Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency, and that philosophy extends to the kitchen. Whether you’re growing your own produce, raising chickens, or making everything from scratch, having the right tools can make a world of difference.
When it comes to kitchen gadgets, you want items that save time, conserve energy, and help you make the most out of your ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of essential gadgets every modern homesteader should consider.
1. Pressure Canner
For homesteaders, preserving food is one of the most important tasks. A pressure canner is an absolute must for safely canning low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, and broths. Unlike water bath canning, a pressure canner allows you to can these foods without risking harmful bacteria growth.
Pressure canners come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. If you’re a seasoned homesteader with a large garden, a bigger model might be best. For beginners or those with smaller batches, a more compact version will do the trick. Either way, it’s an essential tool for making the most of your harvest.
I LOVE my Presto canner.
2. Dehydrator
A dehydrator is another must-have for preserving the bounty of your homestead. Whether you’re drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, or even making your own jerky, this gadget allows you to store food without the need for refrigeration. Dehydrating is a great way to reduce waste and store long-lasting snacks or ingredients for future meals.
Look for a dehydrator with multiple trays so you can dry different foods at once. Many models come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to tailor the drying process to specific items. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to ensure that nothing from your garden goes to waste.
This one lives on my countertop.
3. Grain Mill
If you’re growing your own wheat, barley, or other grains, a grain mill is a necessary addition to your kitchen. With a grain mill, you can grind your homegrown grains into flour, meal, or even cracked grains for animal feed. Freshly ground flour not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients than store-bought varieties.
Hand-cranked mills are great for those looking to avoid electricity use, while electric models can make the process faster and easier. Choose a mill that offers different grinding settings so you can customize the texture based on your needs.
I prefer to use this KitchenAid attachment vs. having a separate grain mill.
4. Stand Mixer with Attachments
A stand mixer might seem like a luxury, but for a modern homesteader, it’s a workhorse. Whether you’re kneading bread dough, whipping cream, or making butter, a quality stand mixer saves time and effort. Plus, many models come with attachments that can turn your mixer into a multi-use tool.
Some popular attachments include meat grinders, pasta makers, and spiralizers. With a stand mixer, you can tackle multiple tasks with just one gadget, making it a space-saving solution in your homestead kitchen.
I would be lost without my KitchenAid mixer.
5. Hand-Crank Grain Sifter
Once you’ve ground your grains, you may want to sift them to achieve different textures. A hand-crank grain sifter allows you to separate the fine flour from the coarser bran, which can be used for other purposes like making bran muffins or feeding livestock.
Sifters come in various sizes, but a hand-crank model is ideal for homesteaders who prefer a non-electric option. It’s an easy-to-use, straightforward gadget that ensures nothing from your grain goes to waste.
6. Food Processor
A good food processor is essential for chopping, slicing, grating, and pureeing. This gadget is a true time-saver, whether you’re processing vegetables for a canning session, making salsa, or preparing a big batch of dough. Most food processors come with multiple blades and discs, allowing for different cuts and consistencies.
Choose a model with a strong motor and a large capacity to handle bigger batches. This is especially useful for homesteaders who are regularly processing large amounts of food at once.
7. Vacuum Sealer
If you’re freezing meat, vegetables, or prepared meals, a vacuum sealer is a great way to ensure your food lasts longer without freezer burn. This gadget removes air from bags, which helps prevent spoilage and preserves freshness. It’s also perfect for portioning food and keeping your freezer organized.
Many models come with various settings, allowing you to seal everything from delicate fruits to more durable cuts of meat. A vacuum sealer is also useful for preserving dried goods and keeping them safe from pests.
8. Cast Iron Cookware
While not technically a gadget, no homestead kitchen is complete without cast iron cookware. Cast iron is incredibly versatile and long-lasting. It can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame, making it ideal for homesteaders who like to cook both indoors and outdoors.
The key to cast iron is its durability—it gets better with age and proper care. Invest in a few good pieces, like a skillet, Dutch oven, and griddle. You’ll find that cast iron can handle just about any cooking task you throw at it, from frying eggs to baking bread.
9. Manual Food Mill
If you’re processing tomatoes for sauce, apples for applesauce, or even berries for jam, a manual food mill is a handy tool. This gadget allows you to remove seeds and skins from fruits and vegetables, giving you a smooth final product without the need for a sieve or blender.
Food mills are simple to use and require no electricity, making them perfect for homesteaders who like to keep things low-tech. They’re also easy to clean, with minimal parts that need washing.
10. Butter Churn
For those who keep dairy animals like cows or goats, a butter churn is an essential gadget for turning fresh cream into delicious homemade butter. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own butter, and a hand-crank churn allows you to do it without electricity.
Butter churns come in various sizes, so choose one that fits the amount of cream you’re working with. While it does take some elbow grease, the reward is fresh, creamy butter that you can flavor to your liking.
11. Cheese Press
If you’re making your own cheese, a cheese press is necessary for achieving the right texture in hard cheeses like cheddar or Gouda. A press helps to remove excess whey from the curds, resulting in a firmer, more structured cheese.
Cheese presses come in different styles, from simple hand-cranked models to more advanced hydraulic presses. While you can get by with a homemade setup, investing in a quality cheese press will improve the consistency and quality of your homemade cheese.
12. Fermentation Crock
For homesteaders who love to ferment vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles, a fermentation crock is a must-have. This gadget allows you to ferment large batches of vegetables at once, providing the perfect environment for healthy bacteria to thrive.
Fermentation crocks come in different sizes and styles, but most have water-sealed lids that create an airtight environment. This prevents spoilage and allows for a longer, more controlled fermentation process. Plus, homemade fermented foods are packed with probiotics, making them a healthy addition to your homestead diet.
13. Egg Incubator
For those raising chickens or other poultry, an egg incubator is a valuable tool for hatching your own chicks. Incubators provide a controlled environment for eggs, ensuring the proper temperature and humidity levels are maintained for successful hatching.
Look for an incubator with an automatic egg-turning feature and digital controls for easy monitoring. This gadget allows you to expand your flock without relying on broody hens, giving you more control over your homestead’s egg production.
We use this one from Chick Cozy and have great results.
14. Hand-Crank Coffee Grinder
For homesteaders who grow their own coffee beans or simply enjoy a good cup of coffee, a hand-crank coffee grinder is a great addition to the kitchen. Grinding your beans fresh ensures the best flavor, and a manual grinder gives you that tactile, hands-on experience.
Hand-crank grinders are simple to use and don’t require electricity, making them perfect for off-grid living. Plus, they’re portable and easy to store, which is ideal for homesteaders with limited kitchen space.
Conclusion
Equipping your homestead kitchen with the right gadgets can make your self-sufficient lifestyle more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re preserving the harvest, making your own dairy products, or grinding fresh grains, these must-have tools will help you maximize your time and resources. As you build out your kitchen, choose gadgets that are versatile, durable, and energy-efficient, so you can spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor.
