I'm a Food Writer, and These Are My Favorite Black Friday Deals on Kitchen Appliances

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The holidays are finally here, and that means dusting off the party decorations—and your credit cards. Black Friday shopping is one of the markers of the holiday season, for better or for worse. Whether you're treating yourself or doing some gift shopping, now is a good time to score some rare deals on kitchen gear. Here are my top picks on the tools you need for festive cookie baking, decorating, and spreading joy (via full bellies).

A reliable kitchen scale

I reach for my kitchen scale on a daily basis, and every well-equipped kitchen should have one. Weigh out your Christmas morning cinnamon buns, oats for cookies, or butter for pie crust for consistent results every time. I keep mine tucked away in a drawer, and this one has an extremely low profile, which means you won't have to sacrifice counter space.

A food processor

I get a ton of use out of my food processor. It can take care of everything from mixing pie dough to chopping nuts, or grinding rolled oats into flour. Food processors are a more expensive item and therefore a tougher sell, but right now it's a pretty easy decision. Here's a deal on a kitchen appliance that'll make your holiday cooking a breeze.

Tiny pumpkin bakeware

A small ceramic pumpkin in matte black with a golden stem isn't necessary exactly—yet, I must have one. In terms of kitchenware, STAUB is as reputable a brand as they come that's well-known for its cast iron cookware. So if they're offering a deal on a whimsical pumpkin, then count me in. This little gourd is perfect for serving dips, relishes, or as a candy dish on your holiday table.

A set of liquid measuring cups

It's not a glamorous gift, but I was beyond grateful when I got my first set of measuring cups. They aren't just helpful for cake batter; I end up using them for so much more. Heat broth directly in the microwave for risotto, or use it to portion pancake batter directly into the pan. The shape and handle on these make them great as a mixing bowl or impromptu dry-spaghetti holder. Here's a microwave-safe set for small and large measurements.

A sturdy stand mixer

For mixing cookie doughs, cake batters, and whipping cream for your famous gingerbread bundt cake, a stand mixer makes big jobs seem easy. I should mention they're invaluable for savory foods too, like hands-off mashed potato mashing and shredding slow-cooked pork for sliders. KitchenAid mixers only go on sale a couple times a year, which means this is a very opportune moment for you.

A set of pots and pans

You won’t get too far in the kitchen without a set of pots and pans—or more likely, you already have a set but it’s time for an upgrade. Here's a full set, including lids, that'll take care of turkey gravy or braised short ribs.

Reliable knives

A 12-piece knife set in a block may look appealing, but you only need three to five knives to accomplish most cooking tasks. This set has only your first-string line, plus a honing steel to keep them in good shape between sharpening sessions. I most often reach for a chef's knife, bread knife, or utility knife—all of which are in this set.

A better rice cooker

I had my last rice cooker for about 18 years. That's a great value, but every appliance needs to be retired at some point. I traded in "ol' trusty" for a Toshiba and our relationship is going swimmingly thus far. This rice cooker looks sleek and has multiple presets for other grains.