking in the morning and return from work to a delicious, cooked meal. Another highlighted benefit is the rich flavour that results from food being cooked for an extended period over a low temperature. If choosing between the two is difficult, then don’t. The multicooker offers both functions in one device!

Microwave versus toaster oven

Many people have a love-hate relationship with microwaves. They are loved for their convenience, but there are always concerns about the impact of radiation on users’ health. Nevertheless, there’s no denying they make life easier. You can reheat, bake, broil, steam, and even grill (the latest models have this feature) in a microwave. Interestingly, these tasks can also be completed in a toaster oven. So, what’s the difference? Well, first—time. It takes longer in a toaster oven. Secondly, only certain items can be accommodated. It cannot perform quick tasks like heating anything in liquid form (beverages, soups, or ingredients) or popcorn. 

Air fryer versus Microwave

Air fryers are all the rage. The appliance burst onto the scene in 2010, and all marvelled at Philips® trendsetting invention. Since then, it has found its way into many kitchens as everyone, from experienced chefs to novice cooks, sought its advantages. Undoubtedly the most significant is time efficiency, but it shares this with the microwave. Where they differ is in their method. Air fryers do not use radiation. Instead, they circulate hot air to cook food evenly on the interior and decidedly crispy on the exterior. Use them to fry, roast, or grill. Comparatively, microwaves rely on electromagnetic waves to produce heat. Also, microwaves are more complex, offering various settings and heating capabilities.

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There you have it: a comparison between some of the most popular kitchen appliances. We hope we’ve helped to clarify their differences and the benefits of their functions. To acquire any of these, search your FindYello listing for a homewares store near you.

Sources: Breville, Choice, KitchenAid, and New York Times Wirecutter.