My newest kitchen appliance is an Android tablet, and I couldn't be happier

When you think of a kitchen appliance upgrade, what comes to mind? Adding a dishwasher? Maybe a new induction stove? A trendy steam-infusion toaster oven (it’s a real thing)?

If you’re looking for something quick, easy to install, and that enhances your kitchen experience, consider a tablet for your kitchen counter.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “but I already own a tablet,” hear me out.

I don’t mean something you’ll be throwing in your work bag or bringing to the living room; I mean a tablet specifically for the kitchen.

Related

I rescued my old tablet from a drawer, and now it's my favorite piece of tech

Old tablets can still be useful for single-purpose tasks

Posts 26
By  Dhruv Bhutani

The last thing I want to do while kneading dough is unlock my phone

I’m sure there’s still flour in my charging port

I cook from online recipes all the time.

One of the best things about all the social media foodies is the rise in recipe sharing and recipe apps. I love it, any cuisine, multiple different versions, user comments to share pitfalls and adjustments.

So there I am in the kitchen with an enchilada recipe on my phone. I was frustrated, not just because I was hangry, but because my phone was doing a terrible job of keeping it organized.

My screen kept going to sleep, requiring me to unlock it multiple times. I continuously needed to scroll back up to read the ingredients again. I clicked on my sub-recipes for the sauce and lost the original link.

Now I throw the recipe on my tablet, and I can read so much more on the screen. I scroll less, and because my tablet is plugged in, I have it set to keep the screen on.

It’s also a lot easier if you are following a video recipe, especially if you have a mount or stand that keeps your tablet upright on its own, like I do!

Everyone’s a DJ, for better or worse

Who added a whole album of electro-swing?

I always love having music on in the kitchen, but this is especially true when I’m hosting friends. Even for a casual get-together, it always seems to get people in the mood to enjoy each other’s company.

While I think I have great taste in music, I know my friends are too polite to say otherwise. So I set up my tablet in my kitchen with Spotify and connected it to my wireless speaker.

The best thing about this is that anyone can change the music, add to the playlist, or skip songs entirely. It’s casual and fun and gives everyone a chance to DJ the music they like.

Spotify can do this from multiple phones. However, I feel like a communal screen where you can type and click “add to playlist” feels faster and more user-friendly than trying to connect to your host’s device. This is especially true if any of your guests aren’t so tech-savvy.

Nothing gets me in the mood to clean quite like true-crime documentaries

The less I think about what food used to be in this container, the better

Being in the kitchen for a long time can be frustrating. But what can you do if it’s a lengthy recipe or a deep clean of your glass-top stove?

This is the perfect time to throw on your favorite streaming service. If you’re not used to cooking or cleaning with a show on, you should give it a try.

I know I can get really frustrated doing dishes, for example, so it helps clear my head to have a sitcom or documentary on in the background while I work away.

I don’t want to advocate excessive screen time, especially during dinner or around kids who already get enough.

Still, I think cleaning out a moldy food container or disinfecting sinks can be nasty business, so why not at least get some entertainment while you’re at it?

Do you really need another screen?

It feels like there’s a screen in every room at this point

Nothing I mentioned above is something that you absolutely need. You probably need a fridge or stove, so why buy yet another screen for a room in your house?

It’s a bit of a luxury addition. By which I mean, it’s only really there for your entertainment and to solve small problems that aren’t top-priority.

I have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of chopping veggies with a drama in the background and scraping my stovetop while listening to comedy specials. Plus, tablets have become so affordable these days that it isn’t a huge investment.

So do you need another screen? Maybe not. But do you deserve to find enjoyment while you work on menial tasks? Absolutely.

A happier kitchen experience at a reasonable price

My kitchen tablet has become such a mainstay that I forgot it was even mobile. If you’re considering adding a tablet to your kitchen, prioritize the features that are relevant to you.

For example, my tablet is always plugged in since it doesn’t move, so battery life isn’t something I care about. If your kitchen is extremely bright, you might want to find the right screen for you.

I get tons of use out of it when I’m cooking, cleaning, or hosting friends. When I need to tackle a tricky recipe, sort a music playlist, or struggle through a deep cleaning task, I know my kitchen tablet is going to make things a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Amazon Fire HD 10

Display type
10.1" 1920 x 1200
Storage
32 or 64 GB
CPU
Mediatek MT8183
Memory
3 GB
Battery
Up to 13h
Camera (Rear, Front)
5 MP, 2 MP

The Amazon Fire HD is a great choice for your kitchen. With a 10.1" display and streamlined user interface, you'll have no trouble navigating recipes and streaming apps. This dependable, durable, and affordable tablet is perfect for any household.

$180 at Amazon
Expand Collapse