Cooking is one of those life necessities that can be overwhelming for many and especially for many of my ARFID clients. Food avoidance often stems beyond just eating but also the avoidance of selecting, planning, preparing and cooking of foods. I get it it’s a multi-step, time consuming task. Thanks to modern day appliances cooking has gotten a bit easier and less overwhelming. Yes the selecting, planning, time to prepare and need to eat are not going away. But we can make cooking a bit easier and more accessible!

Here are my top 5 favorite cooking appliances starting with my favorite and most used!

1.Microwave  ⭐️

Microwaves win hands down in all categories easiest to use,  quickest to prepare and  cheapest. You can get a counter top microwave for as little as $30 to around $100. I bet you have one in your home already and most work places and schools have one. Food is also cooked fastest in a microwave ( plus no pre-heat time) . You can have a meal ready in under 5 minutes! Microwaves are also versatile. From warming up leftovers and frozen meals or soups to cooking an egg or even make a mug cake. If I had to choose just one kitchen appliance to have it would be the microwave.

2. Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens are my next favorite kitchen appliance they are easy to use, cook quickly and and are low cost. You can also find a toaster oven for around $50. One draw back is they are not always found in someones home or as easy to find outside of your house. But definitely the second most likely found appliance at work!  They also are versatile. Not only can they toast bread, bagels or a frozen waffle but they can reheat leftovers that you want a bit crispy like pizza or chicken nuggets. make a pizza or even cook a hamburger or fried egg if you want!

3. Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are my go to dump and forget meals. They are easy to use. They do require more time to cook so planning ahead is more important than cooking something in a microwave or toaster. A couple draw backs is that you may not have one lying around and they are bit more pricey. A small slow cooker is around $30 while a larger slow cooker is closer to $100. They are really great for making soups, tender meats and can even make grains like rice and oats.

4. Instant Pot

An instant pot is like a slow cooker but faster! It also has a slow cooker function so if you want both go for the instant pot! It’s a bit more complicated to use than a slow cooker as there are many more buttons and functions. It definitely takes a few uses to feel comfortable using it. But when you do get used to it, it’s a time saver! It prepares foods you cook in the slow cooker in under an hour ( slow cooker can take 4-8 hours). It’s also faster than cooking on the stove or in the oven. Its versatile as well and great for making soups, stews, tender meats, hard boiled eggs, rice or other grains. A basic Instant pot goes for around $100.

5. Air fryer

If you like crispy foods like chicken nuggets, french fries or an easy way to cook up vegetables an air fryer this is a great investment. Instead of waiting for the oven to heat up air fryers heat up much more quickly and cook more quickly. The end product is also more crispy than in a toaster oven or oven. Air fryers are the most expensive of all appliances ranging from $100-300 depending on how fancy and big you want to get! I myself have an air fryer attachment to my instant pot.

* This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means I earn a little bit of money if you purchase through the images and links above at no cost to you! *

Need help stepping into the kitchen or preparing easy meals or snacks for yourself? I am currently accepting new clients in my virtual private practice! Find more about my services here or book a discovery call to see if we are a good fit!