Whether you're a newlywed setting up house for the first time, or you're an established cook taking stock of your kitchen, there are certain things you should consider when you're buying kitchen equipment. Here are four questions to ask yourself before you make your next big kitchen equipment purchase.
Choose appliances and equipment based on the types of food you envision yourself making the most. If you're an avid baker, you'll probably want a stand mixer to assemble doughs for cookies and breads. If your family is health-conscious, an indoor grill is advantageous for low-fat cooking, and a steamer and/or rice cooker can easily prepare healthy dishes.
If you're constantly hosting dinner parties or big family get-togethers, it's a good idea to invest in equipment that can make your work easier. Depending on the types of dishes you usually serve your guests, a large-capacity food processor, a heated buffet server, an oversized griddle or a generous-sized blender could help with your hosting duties.
A serious (and often overlooked) consideration when buying kitchen equipment is where you'll put it. If you live in an apartment or have a small kitchen and limited storage space, then it would be unwise to invest in a lot of large countertop appliances and space-hogging tools. Instead, consider equipment that can perform a variety of tasks, or only buy items you know you'll use all the time.
Luckily, many kitchen tools and appliances come in a wide range of prices. In some instances, you get what you pay for (particularly for power-based tools like blenders or food processors), but in others, such as griddles, ice cream makers or panini presses, you can opt for less expensive versions.
