I have a Kitch-Aid mixer and I could definitely live without it. Don't get me wrong, I love it but it's no where near the most important appliance in my arsenal.
I love breakfast and I love cooking without oils and fats so I couldn't live without my $20 Rival griddle. I make so many different kinds of foods on there and I don't have to add any kind of oils to make it so my food doesn't stick thus making it healthier.
Also, it's so easy to make breakfast on that thing that I have breakfast practically every morning... 2 eggs over easy, a couple strips of turkey bacon and a banana... yum.