Registering for Small Appliances

Once you've decided which appliances to register for, it's time to check under the hood.

Power is a key factor in all small appliances. You'll want to register for the most powerful appliance with the biggest motor, which will give you the best performance and a longer life.

Capacity is also important, so be sure you register for the one that is the right size for your cooking needs. Functionality is key, as well: You want to be sure your small appliances can multitask for you.

Before registering, consider these very important factors: 1) Do you want it? 2) Do you need it? 3) Will you use it? Register at top retailers, as they have the best selections to choose from.

Here are items to consider:

Microwave-This incredible machine needs no explanation. I know I couldn't live without my KitchenAid 1200-Watt Microwave. Look for one that has a rotating plate and is at least 700 watts strong. From popcorn to baked potatoes to defrosting, it is the ultimate timesaver. Check out Target for a great selection.

Food Processor One of the most versatile appliances in your kitchen. It's great for chopping, slicing, grinding and mixing. There are many to choose from, so do your research. You'll find great choices at Williams-Sonoma.

Coffeemaker Choose programmable, auto shut-off and 12-cup capacity. I love the feature that allows interruption of the cycle to grab a cup! Check out the Cuisinart DCC-2000 Coffeemaker.

Single-Serve Coffeemaker This gourmet home-brewing system instantly makes individual cups of hot, flavorful coffee, hot chocolate or tea in just seconds when you pop in a mini brewer container. It is worth giving up counter space for! I recommend Keurig.

Coffee Grinder This little dynamo will grind coffee beans from coarse to fine with one or two pulses. Nothing like fresh!

Espresso Machine – Do you love espresso? If so, you will be in heaven making your own bold, steaming-hot brew at home. See Sur La Table for an amazing selection.

Toaster Toasters generally offer either two- or four-slice options. Choose based on your space. Be sure to look for a slot that can accommodate a bagel or thick bread, and a crumb tray that is easy to clean. Toaster Oven This appliance is worth its weight in chrome. Tuna melts, quesadillas, freshl-baked cookies and, of course, toast will all be done in no time with a toaster oven, and it's the best thing for reheating cold pizza. I like the Cuisinart TOB-30 Toaster Oven Broiler for performance and size. It will hold a nine-inch pizza!

Blender Go with 500 watts or more to give you the power you need. Look for multiple speeds, including pulse ice-crushing options. Use for mixing smoothies, whipping drinks and puréeing soups. Bed Bath & Beyond has a great selection.

Immersion Blender A mini blender that goes directly inside a pot or a glass. It takes up very little space and is also used for smoothies, sauces and purées. Easy cleanup, too.

Stand Mixer Ah, the king of the kitchen. They are available in many colors to match your decor, (KitchenAid offers more than 20 colors) and many motor sizes, so choose the one that's best for you. This is a great group gift. Check out Macy's for a great selection.

Hand Mixer Definitely a space-saver, the hand mixer, with its removable beater blades, is a strong, speedy tool for the cook in a hurry. Make sure it feels lightweight and comfortable in your hand.

Rice Cooker More versatile than you think, a rice cooker can double as a vegetable steamer or a hot-cereal maker. The best thing about a rice cooker is that it lasts practically forever and the rice comes out perfect every time. Check out the Oster Inspire Stainless Rice Cooker Model 4724, with a 20-cup capacity.

Slow Cooker Also commonly known as a crock-pot, this is a must-have for busy cooks. Fill it up in the morning and turn it on. While you're at work, a hearty dinner is cooking. Slow cookers are available in many sizes, from four to six quarts, and even larger. Make sure it comes apart for easy cleaning like the DeLonghi Slow Cooker I picked up at Crate & Barrel.

Bread Maker This takes a good deal of space, but it's awesome for making bread or pizza dough. In about two hours, you can have fresh-baked bread.

Waffle Maker This appliance may not be for everyone, but there are those that will love it. In addition to making great waffles for breakfast or dessert (hello, Belgian waffles!), some double as a panini press! Bed Bath & Beyond has the best selection.

Ice Cream Maker What could be better than fresh, creamy, homemade ice cream? Manufacturers have perfected the art of making ice cream or sorbet so it takes mere minutes. It does take up space, so consider whether you're going to use it often enough.

Electric Can Opener It goes without saying, you will probably use this very often.

Deep Fryer From french fries to chicken fingers you can make great comfort food in your own kitchen. It can take up a bit of space, but cleanup is not that bad.

Panini Press While this is a fun item, there are other appliances that can double as a panini press (see waffle maker).

Countertop Grill When the weather is too cold to grill, this wonderful appliance will step right in. Sanyo makes a 17" x 12" smokeless indoor grill that has a dishwasher-safe drip pan.

Electric Knife In this day of Iron Chef, you don't see electric knives in use very much, but they are definitely a convenience, especially when carving a ham, roast or turkey.

There are so many other specialty small appliances to consider registering for, like juicers, egg cookers, vacuum food sealers, electric woks, food dehydrators, food slicers, electric teakettles and electric fondue pots, to name a few. Have fun!

Your Registry Shopping List

Microwave
Toaster
Oven
Bread Maker
Food Processor
Blender
Waffle Maker
Coffeemaker
Immersion Blender
Ice Cream Maker
Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Stand Mixer
Electric Can Opener
Coffee Grinder
Hand Mixer
Deep Fryer
Espresso Machine
Rice Cooker
Panini Press
Toaster
Slow Cooker
Countertop Grill
Electric Knife

TIPS

· When registering for small appliances, consider functionality, need, capacity and easy cleanup. I almost forgot: It has to look good, too!

· Organize small kitchen appliances in cabinets according to how frequently you use them. The items that you tend to use less, like the waffle maker, should go to the back of the cabinet.

· Neatly gather appliance cords by using twist ties, rubber bands or specially designed cord clips, which you can find at Home Depot.

· Keep all appliances unplugged when not in use. This will greatly reduce your "energy leakage."

· Be sure to send in your warranty cards to the manufacturers.

· In his book, Gear for Your Kitchen, Alton Brown from Good Eats teaches us to avoid appliances that are "unitaskers." Look for appliances that can do more than one specific task, which will also save valuable space

Start your cooking engines!