Comfort food cooking essentials

Bing Shopping | Belgian waffle irons

For a breakfast that borders on dessert (especially after adding butter, syrup and perhaps a snowfall of powdered sugar), try a Belgian waffle maker. They turn out scrumptious creations that are not only bigger than regular waffles, but lighter and fluffier, too.

Bing Shopping | Double-burner griddles

There’s no better way to start the day than with something warm and delicious on the breakfast table, and there’s no quicker way to cook a collection of morning faves than with long stovetop grill pans that can sizzle eggs, bacon and hash browns  all at once.

Bing Shopping | Egg cookers

Looking for something lighter for breakfast? Eggs don’t have to be fried or scrambled to be a comfort food. Poaching is a healthier alternative, yet still scrumptious and satisfying, and an electric cooker takes the guesswork out of the egg-quation.

Bing Shopping | Pod coffee makers

Also called one-cup coffee makers, these are the hottest beverage appliance since the home espresso machine (but a lot less expensive). Pod-style coffee makers are ideal for either singletons or crowded houses where folks differ on their fave java. Where caffeine is concerned, the pod squad has arrived.

Bing Shopping | Panini makers

The mid-day meal goes beyond PB&J and graduates to the big time with the gooey goodness of panini. A food fad that’s here to stay, these hearty creations are best when the bread is crunchy and the filling is melted and gooey.

Bing Shopping | Deep fryers

Deep fryers make quick work of preparing the lunchtime burger’s favorite friend, the french fry, plus scads more savory (and even sweet) treats. With improved technology, today’s deep-fat fryers cook at higher and more even temperatures, so your food absorbs less oil and turns out less greasy.

Bing Shopping | Pizza stones

Frozen pizzas make for quick and easy family lunches, but usually lack a certain restaurant quality -- typically that missing magic is a crispy crust. Improve your at-home pizzas (or even leftover pizzeria slices) by baking them on a pizza stone in the oven for better-quality results.

Bing Shopping | Soda makers

A DIY trend that’s bubbled up as a full-on craze, soda making machines let you concoct your own fizzy refreshment at home, whether you prefer flavored colas, seltzer for cocktails, or plain sparkling water. These sleek CO2 carbonators aren’t cheap, but they will save you money in the long run.

Bing Shopping | Slow cookers

Slow cookers ease you into the biggest meal of the day, turning out savory stews, delicious soups, perfect roasts and other hearty dinner fare, with minimal prep and very little fuss -- just set it and forget it (if you can, with the heavenly aroma that fills the house for hours).

Bing Shopping | Pressure cookers

On the other end of the cooking time scale are those faves of yesteryear -- pressure cookers. Of course, these quick one-pot-meal makers have improved since the old days and they’re no longer prone to volcanic eruptions. They’re great for the budget, too, creating fork-tender results from less expensive cuts of meat.