With all the options available, it could be quite overwhelming to decide which kitchen appliance would fit into your space and lifestyle needs. However, as a first-time homeowner, you need to be savvy enough to identify the essentials. Having the right set of kitchen appliances is crucial to achieving tasty and satisfying meals while minimizing the stress and frustration when cooking. Below are a few tips to help you decide as a first-time homeowner.
Considerations When Shopping For Kitchen Appliances
As you start shopping for the right kitchen appliances, it’s important to have a list of priorities in mind. For instance, you’d need to take note of your personal tastes, do your research, compare prices, and consider certain models to help you finalize your appliance purchase list. This would allow you to you purchase only the essentials and disregard those that don’t fit your kitchen requirements and budget range.
However, take note that investing in kitchen appliances could be quite expensive. It would be best to purchase from reputable companies so you could ensure you’re buying quality and durable appliances that could last you for a long time.
For example, you may check out Hart & Co and similar appliance shops, which offer their clients a glimpse of their kitchen appliances through a showroom. This would allow you to gain insight and have a feel of whether or not a certain appliance matches your preferences. At the same time, it’d allow you to stick to your plan of putting together your dream kitchen.
Kitchen Appliance Checklist
With your priorities in mind, you could easily shop around and choose the appliances that’d complete and complement your kitchen setup. To guide you, here’s a kitchen appliance checklist:
1. Microwave
For every homeowner, a microwave may be a necessity. It’s easy to use, fast, and straightforward. Also, microwaves have different sizes. The small ones would be perfect for those who have limited areas as they wouldn’t take up much space in the kitchen.
They also present fewer risks for burns. Unlike other types of heating methods, they heat the food inside while staying warm on the outside. This is also an essential appliance if you prefer to heat leftovers or don’t have much time to cook extensively.
Microwaves also come in convenient features that can match your lifestyle needs. For instance, if you don’t like cooking, one of the tasty options you could try next is microwave meals.
Additionally, preparing meals using a microwave takes less time compared to a stove or traditional oven. This is excellent for adults who are always on the go and have rigorous work routines.
2. Blender
A blender is another kitchen appliance necessity. If you’re looking for a convenient and multipurpose device, you could count on the capabilities of a blender. It’s a versatile product you may want to have in your kitchen.
For instance, you could use it to turn solid ingredients into liquids and fine particles. Apart from quickly whipping up a zesty juice or smoothie, you could use your blender to make soups, sauces, and salad dressings. A blender could also be helpful for chopping nuts, depending on your preferred fineness. You can simply pulse a few times if you opt for a finer grind.
A blender could also help you prepare your ingredients for your baking venture. You could use it to blend dry and wet ingredients. You could also emulsify softer food products like yogurt and fruits, giving you thicker texture and consistency. All these could boost productivity, allowing you to accomplish more in the kitchen.
3. Refrigerator
Bacteria thrive in environments where there’s sufficient moisture and temperature. If ignored, they’d feed on your food, which could make you sick if you eat them. In certain cases, rotten food could even cause death.
A refrigerator sets at 40°F or below, which is an ideal temperature that could impede bacterial growth. Apart from this, it could be used to store groceries, leftovers, and cold food while keeping them in good condition.
Refrigerators now come in exciting and convenient features. For instance, some refrigerators are now equipped with door-based water dispensers. As you open or simply go near your fridge, you’d be reminded to drink water. This is a great way to encourage everyone in the house to stay well hydrated.
Because refrigerators are usually tall and big, you’d need to decide on a size that’d fit your current kitchen corner. At the same time, it would be best to invest in quality refrigerators that could help you save up on your electric bill while ensuring they’d operate for several years.
4. Oven
An oven is a versatile, compact kitchen appliance that could be worth the investment. It could do wonders as it could provide you with another option on how you can approach meal prep. You could cook, roast, and bake on it.
Instead of frying your potatoes using a pan, you could simply throw them in the oven. They usually come out crispy, golden, and tasty, giving you or your whole family a perfect, wholesome snack.
An oven at home would also encourage you to learn baking. Baking is an easy, relaxing, and enjoyable activity you could do. It could even be a good bonding activity with your partner, spouse, or kids. On top of this, ingredients are typically available in the local market. You mix your batter, place them in your preheated oven, and allow yourself to enjoy an array of pastries, from pies and cakes to cookies and brownies. With an oven at home, you may fall in love with the activity and become more confident in trying out new recipes.
However, to keep your oven in good condition, it’s important to clean it periodically. When maintained properly, your oven could continue to operate in optimal condition.
5. Cooktop/Range
A cooktop/range is a kitchen appliance that would allow you to cook various dishes, heat your soups, and fry meat. It can be installed on your kitchen island, making it much easier to multitask. This is also a great option if you already have a built-in oven in your kitchen. However, if you have none, it would be practical to opt for a stove that contains an oven. This would allow you to save space in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
As a first-time homeowner, nothing brings more happiness than having a fully equipped kitchen. With the guide presented above, you could have an idea which appliances would suit your needs and preferences. This could help you stay organized, easily try new recipes, and whip up meals for you or the entire family.