Hey there! As an expert in home renovation and kitchen design, I put together this comprehensive guide to walk you through the key appliances for your kitchen. From essentials like refrigerators and ovens to specialty gadgets like pasta makers and sous vide machines, we‘ll cover all the major categories so you can decide what‘s right for your needs and budget.
I‘ll also provide plenty of details on the top brands, features, pricing, and more so you can make informed choices. Let‘s get started!
Major Kitchen Appliances: The Backbone of Any Kitchen
Major appliances provide the core functionality for storage, cooking, and cleanup. According to a survey by Statista, the ownership rate for key appliances among U.S. households is:
- Refrigerators – 99%
- Ranges/ovens – 96%
- Microwaves – 93%
- Dishwashers – 53%
- Clothes washers – 83%
- Clothes dryers – 80%
Including these appliances will ensure your kitchen has the essentials covered.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators are a staple in 99% of kitchens because they allow for long-term food storage at cool temperatures. The major styles are:
- Top freezer – Freezer above, refrigerator below
- Bottom freezer – Freezer on bottom, refrigerator above
- Side-by-side – Refrigerator and freezer compartments next to each other
- French door – Refrigerator bottom with dual fridge doors and upper freezer drawer
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Top freezer | Less expensive, smaller footprint | Inconvenient access to freezer |
| Bottom freezer | Easier access to fridge contents | Have to bend down for freezer |
| Side-by-side | Doors allow easy access to both sections | Width restrictive for smaller kitchens |
| French door | Convenient refrigerator access, organized layout | Pricier, larger footprint |
Leading brands like GE, Samsung, and LG offer models ranging from budget friendly at around $700 up to luxury models over $4,000. Key features to look for are capacity, adjustable shelving, crisper drawers, icemakers, and temperature control.
Ranges/Ovens
A stove or range provides cooking functionality through bake ovens and stovetop burners. Gas and electric models are available, with prices from about $500 for basic versions up to $4,000+ for pro-style ranges.
Gas ranges offer more responsive temperature control on the stovetop burners. Brands like GE, Samsung, and Kenmore have options from basic to high-end.
Electric ranges provide flat and smooth cooktops that are easy to clean. Brands like LG, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool offer affordable electric models.
Separate cooktops and wall ovens are also popular for more flexible installation. High-end brands like Wolf, Viking, and Thermador make luxe pro-style models.
Microwaves
Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to quickly and conveniently heat foods. Countertop models start around $60, while high-end built-in microwaves can cost $1,000 or more. Leading brands include Panasonic, GE, and Samsung.
Over-the-range microwaves double as range hoods and save counter space. However, ventilation may not be as powerful. Countertop and built-in models generally have the best performance.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers make washing dishes much easier. They can reduce water usage by 27% over handwashing according to Reviewed.com.
Built-in models from reputable brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, and GE range from $500 on the low end to $2,000+ for ultra-quiet, high-efficiency units. Portable dishwashers are a great option for small kitchens, starting around $300.
Key features include the number of place settings, water usage, noise level, washing cycles, and drying performance. Look for an Energy Star rating for the most efficient dishwashers.
Washers/Dryers
Having laundry capabilities in your residence is a huge convenience. Washers start around $400 for basic top-loaders, ranging up to $1,800 for large capacity front-loaders with features like steam cycles.
Dryers range from $300-$1,600 with electric tending to be less costly than gas models. Look for multiple drying cycles, sensor drying, wrinkle prevention, and steam features when shopping.
Top brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool make washers and dryers designed to pair for full laundry functionality.
Small Appliances: Specialized Gadgets and Time-Saving Tools
While major appliances cover the basics, small appliances provide specialized functionality that can streamline food prep and expand your menu options. Here are some of the most popular categories and top options:
Coffee Makers
With around 62% of Americans drinking coffee daily according to the National Coffee Association, a coffee maker is a must-have. You‘ll get great results from brands like:
- Cuisinart – Excellent mid-range drip coffee machines ($90-150)
- Ninja – High-end machines with specialty brews ($170+)
- Keurig – Leading pod-based maker, wide pod variety ($120-200)
Coffee grinders, kettles, and manual pour over devices offer alternate brew methods. Expect to spend $20-$300 depending on features.
Blenders
Blenders allow quick prep of smoothies, shakes, sauces, and more. Leading options include:
- Vitamix – Commercial quality, advanced blender ($400-700)
- Ninja – Wide range of affordable chopper/blenders ($60-200)
- KitchenAid – Reliable mid-range appliances ($120-300)
Immersion blenders provide blending capabilities with handheld convenience starting around $30. Countertop blenders range from personal $20 models to high-performance options over $500.
Toasters and Toaster Ovens
Toasters provide quick, evenly browned toast using radiant heat. Budget 2-slice models start around $25, while chic 4-slice stainless steel versions can run over $200.
Toaster ovens from brands like Breville, Cuisinart, and Black & Decker are small in-demand ovens starting around $60. They can toast, broil, bake pizza, and much more.
Air Fryers
Air fryers use convection heat to crisp up wings, fries, nuggets, and more with less oil. Popular brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, and Cosori sell models ranging from $60 for small 2-quart fryers up to $200 for 8-10 quart fryers.
Food Processors
Food processors chop, mix, and puree a variety of ingredients for recipes with interchangeable blades and attachments. Leading brands include:
- Cuisinart – Reliable mid-range models ($130-270)
- KitchenAid – Powerful, pricier processors ($200-500)
- Braun – Innovative German engineering ($200-600)
Prices range from around $40 for basic choppers to $500+ for 15 cup models with multiple blades.
Stand Mixers
Stand mixers provide hands-free mixing for baking tasks. The iconic KitchenAid mixers range from $200 to $500 depending on bowl size, power, and colors. Other recommended brands include Cuisinart and Hamilton Beach.
Specialty Appliances: Equipment for Specialized Cooking
Specialized appliances allow you to expand your capabilities and take on advanced cooking techniques.
Sous Vide Machines
Sous vide cooking uses precise temperature controlled water baths to cook food in vacuum sealed pouches. It‘s a technique used in fine dining restaurants to get extremely tender and moist results. Leading brands include:
- Anova – Well-reviewed midrange models ($149-399)
- Breville – High-powered cookers ($249-599)
- Wancle – Budget sous vide starters ($69-99)
Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers utilize pressurized steam to quickly cook ingredients like stews, beans, rice, and more. The popular Instant Pot line offers electric multi-cookers from $50-300 depending on size and features. Stovetop models from Kuhn Rikon and Presto are available from $25-170.
Pizza Ovens
Purpose built pizza ovens can reach 700°F+ to bake authentic wood-fired style pizza in minutes. Leading brands include:
- Ooni – Gas or wood pellet fueled ($299-799)
- Gozney – Premium dual fuel models ($599-999)
- Bertello – Affordable wood, gas, or charcoal ($279-329)
There‘s even indoor electric models from brands like Breville for countertop pizzamaking.
Ice Cream Makers
Make your own frozen treats with dedicated ice cream machines! Cuisinart makes top-rated self-refrigerating makers starting at $50, while Whynter and Nostalgia make budget models in the $30-50 range. Just add your ingredients and churn out artisan ice cream.
Indoor Grills
Indoor electric grills offer convenient grilling performance year-round. Philips, Hamilton Beach, and Cuisinart make indoor grills priced $40 on up. Options include contact and open flame grilling.
Waffle Makers
Waffle makers range from small round mini-makers for under $20 to double Belgian waffle irons. The $30-60 range offers quality makers from brands like Dash, Chefman, and Black+Decker. High-end nonstick models from All-Clad and Waring Pro are $90-200.
Shopping Strategies for Appliances
Here are some tips as you outfit your kitchen:
- Make a list of must-have basics and nice-to-have specialty items
- Determine your budget for appliances – expect to spend $2,000 to $5,000 for a fully outfitted kitchen
- Carefully measure your space – especially for large appliances
- Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations to identify quality brands and features
- Shop end of summer and Black Friday/Cyber Monday for deals on appliances
- Consider buying floor models or refurbished units to save money
I hope this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of the many appliance options and brands available. Let me know if you have any other questions!
