Cliché as it sounds, the kitchen is a house’s beating heart. The home of overdue coffee catch-ups, bleary eyed cereal crunching, and first-sip-of-wine sighs. It has recaptured the hearts of young professionals, whose parents are more likely to gravitate to the living room. And, although the kitchen is so much more than the space where you produce your meals, it is this group too which enjoys fine produce, and devoting time to cooking it. Yet when we think of home upgrades, it is often to an appliqué cushion for the sitting room or a plush rug for the once-a-year used dining room that we turn. A kitchen refit strikes the fear of time, effort and expense into many a heart, but your kitchen goes beyond its countertops and cupboards. We have put together seven easy upgrades you can make to any kitchen, to give it the TLC it deserves.
1. Top End Stand Mixer
What could be better than a kitchen perfuming your home with the smell of a freshly baked Victoria Sponge. Well, eating the sponge probably is. If you are like the rest of us, baking can be rather a slow means to an end. In which case, a top end standmixer is the way to go. Undoubtedly the type of investment you wonder how you did without, once you find yourself effortlessly whisking eggs into snowy mountain tops without an accompanying arm ache. One of the best things about a stand mixer is its versatility. Find attachments allowing you to have a meat grinder, grain mill or food processor all in one. Most of all, for people who spend hours in the kitchen, nothing beats the thought of being able to opt for such hands-free baking. Expend less time and energy, so that the chef can, for once, enjoy the party.
2. Espresso Machine
Now autumn has set in, a warming brew to kickstart the darkening mornings is sure to lift the post-summer blues. Swap the thin, wateriness of instant coffee for the coffeehouse-quality creaminess that can be achieved through an espresso machine. They do all the grinding, tamping, and brewing for you; demystifying the espresso process, and making a good cup of coffee every single time. A stylish feature on any countertop, and a tasty time saver before you dash off on the morning commute. Who needs Starbucks.
3. Wall Ovens
If the time saving perks we have explored so far tickled your fancy, a more substantial investment may be for you. Wall ovens have the polished and unobtrusive air of a chef’s designer kitchen, and the professional performance to match. Convection wall ovens utilise high performance fans to evenly dissipate the hot air, and achieve the perfect cook on multiple dishes at once. For hosting parties, where food timing is imperative, the speed and reliability they offer is second to none. And, if you are entertaining a large gathering, double wall ovens are perfect for accommodating more food yet not dominating your kitchen as a range would. For an even smarter cooking experience, choose an oven which offers Wi-Fi control from your smartphone, steam functions for a crispy yet succulent finish, or even a built in temperature probe to offer you feedback on your dishes progress.
4. Refrigerator Drawer
The days of the clunky, stand-alone fridge are over. With refrigerator drawers, you can maximise your cold food storage, to fit your kitchen’s utilitarian design. You can easily spread them out, stack them up as under-counter cabinets, or even slot them in vertically and utilise that awkward spacing between counters. You may even want to consider a glass door, for a more sophisticated vibe. With easily separated compartments, this is the perfect choice for those with kids who want to avoid the hassle of seeking out yoghurt after yoghurt from the depths of a double-door fridge. Packed in bellow countertops, your little ones may reach their own after-school snacks without causing havoc with the rest of your refrigerated items. Neatly integrated into any kitchen, they are a stylish space saving option which you are sure to love.
5. High End Blender
The perfect high-end blender is one that has pre-programmed settings that allow you to set it according to your individual need. You can set it as a blender for making desserts, smoothies, soups and purees, all to your desired texture and consistency. Plus, if you do not want to keep on guessing whether you’ve timed your blender correctly, choose the one that has a built-in digital timer.
6. Power Dishwasher
Gone are the days when there was a single standard of dishwasher. To maintain your sparkling steel pans and polished cutlery, it makes sense to invest in a top of the range dishwasher. Look for one that has a built-in water softener, to prevent the dishes from becoming spotty. There are dishwasher models that offer ample space for cutlery in a separate rack, which can be especially efficient at cleaning the cutlery whilst not sounding rickety and ruining the ambience of your kitchen. Opt for a dishwasher that has excellent stain removal capability and drying power.
7. Indoor Grilling Machine
We all love a barbecue. The sweet, smoky taste, and the satisfaction of watching your food crisp to perfection. Sadly, British summers rarely offer the opportunity for such a delight. Enter your new best friend, the indoor grill. Look for one with a reversible cooking surface, so you can even grill in those charred ridges that complete any summer BBQ supper. Some indoor grilling machines are so versatile you can even grill for breakfast – from pancakes, to waffle plate attachments, this will soon be a vital part of your cooking routine.
Whatever your preferred style is and whatever it is that you want to do with your kitchen, it will always start with quality appliances. You can’t find a touch of luxury on a kitchen with poor quality equipment. Invest on high end appliances and you’ll be spared from kitchen trouble for years, if not for life.
