We know there are a lot of residents who want to learn to be better cooks or chefs-in-the-making in their Chicago apartments, but they don't know where to start. One thing that you can do to spark your imagination in the kitchen is to add a few of the right tools. Here are some suggestions for some space-saving appliances that will add a lot of versatility to your cooking routine.

Small Kitchen Appliances to Expand Your Cooking Arsenal

• Stand Mixer: If you enjoy baking, a stand mixer is a must-have addition for your kitchen. This tool makes it easier to whip up a broad range of foods, from cookie dough to mashed potatoes. You can make your own bread dough or homemade pizza dough with one of these. Modern stand mixers are also very stylish, so you should be able to find one that matches your kitchen decor nicely.
• Slow Cooker: These are great for people who don't have a lot of free time for cooking, but who still want to prepare delicious home-cooked meals. Toss the ingredients in, turn it on and forget about it for a few hours until the meal is ready. With a slow cooker, you can prepare a nice family roast, soups, stews, enchilada fillings and more. When it's not in use, a slow cooker is also small enough to tuck away inside a kitchen cabinet.
• Vegetable Chopper: The thing about a vegetable chopper is that it will definitely help you add more vegetables to your diet. They're so fun to use that simply owning one will remind you to pick up more vegetables at the store. 
• Expandable Oven Rack: These are fantastic when you're preparing a big feast. For just a few dollars, an extra oven rack allows you to nearly double the cooking surface inside your oven, to prepare multiple dishes at once. It also folds flat when you're not using it, so it's great for saving space.

Those are just a few suggestions to bring you closer to dreams of being an amateur chef. And as a reminder, we still have floor plans available as we head into the New Year. If you know anyone hunting for Chicago, IL apartments right now, tell them to call our leasing office at (866) 273-0973.