In collaboration with Panasonic.
What sort of home appliances do you use?
My kitchen is full of them! There’s the dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, cooker, fridge, freezer, not to mention all the time saving (space hoarding!) kitchen appliances on my counter top – a Tefal Optigrill, a Crock Pot, an Optimum 9400 blender, an Optimum 600 juicer… a Panasonic bread machine (I’m rather fond of this one)! There’s a second juicer in the back cupboard (my old centrifugal one), a Redmond multi-cooker and a knackered old food processor, and then there are the gadgets – even my salt and pepper grinders are battery operated!
Compared to the rural country kitchen I grew up in with nothing but a gas stove and a refrigerator my current kitchen is a futuristic, electronic showroom!
I’ve got too many appliances, to be honest, appliances acquired over several years of food blogging. So, earlier this year when, in the January sales, we treated ourselves to a brand new energy efficient fridge and freezer set to replace our energy draining ones, we made a little bit of space by getting rid of the microwave.
Our microwave was something we rarely used, but I think our family might be unusual in that respect. According to the Microwave Technologies Association over 30 million microwaves are sold, each year, thoughout the world!
What’s your favourite home appliance? Which ones could you do without?
Have a look at this infographic Panasonic have created featuring some of the more widely used home appliances with some handy tips on how to get the best out of them.
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post which I received payment for.
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
James says
I thought mobiles doesn’t come under home appliances but only those which are used to improve home or to organize it! What do you say Elizabeth?
Elizabeth says
I say I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about. 😉
James says
What I mean is, mobiles doesn’t belong to home appliances category which is portrayed in your article’s image. My perception is that all the appliances which are used to improve home lands into home appliances category in which Mobile is exceptional case! Thought to know about your view on the same.
Elizabeth says
But there’s no mobile in the image you are referring to? Refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and television, yes, but no mention whatsoever of mobiles. I use my mobile all the time in my kitchen though, from streaming music through to a bluetooth speaker, logging calories with weight loss apps and searching for recipes. In that sense I suppose it could be considered a home appliance. 🙂
James says
oops, my bad. I misunderstood the iPod and thought it’s a mobile 🙂
Yes, if you try to control your appliances through mobile than it may be counted in home appliances! 🙂
Elizabeth says
I wrote a more recent post about this mobile technology and how it is being used more in the home with regards to monitoring use by dates to switching on the washing machine while you’re at work. We live in a futuristic world! 🙂
Bradley says
Would you believe that we don’t have a microwave in our home? Most of our friends can’t believe it either but yes, we’ve been microwave free for almost 3 years now! It’s a personal conviction actually but one that has really helped improve the overall quality of the food my family eats.
James Banyard says
Great post about the home appliances.
Home appliance is a necessity to help us survive in our busy lifestyles and also to enjoy more time with our family and friends.
James Banyard recently posted…Hello world!
Angela Waterford says
It’s a bit insane to me that you used your microwave so rarely that you got rid of it. We use ours probably more than any other appliance in our home. Perhaps it’s because we are both working and have a baby.
KimberlyGayeta says
Ooh helpful tips you got here!
Thanks for posting this, I should say I am very dependent to appliances and these tips definitely help!
BTW, I love the sound of the futuristic electronic showroom kitchen! lol
More power to your blog Elizabeth!
Julieane Hernandez says
Wow! Great tips! I learned a lot of possible ways to save money from using the right appliances. I’ll definitely keep these in mind. Thanks for sharing.
Ron@MichiganHomes says
Washing machine and television are the ones I can’t live without! Life will become tough if those two appliances are not around.
Ron@MichiganHomes recently posted…5 Useful Tips That Can Help You Qualify For A Rental House
Jane Barrett says
I find my microwave is really handy but then again, anything you can heat in a microwave could just be heated in a pan, so yes, it probably is a waste of space.
Meg Lund says
I agree that our houses are becoming consumed with appliances, however, I’m not complaining because those appliances make my life so much easier. I am a chef, so I spend a lot of time in my kitchen. Thus, my favorite appliances are my free range stove and my large and spacious fridge. You talk about how you got rid of your microwave in your kitchen, though. This actually surprised me, but got me thinking about how much I actually use my microwave. Maybe I’ll consider getting rid of mine as well to open up some space and save some energy!
Tracy says
I am about to buy a new kitchen so going to overhaul all of my appliances. Can’t live without my Kitchenaid freestand mixer. I don’t use the micro much either, but now sure I want to get rid of it …
Tracy recently posted…Jewelled Persian rice with pomegranates, walnuts and parsley
Janice (@FarmersgirlCook) says
i thought my dishwasher had broken down, but the trip switch had just flipped, thank goodness. i am going to have to replace my microwave though its on its last leg. there is always something with those appliances but i wouldn’t be without them.
Janice (@FarmersgirlCook) recently posted…Garlic Bread and Tomato Bake
Lucy @ BakingQueen74 says
I don’t use my microwave much either but find it handy for frozen peas, porridge and baked beans!
Lucy @ BakingQueen74 recently posted…Chocolate, Almond and Blueberry Cake
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Oh gosh my kitchen is FULL of worktop appliances – I barely have room left for a chopping board! Multicooker, blender, slow cooker, microwave, food processor… I need a clear out 😉
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I could do with a bigger kitchen for all of mine. I got rid of my microwave at the end of the year and can’t say I miss it. The actifry is sitting in its place, but I don’t use that either so it may have to go.
Jacqueline Meldrum recently posted…Meat Free Mondays – 7 Recipes for the Week Ahead (20 July 2015)
Claire @foodiequine says
I swithered about keeping our microwave when we got our new kitchen last year as we were getting 2 ovens but I kept it and do use it a lot. Really just for reheating, baked potatoes, popcorn and porridge!
Claire @foodiequine recently posted…Campfire Banana Boats, Marshmallows, S’mores & Mud Pies
Sally - My Custard Pie says
Really useful information Elizabeth
Sally – My Custard Pie recently posted…Get the party started with a visit to the ice factory
Jo of Jo's Kitchen says
I have far too many appliances too. Think my husband might leave me if we get anynore LOL!
Jo of Jo’s Kitchen recently posted…Product Review: Exante Diet Shakes & Bars
Stephanie Jane says
There was a microwave built into our caravan and it got taken out pretty quickly as we could better use the space!
I guess our little fridge-freezer is our most-used appliance as it is on all the time, and our one-ring electric hob gets used several times a day. I don’t miss the washing machine as I have time to hand wash. A couple of bowls full only takes half an hour a time and we noticed that our clothes aren’t wearing away as fast. I use far less water too.
I do love my slow cooker and am trying to learn to use it more. Electricity is usually included in campsite pitches, but we have to pay extra for gas for the oven. I read recently that it is possible to bake bread in a slow cooker so I am hoping to try that soon. Any advice or slow cooker suggestions gratefully received!
Otherwise I have an electric steamer and a hand blender for soups and that’s it. Getting rid of loads of stuff when we sold the house was very liberating!
Stephanie Jane recently posted…Our first Cumbrian campsite and a petition for chocolate-lovers
Keep Calm and Fanny On says
You know, I’ve never had a microwave or any desire for one at all… I do love my stand mixer and food processor, but other than that try hard to keep the gadgets to a minimum! My kitchen is tiny as it is!
Keep Calm and Fanny On recently posted…Foodies Festival Flashback + Ticket Giveaway
Mrs P says
I think we all have to many appliances now but this day and age we need them now. x
Alyssiarose says
I’m currently living without a microwave as my boyfriend’s parents one broke, and for some unbeknown reason they are in no rush to get a new one… Tim and I keep making plans to make things we really fancy, and then remember we can’t because there is no microwave >.<