Once you have the major kitchen appliances taken care of — refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher — it's time to decide which small appliances you want to have fun with. There's the essentials: Toaster, microwave, food processor, blender, mixers, and coffee maker. But then there are the extras — the things you get to play with. The average cook today can own anything from a deep fryer to a gelato machine, to an indoor grill to all of the above. If you’re a very hands-on cook in the kitchen, these are all products with room to experiment and bake or make your own bread, waffles, and espresso — as long as your budget allows for it.
Give practical thought to how much use each individual item is going to get, and be realistic. You don’t want to end up with multiple juicers and a rarely used waffle maker. It's probably best to start out with the basics then fill in the blanks as you continue your cooking experiences. If you find that you're steaming a lot of veggies, then invest in a steamer. If you're spending a lot of money on ice cream pints during the summer, try buying a simple ice cream maker to indulge in creating your own unique flavors. Like any other part of your home, it's important to make sure that the more expensive items you buy will be worth the investment in the long run.