Annie’s Favorite Things Vol 6: Kitchen Gadgets
Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t do clutter, and I definitely don’t do flimsy gadgets that can’t handle a double batch of dough at 4 a.m. These are the five tools that keep me sane (ish), keep orders moving, and keep me from hurling a mixing bowl across the room. I’m not here to suggest things that might be handy someday—I’m talking about the things I use daily to survive the sweet, sticky, glorious madness of baking for a living.
Kitchenaid Mixer - 8qt
This is the backbone of the bakery. Whether I’m blending batter or scaling up a recipe, the 8-quart KitchenAid handles it with ease. The bowl-lift keeps things stable, and the high-efficiency DC motor runs cool and consistent even on longer mix times.
NSF certified and built for serious work, it earns its spot on my counter every day. If you’re baking at home, the 5.5-quart version is a solid pick.
Immersion Hand Blender
This little powerhouse tackles everything from homemade applesauce to smoothies and sauces with zero drama. Thanks to its 300-watt motor and two-speed settings, it crushes soft veggies or frozen fruit alike—perfect for quick, healthy snacks or meals when you’re short on time.
The easy-grip handle fits comfortably, and all removable parts are dishwasher safe—cleanup made simple!
SodaStream Machine
Sparkling water is my fuel—especially when I’m running around a hot kitchen all day. This SodaStream lets me turn plain water into fizzy refreshment with the push of a button, no hauling heavy bottles or dealing with plastic waste. It’s reusable, hassle-free, and cuts down on a mountain of plastic bottles every year. Honestly, it’s the simple thing that keeps me hydrated and baking all day long.
Ninja 14 cup Coffee Maker
Let’s be real—this coffee maker is the real MVP behind every batch I bake. Whether it’s holiday weekends or back-to-back markets, this Ninja keeps the good, hot coffee flowing without a bitter note in sight.
With its big 14-cup capacity, hotter brewing tech, and a warming plate that holds heat for hours, it’s like my kitchen sidekick. Bonus points for the delay brew and freshness timer—because I need my coffee smart, not just strong.
Mr. Coffee Grinder
I’m picky about my coffee, and it starts with fresh beans. I love grinding my own from local roasters, and this little machine makes it easy. With five grind settings, I can dial in exactly what I need—whether I’m going for a strong drip brew or something a little fancier.
The best part? It basically cleans itself. A few twists and the chamber’s cleared out. Fresh, flavorful coffee with minimal cleanup—just how I like it.
