If your kitchen was on fire, what one gadget would you grab? Here are the eight essentials you told us you can't live without.
Hardwearing and hard working, this nifty food mixer has been a kitchen stalwart since the 1950s.
It does justice to its moniker by offering the proverbial second set of hands in your kitchen.
It takes the wristwork out of whipping egg whites and kneads dough like a pro.
What you said: I'm very keen baker, so I'd definatly grab my Kenwood Chef if my kitchen were on fire.
I use it almost every day, for making everything from cupcakes to pastries.
It's very reliable and performs under pressure - Aneesa Mansoor
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VICTORINIX COOK'S KNIFE
Crafted by the same people who invented the Swiss Army knife, you can bet your bottom dollar that Victorinox’s knives are forged to last.
Not only have the ergonomically designed slicers graced the kitchens of celebrity chefs for years, but they’ve also earned a special place in readers’ arsenal of essential cookery kit.
What you said: “This is an indispensable tool in my kitchen. I use it for everything from cutting meat to chopping veggies and onions. I make sure to keep it nice and sharp with my grinding stone.” – Phelia Loubser
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BAMBOO STEAMER
Elementary in its design, yet endlessly useful when preparing an array of healthy, steamed dishes, the humble bamboo steamer has been an indispensible cooking aid in Asia for centuries and, more recently, has become a must-have in Western kitchens, too.
What you said: “It’s not only a quick way to cook veggies, but also the healthy alternative to boiling as all the nutrients stay locked in.
Plus, it keeps veggies crisp and colourful – there’s nothing more beautiful than emerald green broccoli straight from the steamer.” – Charlene Kapp
THE POTATO PEELER
Forget the fIne motor skills needed for navigating a sharp knife around a potato, this time-saving gadget is the kitchen klutz’s best friend.
What you said: “My potato peeler is an absolute dream. It takes me a few seconds to peel my potatoes and it also works wonderfully on baby marrows and carrots.” – Michele Lagesse
THE NESPRESSO COFFEE MAKER
The advent of this beauty forever revolutionised the way coffee drinkers get their daily caffeine fix.
Gone are the days of grinding, filtering and brewing: the Nespresso makes it as easy as popping a pod into a slot and pushing a button.
Seconds later, you’re rewarded with a rich, aromatic shot of coffee topped with a crema that even a barista would envy.
What you said: “I’m not even a great coff ee drinker, but this machine has changed my life.
The pod system is foolproof and there’s a convenient frother connection for making perfect cappuccinos every time.” – Laura Berkel
THE MICROPLANE GRATER
The Microplane started out as a woodworking tool but, after chefs discovered its unparalleled grating prowess in the kitchen, it soon reached cult status as the must-have gadget for foodies.
What sets the instrument apart is the fact that its razoredged holes are created by photo-etching instead of the conventional stamping method, which results in super-sharp teeth that are able to slice ultra finely.
What you said: “This is the best grater for Parmesan cheese. I bought my Microplane three years ago and it still grates like it did on the first day.” – Joanne Parsons
LE CREUSET CASSEROLE DISH
The ultimate dinner-table accessory, this iconic casserole dish is available in a rainbow of
shiny enamel fi nishes, including cassis, flame and cobalt blue.
It's as pretty to look at as it is practical and hardwearing in the kitchen – the stoneware standalone can be used in the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher and will never lose its characteristic lustre.
What you said: “I love it for its versatility.
I use it for everything from boiling water for pasta to making Bolognese sauce and oven casseroles. And, since it has a lifetime guarantee, it’ll probably survive the kitchen fi re too!” – Lara Demnitz
BRAUN HAND BLENDER 
A whizz at whisking, chopping, crushing and puréeing, this cordless hand-blender is one of your most treasured kitchen tools.
Unlike a bulky food processor, it’s portable and practical, working in any available container, plus its detachable, anti-splash shaft is super-easy to clean.
What you said: “I love the fact that it’s so lightweight and versatile. I use the whisk attachment for whipping up cream and eggs, and the blade attachment for chopping fresh herbs.
It’s just a sexy little blender and a great kitchen accessory.” – Elaine Kruger
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