Favorite is the Vitamix. Yeah they are expensive but Costco sells them now with an amazing warranty. We've had ours just over 2 years (we used some money we got as wedding gifts and bought it), and no lie - we use this thing at least once a day if not more. It's amazing how many things you can make with it. Sauces, soups, smoothies, frozen yogurt, purees, etc. You can even grind nuts and coffee beans in it if you wanted too.
I also really love my milk frother - I got it at Ikea for $2 but I use it when I make cappuchio's or hot chocolate and it's awesome. Because they are cheap they usually only last 6 months or so, so now I have an extra one sitting in the cupboard just in case.
I would LOVE to get some all clad pans one day and a cast iron pan.
Re: kitchen appliances and gadgets