Making baby food - gadgets and what works for you?

I am a 1st-time 22 weeks and trying to think about things other than newborn stuff to put on my registry and to start looking out for at secondhand shops.


Two big questions about making your baby food:
1. What tools and gadgets do you use for making baby food? What is really great and what is just MARKETING? I have a food processor, blender, and magic bullet (which we rarely use for anything other than small amounts of pesto). Is the magic bullet as good as (or essentially the same as) the baby bullet? What about the steamer/cooker/puree-er all-in-one machines?
2. Do you have a really good system for making and refrigerating/freezing food? Are those ice cube size freezer trays good (I have two that MIL got 2nd hand). What about the jar-sized portion freezer trays or the magic bullet fridge storage tray? Do you use any of those travel packs they sell with an insulated bag and 2-4 containers, or is it really just something that wouldn't get used much?

I used the magic bullet ALL THE TIME and I used ice cube trays and baggies. DS didn't even do purees for more than a month or two so I'm so glad I didn't buy anything special. The bullet is awesome because you can just throw stuff in there in small amounts and go.   Once ds started liking more textured foods we did use a food mill but those are inexpensive and he only used it for a couple weeks.

Thanks. Is the food mill the kind that you crank by hand and can just take some food off your own plate? That's all my mom ever had, but I didn't know if I would use one since I have the electric stuff.

Quoting suzyq463:" Thanks. Is the food mill the kind that you crank by hand and can just take some food off your own plate? ... [snip!] ... some food off your own plate? That's all my mom ever had, but I didn't know if I would use one since I have the electric stuff."

Yep. It makes the food a little thicker and I guess is nice for meats and stuff. We used it for veggies, but he would rather just eat them at that point.