My kitchen Countertops are my domain. It’s where I can be myself and do as I please. But what I really like is how it brings my family together three times a day. To be able to cook and bring joy to every person is a feeling like no other.

To be able to be at ease in my space, I need a kitchen stocked with all the essentials. And that’s something that everyone should consider, whether it’s a newly married couple moving into a new home for the first time or anyone renovating an existing kitchen.

Kitchen equipment and utensils are used in the kitchen to prepare, cook, and generally assist with a range of activities. Tools and utensils are now made to be attractive and functional to match a brand or range in your house. These tools have evolved and developed through time to make even the most difficult tasks easier and faster, with less clutter and waste.

But a lot of foresight goes into buying kitchen essentials. If you’re doubting yourself and second-guessing about what you should buy, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve got a list of tips to help you make the best decisions about the appliances and utensils that you need to keep in mind.

Ready to get started?

But before we begin, here’s a pro-tip to help you get started in the right direction.

Questions to ask before buying any kitchen essential

How many of you have fallen in love with a kitchen gadget we saw at a friend’s house only to discover that it’s not really what we needed?

Guilty as charged!

This not only digs a hole in your pocket, but you end up with a very cluttered kitchen that can be a nightmare to organize. What I’ve learned over the years is that you can’t have everything you set your eyes on. 🙂

To ensure you don’t have to suffer the same fate as me, please ask yourself these three questions before purchasing.

1. Do you have enough space for it?

Most kitchens have limited space. Cramming too many gadgets and tools makes it difficult to use them. Moreover, it makes the available space even less accessible.

For instance, a juice fountain and extractor can be big and bulky, using up plenty of your kitchen countertops. To avoid such a scenario, only buy equipment that you can fit conveniently in your kitchen.

Furthermore, when purchasing large kitchen essentials such as a refrigerator or convection oven, ensure they can get through the doorway and fit in their allotted spaces.

2. Do you actually need it?

Now I know this sounds like your mother, but seriously, do you really need a citrus juicer and an avocado masher?

But if you bake a lot, it makes sense to buy an electric stand mixer, measuring spoons, baking tins, prep bowls, can openers, and whatnot. Of course, your essential kitchen needs will vary depending on your menu and lifestyle.

It’s best to stick to the basics. To do that, differentiate between needs and wants. Once you’ve got all the essentials, you can explore additional options depending upon how much space your kitchen – and budget- permits.

3. Can you afford it?

If you’ve cleared the first two questions, you can brave this last question.

Often, fancy kitchen gadgets come with a hefty price tag. Sure, you need it, and you’re lucky to have plenty of kitchen space left, but can you afford it without dipping into your savings?

However, don’t let price allow you to compromise on the quality. Low-quality tools and gadgets often aren’t as durable, and you may end up having to replace them within a couple of years.

It’s best to set a budget and consider investing in the necessary kitchen equipment first. This will prevent you from going overboard while you shop.

Tips to get everything you need for your kitchen

If you’ve got the above question sorted out, here are a few tips that can help you buy the right kitchen essentials at the right price.

Tip #1: Look for discounts

Create a list of all the kitchen essentials you need. This not only ensures you’ll stay within your budget, but it can help you snag some great discounts.

For example, when shopping for cooking tools and kitchen utensils such as knives and cookware, you can purchase everything at once for cheaper if you find a great bulk-buy deal.

Tip #2: Consider functionality

Kitchen essentials should be easy to use and maintain. It doesn’t make sense to buy something so complicated that no one in your family dares touch it. Instead, choose equipment that you plan on using often.

Tip #3: Check the warranty

A food factory and home espresso machine are great additions to your gadget collection. But don’t get distracted by the fancy features and flashy gadgets.

Even if you can afford them, remember that many of these items are high-maintenance items. In case something goes wrong, it’s going to cost you plenty to get it repaired.

So before making a purchase, ask about warranties and guarantees. Make sure to read the fine print. Understand what is covered, how long it lasts, and who you need to contact for repairs.

Tip #4: Create a theme

You can get as groovy as you want. After all, it’s your kitchen.

But just in case you want everything in your kitchen to come together, identify what style you prefer. You can choose from various styles, such as traditional, transitional, eclectic, modern, rustic, etc.

No matter which one you choose, try to stick to that style.

There are countless options you can choose from. So you don’t need to rush things and settle for items that don’t match your kitchen. Yes, I know this can be tough at times. However, shopping around and searching for the right one can well be worth it in the end.

Tip #5: Think long-term

You’ll find kitchen essentials in all styles, sizes, and prices. So you must find something appropriate for your needs.

Consider durable and maintenance-friendly material. Moreover, when purchasing kitchen appliances and equipment, look for those that are energy efficient. After all, you need to keep the cost of running the unit in mind as well.

Over to you

Buying new kitchen equipment should be a joyous occasion. You don’t want to waste time and money on extravagant items they may or may not use.

Having the most important cooking utensils in your kitchen can make your life so much simpler. Although the kitchen industry is always releasing sleek, fashionable, and interesting kitchen gadgets, it doesn’t imply you have to acquire every one to cook properly.

But hopefully, the tips I mentioned today will prevent you from committing these same mistakes. Essentially, you should start by creating a list of things you need, from dinnerware to appliances to handy gadgets. And to help you stay on track, draw out a feasible plan, highlighting the space and the budget you have.

But that’s the easy part.

Now you have to stick to it. And when it comes to shopping, this can get challenging, even for the best of us.

Happy shopping! 🙂

Author Bio

Audrey Throne has an ongoing affair with the words that capture readers’ attention. Her passion for writing dates back to her pre-blogging days. She loves to share her thoughts related to business, technology, health and fashion.

Find her on Twitter: @audrey_throne