life-changing purchases
in no particular order
- aeg 7000 series dishwasher or any modern dishwasher with a slim top rack for cutlery. this one also pops the door when it's done to properly air dry. i used to think they used more water than handwashing but they don't and for something you use every day, worth the spend.
- dyson v12 slim cordless with hepa took us way too long to get here, but have gone from vacuuming before people come round to at least once a day. again, for something you're using daily, worth the spend. remember reading some complaints about capacity for this one but if you have a small place like us, it's perfect and really easy to empty. would argue that if it's filling up 'too quick', you probably aren't vacuuming enough.
- netherton foundry pans specifically the mini blini and prospector pans. former is perfect for frying up herbs or spices for toppings, or single-serve eggs; the latter for everything else--sweet or savoury--as perfectly oven ready and presentable too. all the benefits of cast irom, without the weight. once you're used to taking care of them, it's easy (and if you already cast iron, an easy switch). if using induction--like us--and worried about the surface, pick up a lazy k protector mat.
- gestura silver chef's spoon it's a perfect table spoon measure and an absolute joy to use and handle. a better stirring, mixing, measuring spoon i have not encountered.
- microplane life is too short to be dealing with frustrating graters. i often take it with me, it's that important. also makes a good gift.
- daylight computer's dc-1 haven't read or written this much since getting one. get your hands on one if you can.
- de buyer affinity pans did a lot of research into induction-friendly pans, and these do not disappoint. they are forever pans. conduct well, heat evenly, pour like a dream, and can go in the dishwasher. yes, they are spenny, but you're going to be using them every day. my advice when buying pans is don't go for the sets. think about what you really need from your style of cooking and expand from there. especially wrt lids. you rarely need a lid for every pan; universal lids might serve you better.
- snow peak double-walled insulated titanium water bottle/flask okay, this was spennier than i even thought (had been wanting an insulated titanium water bottle for years and bought this on sight in the london flagship--worth a visit for the toilet alone btw). if you're trying to avoid plastics, titanium is the best because it's so light. still have a single-walled hyperlite mountain gear titanium water bottle, but being able to keep things cold in summer is the one. bonus for this one is it can keep a standard can cool too, if you're into that kind of thing.
- red light bulbs, etc single best thing we've done for sleep. also lamps not ceiling lights are what most lighting situations require. go to blockbluelight and replace most of your light bulbs now. the biolight is very smart (we use it in our utility which doesn't have a window, so it can be calming amber in the eve and brighter white in the day).