You don't need to be a celebrated interior designer to create a first-rate cooking environment in your kitchen. Determination is all it takes. When shopping for cooking appliances keep in mind that you will find dozens of appliances that you don't necessary need. But there are essential ones that you need and would be worth investing in. Whether you are shopping for small or large appliances, or another creative way to encourage your inner chef, our expert tips to the best cooking appliances will guide you in the process of selecting the most essential ones in your journey.

Don't forget many retailers have sales particularly around holiday weekends.


Small Appliances

1. Stand Alone Mixer

If you are a heavy-duty cook and make bread, pastries or cookies often, you won't regret investing in a stand alone mixer. A mixer with a 4½ to 5-quart bowl is the right size for most average baking and cooking needs. But if you have a large family or do a lot of large batch baking for a home business you can get a second larger mixing bowl or upgrade to a more powerful mixer.

2. High Performance Blender

Some people find blenders indispensable in the kitchen. They are jacks of all trade that can chop, grate and purée ingredients. Most small blenders are appropriate for light jobs in the average kitchen but you may consider a more sophisticated model that can handle heavy-duty tasks if needed. Models vary in the low-to-mid price range.

3. Electric Rice Cooker

A rice cooker can be a very useful and versatile kitchen appliance. In addition to cooking rice fast they can be used to steam vegetables and even cook soups and stews. When shopping for one, take into consideration what you will use it for. Not all rice cookers can perform the same tasks.

4. Electric Grill

Electric grills are a favorite household appliance quite simply because they can hold a lot. They are highly convenient for cooking meals for the whole crew and are plugged to the electricity. Most electric skillets have non-stick surfaces allowing you to cook eggs and pancakes, or other types of foods you couldn't imagine cooking in a non non-stick surface. They come in different shapes and sizes. Most experts agree skillets with high sides are better because they can make it easier to deep-dry and braise.

5. Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens can make toast but also can cook pizza, roast vegetables, broil meat, bake cookies and toast larger baked goods. A basic model will typically offer three functions: toast, bake and broil. But if you want it for additional tasks look for a more advanced model. When shopping for a toaster oven think of your countertop space. Toaster ovens' sizes range in average from 16 x 8 inches for the small ones to 20 x 10 inches for the large ones.

Large Appliances

1. Electric Smooth Cooktop

Electric smooth cooktops are widely popular these days. Their sleek and shiny surface and the fact that they can be less expensive than a conventional standalone range make them a hot asset. Using the proper cookware is recommended to keep the surface from scratching. Cooktops typically have an indicator light that illuminates when the surface is still hot to the touch for safety.

2. Range

Many cooks opt for gas ranges because the burner flame can heat things up quickly. They can be cheaper to operate specially in places where natural gas is cheaper than electricity. Speaking of that, in case of a power outage, you can definitely rely on a gas range. Most of them have oven integrated and newer models offer five or more burners for heavy-duty cooking.

3. Range hood

You want to avoid impregnating your clothes with smoke while in the kitchen. Hood ranges have become stylish and practical for venting smoke and fumes. These days retailers offer sophisticated models at affordable prices. When shopping for a hood range check on whether you need to duct the hood to the outside, trap the air in a filter or both. Take also into consideration its sound level.

4. Dishwasher

After putting your whole energy in preparing the meals, nothing can come as handy as a dishwasher to run as many loads of dishes as you need a day. The market has launched various types of dishwashers from the standard built-in type to compact to portable. What makes a good dishwasher? Look for ease of use and a model that matches your dish capacity needs and budget.

5. All-in One Package! Stove + Microwave + Fridge + DIshwasher

There is no better opportunity to equipping your home or upgrading your entire kitchen than the holiday season. Think "Cyber Monday Extended Deals" and you know what we are talking about. This 4-piece kitchen package with a stainless steel range, a microwave oven, a french door refrigerator and built in dishwasher is a no brainer for its affordable price.

Holiday Bonus!

Fire place & Wine Cooler

Consider a fancy wine-cooler to reward yourself for the hard work you put up during the year. Enjoy a pleasant display of your burgundy bottles while you indulge in a glass of wine with your loved ones over the holiday parties. Add style and warmth to the occasion with a modern fireplace.