9 Must-have Kitchen Appliances for Urban Homesteaders

A jar of canned food.

Having the right kind of kitchen appliances is important for any urban homesteader. After all, the kitchen is where most people spend the majority of their time indoors. Whether it's making your own bread or dehydrating fruits and vegetables, having the appropriate tools makes any job that much easier, no matter what the task at hand. From coffee makers to food processors, here is a list of must-have kitchen appliances for all urban homesteaders.

Percolator

For those who cannot live without their daily coffee, a percolator is a key appliance to have around, especially when the lights go out. Percolators are simple to use, require no electricity, and can work in a variety of environments, including camp fires or indoor stoves.

Quality Mixer

A stainless steel mixer bowl with bread dough in it.

One of the best parts about being an urban homesteader is making things from scratch. This includes homemade bread, pizza dough, muffins, and even ice cream. Having a high quality mixer on hand will make the creation process go by faster and easier, allotting you extra time to start on your next project. If you're worried about electricity shortages, you can invest in a hand operated mixer that will work no matter what happens to the grid.

Grain Mill

A good grain mill is important for those who produce their own grain or who like the idea of making flour from scratch. Without this simple machine, processing grains can be extremely time-consuming and difficult. Fortunately, grain mills are easy to operate and will turn your grains into flour in no time flat.

Dehydrator

A food dehydrator with tomatoes on it.

Many urban homesteaders like to think ahead and prepare for times of shortages. With that in mind, a food dehydrator is a great way to get the most out of your food and extend its shelf life. From dehydrating fruit to helping dough rise, dehydrators actually have a surprising number of uses. Not only does this make it one of the more versatile tools in the kitchen, but it also makes a go-to appliance for many urban homesteaders.

Meat Grinder

For those urban homesteaders who like to process their own meat, a meat grinder is a must-have for the kitchen. Luckily, meat grinders come in a variety of types, including non-electric manual grinders. These grinders typically come with different tips, depending on how fine or coarse you want the meat. Perhaps the best part about meat grinders is how little room they take in the kitchen. Simply clamp them on the end of a table and you are good to go.

Food Processor

A food processor with a cauliflower.

Food processors are great for a number of different tasks, making them an important appliance for all urban homesteaders. With a food processor on hand, you can make salad dressing, pie crust, mayonnaise, sauces, and even whipped cream. With so many uses, a food processor will quickly become the centerpiece of your urban homesteading kitchen and is definitely worth its price tag.

Pressure Cooker

In order to get the most out of your kitchen’s stove, consider using a pressure cooker. These appliances go a long way in maximizing energy by cooking multiple things at once and in a timely manner. Furthermore, you can cook all kinds of items with this appliance, from steaming rice and vegetables to making homemade broth. For those who might be intimidated by these cookers, modern versions offer easy to follow instructions and come equipped with safety features.

Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet with scrambled eggs in it.

The great part about purchasing a cast iron skillet is the longevity of the item. Not only will a good cast iron skillet last throughout your lifetime, but it is something you can pass along to subsequent generations. Additionally, cast iron skillets can be used in a variety of settings, including on your kitchen stove top as well as on an outdoor fire.

Toaster Oven

If you are looking for a compromise between a microwave and a toaster, then a toaster oven is the perfect choice. These small appliances can be used to heat up food as well as broil bread to a nice even crisp. For those who eat bread on a daily basis, a toaster oven is a must-have appliance that will get its fair share of the daily workload.