Clockwise from the top; Windex Original, Laguiole corkscrew, Bionaire digital Cold-mist humidifier, Cuisinart cordless electric kettle, Kenmore Elite built-in dishwasher.
In truth, I'm really not a gadget person. My husband, even less so. Once, we won some Cuisinart small appliances (some kinda chopper and some kinda blender) at a Christmas show, and I gave them away, still in their boxes, 6 months later. Nonetheless, in our current climate of the great battle between Green and Evil (consuming), I thought it pertinent to take stock of household items I absolutely can't do without, just to see how dependent we are...So here goes;
Windex Original
I'm a bit like the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding; I use Windex for everything. It's almost a fetish. The smell is pungent, yet not overpowering, the colour is blue, and everything squeaks when you're done. I've used it on our painted hardwood floors, to clean out the baby's potty, the kitchen table, and I really shouldn't admit this to you, but I often spray Windex on our granite chopping block after chopping onions and garlic. It's the only thing that gets rid of the smell without leaving a perfumey residue, and only then can I truly rest.
Laguiole Corkscrew - Gift Alert!
Oh you know me -- no, it's not a bargain. But boy is it GORGEOUS! These corkscrews date back to the 1800's, to the capital of French knives and cutlery, the village of Laguiole, in the South of France. They are coveted. Heirlooms. Snobby, yes, but sooooo worth it! Forged through a pedantic process only the French can devise -- 150 operations which make it worthy of the Laguiole name, according to the site -- these are what you would use to open your dusty Rothchilds ('cause I know you've got 'em) or that earthy table wine with no label. I won't die if I use another corkscrew, but my husband will. So it's on my list.
Bionaire Cold-mist Humidifier
Ontario winter = Prunification. Before we bought the three units we have running all winter long, I would routinely wake up feeling like my tongue was shalaqued, gasping for water. I've done my research: cold-mist is the least likely to aggravate allergies or respiratory issues, and the filters are strong like bull, though you do have to wash them every season, and that ain't exactly pretty.
The Cuisinart Cordless Electric Kettle
When they get it right, they get it really right. A demure little on/off tab, a trim base, NO CORD, and a timeless, stainless look -- I have friends living all over the world who love this kettle so much, they've found or imported it to go with their various styles of kitchen. I personally had three of these in my adult life, and so long as they keep making them, I'll never buy another. Because almost all electric kettles are ugly. But convenient. And I drink A LOT of tea.
Kenmore Ultra, High Efficiency Dishwasher
We shovel dishes into this thing like coal into a steam engine boiler, and it doesn't so much as bat an eyelash. It's green, so I don't feel that guilty; it's stainless on the inside, so I don't fear smells; it's magical because it fits way more than your eye/brain can understand; it has a 'turbo zone' and sani-steam rinse option, and it's quiet! Also, the buttons are hidden on the upper ledge of the door, so it's totally not unsightly. Bought hugely on sale at the Sears Clearance Outlet in TO (a favourite haunt for appliances), otherwise these will run you approx. $1200...
What are your household essentials?
Top 5 Friday appears every Friday on Style Sheet.
Related:
Bonus Top 5 : Erin's Novelty Gadget Picks for HGTV.ca
5 Useful Kitchen Gadgets: Gift Ideas from FoodNetwork.ca
5 Novelty Gadgets from FoodNetwork.ca