A baker’s dozen: 13 must-have products for any kitchen
(BPT) - Eighty-four percent of women and 67 percent of men, on average, do some sort of household activity, such as housework and cooking, every day, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because so much of that time is spent in the kitchen, there are certain helpful tools that you just shouldn’t live without. From making prep work simpler and cleanup faster, to professional-grade options, get ready for an instant kitchen upgrade with these 13 must-have kitchen products.
1. Quality cookware
You can’t get far without investing in a quality cookware set. For optimum cooking results, choose stainless steel pots and pans with a copper or aluminum core; they’ll provide the durability of stainless steel with the uniform heating and cooking capabilities of copper and aluminum.
2. Functional and fashionable faucet
Whether you’re washing fruits and vegetables or rinsing dirty dishes, a quality and dependable faucet is critical for easy, efficient kitchen clean up. Select a product with a pulldown or pullout sprayer and hands-free technology, like the Moen Haysfield faucet with MotionSense. Simple hand movements activate water flow, making tasks quicker and easier.
3. Sophisticated sink
What’s a faucet without a sink? Stainless steel sinks offer the ultimate mix of style and sturdiness; they resist chipping and staining and are available in a variety of designs and configurations. Create a focal point with an apron-front sink; or, for extra room when washing pots and pans, install a D-shaped model.
4. Chop, chop
Most meals require some slicing and dicing, making a quality cutting board essential for any kitchen. Hard wood cutting boards provide the best strength and durability and won’t damage knives. Some brands even offer options that perfectly fit your sink’s shape and size to simplify cooking and cleaning up.
5. Get in line
Protect kitchen shelves and drawers from spills and scratches with shelf liner. For easy cleaning, select a non-adhesive variety with a smooth top and grip bottom, like Smooth Top Easy Liner from Duck brand. It’s available in a wide array of colors and prints to complement any kitchen color scheme.
6. All-in-one
Today’s blenders aren’t just for making smoothies. Many options can do the work of several kitchen appliances, helping you cook a meal from start to finish. One example is the Vitamix 5200, which can do everything from cooking soup and kneading dough to making ice cream.
7. A cut above the rest
Whether you’re carving your holiday feast or chopping an everyday meal, a good set of knives is a must. For best results, look for a brand that backs its products with a lifetime guarantee that includes performance, sharpness and replacement services.
8. Baked to perfection
As you think about delectable desserts, you don’t want to worry that they’ll stick to the bottom of the baking sheet or pan. Invest in a thick, aluminum baking sheet to ensure even cooking (and easy cleaning) and you’ll be able to enjoy your baked goods without anxiety.
9. Hello to H2O
Put filtered water at your fingertips by installing a beverage faucet in your kitchen. When researching filtration systems, look for models with a long-life filter to minimize maintenance, and a high-arc spout, to ensure filling tall glasses, pots and large containers is simple and fast.
10. In-dispensable decor
Soap dispensers are essential for washing up after making a messy meal, keeping dish detergent conveniently located to get pots and pans squeaky clean. Find built-in dispensers that coordinate with your kitchen faucet for a sleek look – and select a product with above-the-counter refill to make replenishing soap simple.
11. Cheers
After a long day at the office, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a great glass of wine. Store your favorite vino on a countertop wine rack for easy access at mealtime. Make sure to use a wine aerator for the best flavor and finish.
12. Ring it up
Stylish and practical, colorful kitchen towels keep spills and messes at bay. Install a towel bar or ring near the sink to ensure you always have one handy.
13. Storage solutions
Once you have your ideal kitchen tools, you’ll need somewhere to keep them. Select cabinetry that offers quality construction, provides ample space and aligns with your home decor, like those from MasterBrand Cabinets. From built-in pantries to cutlery storage, their wide-range of styles, options and price points meet any cook’s needs.