I understand about the coffee maker – but I’ve managed to live without one for about five years now just by using a French press! AND before I got that, I bought a $4 permanent coffee filter, and I’d sit it in a small saucepan, put about two tablespoons of ground coffee in it, then pour enough water for a cup or two on the grounds and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.

I have basically a gadget-free kitchen. I’m a rice person, and I used to steam my rice in one of those folding metal steamer baskets. Got tired of them rusting on me and went to something safer. I spent $5 on my first rice cooker just to see if I’d even use it; didn’t think I’d need a gadget to cook rice with when I’ve been cooking it the old-fashioned way for years. But having a machine that would turn itself off when it’s done is a boon, as I discovered when I bought my toaster oven and started using it for most of my baking! So anyway, I splurged on the $12 fancier red rice cooker with the steamer attachment and keep it on the stove so it’s not hogging counter space.

Go to Goodwill and see if anyone has given one away, like I did my first one. Should be super cheap then. That way, if it doesn’t work out for you, you can either re-donate it or toss it.

Hope I’ve given you some good ideas! Good luck!