These 7 Multiuse Cooking Appliances Save Time and Money

These days there's a kitchen appliance or gadget for everything. But buying a million different appliances can get expensive. Not to mention, it can take a lot of space up in your kitchen and a ton of time to learn how to use all the appliances and clean them all correctly.

Instead, consider getting a few multi-use appliances. This will help you save time and money while still allowing you to get the benefits of the appliances. Here are a few to consider.

1. Toaster Oven

Instead of just getting a toaster or a second oven or microwave, consider purchasing a toaster oven. These devices are relatively small and can fit easily on a counter. They do, however, need to be near an outlet so you can plug them in.

Toaster ovens are great for toasting things, but can also act similar to an oven in heating things up. They are great for items like pizza or french fries which don't heat up well in a microwave. The toaster oven generally heats faster than a regular oven because of how much smaller it is.

2. KitchenAid

The KitchenAid Stand Mixer is incredibly popular, and for good reason. Beyond everything that it can do, its suave design makes it something you'll want to leave out on your counter to display, which is a good thing because it is a bit too heavy and bulky to be constantly moving.

The KitchenAid Stand Mixer and its basic attachments can help make any batter and baked goods you can think of from bread to whipped cream to cakes.

Different attachments you can purchase through KitchenAid, however, will increase the uses of the device tenfold. You can, for example, purchase an ice cream maker attachment. This comes in the form of what looks like a giant bowl that you freeze before churning your ice cream in.

Other popular attachments are a pasta maker and meat grinder. These are attached to the front of your device. Pasta makers and meat grinders are large and cumbersome devices normally so having one that you can simply attach to an existing appliance is a huge plus.

An added bonus, they are actually quite easy to use.

3. Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer

Pressure cookers and air fryers are two of the trendiest kitchen appliances around today. Both, though, are incredibly large and take up a lot of space. A number of brands now, though, are making duo pressure cooker/air fryer appliances.

These can range greatly in price, but expect to spend at least $100. There are a ton of recipes and ideas for how to use both devices online, so once you purchase your device you can get cooking right away. Do yourself a favor and buy one with dishwasher-safe components.

4. InstantPot

The InstantPot has become incredibly popular in recent years and for good reason. In addition to a slow cooker setting, it also can sauté and pressure cook. It also acts as a rice cooker, steamer and can keep dishes warm for long periods of time.

Since it can do things like sautéing, you won't need to use pots and pans on the stove before you begin a slow cook meal, which makes it very convenient. This also means fewer dishes and mess.

5. Vitamix

These blenders may seem expensive but are worth it if you consider their various uses. The Vitamix can blend ingredients that a motor for a cheap blender may not be able to handle.

It can also be used as a juicer because of its powerful motor. In fact, the motor is so powerful that it can actually cook soups as it blends, according to Taste of Home.

6. Mandoline

Mandolines are a great way to cut things thinly. The multiple blade types they come with make them great for a variety of cutting jobs from potato chips to veggie dishes to veggie pasta substitutes.

Be careful, though, mandolines are known for being incredibly sharp and you could get seriously injured if you aren't careful. Make sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations before using them.

7. Fancy Cutting Boards

There are some cutting boards on the market now that are made for more than just cutting produce. For example, there are some that you can put over your sink that have colanders built into them. You can cut and wash your produce at the same time with these devices.

This has the added benefit of freeing up counter space while you are working.