Kitchen gadgets: Great gifts or counter clutter?

A pressure cooker or popcorn popper may not fit in your Christmas stocking, but it fits Utah's stay-at-home mood right now.

These, as well as fondue sets, raclettes, mixers and mixing bowls, are big sellers this year, according to some local stores that specialize in small kitchen appliances and tools.

This year's hot tools and appliances seem to signal a return to the kitchen, as well as the desire to save money and time.

The Nesco 3-In-1 electric pressure cooker (about $130) can also be used as a slow cooker or a steamer, said John Hair, owner of John and Jennie's Bosch Kitchen Center.

"It is very easy to use and cooks your food in half the time. The best part is that you can just set the time that you would like to pressure cook your food and walk away."

The aisles of coffee makers are probably due to people trying to save money on their latte or cappuccino habit. A hot cocoa machine called Cocoa Latte (around $28) is selling well in the gourmet housewares departments in Harmons stores, reports Julie Ward, sales director. "I think this is a Utah thing."

Other big sellers this year: the Cuisinart Popcorn Maker and the Waring Pro Theater popcorn maker. This could have something to do with regular popcorn's cheaper cost than microwave-style popcorn. But Ward credits the rise in movie-watching at home.

"I do believe that consumers are having fun in the kitchen again and spending time preparing supper," she said. "I am also seeing a more retro trend in what is selling."

For instance, fondue pots, big during the '60s, are back; and the raclette grill, another Swiss cooking implement involving melted cheese, is a hit this year. "This is the third year we have sold this item in Harmons, and we are selling them three times the rate we did in the past two seasons," Ward said.

The small grill has two tiers. Meat and veggies are sauteed on the top, while cheese melts in individual shallow pans below. Diners take some of the meat and veggies from the grill, and then pour the melted cheese over all.

One experienced Salt Lake City cook, Karin Palle, said she's gotten great use from the raclette grill she was given several years ago.

"It hosts eight, and has been a great entertaining tool," she said."