I Love my Kitchen

By R. Courtland
R. Courtland

The Fun Guide to Picking Out Kitchen Appliances, Cookware, and Baking Tools

Let’s be real—choosing home appliances, cookware, and baking tools can feel like trying to decide what to eat for dinner: endless options, and half the time you’re just guessing. But don’t sweat it—we’re here to make it fun, informative, and easy. Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Set a Budget Before You Buy Everything

Before you fall in love with a fridge that costs more than your first car, set a budget. Whether you’re going for affordable options (think Whirlpool, GE) or want to splurge on some luxury goods (Viking, Sub-Zero), a budget keeps you from crying at checkout.

And when it comes to cookware, you want to make sure your pans aren’t toxic (literally). Caraway and GreenPan give you Instagram-worthy cookware that won’t poison your food with chemicals—bonus points for looking cute on your stovetop.

Step 2: Must-Have Kitchen Staples

Here are the five kitchen items you actually need:

1. Refrigerator
Essential for not poisoning yourself with expired milk. Smart fridges from Samsung or LG even tell you what’s inside without opening the door. If that’s not magic, what is?
       

2. Stand Mixer
If you’ve ever had a sudden urge to become a baker during a Netflix binge, KitchenAid or the fancy Ankarsrum stand mixers are here for you. More power than your old gym membership.
       

3. Oven/Stove Combo
Whether you’re cooking a 3-course meal or burning frozen pizza, ovens from Bosch or GE Café have your back. Look for dual-fuel if you’re feeling fancy.
       

4. Cookware Set
Stainless steel from All-Clad or non-toxic ceramic from Caraway means you’ll look like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just reheating leftovers.
       

5. Coffee Maker
Because mornings are hard. Whether you’re a Nespresso loyalist or a Breville espresso snob, these will keep you caffeinated and functional.

Step 3: For All You Bakers Out There

If you love whipping up cupcakes or mastering sourdough (because, #pandemic), you’ll want to invest in the right baking gear. Check out Ankarsrum (the powerhouse of stand mixers) or Breville Bakery Boss if you want to pretend you’re on The Great British Bake Off.

And for the health-conscious, go for non-toxic, durable brands like GreenPan and Made In. No one wants chemicals in their cookies.

Bonus Fun: Seasonal Redecorating and Social Media Madness

Did you know people now redecorate for every season like it’s a new fashion trend? Yep, thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, everyone’s home looks like an HGTV show. It costs about $200-$1,000 per season if you’re into swapping out pillows, rugs, and décor for every holiday (and we see you, pumpkin-spice crowd).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Stress, Just Have Fun

At the end of the day, your kitchen should work for you. Whether you’re making avocado toast or a four-course meal, pick appliances and cookware that fit your style and budget—and remember, having fun in the kitchen is what it’s all about. Now go make that shopping list (or scroll through Pinterest for a few hours) and enjoy creating your dream kitchen! 

woman in white t-shirt standing beside woman in black and white stripe shirt