I am seriously considering the purchase of an Oster Digital Food Steamer. I truly believe that my waistline and overall health would benefit from it.

This steamer is reasonably priced and gets excellent reviews. It has a total capacity of 6.1 quarts… a 2.3 quart and a 3.8 quart tray. The larger tray comes complete with an egg holder, capable of accommodating eight eggs. (You have the option of hard or soft boiled.)

(While I’m on the subject of eggs, you might want to read my post on deep fried deviled eggs, too. YUM!)

The Oster Food Steamer has an instant steam feature, meaning that it starts to cook as soon as the lid is closed at it is turned on. It also has an external water fill system that is very easy to keep an eye on… so there is no need to worry about running out of steam, before your food is done.

Since the trays stack, one on top of the other, you can cook a complete meal all at once. As with other steamers, you place foods with the highest moisture content on the top tray and foods with the least concentration of moisture, on the bottom.

To make cooking a breeze, this food steamer, by Oster, has a 95 minute timer and a delayed cooking time option of up to 12 hours.

What do you steam the most and like the best? Please share the recipe, here.

Anyone who reads ChefShopper with any regularity probably already knows that I love Cuisinart products. Not only are they very affordable, they are of excellent quality as well.

If you are a small household, in need of a food processor, I hope you will consider the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor. This machine gets wonderful reviews from passionate cooks, everywhere.

It has a 3 cup capacity and is perfect for smaller tasks like chopping garlic and grinding spices and nuts. It comes complete with a handy spatula, recipes and instruction booklet. The Mini Prep is available in white or brushed chrome.

This food processor does NOT have a zillion buttons, meant to confuse you. It only has two… chop and grind that are capable of handling the vast majority of kitchen jobs.

I’ve been on a homemade salad dressing kick, lately. Believe me when I tell you it’s SO much tastier than the commercial variety. This processor would be great, for dressings, sauces and marinades, don’t you think?

It has touchpad controls, which means easy cleanup. (You don’t have to worry about ingredients getting accidently sloshed on and in between the buttons.) It features a retractable cord, as well. Chopping never had it so good!

Ok, so I have a problem. I already own a Cuisinart ice cream maker that I adore, but I just ran across this Cuisinart ICE-45 Ice Cream Maker and I want it, too. My poor husband will never understand.

It makes soft serve ice cream, sherbet, yogurt and sorbet… in as little as 20 minutes, no less. It features three built in condiment dispensers, giving you the ability to create extra yummy frozen treats.

Like other Cuisinart ice cream makers, no ice or salt is needed. You just freeze the mixing container overnight and you’re good to go. (Since I usually have extra room in my freezer, I store the container there. That way, it’s always ready to use.)

The pull down handle allows you to dispense the finished product into bowls or cones. If you prefer cones, the machine will hold either the pointed bottom or flat bottom variety.

Since this ice cream maker is completely automatic, I’m thinking that your kids will have a blast making their own treats… honestly, I think my 19 year old would enjoy using this.

If you frequent soft serve ice cream shops, why not purchase one of these nifty appliances and make an even tastier variety at home. I’m going to, as soon as I can explain the need for TWO ice cream makers, to my hubby. Wish me luck, I’m going to need it!

I have been considering the purchase of a Vita-Mix Blender, for several years. In my eyes, it has always been the ‘king of blenders’… capable of blending each and every concoction I can possibly locate or come up with on my own.

Depending on the model you purchase, your Vita-Mix will come with a wet blade container, a dry blade container or both.

If you can afford it, I suggest you opt for both because you will be able to prepare that many more recipes.

You have the ability of purchasing the containers separately, as well. This actually makes it more affordable for everyone to own one of these state of the art appliances.

You will probably end up using the wet blade container more, but will soon find that the dry grain container is perfect for tasks like grinding grains, rice and even BEANS into flour (how cool is that?)… great if you make homemade breads and other types of baked goods.

Yes, I admit these blenders are certainly not cheap. But when you consider the fact that they take on some of the toughest jobs, in the kitchen AND last forever (almost) they are SO worth it!

If you have used a Vita-Mix, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. You can even share your favorite recipe, if you are so inclined.

Today, I thought I’d take a minute to mention the Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker with YeastPro. If you are looking for a bread maker, this one gets great reviews from bread lovers everywhere.

This seems to be a good choice, for smaller kitchens. As the proud owner of the Zojirushi Bread Bakery, I can honestly say that I love it but wish it didn’t take up so much counter space.

The machine allows you to choose from three different bread sizes… medium, large and EXTRA large. (My personal favorite!)

It has several baking modes, which can easily be changed with the touch of a button. These include: pizza mode (make your own pizza dough), bake only (great for gingerbread and fruitcake), raisin bake (a handy beeper lets you know when to add ingredients such as raisins and nuts) and sandwich bake (make soft crust bread).

This particular model comes equipped with a 13 hour delayed timer. So, if you happen to be one of those people who love to wake up to the smell of fresh bread in the morning (and really, who isn’t?) this is the bread machine for you.

I’m always looking for new bread recipes. Please feel free to share your favorite with all of us.

Have you ever secretly wished that one of your small appliances would fizzle out, just so you could buy a replacement? I’m almost ashamed to admit that I have… as recently as today.

I have two slow cookers. Both have been good to me. BUT, I want the Cuisinart Slow Cooker, pictured here. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is anything I can do to justify buying a third. I’ll just have to wait it out.

This slow cooker is very sleek looking, don’t you think? For those of you that have stainless appliances, in your kitchen, this would be a perfect match. (Brushed stainless is great, for hiding little handprints.)

I’ve never used a programmable slow cooker, but think it’s a great idea. This particular model comes complete with a cooking rack, which will come in handy for SO many things. (I see a new set of ramekins, in my future!)

It has a four quart capacity and four convenient temperature settings. Other features include an LED touch control panel and 24 hour timer. The temperature setting automatically switches to ‘warm’ at the end of the cooking cycle.

This would make a wonderful gift, for yourself, or anyone who loves to cook. A spiral-bound cookbook is included.

When it comes to mixers, it seems like EVERYONE wants a KitchenAid. I know I do. Unfortunately, due to a lack of space I doubt I’ll ever have the pleasure of owning one.

For those of you who do have adequate countertop and storage space, what are you waiting for? The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer can handle almost any mixing task you are presented with… just ask my sister-in-law (the avid baker).

If you take a few minutes to read the reviews, you will notice that scads of people agree with her. Honestly, once you use a KitchenAid… you’ll never look back.

This particular stand mixer has 10 speeds. You can achieve everything thing from a very slow stir to a very speedy whip. The tilt up head allows easy access to the beaters and bowl.

Accessories include a 5 quart (dishwasher safe) stainless steel bowl with handle, pouring shield, dough hook, wire whip and flat beater. It is available in several colors including the cheery red that is shown here.

The powerful 350 watt motor won’t let you down, even when you are mixing the stickiest of bread doughs.

Yes, the mixer is a bit pricey. But, what you need to keep in mind is that it will save you hours in the kitchen and is extremely well made. So much so, chances are it will be handed down through several generations of eager bakers. What could be better than that?

My crock pot isn’t old enough to justify replacement. But, if it was I would be replacing it with the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Slow Cooker. This is such an inventive idea, especially for those of us with small kitchens. (The divided crock slow cooker is a close second.)

What makes this so unique is the fact that it comes with three, various sized, cooking vessels that all fit on the same base. The single lid fits on each of the stoneware crocks… 2, 4 and 6 quart, as well.

If you’ve ever eaten leftovers, for a week, simply because you didn’t want to make half a crock of your favorite dish, this is for you.

When it comes to storing the unit, the crocks fit comfortably inside one another so only a minimal amount of counter or cupboard space is necessary.

The lid and crocks are dishwasher safe, if you prefer to clean them that way. However, since I utilize the nifty crock pot cooking bags, which are readily available today, my slow cooker clean up detail is an easy one. A few light swishes with hot soapy water and it’s usually good to go.

How often do you use your slow cooker? If it’s gathering dust in your cupboard, give it a second chance. I can almost guarantee that you’ll be glad you did!

I have been looking at the Cuisinart Electric Sandwich Grill as a possible replacement for my current sandwich machine… that I am sad to say is on its last life. (But, I guess that’s expected since it gets used almost every day.)

This particular sandwich grill gets good reviews and can be used to prepare things such as omelets and French toast, as well. It makes two grilled sandwiches and approximately 2 minutes and doesn’t heat up the kitchen in the process.

(Speaking of omelets, this is great for those of you, who like me, can’t flip an omelet to save your life. Since both sides actually cook at the same time, there’s no need to do any turning.)

The Cuisinart sandwich grill is non-stick so it should be easy to clean. If it’s anything like the one I have now, a couple swipes with a paper towel should do the trick.

Small appliances such as this are great, when it comes to whipping up a quick snack. I’ve made little cakes and brownies (using a box mix) and cinnamon rolls (from the dairy case), just to name a few. The Pillsbury doughboy never had it so easy!

To you already own a sandwich grill? If so, feel free to share your favorite recipe.

I’ve ALWAYS wanted a popcorn machine like this one! I think it would be fun to take to birthday parties and other holiday events, especially child related ones. (It would also be a welcome sight, at fundraising events or your next garage sale.)

As you can see, the Nostalgia Popcorn Machine is fashioned after the theatre style popcorn cart, of yesteryear. It makes up to a gallon of popcorn at a time. So, in the event that you decide to invite the neighborhood over, to watch a movie, you’ll be good to go.

Unit comes complete with a nifty measuring spoon for the oil and measuring cup for the kernels. It also features a kernel catcher to keep out the old maids.

Typically movie theater popcorn is made using coconut oil. But, for ‘healthier popcorn’ peanut oil can be substituted and works just as well.

This popcorn machine is small enough to fit on a table or countertop. Clean up is easy, just hand wash with hot, soapy, water. Dry completely, before re-use.

Even though I LOVE theater butter flavored popcorn, I enjoy other flavors as well. What’s YOUR favorite popcorn flavor or seasoning? I’m always willing to try something new.