Must-have appliances to furnish a modern kitchen in New Zealand

Fridges and freezers play a crucial role in every kitchen, offering food storage and preservation to help extend the freshness of fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Technology has come a long way, allowing you a myriad of options to suit your needs. Freezers, whether integrated or standalone, offer ample space for freezing bulk purchases, homemade meals, and seasonal produce, reducing food waste and enhancing convenience. In modern life, where the emphasis on fresh and healthy living is significant, fridges and freezers are indispensable in maintaining a well-organised and efficient kitchen, supporting daily meal preparation and long-term food storage.

Pro tip:

When buying fridges and freezers in New Zealand, consider the energy efficiency rating to save on electricity bills and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, look for models with adjustable storage options and advanced features like humidity control to preserve different types of food better.

Related article: The true cost of buying a fridge in New Zealand

Ovens are a fundamental appliance in any home as it’s needed for baking, grilling, and roasting a wide variety of dishes such as a traditional lamb roast with mint sauce — a Kiwi classic. Contemporary ovens come equipped with advanced features such as convection cooking, self-cleaning functions, and precise temperature controls, enhancing the cooking experience and ensuring consistent results. Energy efficiency is also a key consideration, with many households opting for models that offer reduced power consumption without compromising performance. Regardless of the type of home that you have, ovens are a cornerstone of most kitchens, supporting a diverse and vibrant food culture.

Pro tip: 

If you want to buy a freestanding oven, prioritise models with a dual fuel option, which combines the precise temperature control of a gas cooktop with the even heating of an electric oven. Additionally, look for features like convection cooking, self-cleaning, multiple rack positions, and intuitive digital controls to enhance your cooking versatility and ease of use. Ensure the oven's size and style fit well with your kitchen layout, and consider durability and ease of installation for long-term satisfaction.

Related article: 5 of the best freestanding ovens in New Zealand

Microwaves are incredible appliances that provide a great deal of convenience. They are found in almost every household since they can reheat and cook meals within minutes, making them a great kitchen solution for those on a busy schedule. They are small and compact, making them easy to place regardless of your kitchen space. Most modern microwaves feature convection and grilling functions, expanding their functionality beyond basic reheating.

Pro tip:

Consider a model with inverter technology, which uses an electronic inverter circuit to control the appliance's power output. This allows for more even cooking and defrosting and improves energy efficiency.

Related article: Are combination microwave ovens really any good?

Cooktops are another essential component of every kitchen, providing you with versatile and efficient cooking solutions for your culinary needs. Whether it's gas, electric, or induction, cooktops offer quick heat adjustments, making them highly valued for everyday cooking and meal prep. Some nice features of this culinary tool include child locks, automatic shut-off, as well as easy to clean surfaces for low maintenance. Personal preference plays an important role in choosing the right cooktop, as different fuel types and burners contribute to various cooking styles. With a range of options available, cooktops can cater to multiple preferences and cooking techniques, making them an integral part of any well-equipped kitchen.

Pro tip:

When selecting a cooktop, consider induction models for their superior energy efficiency and precise temperature control, which can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Additionally, ensure the cooktop has easy-to-clean surfaces and essential safety features like automatic shut-off to maintain a safe and convenient kitchen environment.

Related article: Modern kitchen cooktop ideas for stylish homes in New Zealand

Dishwashers are a great addition to any kitchen, simplifying and saving time when cleaning dishes. Modern dishwashers offer a wide range of advanced features that include multiple wash cycles, energy-efficient modes, and noise reduction, catering to the diverse needs of households. With sustainability being highly valued, many dishwashers prioritise high energy and water efficiency ratings to reduce environmental impact, which also saves on utility bills. The convenience of having a dishwasher in your home helps keep your kitchen clean giving you more time to enjoy the space in a relaxed way.

Pro tip:

When looking for a dishwasher, consider an integrated model that allows you to attach custom panels to the front. This feature lets the dishwasher blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

Rangehoods are essential in homes since they maintain a clean and fresh cooking environment. By effectively removing smoke, steam, and odours, rangehoods enhance air quality and prevent grease build-up on surfaces, which makes for easy kitchen maintenance. People often choose rangehoods that are energy efficient with quiet operation to ensure optimal performance without disrupting the household. Modern rangehoods also come in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing them to integrate with different kitchen designs seamlessly. Whether it's a ducted or recirculating model, a good rangehood is crucial for a comfortable and healthy kitchen household.

Pro tip:

When purchasing a rangehood, prioritise models with high extraction rates, which are typically above 600 cubic metres per hour (m³/h). This level of performance is crucial for maintaining good air quality in your kitchen and ensuring that smoke, steam, and cooking odours are quickly and efficiently removed, keeping your kitchen clean and comfortable.

Blenders and juicers have become popular kitchen essentials. Blenders are versatile kitchen appliances that can crush ice, mix smoothies, and whip up a variety of dishes, making them a valued part of your kitchen arsenal regardless if you're a health-conscious individual or a culinary enthusiast. Juicers, on the other hand, excel at extracting fresh juice from fruits and vegetables, providing a convenient way to incorporate more nutrients into daily diets. Modern blenders and juicers come with advanced features such as multiple blending modes, easy-to-clean components, and compact designs that fit seamlessly into any kitchen space. In a health-conscious society, these appliances support a lifestyle focused on wellness and convenience.

Pro tip:

Blender: Look for a model with multiple speed settings and a powerful motor to handle a variety of tasks, from blending smoothies to crushing ice, ensuring versatility and efficiency in your kitchen.

Juicer: Choose a juicer with a wide feed chute to save time on pre-cutting fruits and vegetables. Ensure it has easy-to-clean components to make maintenance quick and hassle-free.

Coffee machines have become a kitchen essential for most homes. If you have an appreciation for high-quality coffee, having a coffee maker to brew your preferred cup adds convenience and comfort to your home. Coffee makers come in a variety of options, from simple pod machines to sophisticated espresso makers. Models today come equipped with many advanced features that include programmable settings, milk frothers, and grind adjustments, turning your kitchen into a barista's playground. The convenience and savings that come with brewing your own coffee make this a popular asset for your home kitchen. 

Pro tip:

When buying a coffee machine, consider one with a built-in burr grinder, which uses two revolving abrasive surfaces to grind coffee beans to a precise and consistent size. Additionally, look for a machine with multiple grind settings to enhance flexibility. This will ensure a personalised and enjoyable coffee experience.

Toasters are a must for cooking your daily breakfast or making quick and delicious snacks. There are a number of different models with varying features to suit your kitchen's needs. Models typically come with two to four-slice components and feature multiple browning settings, defrost functionality, and bagel modes. Modern-day toasters are also often sleek in design to add to your kitchen's aesthetic.

Pro tip:

When it comes to selecting a toaster, look for models with adjustable browning settings and wide slots to accommodate various bread types and thicknesses. Additionally, features like a defrost function and a removable crumb tray should be considered for added convenience and easier maintenance.

Bar fridges are a convenient and stylish addition to many homes, and they are perfect for storing beverages and small snacks in compact spaces. These mini fridges are great for home bars as well as extra cooling units in kitchens. Modern bar fridges come with features such as adjustable shelving, temperature control, and energy-efficient operation, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Their compact size and sleek design make them a popular choice for those looking to maximise space while maintaining easy access to chilled drinks and snacks. In homes where social gatherings and hospitality are valued, bar fridges offer both practicality and a touch of luxury.

Pro tip:

When purchasing a bar fridge, look for models with adjustable shelving and temperature control to maximise flexibility and efficient storage. Additionally, consider the noise level, especially if the fridge will be placed in a living area, and look for models with a lockable door for added security.

Wine fridges and cabinets add sophistication and luxury to any kitchen. This kitchen essential is designed to store and preserve wine at optimal temperatures, making it perfect for hosting dinner parties and maintaining a well-kept wine collection. These types of fridges and cabinets typically feature UV-protected glass doors with adjustable shelving and dual temperature zones to easily store different kinds of wines in various conditions to preserve the quality and taste.

Pro tip:

When choosing a wine fridge or cabinet, look for a model with dual temperature zones if you plan to store both red and white wines, ensuring each type is kept at its ideal serving temperature. Furthermore, look for features like UV-protected glass doors and vibration reduction to preserve the wine's quality and flavour over time. Additionally, consider the fridge or cabinet size based on your current and future storage needs.

Warming drawers are a great addition to many kitchens, and although rare, they are incredibly helpful. As you can guess by the name, a warming drawer is designed to keep your plates and food warm when you serve to guests. Busy households and large families benefit from this kitchen appliance as it allows for more flexible dinner times with many different schedules going about. They are also great for proofing bread dough, warming plates, and gently reheating leftovers. They come in a variety of different sizes and colours, adding convenience and efficiency to your cooking routine in addition to providing an elegant solution for keeping food warm and ready to serve.

Pro tip:

When purchasing a warming drawer, look for a model with adjustable temperature settings and a humidity control feature to ensure versatility in keeping different types of food warm without drying them out. Additionally, consider the size and design of the drawer to ensure it integrates seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry and matches your other appliances.

Waste disposal units are a great eco-friendly addition to any home for managing food waste. Typically instilled underneath the sink, this device grinds good scraps into particles to be safely flushed down the drain, which reduces waste in landfills. Also, this can help with pest control, minimising the presence of food scrapes that attract things like bugs and mice. Ultimately, this kitchen appliance supports sustainable living through organic waste reduction and promotes a more hygienic cooking space.

Pro tip:

It's important to choose a waste disposal unit with a high-powered motor and stainless steel grinding components for efficient and durable performance. Additionally, look for units with noise-reduction features and easy installation processes to enhance convenience and minimise disruptions in your kitchen.

Water filter systems are a much-needed kitchen appliance in every home, allowing you access to clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water. These systems remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, bacteria, and sediment to provide a healthier alternative to tap water. These water filters are available in a number of different styles to fit any home situation. This can include countertop pitchers to, installations under the sink, and whole-house systems. Modern water filters typically have indicators that signal where the filter is at and when it is ready to be changed. Investing in a water filtration system will enhance your daily hydration and cooking quality, providing fresh, clean water on a regular basis.

Pro tip:

When purchasing a water filter system, consider a multi-stage filtration system that targets a broad range of contaminants to ensure comprehensive water purification. Additionally, choose a system with easy-to-replace filters and clear maintenance indicators to ensure consistent water quality and hassle-free upkeep.

Related article: How to choose a water filter system in New Zealand

Standing mixers are necessary for any kitchen, especially when a baker lives in the house. This kitchen essential effortlessly handles a variety of tasks such as mixing, kneading, and whipping, significantly reducing the time and effort required for food preparation. Equipped with powerful motors and multiple speed settings, they provide consistent and thorough mixing of ingredients from dense and heavy dough to delicate meringues. Most models come with an array of attachments, such as dough hooks, whisks, and paddle beaters, further expanding their versatility. They also offer an elegant design making them an attractive addition to any home kitchen.

Pro tip:

When buying a standing mixer, prioritise models with a powerful motor and a range of speed settings. A robust motor ensures the mixer can handle dense dough and heavy batters without straining. At the same time, multiple speed options provide greater control for delicate tasks like whipping cream or gradually incorporating ingredients.

Food processors are a great addition to any kitchen. This appliance offers immense versatility while simplifying meal preparation with ease. Food processors have the ability to chop and slice vegetables, shred cheese, puree soups, and mix dough, saving both time and energy. This appliance typically comes with several attachments and various blades for precise and consistent results regardless of the culinary task. Modern editions of this tool feature multiple speed settings, pulse control, and large-capacity bowls, making them ideal for both small and large food prep jobs. With their sturdy construction and powerful motors, this appliance can handle the toughest of ingredients. 

Pro tip:

Look for a food processor with multiple blades and attachments to maximise its versatility. This will enable you to chop, slice, shred, puree, and even knead dough with ease. Features like easy-to-clean components and a compact design for storage can also enhance your overall experience and efficiency in the kitchen.

An electric kettle is a versatile and convenient appliance that has become a modern-day staple in kitchens everywhere. Its ability to quickly heat water to its boiling point makes it perfect for making tea and pour-over coffee, as well as a quick cooking method for meals like instant noodles or oatmeal. Electric kettles are safe and precise with features like automatic shut-off, variable temperature control, and keep-warm functions. Most come with a sleek design that adds to the aesthetics of any kitchen. Whether you need a rapid boil for a quick cup of tea or a precise temperature for delicate herbal infusions, an electric kettle is an indispensable tool for any home.

Pro tip:

Look for an electric kettle with adjustable temperature settings. Different beverages and cooking can require specific water temperatures, and an electric kettle with temperature control allows you to heat water precisely to an ideal temperature.

Furnishing your new kitchen can be daunting, with the multitude of appliances available on the market making it challenging to find exactly what you need. However, now that you have read our guide, you now have a comprehensive understanding of what you’ll need to furnish your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for essential tools or the latest innovations, you’ll be able to equip your kitchen just the way you envisioned. 

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