13 Top Kitchen Tech Holiday Gift Ideas(D)

Keurig is at it again, but this time with its KOLD brewer system that dispenses cold, 8oz. beverages in about 90 seconds. With little to no effort, you can make a cold, name brand beverage in your own home. Just place the cartridge into the system, and press the button. This machine is definitely a novelty item, because we are capable of buying a 12-pack of soda or a gallon of tea at the grocery store.   

Pro(s): I like how easy it is to brew a personal-sized beverage without the need of a 2-liter bottle if you're only drinking 1 serving. It is easy to use, and easy to fill the water reservoir. The machine can make six beverges back to back on a full tank of water, and if you add ice, it is called "party mode" and can make up to 30 drinks on a single tank. Keurig created the pods to be recyclable- just remove the carbonated beads from the top of the pod after use. I enjoy the variety of drink options that Keurig has created, and they even created their own tea brand Tierney's, which comes in three different varieties.

Con(s): A first-generation product, I felt that this system was quite large. I could imagine Keruig making this product more compact as time goes on. Since it has its own refrigeration system that needs to cool down to operate, the machine should be kept plugged in at all times, which could be an issue if you are concerned about conserving energy. 

Price: On sale for 299.99

Dehydrating is a growing trend, and is becoming more advanced thanks to the Tribest and the Sedona Express dehydrator. I am a fan of dehydrated fruit and vegetables, but I stopped using my old coil dehydrator because it would take up to two days to complete a cycle for mediocre results. That all has changed since using the Sedona Express, with its two hour express cycle option. This is another item that could be used overnight, so that the wait time wouldn't be a pain. It has a maximum temperature of 167 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a powerful central fan and compact design. 

Pro(s): The results that this machine produces are store-bought quality without the preservatives. One of the most attractive features is that it has 11 stainless steel trays that are easy to clean and maximize your dehydrating capacity. It is also extremely quiet, unlike other dehydrators that I have tried. 

Con(s): Although it has a sleek and compact design, the unit is quite large for a small space. It weights 22 lbs, and is 12 inches wide x 17.5 inches deep with a height of 14 inchese. This is definitely a splurge gift item, but if you enjoy dehydrating, this product is very efficient. Tribest also offers several other models with varying costs.

Price: $499.95

The Anova Precision Cooker is a neat product for the person in your life who enjoys restaurant quality entrees from home. It is very easy to use - you attach it to any pot with the adjustable clamp. The Precision Cooker uses Bluetooth or WiFi technology (depending on the model), so after downloading the Anova app to your smartphone, just hit "start" or use the Precision Cooker's simple interface to set the time and temperature. You don't need any other equipment except for your desired food and a resealable bag. Clip the bag of food to the side of the pot and let your cooker do the rest. 

Pro(s): The sleek design and small device are good news for chefs without a lot of storage space for a traditional pressure cooker. Unlike other traditional immersion heaters with a coil on a handle, this product is safe and easy to use. Since the Precision Cooker is WiFi enabeled, you can be anywhere in your house with your cell phone (when using the app to cook) and do not have to keep a close range as you do with Bluetooth.

Con(s): Some might not like that meat doesn't brown, but that is to be expected, and it can be resolved by browning the meat once it is cooked in the pot of water. 

Price: $129(Bluetooth), $199(WiFi)

KitchenAid has been making kitchen appliances since the early 1900’s, and the quality speaks for itself. My current KitchenAid stand mixer was originally my mother’s for 25 years, and I’ve owned it for an additional 5, and it still works beautifully. To use this attachment, you must have the KitchenAid stand mixer. The spiralizer not only peels and spirals, but it also cores your fruit and vegetables. There are other products on the market that do similar actions, but if you are looking for a tool that is built to last, this is the perfect gift. 

Pro(s): Unlike manual peelers and spiralizers on the market, this attachment can tackle more difficult vegetables and fruit with ease. It is also very easy to clean - although it has several pieces and nooks and crannies. 

Con(s): This could also be considered a pro because it does work so well with an appliance that you might already have, but if you don’t own a KitchenAid stand mixer, then a con could be the expense of first purchasing the mixer, and then the attachment, which costs twice as much as a manual spiralizer. This attachment would be a great gift for someone who is more interested in the longevity of their appliances, versus someone who might just want to use their spiralizer a few times. 

Price: $199