13 must-have kitchen appliances for your new home
Moving into a new home gives you the perfect blank canvas to turn a regular kitchen into a place where your ideas flourish and your creativity comes alive. Transforming your new kitchen into your ideal workspace is easy with this comprehensive guide of must-have appliances.
Learn more about 12 essential countertop and major appliances that can help inspire new creations with every use.
What kitchen appliances do you need?
Having the right kitchen appliances can make all the difference when it comes to creating delicious snacks, appetizers and meals, but these will depend on what type of recipe you’re hoping to tackle.
There are some appliances that are foundational to your kitchen, like a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, range or wall oven and cooktop pairing, and other optional additions like blenders, food processors and more that give you even more cooking and preparation capabilities. From countertop blenders and microwaves to major appliances like a refrigerator and oven, having the right tools in your kitchen can inspire you to embark on new culinary journeys and experiment with different recipes, ingredients and techniques.
Countertop appliances you may need
Stand mixer
Hand/immersion blender
Coffee machine
Toaster or countertop oven
Food processor or food chopper
Blender
Major appliances you may need
Refrigerator
Range
Wall oven
Cooktop
Range hood
Dishwasher
Microwave
Countertop kitchen appliances list
If you’re looking for countertop appliances to equip your new kitchen, keep reading for ideas that will help make your everyday tasks as well as your more involved culinary creations a breeze.
Stand mixer
From making freshly whipped buttercream for a deliciously fluffy cake to making homemade pasta for a Sunday sauce, a stand mixer is a true powerhouse appliance for any cook. Versatile and mighty, select KitchenAid® Stand Mixers let you elevate everyday dishes with a myriad of attachments and accessories.
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Hand/Immersion blender
You can whisk, chop and blend directly in your pot or cup with an immersion blender. Immersion blenders are ideal for whipping up some mashed potatoes for an easy weeknight meal, or creating soups, sauces and salad dressings without having to use additional dishes.
KitchenAid brand offers a selection of immersion blenders with various speeds that can blend a wide variety of ingredients.
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Coffee machine
Whether you prefer a bold espresso or a nicely brewed cup of drip coffee, a coffee maker is the quintessential appliance to help you kick-start your day. If you’re a coffee lover, consider KitchenAid brand’s line of coffee and espresso makers, which excel at showcasing the aromatic flavors of coffee beans. Savor a truly delectable cup of coffee, cappuccino, latte or your favorite style of caffeinated drink.
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Toaster or countertop oven
Accompany that freshly brewed cup of coffee with a golden, buttery piece of warm toast or wonderfully crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside bagel. KitchenAid® Toasters come in 2 and 4-slice capacities, and are a go-to appliance for any breakfast fan, whether for completing a hearty breakfast or providing a quick meal on the go.
For even more versatility, consider a countertop oven that can serve as additional oven space to toast, bake, broil and sometimes even air fry your favorite ingredients.
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Food processor or food chopper
Make quick and easy work of food prep by chopping up nuts for a fresh garden salad with a food processor. KitchenAid® Food Processors help deliver consistent results every time you’re creating new sauces, dressings and more. Whatever your ingredients, food processors by KitchenAid brand allow you to chop, puree and mix with confidence.
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Blender
For smoothies, soups, salsas, sauces and everything in between, you’ll find yourself reaching for your blender time and time again. The ideal type of blender depends on what you cook. Select KitchenAid® Blenders don’t just blend, they also mix, puree, chop and more.
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Major kitchen appliances to fill your new home
Picking the right appliances for your kitchen is a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. Below, find the appliances that will turn your kitchen into a new space of inspiration and potentially help add value to your home.
When choosing new major appliances, it’s important to consider your kitchen layout, utility connections, ventilation needs and your preferred design style to help create a cohesive and functional setup for your cooking.
Refrigerator
Let form and function meet in your refrigerator. Choose from different finishes that not only match your layout and aesthetic, but also keep your ingredients fresh and ready to use. Consider different capacities and configurations, like side-by-side, French door, and top or bottom freezer styles to match your kitchen design and typical grocery hauls.
KitchenAid® Refrigerators come in a variety of styles and offer various features, like the Preserva® Food Care System that helps keep food fresh longer or the FreshFlow™ Air Filter that neutralizes common food odors for up to 6 months.
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Range
A range combines a cooktop and oven into one appliance. Ranges come in a variety of configurations, from slide-in to freestanding styles and include models with double ovens. You can also choose between gas, electric or dual fuel depending on how you cook and the set up of your kitchen.
With select KitchenAid® Ranges, you can cook and bake within the same space for seamless execution of your meals. Explore options with features like Smart Capabilities that let you control the oven with your Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device to stay hands on or hands off1 or Steam Bake Mode that provides additional moisture during baking, so you can enjoy Basque cheesecake and other delicious desserts.
1. Wi-Fi & App required. Features subject to change. Amazon Alexa capabilities available in U.S. only. Google Assistant capabilities available globally. For details and privacy info, visit KitchenAid.com/Connect (U.S.) or KitchenAid.ca/Connect (Canada). Alexa, Google and certain other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
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Wall oven
Give your cooking more room and versatility with a wall oven that fits your home. Choose from single, double or combination wall ovens depending on your cooking habits and current kitchen configuration.
From the classic single oven to combination ovens that include oven and microwave capabilities, consider a KitchenAid® Wall Oven to help inspire you and execute any dish you’re making.
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Cooktops
Enjoy function, versatility and style with a cooktop that can be added to your countertop or kitchen island. Pair a cooktop and wall oven for more flexibility in your kitchen layout. KitchenAid brand offers cooktops in various styles and sizes so you can find one that's a match for your new kitchen.
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Range hoods
A range hood lets you enjoy the cooking process while venting smells, smoke and grease. The right range hood for your kitchen depends on where you’ve installed your cooktop or range, as different styles like wall mount, island or downdraft are designed for varying installation locations.
Explore the range hoods from KitchenAid brand that come in various styles—from wall mount to island to under-cabinet hoods and even microwave hood combinations with ventilation systems. Get help choosing the right range hood style for you with this guide.
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Dishwashers
No kitchen is complete without a dishwasher. There are a few things to consider when choosing a new dishwasher for your kitchen, like the size of your average dishwasher load, the types of cookware, dishes and utensils you frequently use and the sound level of the appliance during the wash cycle.
Select KitchenAid® Dishwashers that offer features such as the FreeFlex™ Third Rack, sensor technology and quiet performance, can help lighten your cleaning and noise load.
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Microwaves
Make reheating and prepping food easy and consistent with a microwave oven. Find the right microwave for your kitchen by choosing from various models, including microwave hood ovens that also help capture smoke, grease and odors, built-in microwaves that fit into your cabinetry or traditional countertop ovens that can go nearly anywhere in your space.
For a microwave that can offer you oven-quality results, KitchenAid brand offers microwaves in several different styles that can fit within your kitchen layout.
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Kitchen appliance FAQs
If you’re looking for more information about must-have appliances for your kitchen, explore the answers to frequently asked questions below.
If you’re furnishing a new kitchen from the ground up, start with the basics. You’ll need a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a microwave and a central cooking appliance like a kitchen range or a pairing of a wall oven and cooktop.
Once you’ve got the standard major appliances in place, you can add countertop appliances that are tailored to your cooking preferences. Are smoothies part of your breakfast routine? Opt for a blender in a color that inspires you. If you use your kitchen as your own personal patisserie, you may want to consider adding a stand mixer to help you mix batters and dough whenever a craving strikes.
If you’re looking to make the most of your smaller kitchen space, look for appliances that have a smaller footprint. Small or compact major appliances give you the standard features you need while fitting into tight installation locations.
If countertop space is limited, consider appliances like built-in or over-the-counter microwaves that leave your counters open for prep work. Smaller spaces typically require you to be a bit more selective in the additional countertop appliances you choose, so consider the cooking and food preparation techniques you use the most before buying anything.
Whether you bundle appliances for your new kitchen comes down to personal preference. Bundling has several benefits, including:
Upgraded features and functions: A modern, updated matching suite of appliances with new features and functions offers you the ability to experiment with different recipes and techniques.
Elevated design aesthetic: A matching suite of appliances can help make your kitchen feel intentional and visually cohesive.
Increased home value: A kitchen with a matching suite of appliances can create a cohesive design that may be more appealing to prospective buyers. Outdated or mismatched appliances may deter those who are searching for a stylish look in their new home.
However, if an appliance outside of a matching suite has functions more suited to your cooking style, that can be a bundling drawback. Instead of bundling, you may want to choose appliances based on innovative features that match your culinary techniques.
KitchenAid brand offers a range of premium options for stocking your kitchen with countertop and major appliances. From blenders and toasters to dishwashers and ranges, KitchenAid brand provides powerful and reliable solutions that let you explore recipe options in style.
The KitchenAid® Line
Discover Juniper appliances
Inspired by nature, this neutral color features a lush satin metallic finish with matching handles and/or knobs to bring a fresh, clean elegance to your kitchen
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