How to Choose the Right Appliance for Your Kitchen Countertops

When it comes to selecting the right appliance for your Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops North Charleston SC, there are a few key points to consider. First, start with style and choose a finish that matches the rest of your new appliances. If you're looking for something to make frozen drinks, a blender is the best option. For baking, a food processor is an unsung hero. Both appliances can make pureed soups, but a blender will generally give you smoother results.

In terms of cost, blenders tend to be less expensive than food processors, with the exception of high-end models. If you need something to make bread dough, a hand mixer won't do the job; you'll need a stand mixer. And if you have physical or mobility limitations, a stand mixer is the best option since it requires no manual work. White appliances were popular in the 80s and 90s, but stainless steel appliances are now the go-to choice.

Finally, if your kitchen has free counter space, a convection toaster oven is more than just a luxury.

Style

When selecting an appliance for your kitchen countertops, start with style; choose a finish that matches the rest of your new appliances.

Frozen Drinks

Do you want to make frozen drinks? If you like milkshakes, frozen cocktails, and smoothies, a blender is the best option. Manufacturers generally do not recommend breaking down ice in a food processor.

BakingWhat if you want something to help you bake? While stand mixers get a lot of attention, food processors are unsung heroes of baking. A food processor can make dough for pies and cookies and knead bread or pizza dough. It also makes a creamy and stable whipped cream.

Soup

Which of them makes good soup? For simple pureed soups, either appliance will work well.

Because of its faster speed, a blender will generally give you smoother results with fewer smudges. A high-power blender such as the Vitamix is excellent for making even the toughest ingredients silky in a short time without needing to strain them further. However, a food processor can help you even more in the early stages of preparation since you can use the pulse function with the blade to chop or slice vegetables.

Cost

Which one costs the least? It really depends.

If we had to make a radical generalization, we would say that blenders tend to be less expensive than food processors, with the exception of high-end models. If you don't have the space or money to invest in full-size models of both, especially if you have one or two people in the household, you might consider combining a good mixer with a mini food processor or a full-size food processor with an immersion (bar) blender.

Bread Dough

Do you want something to make bread? With very few exceptions, bread dough cannot be kneaded with a hand mixer; they just aren't powerful enough. That doesn't mean you can't knead bread dough if you don't have a stand mixer; you can knead it on the counter in a food processor in a bowl with periodic folds or not at all (that is if you want an appliance that does it for you).

Mobility LimitationsDo you have physical or mobility limitations? A hand mixer reduces the amount of manual work you have to do but you still need to hold the appliance above the bowl and move it from side to side. This can be a challenge if you have arthritis or other conditions so if you really need an appliance that requires no intervention opt for the stand mixer. Keep in mind that stand mixers are very heavy so consider the space on your counter if you don't think you can easily relocate it every time you need it.

White Appliances

White appliances were popular in kitchens in the 80s and 90s but stainless steel appliances are now the go-to choice for many homeowners.

Convection Toaster OvensIf your kitchen has free counter space Messman says that a good convection toaster oven is more than just a luxury item; it's an essential tool for any kitchen.

Curt Cuneo
Curt Cuneo

Award-winning beer expert. Passionate zombie lover. Award-winning food ninja. General tv advocate. Friendly pop culture advocate. Bacon guru.