No matter what size the kitchen, there are three must-have items that no kitchen should ever lack. Make cooking tasks fast, easy, and more fun with these devices that make life a little simpler.

Two Appliances Cooks Need

There are two small appliances that every cook needs - a blender and a food processor. Both are available in versions from inexpensive models to top-of-the-line models that do almost everything.

What can a blender do? The answer is much more than just blend thick mixtures like puddings and pie fillings. To blend such mixtures, however, the blender is easier to use and far more efficient than a standard mixer. In addition, blenders can also chop fresh fruits or vegetables or cooked meats and seafood. For best results, chop pieces into one inch or smaller. Make bread or cracker crumbs to use as coating. Cube or soften cream cheese before use and make baby food from the table for a fraction of the cost of the kind in jars.

Treat your blender right. Stop often and make sure that pieces are small enough to properly blend or chop. Use a rubber spatula with thick mixtures and stop to scrape the sides of the blender jar. Don't overwork the blender's motor and blend large amounts of food in several small batches.

A food processor is the other small appliance that should be a must-have. Like a blender, food processors blend, chop, and puree but also will slice, shred, mix batters and dough, and cube things like cheese. A good food processor does work that cooks could do with a knife in a fraction of the time.

Keep all attachments and blades clean. Store sharp blades and discs separate from other utensils. Be sure they're out of the reach of children.