Photo: Lissalou66

I used to be a kitchen gadget freak. I still am, I suppose—perusing stores like Williams-Sonoma makes me giddy—but in more of a window shopper kind of way. I just can’t justify getting more tools when my kitchen storage is already jam packed with stuff I barely use (like my handy-dandy panini press which makes yummy sandwiches like this Ham, Chicken & Cheddar Panini with Apricot Mustard).

The truth is, I cook differently now that I’m a mom. Instead of giving up good food, I’ve sacrificed complicated recipes, time intensive techniques and the kind of finishing details that barely make a difference when dinner comes at the end of an utterly exhausting day spent with a 2-year-old. Today, the kitchen gadgets that I continue to use  have to meet three main criteria:

• Easy to reach: I can’t be bothered grabbing a step stool or unpacking a cabinet to get something in the way back
• Easy to clean: I can’t be bothered cleaning up a million separate pieces, especially by hand
• Cut down cooking or prep time: flourishes are nice when I decide—and arrange—to take the time but, otherwise, it’s all about saving time

In the coming weeks, I’ll be throwing up short posts here and there featuring my favorite kitchen tools—the ones that meet my criteria above. I may also dust off a few of my least used tools to make sure I’ve given them a fair shot. Who knows. Maybe my massive (and very powerful) juicer would have been a lifesaver this summer had I given it the chance (and a more practical place to live).

I also want to hear from you! What are your favorite kitchen tools? Why? Are there criteria that I missed? Maybe it’s the start of a new season or a baby’s-about-to-arrive nesting instinct, but I’m hoping we can inspire each other to pare down and/or make better use of the stuff we have. You in? Start listing and chatting about kitchen tools!