Key appliances for today's kitchen

CEBU, Philippines - The kitchen is perhaps the busiest section of any home. And given today's fast-paced life, the kitchen needs to have the latest contraptions in order to get things done quickly and efficiently. Fortunately, there are now various devices that enable kitchen operation with less human labor - and, in fact, so much more fun.

Cooking has become more of an art than a mundane household chore, notes the website www.idiva.com. The website adds that with more and more electronic appliances that boast of elaborate functions, the kitchen can now be a storehouse of luxury and beauty. The modern kitchen is such a showcase of state-of-the-art technology that, ironically, some homemakers won't dare touch the appliances for fear of spoiling the brand-new look.

But, overall, the general population has embraced certain devices for the kitchen that they feel their homes quite lacking without these. It's understandable, considering the functional advantages that these pieces of equipment offer and the great amount of time these save, that people like to invest their savings in some of these machines, according to the www.idiva.com. From the website's list, the following are the most fundamental in Filipino kitchens, with tips for finding the right item.

Refrigerator. It is very useful in storing cooked and uncooked food to keep their freshness intact and minimize wastage.

What to look for when buying: The capacity of the fridge to have will depend on its intended usage and the number of people living in the house. The capacity is directly proportional to price; more capacity means higher price. A good fridge is one that allows creating space with adjustable shelves. It is also good to measure the kitchen space available at home and figure out the approximate space required to easily pull open the doors. The most preferred and affordable refrigerators are the ones with a freezer on top. These allow segregation of foods for cold storage. Looking for a model with higher energy-efficiency ratio is also very important.

Rice Cooker. It makes cooking rice much less of a hassle.

What to look for when buying: Although it is called a rice cooker, it has several uses like steaming, making pasta, cooking quinoa and such. So, it's better to opt for the type that can do multi-tasking. It's also important to check for the durability factor; a good one will last for more than a decade.

Water Dispenser. This is the station for clean drinking water. Some types also function as purifier that removes impurities and germs from water, all the more making it safe for drinking. Different purifiers use different processes of purification.

What to look for when buying: Water dispensers come in different shapes and sizes, so it's important to measure the kitchen space to spare for one. A good brand to have is one that offers good after-sales service. One that is low on maintenance and high on performance would be the most suitable option.

Toaster. This small appliance is used to toast multiple types of bread in a jiffy.

What to look for when buying: The good choice is one that is energy efficient, with a double slot and centering device that ensures even toasting and a removable crump tray that makes it easy-to-clean. Its slots shall be wide enough to accommodate all types of bread.

Blender (Mixer). This device is used to essentially blend, mix or puree solid substances.

What to look for when buying: A traditional blender consists of a blender jar with a blade at the bottom rotated by a motor. A sturdy jar and sharp blades are important. Something that is easy to clean and maintain is an added advantage. It is also important to make sure that the blender can break down items such as grains, fruits and vegetables.

Electric Kettle. This is very useful for boiling water in a hurry.

What to look for when buying: Checking the speed of boiling, size and weight is important. Another important consideration is its energy consumption. An energy efficient kettle, whose design makes for easy use, is the best.

Coffee Maker. This makes brewing coffee easy, an essential for those who prefer freshly-made coffee to using 'instant' coffee.

What to look for when buying: it is advisable to look out for a coffee maker with easy cleaning features and also has inclusions such as a steam wand, water filter and manual water control. Those willing to shell out some more money may get one that also grinds the coffee beans. (FREEMAN)