Life transforming home gadgets. Last year, as part of a series of home improvement projects, we had a new kitchen installed. It was the perfect opportunity to upgrade and replace many of our old kitchen appliances, pots, and utensils. Some of the gadgets had been with us for years, and well past their prime. A new kitchen felt like the right time for a refresh.
I wanted to be intentional about what I bought, prioritising quality, durability, and functionality. Instead of rushing to replace everything at once, I took my time researching the best options within my budget. From cookware to small appliances, I looked for products with excellent reviews, practical features, and designs that would complement our new kitchen.
One by one, I’ve upgraded key pieces, some of which have completely transformed my cooking experience. Whether it was finally replacing our old, heavy pots with a high-quality stainless steel set, switching to a cordless vacuum for effortless cleaning, or investing in an air fryer to make healthier meals, every purchase has made a noticeable difference. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite kitchen upgrades and why they’re worth it!
Stellar 1000 Steel Pot Set
The first thing I replaced was our pots. If you’ve followed my posts, you’ll know I’m not big on cooking, so spending a fortune on cookware isn’t my style. I usually go to TK Maxx, hunt for matching pots at bargain prices, and call it a day. That’s exactly what I did—bought five pots of different sizes that looked similar.
But after just one use, I noticed the so-called “stainless steel” was poor quality—it stained instantly, and nothing could remove the marks. That got me thinking, are TK Maxx discounts due to unsold stock, last season’s items, or poor-quality products? Either way, I wasn’t keeping them. I returned all five and got my money back.
I then remembered an old brand we had. The two pots I kept during our kitchen clear-out because, despite years of use, they remained stain-free. After researching, I repurchased the same brand: Stellar 1000 Classic. These pots are incredible—high-quality stainless steel, durable, and stain-resistant. I usually avoid stainless steel pots with metal handles (because of heat), but these are designed so well they don’t heat up during cooking. Honestly, the best pots I’ve ever owned!
The Stellar 1000 Classic 5-Piece Set is a durable and stylish cookware set, perfect for everyday cooking. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it ensures even heat distribution and is compatible with all hob types, including induction. The set features stainless steel lids and comfortable, riveted handles for a secure grip. A timeless addition to any kitchen.
If you’re looking for a solid set, click here, to buy the same Stellar 1000 Classic set I bought.
Ninja Air Fryer
As someone who avoids frying, I’ve always relied on the oven for everything—fish, chicken, plantain, potatoes. Oddly, I never bought an air fryer until now. I wanted something compact, as we cook in small batches and have a small kitchen. The Ninja 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer is perfect—just the right size, efficient, and highly rated. My neighbor has it and swears by it, and now I see why!
The Ninja Air Fryer 3.8L 4-in-1 is a compact yet powerful kitchen essential, offering Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions. With its rapid air circulation and precise temperature control, it delivers crispy, delicious results using little to no oil. The 3.8L capacity is perfect for small households, while the easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts make cooking hassle-free. Grab yours here!
Ninja Knife Block
The other thing I bought was a new knife block—long overdue since our old one was a wedding gift from 1996! My household was relieved when I finally ordered a replacement, though my daughter protested at getting rid of some of our household relics! After some research, I chose the Ninja StaySharp Stainless Steel 6-Piece Knife Set, which comes with a built-in sharpener—super easy to use. The knives are incredibly sharp (handle with care!), and the block looks stunning in our kitchen, perfectly blending with our grey-blue and white colour scheme.
The Ninja StaySharp Stainless Steel 6-Piece Knife Set is a premium collection designed for precision and durability. Featuring razor-sharp stainless steel blades, ergonomic handles, and a built-in sharpener, this set ensures effortless cutting every time. Perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping, it’s a must-have for any kitchen. Shop Ninja Stainless Steel Set here.
GTech AirRam MK2
The Gtech AirRam MK2 is hands down my best purchase so far. I always wanted a Dyson but couldn’t justify the price. When it was time to replace our old, heavy Henry, I knew I wanted a cordless stick vacuum. After researching, I discovered Gtech, which had outstanding reviews—over 150,000 on Trustpilot with an average rating of 4.8/5, compared to Dyson’s 3.5/5 from 40,000 reviews.
Price sealed the deal. The mid-range Dyson was nearly twice the cost of the Gtech on Amazon, and with such high ratings, the choice was a no-brainer. Now, I couldn’t be happier. The AirRam MK2 is powerful, lightweight, and cordless—a dream to use on carpets, wooden floors, and more. It makes vacuuming effortless and even enjoyable!
The Gtech AirRam MK2 is a lightweight, cordless vacuum cleaner designed for powerful, effortless cleaning. With up to 40 minutes of runtime, AirLOC™ technology for efficient dirt pickup, and a compact design for easy storage, it’s perfect for tackling carpets and hard floors with ease. Shop GTech AirRam MK2 here.
Stainless steel vs Non stick Cookware
Stainless steel is often considered better than non-stick for several reasons:
1. Durability: Stainless steel is incredibly durable and can last for decades when properly cared for. Unlike non-stick pans, which can wear out over time, scratch, or lose their coating, stainless steel can withstand high heat and is resistant to scratches and dents.
2. Heat Retention and Distribution: Stainless steel provides excellent heat distribution, which helps to cook food more evenly. It also retains heat well, making it ideal for searing, browning, and deglazing.
3. Versatility: Stainless steel cookware can be used on any cooking surface, including induction, and can handle higher temperatures than non-stick pans. It’s also oven-safe, giving you more cooking options.
4. No Harmful Chemicals: Non-stick pans often contain chemicals like PTFE or PFOA that can degrade over time and release toxic fumes, especially at high temperatures. Stainless steel is a non-reactive material, so there’s no risk of chemicals leaching into food.
5. Improved Cooking Technique: With stainless steel, food can develop better flavors through caramelisation and browning, which is difficult to achieve in non-stick pans. This is especially important for dishes like stir-fries, meat, and sauces.
6. Easy to Maintain: While stainless steel requires a little more care (like cleaning to remove stubborn stains or discolouration), it doesn’t have the same maintenance concerns as non-stick, which can degrade or peel over time.
While non-stick pans have their benefits, such as easier cleanup and less oil usage, stainless steel is generally considered more versatile, long-lasting, and safer for high-heat cooking.
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