It goes without saying that the kitchen is the heart of any home. It’s where relatives and friends gather to share a good meal, spend time, and sometimes partake in silly social media challenges.
A kitchen must be practical and beautifully designed, and well-equipped to allow household members to prepare all sorts of recipes. In that spirit, here’s our pick for the top 7 essential kitchen appliances to make home cooking easier and more convenient than ever.
1) Multi-Purpose Coffee Machine
Skip the pre-ground kind and invest in a state-of-the-art appliance to enjoy the true pleasures of drinking coffee. Whether you’re a fan of espressos, lattes, or a plain cup of Joe, a multi-purpose coffee machine is a must in any modern home. They vary in size, design, features, and of course, price tags, but nothing beats the convenience of having one of these in the kitchen. Whatever you or your friends are in the mood for, you’ll be able to cater to all tastes and provide everyone with a much-needed dose of caffeine!
2) Air Fryer
While we all love the comfort of fried foods, the oil they’re cooked in presents various risks if consumed in excess. That’s why more and more homeowners opt for air frying, a healthier method of frying that packs fewer calories yet retains the heartiness of our favorite dishes, whether it’s french fried, fried chicken, or crispy bacon. Given the wide range of models available on the market, finding the best air fryer can be a bit of a challenge. That said, consulting comparative online guides will be your best chance of finding the one that best suits your needs.
3) Blender
A professional blender is an absolute must, whether you’re getting ready for a juice cleanse, making delicious smoothies, or preparing sauces or soups. As you probably know, their purpose is to blend two or more ingredients for a smooth and creamy texture, depending on the recipe. As one of the least expensive appliances on this list, a reliable, high-quality blender will set you back anywhere between $60 and $250. Make sure to select a model that’s sturdy enough to crush ice.
4) Food Processor
A food processor is basically a blender but on steroids. These fairly bulky appliances come with interchangeable attachments and blades for optimal versatility. With them, you can easily chop, grate, slice, blend, and much more. Unlike blenders, food processors don’t require any liquid, as they have more powerful motors to operate. They’re a great choice if you cook in batches or for large groups and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
5) Stand Mixer
If you often make cakes and various doughs (pizza, pie), you’ll know how tiring the effort can be to prepare them by hand. As such, a stand mixer, which retails for $100 to $400, is a no-brainer for those who love to bake, prepare batters, or make their own bread at home. They combine dry and wet ingredients a breeze, helping save energy, time, and keeping your kitchen spotless.
6) Slow Cooker
Modern-day home chefs love these appliances, also known as “crock pots,” for their great versatility and ease of use. With a slow cooker, there’s no need to endlessly watch over your preparations; set a time (typically several hours), and let it do its job. They can produce tender, juicy meats and tasty sides for an all-in-one dinner. Ironically, a slow cooker is a superb kitchen addition if you don’t have that much time dedicated to home cooking.
7) Electric Griddle
Pancakes, sandwiches, meat patties, or seafood skewers are just some examples of recipes that you can prepare using an electric griddle. These appliances are infinitely more convenient than pans and don’t require a gas source for heating. Relatively affordable, easy to clean and maintain, electric griddles will make a great addition to any modern kitchen.
8) Microwave/Toaster Oven
Lastly, it wouldn’t be fair to finish this list with anything other than the good old microwaves. Whether it’s heating leftovers or making mug cakes, microwaves are among the most affordable and useful kitchen appliances out there. Pair it with a toaster oven to enjoy some crispy toast, and you’re all set to go!
All things considered, even if you barely cook at home, having these appliances in your kitchen is definitely worth it. Depending on how you want to furnish your space and what kind of budget you have at your disposal, it’s always best to prioritize your needs and make these purchases accordingly.
