3 Things to Consider When Buying Small Kitchen Appliances

Oh yes, a woman is the queen in her kitchen modern design but she must know how to maintain an immaculate cookery kingdom, too. Having kitchen appliances that demand more space and time to clean up may turn the queen of the kitchen into a bad-tempered witch. So aside from her cooking expertise, she must choose well her kitchen appliances. 

Refrigerators and cooking ranges are kitchen fundamentals.  Other kitchen appliances can be added to complete the ensemble. 

#kitchenappliances

Space and Safety

You would definitely love a spacious kitchen. But not all housewives get to enjoy a big kitchen. How about if you only have a small area? To remodel your kitchen design would not be a cheap choice. So what you do is to be content of your own kitchen and make the best of it.

Whatever the design of your kitchen is, always consider two things when purchasing kitchen appliances.  

First, think about the size of your kitchen area/ kitchen island. When you go shopping, you’d be carried away by the large collection of kitchen appliances. Some are pricey; others are not. Before buying, consider your kitchen size.  

Kids in the kitchen are a lovely sight. Moms and kids helping each other do house chores share a special bond together. It can be messy at the start when kids are trying to do things on their own but it’s a fun learning experience for them.  So the next thing you must keep in mind is to choose an appliance that is safe to use with kids around.  

Space and safety must be on top of your mind when you are trying to decide on the best kitchen appliance and kitchen organizers to buy. Even the smallest utensils need to be kept in a convenient and safe place in the kitchen. 

Tips on Choosing Small Appliances

Once you’ve decided on the appliance to buy, consider these 3 important things- cost, functionality and cleaning up.

How much?

Some say that cost is indicative of quality.  I partly agree. Most items that I bought on discounts didn’t actually last longer than a year. You have to think of cost in long-term perspective. Buying kitchen appliances is an investment. You’ll be glad to know you actually saved more than buying cheap ones. 

How to use?

Is it easy to use? That’s the second question. 

Have you heard of an “all-in-one” cooking appliance called Thermomixer? This brilliant invention brings all other tools in one machine. Chefs prefer this machine because it is a multi-cooker that can save them time and energy. 

The versatile Thermomixer with its multifunctions 

Thermomixer is best for preparing and cooking any dish. The machine has 12 operations. It can weigh, mix, chop, mill, knead, blend, steam, cook, beat, precisely heat, stir and emulsify. It is so versatile that it comes also with a pricey tag of $1939. However, not everyone can afford a Thermomixer.  Also, there are other operations that Thermomixer cannot do. 

That’s when you need to consider not only appliance cost but also functionality.

With functionality, I mean “user-friendly”. As a mom, I like preparation and cooking to be done with ease. I hate having to read appliance manuals over and over just to get the thing running the right way. If an appliance can make food preparation and cooking fast and easy, then buy it!

How to clean?

So you can cook well, then I presume you can also clean your kitchen well. Germs and pests can thrive in your kitchen when the utensils and appliances are not cleaned well. You don’t want your kids getting sick with cholera and other digestive disorders.

If you have kitchen appliances that are hard to clean then the task can turn into a disaster or an accident. Clean up right after using your small appliances to avoid germs building up and to extend the usefulness of your appliance.

Top Three Kitchen Must-Haves

1. Microwave Oven.

Microwave ovens are three types: solo, grill and convection ovens. They can also be digital or rotary.

Solo microwave ovens are used for reheating and simple cooking. 

Grill microwave ovens can reheat and grill, of course. 

If you are fond of baking aside from reheating and grilling, choose a convection microwave. 

Other homes have built-in microwave ovens. 

Cost. The cost of microwave ovens depends on their types and cavity material. Cavity materials can either be ceramic or stainless.

Prices of microwave ovens can range from $50- 250. Built-in microwave ovens are sold from $300-$2500 depending on size, material and brand.

 Functionality. Microwave ovens do more than just pop your corn. You can reheat, cook and grill using your microwave. They are easy to operate. 

Microwaveable plastic containers are designed for microwave heating, But you can use dishes made of glass and ceramic, papers, wax and parchment paper. 

Cleaning Up. Microwave ovens need not be soaped. However, regular use must also be followed by cleaning the unit for health and sanitation purpose. 

To clean a microwave, simply heat a bowl of water for 3 minutes to soften the food residue. When the caked-in leftover food softens, you can get a clean piece of cloth to wipe it away.

Splatters and stains must not be left in the microwave oven. For 5 minutes, heat on high temperature a bowl of water and lemon juice. Finish off by wiping the oven with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of soda. 

2. Blenders

You can choose between immersion and countertop blenders. There are varieties of immersion blenders such as stick blender, wand blender, and hand blender. They are used for blending ingredients or pureeing fruits and vegetables using a blade grinder. It may not be safe for kids aside from it’s going to take up space to store in your kitchen bar cabinet so I suggest you just go for countertop one, aka jug or jar blenders. 

Cost. Immersion blenders are handy and cost about $15-$100. More expensive ones can go as high as $300. 

Countertop blenders of simple to luxurious choices are sold from $20-$2000. 

Functionality. With blenders, blending and juicing is quite easy. Your favorite fruit or vegetable juice is just one button away in less than 10 minutes. 

You can also make salsa and dips, sauces and spreads using your blender.

Cleaning Up. Cleaning an immersion blender is easiest. Just clean and wash it along with other bowls, pans and pots you used

Jar blenders are no different. Simply put enough water in the jar and press the button to blend. All remnants of the ingredients that stuck in the blades will be easy to wash.  Wash like you regularly wash dishes.

3. Coffee Maker

A coffeemaker is definitely found in every home not only in coffee lovers kitchen. They come in different kinds: single-cup coffee maker, drip coffee maker, cappuccino and espresso machine, percolators and French press. 

Which coffeemaker would be worthy of a space in your kitchen? 

Drip Coffee Maker 

Cappuccino and Espresso Machine 

Single Cup Coffeemaker 

#coffeemakermachine

French Press

Cost.   The cost of coffeemakers depends on what brand and kind you want.

Personal coffeemakers are as cheap as $20

Single-cup coffee makers can cost from $100-$200.

Drip machines are from $15-$400. 

If you love cappuccino or espresso, you can buy a machine for $30 to $300. Other models can be as expensive as a $1000. 

Percolators are $15-$100. 

French press is $20-$59. 

Functionality. Whether it’s a personal coffee maker or a French press, it is basic to know how much coffee do you like in your cup. Measure out the water and the coffee to put in. Follow the instruction in the user manual and make sure you check which compartment to put in the coffee and water. Some coffee makers have automatic brewing setting while others can be set manually.

Cleaning Up. Clean your coffeemakers after use. In all types of coffee makers, you will need water and clean filter. You will run the machine using water until there are no remnants in your machine. Some homemakers use vinegar solutions to clean coffee makers. Always read the cleaning instructions indicated in the user manual. 

Remember that your kitchen is one of the most important places in the house. Keeping it clean, safe and convenient for your everyday cooking is a key to keeping a happy and harmonious family life. 

#kitchenessentials   #coffeecup