13 Top Kitchen Tech Holiday Gift Ideas(B)

There are many toaster options available to consumers, but what I've found is that many of them are too large for the limited counter space that many people have. The Courant by Impecca Toastower measures 11.6 inches x 13.4 inches and is 9.75 inches wide. It has a 12-inch capacity to fit 2 slices of pizza or 4 slices of bread. I use the toast function most often, but it also can bake and broil. 

Pro(s): The Toastower has a nice sleek design and has a 30-minute timer and oven signals. I enjoy how the machine shuts itself off when toasting/baking is complete.

Con(s): The machine does not have a temperature control option/dial, but it is set at approx. 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so you should adjust your cook time accordingly.

Price: $37.99

The Greek yogurt trend has spread throughout the U.S. and now consumers are starting to make their own from home, so I wanted to give it a try. I eat Greek yogurt daily, but I've always been intimidated by the idea of making my own, because it seemed like a long and arduous process. I was right about one thing, and wrong about the other. Yes the process is long, as is with making many dairy products, but it is not arduous with the Dash Greek Yogurt Maker.

Pro(s): After adding the milk of your choice, and plain yogurt, there is not much more effort needed to produce fresh, delicious yogurt. The unit is pretty small, measuring 7 inches x 9.5 inches x 7 inches and is easy to clean. I do not like the straining process in general, but this machine makes it easy to manage, and produces excellent results. 

Con(s): The yogurt process is about 2 hours, and if you don't have the time to wait, it could be a con to this product. I found that making it overnight was the best solution. The strainer is slightly too small to hold the full batch of yogurt you can make in the container, but I found that you can fill it, empty it, and then come back to the rest.

Price: $39.99

I am fully aware that there are many ways to brew tea (that are not quite as expensive), and that this is definitely a luxury product that provides a unique tea-brewing experience. With that said, the Breville Tea Maker is something that, as a a tea connoisseur, I had my eye on. It not only heats the water, but it allows you to customize your setting so that it can brew your loose leaf or bagged tea for the desired amount of time and at the right temperature. It has a fully automated tea basket that moves itself down into the tea, and then back up once brewing is complete. The tea maker also has a feature that will keep your tea warm for up to 2 hours so that you can brew a large pot and come back to it cup after cup.

Pro(s): The ease with which this product performs is unmatchable. It heats the water and brews your tea in minutes, and comes to a comfortable drinkable temperature shortly after being poured. The tea basket is easy to clean, and the tea leaves do not seem to stick to the basket when rinsed. 

Con(s): The pitcher itself cannot be submerged in water, therefore is not dishwasher safe. It requires careful cleaning and care, and is made of glass. 

Price: $249.99