Once we get past dinnerware, silverware, glassware (all the wares, if you will) there are other kitchen essentials that shouldn’t be overlooked. What appliances do you need? What would make meal prep easier? Here are eight essentials for a beautifully functioning kitchen.
LARGE CUTTING BOARD
A large wooden cutting board is one of those kitchen essentials that we use every day. I love that is doubles as both a kitchen workhorse for prep and a serving or cheese platter for the party.
BLENDER
So until I got a quality blender, I would say the amount of times I used my cheap Hamilton Beach one could be listed on one hand. A quality blender will change your life, and you can use it for everything from smoothies (duh) to soups and sauces. If you are crunched for space, an emersion blender is good for everything but smoothies AND its a super easy cleanup.
MIXER
Ok, not sure this is a must have unless you bake, but I am pretty sure this is on every wedding registry so there must be a reason. Maybe because they look so cute on the counter? I bake regularly so for me this is actually a must have, but a cheaper/space saving option is always a handheld.
QUALITY COOKWARE
Remember when you went off to college and dropped $100 on a set of nonstick pans? And how they were ruined before you even graduated? Us too. Cookware gets a lot of use so it’s worth spending good money for it. That being said, you don’t have to splurge on the fanciest All-Clad pots and pans. I have friends who don’t cook and got those because they are the “best” and ended up having to purchase other non-stick options because those were just a little too advanced. Get what you need, but also be realistic about your needs.
SHARP KNIVES
Once you’ve used sharp knives you can’t go back. Ladies who love to cook, you know exactly what we’re talking about! Kitchen tools that work really well are your friends.
COFFEE FIX
But first, coffee. That is my motto, and however you take your coffee, be sure you can do it at home. The time you have in the morning can be an important deciding factor. For quick mornings when you don’t have a lot of time, a Keurig or coffee maker is your BFF (especially if it’s programmable). But for slower mornings when you have a little more time, maybe you want to make espresso over the stove with your percolator or make French press or pour over coffee. Whatever it is, sit down and enjoy it!
