Hello Kitty Kitchen Appliances Are Taking Over (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Hello Kitty, the adorable Japanese cartoon brought into the world by Sanrio, has been getting a lot of press lately. The biggest news of late is the introduction of Hello Kitty beer -- yes, I'm serious, and so is Sanrio. The company estimates that Hello Kitty branding is worth about $5 billion a year .

Hello Kitty has always been beloved in the food world, from starring in countless bento box lunches to getting a Futomaki sushi roll made in her likeness. Food and the world's most famous kitten (sorry, Lil' Bub ) have always gotten along pretty well. This week, a press release popped up in our inboxes reminding us that it was almost Hello Kitty slow cooker season. We laughed, joked about Hello Kitty garbage cans and paper towel dispensers and then realized -- great Scott -- every single one of these things existed. Hello Kitty kitchen appliances are very, very real, and if you wanted to, you could furnish your entire kitchen with them.

The 15 Percent Ice Cream Spoon makes eating ice cream easier. According to the site "the spoon is made of solid aluminum. With a high thermal conductivity of aluminum, the temperature of the hand holding the spoon will slowly melt the ice cream making it easier to scoop it out." Check out the 15 Percent Ice Cream Spoon by lemnos

The biggest problem with a toaster is all the counter space it takes up. Well, that's no longer an issue with this toaster that rolls up and stores easily. Check out the Toasted Wrap at Yanko Design

Divisible, the easy to wash balloon whisk, may not seem like such a futuristic kitchen gadget, but if you've ever had the misfortune of having to clean out a sticky whisk, you know how helpful this small innovation can be. Check out the Divisible whisk at red dot

Who needs measuring cups when this cutting board exists? You can chop your ingredients and then measure them all on this one board. We can't wait till it comes out! Check out the cutting board with a scale at Design Boom

How many of us say we just can't live without our cellphones? And now, with the Qumi, we can't cook without them either. This cooking device can be used for heating, frying and steaming and can only be controlled through your mobile device. Check out The Qumi by Ilia Vostrov

You might not think you need a heating spoon, but trust us, you do. This spoon comes in handy when your morning cup of coffee cools to that disagreeable room temperature. And it's also handy for cooking when you don't want to use the stove top for a small task -- especially if you don't have a microwave. Check out the HALO Heating Spoon at Yanko Design

You won't have to worry about not knowing when your milk is going to spoil. The milkmaid sends an alert to your iPad letting you know when it's time to get a new carton. Check out the Milkmaid at Quirky

This mobile induction plate is easy to take with you wherever you go, making cooking anywhere a real possibility. It's also a great solution for small apartment living (in those spaces that are so small they don't have a kitchen). The best part is that you control the heat level and time with your cellphone. Check out the 902 Mobile Induction Heat Plate by Electrolux

No need to waste your time or energy stirring that pot of soup, this little gadget can do it for you. Check out the Easy Stir at Electrolux

You will never have to be without toast again with this portable toaster. Check out The Portable Toaster at Design Launches

You've never seen salt and pepper shakers like these. Not only do they dispense salt and pepper, but they also play music (streaming from your cellphone). And, their round shape means you can roll them across they table when diners need them. Check out the Cruet Salt & Pepper? by Electrolux

This measuring cup gives you traditional measurements and also offers a digital reading of your measurements, making it easier to ensure accuracy. One thing we love about this gadget, which is on the market already, is that it calculates conversions for you. Get the Taylor Digital Measuring Cup and Scale at Amazon, 12.18