An image of a kitchen with some basic must-have kitchen appliances.

Equipping yourself with the right tools can transform cooking from a chore into a delightful culinary adventure. However, with the myriad of appliances available, you could have trouble knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve selected 10 must-have kitchen appliances that should serve as the foundation of your kitchen equipment. 

With these, you will have everything you need to prepare most meals you can think of, and any other appliance is just a bonus. We also know that your kitchen doesn’t have endless space, so we considered space-effective appliances that will not overcrowd your kitchen when making our list. With that in mind, we can begin.

Major Appliances

Let’s start with the 3 kitchen essentials that you probably need to design the layout of your new kitchen around, namely:

  1. Oven or Stove: The kitchen is for cooking, so we’ve got to start there. You will want an oven, stove, or at least a cooktop. An oven and cooktop combination is one of the most common choices due to its practicality and the space you save. When it comes to cooktops, you’ll need to choose between gas, standard electrical, or induction ones. All are perfectly valid choices; it comes down to your preferences.
  2. Refrigerator: The second major must-have kitchen appliance is the fridge. You can get a separate refrigerator and freezer, but you likely don’t need them unless you have a very large family. A combo fridge and freezer is typically enough, and again, it saves space. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, it’s worth considering getting an under-the-counter fridge instead of the standard upright one.
  3. Dishwasher: Maybe you find washing dishes relaxing and therapeutic. In that case, you don’t need a dishwasher. However, if you are like most people and simply think of washing dishes as a chore, then a dishwasher is a must-have kitchen appliance for your new kitchen. It saves you time, it sterilises the dishes better than you could in the sink, and it’s an eco-friendly choice because you are using less water when compared to washing by hand.

Countertop Must-Have AppliancesA woman using a blender on a countertop.

Once you know which major appliances you’ll have in your new kitchen and what the layout will be, and you have all the basic kitchen tools like knives and cutting boards, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll place on your countertops. The smaller appliances you should definitely consider are:

  1. Microwave: Every kitchen should have a microwave. Whether it’s to make microwave meals (granted, they aren’t the best, but they are convenient) or heat up leftovers, a microwave will often come in handy when you are in a pinch and don’t have the time to cook a full meal.
  2. Blender: A vital addition to any new kitchen, the blender offers versatility and convenience in meal preparation. While it’s not used as often as some other appliances on this list, you can create smoothies as well as soups and sauces. You can also use the blender to crush ice for refreshing drinks or create homemade salad dressings with ease. Some models feature multiple speed settings and pre-programmed functions for added control. This essential kitchen appliance will simplify cooking tasks and let you customise flavours to your preferences.
  3. Toaster or Sandwich Press: A toaster is clearly a must-have kitchen appliance if you eat toast. And you do. But you don’t have to settle for a regular toaster. A sandwich press is an upgrade from a toaster in the sense that it can toast bread while also allowing you to make a variety of quick and easy meals. Besides being the only option for toasted and pressed hot sandwiches, you can use a sandwich press to cook things like bacon, sausages, or eggs. Just remember not to use abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the non-stick coating of the plates if you need to clean up after cooking some of these things.
  4. Mixer: A mixer is essential for baking tasks like mixing dough and whipping cream. With various attachments and speed settings, it simplifies cooking and baking processes, ensuring consistent results. Whether you're making fluffy cakes or creamy mashed potatoes, a mixer streamlines preparation and enhances texture. Most mixers come with many features that cater to diverse recipes.
  5. Coffee Machine: Is there anyone in Australia who doesn’t enjoy a cup of freshly brewed espresso? A coffee machine brings this luxury right to your fingertips. Coffee machines ensure rich, flavorful shots with a velvety crema, serving as the base for a variety of coffee beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. They froth milk to perfection, something you simply can’t do by hand. Modern models often feature built-in grinders for freshly ground beans, enhancing the flavour and aroma. Programmable settings allow customisation of coffee strength and brew size, catering to individual preferences. Plus, convenient functions like automatic shut-off timers and self-cleaning cycles make these machines easy to use and maintain.
  6. Grill: How is a grill a must-have kitchen appliance? How can it even fit into most kitchens? Well, a standard grill can’t, but you probably like the taste of grilled meat, don’t you? That’s why you get a bench-mounted grill. It will easily fit on any kitchen countertop, so the space problem is solved, and it does the same job as a standard grill. The only downside is that you can’t cook the same quantity as you would on an outside grill, so don’t expect to host a large party and feed them all freshly grilled dishes. However, if you’re making food for yourself, your family, and a few friends, you can have everything you need right in your kitchen.
  7. Rice Cooker: A rice cooker simplifies the preparation of perfectly cooked rice, making it a valuable tool for busy people and culinary enthusiasts alike. In truth, how often is your rice over or undercooked? This won’t happen with a rice cooker and if you like to prepare rice-based dishes, then this is a must-have kitchen appliance for you. You can also use a rice cooker to cook grains and steam vegetables or meats, giving it some versatility. One of the primary benefits of a rice cooker is its set-it-and-forget-it functionality. You add the ingredients and the cooker automatically detects when the rice is cooked and switches to a ‘keep warm’ mode, maintaining optimal serving temperature. In short, a rice cooker is an easy-to-use and practical appliance that you should have in your kitchen.

Shop Kitchen Appliances Online

We’ve listed what we believe are 10 must-have kitchen appliances, but it’s up to you to add or remove some. And when you decide what you need, you can find it at AGC Equipment. From kitchenware to cutlery to cooking equipment, we have the things you need to equip your new kitchen. Place your order online and it will be delivered to your address. In case you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll gladly help you in any way we can!





 


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