Six dream-worthy innovations for the kitchen
Whether you've come into a few extra bucks or been saving for a while, now's the time to indulge in that special kitchen something that makes your heart go into overdrive. Here are some to consider.
1. Built-in steam oven
The appliance, which does everything from defrosting to baking, is sleek and space-saving, says L.A. interior designer Scott DeLello. But it's a hard worker, too. “It helps an amateur cook create 'Top Chef'-quality meals,” he says. The secret: Steam provides heat but doesn't sacrifice flavor or moisture. Available in a variety of sizes, the oven comes as small as a standard microwave, which means even if your kitchen is tiny, you can still indulge in a steamy splurge.
2. Coffee bar
Anyone who's crazy about coffee will perk up at the idea of having a designated space in their home devoted to their favorite hot beverage. Creating a coffee bar is easy: Get an attractive table, cart or shelving unit (or make room on a countertop) and fill with all the necessities like a high-quality coffee maker, mugs, milk frother, bags of aromatic beans and bottles of flavored syrups.
3. Built-in coffee/espresso maker
Want to have a coffee bar but have limited counter space and no room for a table? Get your caffeine kicks from a built-in coffee/espresso maker, says DeLello. “It's similar to a built-in, over-the-range microwave. It eliminates clutter on the countertop by integrating seamlessly into cabinetry.”
4. A good chef's knife
Once you regularly use sharpened, well-made knives, you'll realize they're less of a splurge and more of a necessity. If you can only get one high-quality knife, make it a chef's knife, which is known for its versatility. You can chop garlic, bone a chicken, and dice carrots with precision and less time than it would take using a lower-quality knife. Sure, a top-notch chef's knife will be pricey but it'll last for decades with proper care (like washing it by hand with soap and water, never in the dishwasher). Look for a knife made with carbon steel that feels comfortable when you're holding it.
5. Vitamix
This high-performance blender has been on your kitchen bucket list for years and finally you're making your wish come true! What will you make first? Perhaps steaming-hot (yes, hot) soup made in the Vitamix in less than 10 minutes? Or a bowl of creamy chocolate ice cream? Check.
6. Natural stone countertops
This still rates high on homeowners' “I want it” lists. Natural stone, such as granite, is very durable for countertops; others are resistance to heat and burns. And quartz is known for being impervious to bacteria and easy to clean; taking routine care to maintain it is vital to its well-being. “There are many different types of stone available in all different colors and veining patterns,” says DeLello. “Opt for a large slab format, which minimizes seams and maximizes the stone's natural pattern.”