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Top of the foodies gadget wishlist - Kitchenaid mixer

A few days ago, I posted the question on Twitter as to what gadget the foodies were most hoping for Christmas. To be fair, it was a bit one sided on the results, without any need for a dance off, public vote or judges decision.

Yes, the runaway leader was a KitchenAid Mixer, absolutely hands down. And you can kind of understand it, as this is a fabulous mix of style and substance. Ten speeds, all metal construction, dough hook, whisk beaters, flat beater…is there anything you can’t make in this? I would certainly give one space on the counter top. It could go next to Dr T’s new pride and joy, the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder. If you’ve got a coffee geek, it’s a good choice for a perfect grind.

In second place came a lot of different choices but all from Joseph Joseph, who I think are great at doing stuff that not only looks good but really does something useful around the kitchen. I’m a big fan of the Chop 2 Pot chopping boards, for the practicality as well as the funky colours. Buying one large and one small board will only set you back around £26 and they will earn their keep every day. For the pastry kings and queens, I’d also take a look at the Adjustable Thickness Rolling Pin, which would take the guesswork out of the pastry rolling.

Ice cream makers came up quite a few times as well. To me, there is never a wrong season for ice cream, and I can understand this gadget desire completely. We had a few debates, but it all seemed to come back to the Gaggia. The only problem seems to be that not many places are carrying it at the moment, with most seeming to suggest it’s out of stock. I think this is all connected to the recent difficulties the British Gaggia agent had, so they may be in very short supply this Christmas. The Magimix would seem to be very similar, and benefits from the inbuilt freezer, which is great for last minute decisions to make a batch! Or for something fun, instant and interactive, try the Ice Cream Ball.

The most unusual one though was a water circulator. Apparently this has nothing to do with fish keeping, which is the first thing that comes up on Google, but the water heater/thermometer needed for sous vide cookery. If you’ve got an aspiring Heston on your hands, I would try Culinary Innovations, who seem to have everything you would need on hand. Be warned, not a cheap gift option, but I’m sure they’re worth it! Funnily enough, neither John Lewis or Lakeland seem to stock the equipment!

And if in doubt, just replace all their wooden spoons! Should you be superstitious, or big on Japanese traditions, then don’t buy knives, as these represent the severing of relationships. Not the ideal message for Christmas time I would say!