How much are you looking to spend? I’ve got the Magimix food processor on my wishlist for when my current cheap one breaks (or… Finishes breaking).
I have the Ninja blender/food processor thing. It’s amazing and I’ve seen it in a couple of different places on sale with everyone jumping on the prime day wagon.
I have a fairly bare-bones Hamilton Beach food processor that I’ve just realized is closer to 15 years old than 10 years old, and that is still going strong. I put all the parts in the dishwasher too, even though you’re supposedly not supposed to, and have never had an issue.
It’s pretty close to this one: Newer version of old workhorse food processor
In this sort of situation, I usually read the Wirecutter and buy one of their recommendations, but I’m not up on their food processor work!
I love my Cuisinart food processor. It was expensive, but I’ve used it a ton over the past 10 years and never had any issues except a broken lid because I dropped it on a concrete floor. It’s super powerful, I can make nut butters from raw nuts which takes like…15 min sometimes, and it doesn’t overheat. The older models are even better, so if you can find one second hand that is the way to go
I have a Braun one that I like a lot. I don’t think they make food processors anymore but hopefully you could find one used!
Edit: never mind, they still make food processors! I use mine for grating carrots and parmesan and for making hummus. It’s easy to clean but you can’t put the pieces in the dishwasher. I put the lid in there and now it doesn’t close as easily…
I bought the Cuisinart food processor that’s the top rec on Wirecutter because I was so frustrated with the smaller + cheap ones I’ve had for so long, and it’s been great for the few weeks that I’ve had it. It’s all dishwasher safe. It’s bigger than what you need, but I’m sure it has a smaller cousin if you want to go that route.
I have the smaller version of this one (7 cup) and it works great for hummus and the like. I’ve had it for I think 15 years.
The main thing I know because of SirB enjoying talking about motors so much, is that it basically comes down to- to get power and longevity, you need a massive heavy base. Something about brushless motors versus brushed too I think? I dunno, we ended up getting the cuisinart one they were selling at Costco a few years ago. We haven’t done nut butters, but it’s been great for hummus, sauces like chimichurri, and it’s done heavy lifting on blending tomatillos for hundreds of pints of salsa verde over the years.
Should I buy an air fryer?
My toddler does like roasted veggies…
Do you already have a convection setting on your oven? How large of batches are you making at a time? Do you have the counter space for it? How annoying will it be for you to have to clean the basket every time versus cleaning a baking sheet?
Yes-ish but I don’t use it. Small batches because he only likes it fresh.
I have space for a small one, but I hate cleaning stuff. Hmmmm, that may be a deal breaker.
In that case, a toaster oven might actually suit your needs better. My understanding is that most of them are a little more straightforward to clean, because you basically just have a small baking sheet then. It won’t get you quite the same crispy convection effect, but if it’s just him eating it he might not know the difference.
I have never used an air fryer but I do second the glory of the toaster oven. It’s great for small batch veggies… and also small batch COOKIES. Just sayin’.
If you happen to have an instant pot, they have an air fryer lid that can be swapped in. It’s definitely a small batch thing, too.
I have the instant pot air fryer lid and it is a thing of glory. 10/10 would recommend.
Oooh this is good to know.
I need new pillows. I have p bad seasonal allergies, so down-alternatives/hypoallergenic options only. I…am a drooler …so I would like something machine-washable, which means most memory foam is out. Definitely prefer the firmer side of the spectrum for neck support. Tend to sleep on back/side. Any favorites out there?
Mid-range espresso machines?
Our drip coffee maker just died a sad death. My husband kind of maybe wants an espresso machine. We’d have NO idea where to start, but SOMETHING needs to be purchased sooner rather than later, I can’t deal with the sediment in our French press anymore (and it’s only been one day).
I highly recommend James Hoffman’s reviews at different price points. Morgan Loves Coffee is also a good source for reviews. Both on YouTube.