Top 10 kitchen gadgets

'Nine day wonders' or kitchen gadgets you simply couldn't live without? Whether it's a magical bag that makes toasties, or a machine that actually weighs, chops, grates, cooks and steams (what can't it do?), we've pulled together gransnetters' top 10 kitchen gadgets, in no particular order. <mutters regrets about not asking gransnetters' advice before buying that useless lemon zester...>

Lakeland Toastabag-500

"It makes lovely toasties and the envelope goes in the dishwasher. It takes up hardly any space and is a really useful thing to have."

"They are really good for making toasted sandwiches."

Purchase a Lakeland Toastabag-500 here.

Recipe: Test your Toastabag with this yummy toasted cheese sandwich recipe.

George Foreman grill

"I find it simple to clean - just a wipe with damp kitchen roll, empty the fat tray and then put in the dishwasher...very clean and easy."

"It's absolutely great, so far we have cooked steak, salmon, chicken and my son likes to cook peppers and onions on it."

Purchase a George Foreman grill here.

Recipe: This easy and delicious barbecued honey chicken is perfect for the George Foreman.

Cuisinart soup maker

"My Cuisinart soup maker! Brilliant as I love home made ones [soup]."

"I swear by my Cuisinart soup maker! It's so easy just rough chop the ingredients throw them in with liquid and a stock cube. Switch on and it cooks, stirs and blends all in one jug. You do have to pour it out yourself.

Purchase a Cuisinart soup maker here.

Recipe: Give this comforting carrot and parsnip soup a go, easily adapted to work in your soup maker.

Joseph Joseph scoop colander

"It's really handy for draining and dishing up veg etc. instead of using a colander and serving spoon."

"It's invaluable."

Purchase a Joseph Joseph scoop colander here.

Recipe: Give this pasta bologanise a go to test drive your scoop colander.

Kitchen Craft Plastic Food Chopper with Revolving Blade

"I bought one and would now hate to be without it. It avoids smelly hands, and after cutting in one direction through the teeth it holds the slices for chopping finely in the other direction."

"Technology is the answer to all the chopping and grating. My food processor grates and chops as well as mixing... Then when I'm finished I put them all in the dishwasher. I am shameless."

Purchase a Kitchen Craft Plastic Food Chopper with Revolving Blade here.

Recipe: Save those fingers and use your chopper next time you prepare a scrumptious nut roast.

Teabag squeezer

"When you make a cup of tea and then have to get the tea bag out without burning your fingers, you just use this grabber squeezer thing and I find it's fantastic."

"Those members of the household that don't use my squeezer (hmm) get tea dribbles all down the front of the bin. And guess who has to clean it off?!"

Purchase a teabag squeezer here. 

Kitchen Knives

"Sharp knives, less pressure used so less fingers injured."

"A good sharp knife. No cook worth their salt can function in a kitchen without one."

Purchase kitchen knives here.

Recipe: Slice through apples with ease and bake up this delicious apple pie.

Lever Action Jarkey Opener

"Lakeland's Jarkey is invaluable for breaking the vacuum in jam jars."

"I have a neat little gadget from Lakeland (who else?) called a jar key."

Purchase a Lever Action Jarkey Opener here.

Braun Multiquick 5 Hand Blender

"I have a Braun stick blender with attachments of potato ricer, whisk and a fine sieve for juicing that has been use for 27 years. Never a week goes by without using it. I pureed my children's food with it and made juice for them to drink. I mash my potatoes with it. I blend soups with it and I make juice for my granddaughter. I remember it cost me £10. Best tenner I ever spent."

"Stick blender for making smooth soups. Wouldn't be without one."

Purchase a Braun Multiquick 5 Hand Blender here.

Recipe: Blend frozen banana and natural yoghurt for the easiest ice cream ever.

Thermomix

"I can't live without my Thermomix it's amazing. It's a combination of food processor, it weighs, chops, grates, cooks, steams - you can go on YouTube for a demo. I love it I don't know how I managed with out it."

"My favourite bit of kit is my new Thermomix - proper chef's toy. Blends and heats - it's brilliant!"

Purchase a Thermomix here.