Kitchen Appliances: A Checklist to Cover all Bases

Deepblue Direct August 13, 2022

When it comes time to buy kitchen appliances, there are a lot of factors to consider. Which ones will meet your needs? What kind of budget do you have? How much space do you have in your kitchen? In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to think about when purchasing kitchen appliances, from dishwashers to microwaves.

1. Food processor

A food processor is a versatile and time-saving kitchen appliance that can help you with various food preparation tasks. Here's why you should consider having one in your kitchen:

Facilitates repetitive tasks: Food processors are similar to blenders but have more power and a larger container, making them better suited for harder tasks like slicing vegetables, grinding coffee beans, or pureeing large amounts of food.

Multiple attachment blades: Food processors come with several different attachment blades that can be swapped out depending on the desired result.

For example:

  • A shredding blade for finely shredded cheese or coleslaw
  • A dough blade for mixing and kneading bread dough

Time-saving tool: By performing tedious tasks such as chopping vegetables or grating cheese in seconds, a food processor frees up time for more enjoyable activities like cooking or spending time with family and friends.

Uniform results: Unlike manual chopping, a food processor can quickly and easily create perfectly uniform pieces of vegetables, ensuring consistency in your dishes.

2. Microwave

The microwave is one of the most popular kitchen appliances, and it’s no wonder why. Microwaves can defrost meat, cook rice, reheat leftovers, and even make popcorn. In addition, they’re fast – a meal that would take an hour to cook in a conventional oven can often be prepared in minutes in a microwave.

And for busy families on the go, that’s a huge advantage. But microwaves also have some disadvantages. For one thing, they can be pricey if you want a high-tech microwave. Microwaves are also notoriously difficult to clean - ask anyone! But despite their drawbacks, microwaves continue to be one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market today.stainless steel microwave on a kitchen worktop

3. Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the most popular kitchen appliances, and it’s not hard to see why. These time-saving devices can take a lot of the hassle out of doing the dishes, and they come in a wide range of prices and styles to suit any budget.

But what exactly does a dishwasher do, and how does it work? Essentially, a dishwasher is a machine that cleans and dries dishes using water, detergent, and heat. Water is pumped into the dishwasher and mixed with detergent to create a soapy solution. This solution is then sprayed onto the dirty dishes, where it breaks down food and grease.

Finally, hot air is used to evaporate any remaining water, leaving your dishes clean and ready to use. So whether you’re looking to save time or simply want an easier way to keep your kitchen clean, a dishwasher may be just what you need.

4. Hand blender

A hand blender, also known as an immersion or stick blender, is a compact and convenient kitchen appliance perfect for various blending tasks. Here's why you should consider adding one to your kitchen:

Design and functionality: Hand blenders consist of a long, slender shaft with a motor attached to a blade assembly at the end. They can be battery-operated or plugged into an electrical outlet.

Easy cleaning: The shaft is often detachable from the blade assembly, making it easy to clean after use.

Versatile applications: Hand blenders are ideal for many tasks in the kitchen, such as:

  • Puréeing soups, sauces, and baby food
  • Blending ingredients for salad dressings and dips
  • Making frappés

5. Pressure cooker

A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooked food by using hot water vapour. It has a sealed container with a valve that controls the steam pressure. When the valve releases the steam, it cooks the food quickly.

The pressure cooker was invented in 1679 by French physicist Denis Papin who was looking for a way to reduce cooking time. The first pressure cookers were made of metal and were very dangerous; they exploded often, sometimes causing burns and injuries.

Fortunately, in 1864, German inventor Georg Gutbrod designed a pressure cooker with a safety valve. This design made it much safer to use. Today, pressure cookers are made of aluminium or stainless steel and are infinitely safer to use at home than the first renditions. They are super easy to use and are utilised all over the world to cook food quickly.

6. Mixer Grinder

A mixer grinder is a kitchen appliance used to mix, grind, or chop food ingredients. It is typically composed of two or more blades that rotate at high speeds and are powered by an electric motor. The blades can be used to chop and grind a variety of food items, including meat, vegetables, herbs, spices, and bread dough.

A mixer grinder can also be used to make purees and sauces. Some models come with additional attachments, such as a juicer or pasta maker. Mixer grinders are available in a wide range of sizes, from small countertop models to large commercial units.

7. Oven

A baking oven, a special kind of oven, is typically used for baking bread and pastries. It usually has a chamber with two walls and a heating element at the bottom. The radiant heat from the element evenly heats the food in the chamber. Baking ovens can either be powered by gas, electricity, or wood.woman putting food into a kitchen oven

A convection oven is another type of oven that uses forced hot air to circulate food, cooking it evenly on all sides. This kind of oven is often used in restaurants and commercial kitchens because it cuts down on cooking time.

Finally, a microwave oven uses microwaves to heat food quickly and efficiently. Microwave ovens are popular in households because they are easy to use and don't require preheating as traditional ovens do.

8. Air fryer

The air fryer is a relatively new kitchen gadget that has quickly gained popularity due to its ability to produce fried foods with little to no oil. Traditional frying methods require a large amount of oil, which can not only be unhealthy but also messy and time-consuming to clean up.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, causing it to cook evenly on all sides. This translates into crispy, delicious results without all the extra fat and calories. In addition, air fryers are typically much easier to use and clean than conventional deep fryers. For anyone looking for a healthier alternative to fried foods, an air fryer is worth considering.

9. Coffee maker

When it comes to coffee makers, there are a lot of different options to choose from. You can get a basic drip coffee maker for a relatively low price, or you can spend a bit more and get a fancy espresso machine. There are also a wide variety of budget and luxury options in between these two extremes. So how do you decide which coffee maker is right for you?

One factor to consider is how much coffee you drink daily. If you only drink one or two cups of coffee per day, then a simple drip coffee maker should suffice.

However, if you drink several cups of coffee per day or entertain guests often, then you may want to consider investing in a higher-end machine. Another factor to consider is how much space you have in your kitchen. If counter space is limited, then you may want to consider a compact coffee maker that takes up less room.

No matter what your budget or needs are, there is sure to be a coffee maker that is perfect for you. With so many different options on the market, it is easy to find both budget and luxury appliances of each type.

10. Cooking utensils

There are many different types of cooking utensils, and each has its purpose. The most basic utensil is a pot or pan, which can be used for boiling, frying, or baking.

A knife is also a necessary tool for any kitchen and can be used for chopping, slicing, and dicing. A cutting board is also a useful surface for prep work. In addition, there are a variety of specialized utensils that can be used for specific tasks, such as whisking, measuring, or stirring.

No matter what type of cooking you do, having the right utensils on hand can make the process much easier. With the right tools, you can cook anything from a simple meal to an elaborate feast.

11. Rice Cooker

When it comes to cooking rice, there are two main options: budget and luxury. Budget cookers tend to be more basic, with fewer features and lower quality construction. Luxury cookers, on the other hand, often have advanced features and better build quality. So, how do you choose between the two?

The first step is to consider your needs. If you only cook rice occasionally, a budget cooker should be sufficient. However, if you frequently make rice dishes or want to experiment with different recipes, a luxury cooker would be a better investment.

Another factor to keep in mind is how much space you have in your kitchen. Budget cookers are typically smaller and more compact, while luxury cookers can be larger and bulkier.

Once you've decided on your needs, the next step is to start shopping around. Compare prices and reviews to find the best value for your money. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a good rice cooker; there are plenty of affordable options that can still meet your needs. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find both budget and luxury rice cookers that fit your particular wants and needs.

12. Kitchen scale

A kitchen scale is a small device used to weigh food items in kitchens. It is a very useful tool for those who want to monitor their food intake or for those who want to cook with precision.

There are many different types of kitchen scales on the market, from simple mechanical scales to digital scales that can connect to apps and computers. No matter what your needs, there is a kitchen scale that is right for you.

While kitchen scales are most commonly used in households, they are also used in some commercial kitchens. Many restaurants use them to portion out food items so that each dish is consistent.

This is especially important in desserts like pies and cakes, where a small change in ingredients can lead to big differences in taste and texture. So, whether you are at home or in a professional kitchen, a kitchen scale can be a valuable tool.

13. Grill

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious food. There are many different types of grills to choose from, including charcoal, gas, and electric.

Each type of grill has its benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, charcoal grills provide a more intense flavour, but they can be difficult to control. Gas grills are easy to use and provide consistent results, but they can be expensive.

Electric grills are a great option for those who live in apartments or condos, as they don't produce any smoke or fumes. No matter what type of grill you choose, there's nothing better than cooking outdoors and enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends.

14. Toaster

A toaster is a small appliance that uses heat to cook bread, bagels, or pop tarts. Toasters typically have two or four slots for holding bread in place while it cooks. Some toasters have a lever that lowers the bread into the slots, while others have an automatic mechanism that starts the cooking process when the bread is inserted. Toasters also usually have a knob or control for adjusting the cooking time. Some toasters even come with a built-in timer.

The first toaster was invented in 1893 by British inventor Alan MacMaster. His toaster was a standalone unit with two wire racks for holding bread. It was powered by electricity and had a primitive timer that turned off the power after a certain amount of time.

Today, toasters are available in a wide range of styles and colours. They can be found in most kitchen appliances stores or online. Whether you’re looking for a basic model or something more flashy, there’s sure to be a toaster that’s perfect for your kitchen.

15. Boiling water tap

Most people are familiar with the boiling water tap, which has become a fixture in many homes and businesses.

The boiling water tap is a simple device that delivers instant boiling water on demand, using a boiler in the cupboard below the sink. It usually consists of a child-safe handle that controls the flow of water, and a spout through which the water flows.

copper boiling water tap

3-in-1 taps are most commonly used to fill pots and pans for cooking, but they can also be used for washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. 4-in-1 taps offer an additional function in the form of chilled, filtered water - offering purified water on tap for the whole family.

Our boiling water taps are available in a huge range of styles and finishes, ideal for upgrading modern and traditional kitchens. Read our ultimate guide to hot water taps to find out more.

Conclusion

There you have it! These are just a few of the essential appliances that every kitchen should have. With these basics, you'll be able to cook and clean in a variety of different ways.

Find out how to set a home improvement budget with our straightforward guide.