Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned family movie night? It’s hard to beat a night in when you can cuddle up on the couch, put in a brand-new movie, and enjoy some much-needed family time. Your big screen TV will play a huge part in making your family movie night perfect, but did you know there are quite a few different appliances you can use to make your night even better?
Appliances for a perfect family movie night
Whether you’re watching a new kid’s movie or binging episodes of a show everyone in the family loves, there are a few ways appliances can help you create the perfect family movie night.
Appliances to help you turn on the movie faster
If you’re someone who nods off halfway through the movie, there are certain appliances that might help you stay awake before the end credits roll. How? By cutting your dinner prep time in half.
1. Dinner is served with Instant Pot
Imagine it’s 5 p.m. on movie night and you’re only now considering what to make for dinner. You’d like to make a family meal like stew or something hearty to get everyone in the mood for family time, but you don’t have much time between meal prep, cooking, eating, and early bedtimes for the kids. If you had an Instant Pot pressure cooker, food prep and cooking times are cut in half. You can make soup, stew, roast, chicken, rice, and more, all in an easy-to-use appliance.
You’ll find inspiration for family dinners online if you search for Instant Pot recipes. Dinner will be served in a hurry because everything cooks so much faster in a pressure cooker. Frozen chicken can cook in 20 minutes and roast beef will cook in 60 to 90 minutes, potentially quicker depending on the recipe.
2. Relax with an apres-dinner latte
With your Instant Pot taking care of dinner, your movie can start even earlier than planned, and that will increase your chances of staying awake for the whole flick. If you still want a bit of a boost or you want to enjoy a warm beverage while watching, you could make any number of hot drinks in an espresso machine.
Lattes, Americanos, Cappuccinos, and more – the extra caffeine can get you from dinner to bedtime without nodding off. Take a look at the coffee maker buying guide for a look at all of the different types of pressure cookers.
3. Air fryers cook up crispy pub-style food at home
If the only thing you miss about going to the theatre is fast food, you’ll love having an air fryer. It’s a great appliance for any movie night. If you’re in the mood for chicken strips, poutine, and french fries like you’d buy at the theatre, all you have to do is pop them in your air fryer and they’ll be ready in under 20 minutes. They are just as delicious as takeout, and air fryers don’t use oil so food cooked at home will be even healthier than takeout.
If you also like food like pizza, you can choose a toaster oven with air fry and create even more delicious dishes at home. Toaster ovens are the perfect size to cook individual pizzas for the family. The air fryer buying guide has a list of all the features you’ll find on air fryers.
Appliances to make your movie even better
Whether you’re watching a Blu-ray or using your media streamer, your movie will be even better when you have a few appliances to help create the best movie snacks.
1. DIY your soda with a soda machine
Why go out to buy soda when you can make it at home? Soda machines let you carbonate your own water and add different flavours to make delicious drinks. One of the best parts for parents is that you can control the sugar content in the drink. I’ve made everything from sparkling homemade lemonade to simple flavoured water, and my kids love it all.
2. Pop up movie-style popcorn for family movie night
Popcorn is a must at a family movie night, so the one small appliance you really need for snacks is a popcorn maker. Popcorn makers make popcorn taste so much better than a bag you put in the microwave. You can add your own flavouring, butter, and salt, and you can easily make enough for the whole family.
3. Serve up a scoop of ice cream or gelato
My family has a favourite dessert for movie night. I bake up a plate of hot fudge brownies and serve it with a side of freshly made ice cream. You can put your brownie in the oven right when you start the movie, then turn on the ice cream maker and let it work while you watch. When the brownie is done, your ice cream will be too. Dessert will be served, and you can enjoy the movie while you wait instead of standing in the kitchen.
You can also add an ice cream maker attachment to your KitchenAid stand mixer. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes and you’ll have delicious ice cream ready to serve.
Which appliances would you choose for a family movie night?
Appliances really do help you have the perfect family movie night. The next time you’re firing up the TV to watch a new movie or an old favourite, make sure your kitchen is stocked with a few of these small appliances. They can make your movie night even better.
