What You Need (and Don’t Need) to Set Up Your Workable Home Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of a home, and we can all agree that the heart needs to run like clockwork in order or an organism to function properly. However, it seems that in the last couple of years, the kitchen has become more of a showoff room than a practical space. Everyone is competing about introducing new design styles, creative materials, and nooks, and we seem to have forgotten the primary functions of this room: food preparation and storing. So, let’s suppose you just want to set up a basic kitchen that will allow you to cook efficiently while still being on a budget. Here are some must-haves to design such a kitchen and some overly-hyped things you should definitely avoid.

You need: plenty of counter space

The most basic requirement of an efficient kitchen is free counter space that enables you to prepare food. This something you will accomplish easily after you get rid of all the stuff you think you need and you actually don’t need them at all.

You need: sink accessories

It is irrelevant whether you have a kitchen sink with one or two basins, it probably has some drawbacks that can’t be amended, unless if you are using some neat sink accessories, such as stainless steel bottom, drain strainers, sink overlay, etc.

You need: basic food preparation appliances

Of course, you will need an oven, stove top, and a refrigerator, but what else should you be looking for? If you need an idea, you can just go through the offer of Kenwood Australia appliances, and you will spot much-needed tools like food processors, blenders, hand mixers (or stand mixers if you prefer those) and multi-blade choppers.

You need: two knives

No, you will not need 12-piece knife set for a minimalistic kitchen, and forget all about serrated bread knife. There is nothing a paring knife and chef’s knife can’t accomplish, especially if you are not very prone to experimenting in the kitchen. Honing steel and a magnetic rack are two great accessories that will make your knives last longer.

You need: basic flatware and eating dishes

Unlike the knives and the appliances, when it comes to the flatware and eating dishes, you can definitely go with the low-end stuff. Just go to your local department store and get a few plates (deep and shallow) and flatware.

You need: quality cookware

You don’t need a special pot to make pasta.  All you need is one large pot, one small pot and a skillet. With all of these, you should go with stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum that can last forever. You will also need several measuring cups and plastic bowls.

You don’t need: a microwave

Hear us out before you start accusing us of blasphemy. The microwave takes up a lot of counter space. Sure, it does ease a lot of culinary processes, but it also stunts your ability to learn to cook. Yes, the microwave popcorn is simple to make, but nothing beats the taste and sound of popcorns from a good old pot.

You don’t need: toaster and sandwich maker

Two more staples of the traditional kitchen, but when you think about them for a second, what do you need them for? They’re both relatively big appliances with a single purpose. Oh, and did we mention that you can make a perfectly satisfying toast in the skillet, and tasty crunchy sandwiches in the oven?

You don’t need: deep fryer

We bet your doctor (and every nutritionist alive) would back us up on this one. Fried food is not really good for your health, and deep fryer isn’t good at all for your kitchen’s functionality since it is pretty bulky.

A truly workable kitchen doesn’t only look the part, it works the part. Instead of overcrowding it with unnecessary items, you should stick to the things you actually need to prepare, eat and store food in the kitchen.