There are thousands of kitchen appliances on the market, and it can be difficult to decide what is worth investing your money in. There are certain appliances that are well worth the investment, but there are some that definitely are not. You want your kitchen to be operational, aesthetic, and worthwhile. Choosing the correct and best tools is important to have the perfect kitchen, so while it may be tough and overwhelming to choose what to spend on kitchen appliances, it is worth the effort.
Dutch Oven
Probably one of the most famous and great kitchen appliances of all time is the dutch oven. It is extremely versatile as it is able to sustain both stovetop and oven usage. Anything you put inside a Dutch oven will become incredibly tender—bonus points for also being able to be used for pasta and sourdough bread. Most people think of Le Creuset and Staub when they hear the word “Dutch Oven”, but Lodge also makes a great version. Dutch ovens are kitchen essentials, but a good quality one will run you around $100. Of course, the sky’s the limit if you opt for a larger brand.
Knives
Knives are a kitchen staple that sees regular usage. You need them for nearly any recipe that exists, and having a quality knife will change your cooking game. Any blade that cuts will NOT do the trick. Quality knives are precisely calibrated and constructed to be effective at meal preparation. In addition, cheaper knives are prone to faster dulling, which can result in kitchen injuries. For example, a Japanese design knife can last forever, and while $200 for a 3-piece Wusthof kit is hefty, it will more than pay itself back.
Espresso Machine
This appliance is worth it for the right person. If you are someone who loves fresh coffee and wants to learn the barista craft, an espresso machine is definitely worth the splurge. It is one of the largest investments on this list, capping out at nearly $1000. Breville is a great brand for at-home espresso machines and can range from $500-$800, depending on the complexity of your brew. A Flair Espresso Maker is a little more primitive but comes at a much lower price point ($125), and a Gaggia is perfect for a tinkler as it can be regularly upgraded and customized.
Pro Ranges
Ranges are one of the most stand-out large appliances in your home. No kitchen renovation can be done without shopping for pro style ranges, and this is for good reasons. They are typically larger and more heavy-duty than a regular range. If you are an avid home cook, an upgraded range will surely change the game for you. In addition, the larger surface also allows for larger pots and pans. Professional style ranges are also an upgrade in terms of build quality and power of the heat source. They are definitely one of the best investments you can make in terms of kitchen appliances.
Not Worth the Splurge
Cast Iron Pan
A quality cast iron pan will last you a lifetime, and they are well worth the price tag, which is, frankly, not very much. As far as versatility goes, cast iron pans are unbeatable, and paying the premium for a cast iron pan will not improve its function. Any $20 cast iron pan is resilient on the stovetop and trustworthy in the oven. Bonus: they can also be placed on a grill. Amazon and Lodge both carry great and affordable cast iron pans!
Toaster
Toasters serve one purpose: to toast bread. Besides switching out the types of bread, there is not much customization. There are definitely better-looking toasters than others. Some will do a more even job, but the fact of the matter is toasters toast bread. The kitchen appliance is far from a kitchen staple and even farther from an investment piece. Any toaster you own will do the job perfectly fine so pick up the $15 one from Target.
Nonstick Pans
Everybody loves a nonstick pan and for good reasons. Nothing is easier to clean and have in your kitchen than a nonstick. Some wild people even stick them in the dishwasher. Because they are so easy to use, they also get regular usage and wear down much faster than other kitchen appliances. The nonstick coating on these pans is great but can be harmful if chipped, so they should be replaced regularly. Most nonstick pans will run you $10-$20, do the job, and will not break the bank when it has to be replaced.
