Summer 2025 ~ My Favorite Kitchen Gadget Reviewed

Okay, okay,  I have more than one favorite item in the kitchen, but for purposes of this review I'm sticking my neck out and picking my go-to item.

Now, just to be certain, coffee makers are not included here because that is my all time favorite kitchen gadget all year around.  Without my "rocket fuel" also known as coffee, this person would not be able to function.  Maybe that's because of my Brazilian roots, who knows for sure?

So back to the most favorite kitchen gadget for 2025 and beyond!  I'll fill you in on all the reasons why this great item made the top of my list. 

The WINNER in my books has got to be the INSTAPOT!

Did you guess this or is it a surprise?  There could have been many different items here, but this one tops my list.  The reasons are simple.

1. Even when it's hotter than Hades outside, you don't need to spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing something for dinner.
2. This past summer with temperatures up around 80+ and feeling like 100, you can still make dinner without melting right along with the butter.
3. It takes up little counter space when in use.
4. It's easy to clean up, one pot does it all!
5. It's great for chicken, pork. beef and just about anything else you want to make.
6. It's not just for dinner (although with us, that is it's major use)
7. There are recipes galore for you to try out.

The only thing I would not do in the Instapot is a great steak ( T-bone, porterhouse, sirloin, those IMHO should remain a staple for the grill).   

This particular Instapot can easily make dinner for one, two or more people.  Or you can make enough for two days, especially when the weather is super warm. If you have a small family you could get the 3 quart size and if you have a larger family there is even an 8 quart sized Instapot.  We have a 6 quart sized one and find that it is perfect even though there are only two of us in the household. It also seems that this is the favorite size as it is an Amazon Choice product.

So here are some of the features according to the Product Description.

1. It has 7 different functions, you can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, ,make rice, yogurt or simple keep your meals warm. (all in the same pot, but not all at once)
2. Customizable programs, you can make everything from soup to desserts.
3. Safe and easy steam release 
4. Cooks up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
5. Pro-Grade cooking pot: stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom
6. Family sized capacity: the 6 quart is perfect for 6 servings and batch cooking
7. Quick Clean UP.  The lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe.

Now the added bonus that you don't hear about too often, is that it uses so much less energy than stove top cooking. 

Cleaning the Instapot is easy too, the face of the pot just needs a wipe down after use with warm soapy water.  Rinse and it's done!

So there you have it folks.  All my reasons why this has become my favorite Kitchen Gadget for 2025 and beyond!  

Of course my Coffee Maker will remain in top spot for beverages, but the Instapot is #1 for everything else!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Easy Grip Jar Opener

This simple little gadget has saved me so much time and aggravation, that I just had to share it with our readers.

My Issues with Opening Jars and Cans

Over the last few years, I have been struggling to open jars, cans and bottles.  I used to just bring them to my husband to open, but he had hand surgery in January and has yet to regain the strength in his hands.  As we age, I think a lot of people struggle with opening jars and bottles.  

I had tried a lot of different devices advertised to easily open jars but none seemed to work all the time.  A few months ago, I had a jar of spaghetti sauce and no matter what I tried I couldn't open it.  Finally, I gave up and went next door to have my neighbor open it. That incident sent me to my computer to research another method to use for opening jars and bottles.   What I found seemed too good to be true.  It was an undercounter opener that you see pictured above.

Here is the Amazon link to the opener.

Installing the EZ Opener

When the opener arrived, I thought for sure I would need to get some help to install it.  I took it out of the packaging and decided to first try for myself.  I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to install.  Even with my weak hands, I was able to easily screw it in under the counter and tighten it sufficiently. Now to put it to the test.  I got a bottle of sparkling water that always give me fits to open and stuck it under the opener.  With only a slight twist the bottle popped open.  Since that time, I have used it for all sizes of bottles and jars.  It has saved me so much time and frustration.  

 

If you ever have trouble opening a bottle or jar, I suggest you get one of these handy gadgets.  You will be glad you did.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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