Guide to choosing small kitchen appliances
It would be practically impossible to own all the different types of small kitchen appliances on the market today. There are countless types of grills and griddles, elaborate food processors, mixers, blenders and other items continuously being promoted by manufacturers. Too many appliances can simply complicate your kitchen with seldom-used clutter and eat up valuable cabinet and countertop food prep space, so choose wisely. A microwave is standard in most kitchens, but everything else is optional.Microwave oven:
The strength of microwave ovens is measured in watts and is powered by a magnetron. Ovens can range from 600 to 1,650 watts typically, with higher wattages indicating higher heat. It is easy to spend extra money on specialized features that you may hardly ever use. You may want to have basics such as a turntable or removable racks and speed cooking or convection oven features.
What to consider when choosing what small appliances to include in your kitchen:
Ÿ Current vs. future needs
Ÿ Cooking style - fast food junkie or gourmet cook/foodie?
Ÿ Size/Storage - countertops, appliance “garages” or cupboard spaces must be adequate for the height and width of the appliance
Ÿ Style - contemporary vs. traditional, color-coordinated vs. eclectic
Ÿ Corded vs. cordless models
Ÿ Warranty/product reputation and track record
If you do choose to purchase a specialty small appliance, note how often you use it. Some may only be used once a year for special occasions, but you may still choose to keep them. Others may only be used every few years. You may want to consider selling these at a garage sale or donating them to a charity where they will be better used.