Kitchen updates are at the top of most people’s lists of home improvements because this room has taken over as the heart of the home in many households. When you’re going to be in your kitchen so much, you want to make it a room that works for you. Turn to favorite brands like LG appliances to get matching sets that work together to help your kitchen not only look great, but take on a lot of the work of food preparation.
Dishwashers: New technology in smart dishwashers makes pre-rinsing and setting dishwasher cycles a thing of the past. New dishwashers can often detect how fully loaded the trays are and how soiled the dishes are and set the cycle accordingly. Plus, they’re much more energy efficient and use less water, all while getting your dishes to the sparkling clean you may have thought only existed in commercials on TV.
Ranges: Precision is key when you’re cooking or baking, and today’s ranges have features to help. For example, many of today’s ranges come with a warming drawer to keep food hot without overcooking it so you can prepare something a little early and keep it warm while you work on other dishes. Also, look for features like induction cooktops and convection ovens to offer more precise temperature control.
Refrigerators: A French door refrigerator is one of the best additions you can make to your kitchen, with easy access to the foods you use most, plus wide shelves with plenty of space. Another feature to look for is a freezer with pull-out drawers so you can organize your frozen foods more effectively. Last, consider a fridge with a water dispenser in the door and the ability to install a filter so you have an abundant supply of cold, filtered water.
KitchenAid Mixer: If you’re only going to get one heavy-duty countertop appliance, this is one of the best choices. It handles all of the hard work for you in a wide range of tasks. The dough hook will knead all sorts of dough for you, while the whisk makes quick work of meringue or whipped cream. And of course, the traditional paddle will mix everything from cookie dough to mashed potatoes.
Keurig: Making fancy coffee drinks at home got a lot easier with the invention of the Keurig, which puts an end to messy coffee filters and having to measure ingredients when preparing drinks. This machine makes single servings of not only coffee, but other coffeehouse favorites and tons of additional hot beverages. Get pods for hot chocolate, chai tea, and any of your other family’s favorites to make it easy to prepare a drink for everyone.
Slow Cooker: Your kitchen can even work for you when you’re away from home, with the help of a slow cooker. This electric pot is the ideal solution for people who work but want to come home to a healthy dinner. All you have to do is toss the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and let the gentle heat do its magic of blending flavors and tenderizing meats.
Your kitchen is probably where your family hangs out while you’re preparing dinner, where friends come chat, and where you spend a lot of time making healthy meals at home. It’s a place you should love, so get started making the changes you need to transform the room into a comfortable and efficient space. Everyone’s ideal kitchen looks a little different, so consider the way you cook to make it work for you.
Joseph is a writer with an interest in working on his home. When he isn’t working on his latest home project, you can find him blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands he enjoys.