Appliances You Can Live Without – And the Ones You Can’t
Our homes are full of appliances, and while some are must-haves, there are others that are little more than decorative additions to already crowded work surfaces.
With that in mind, here are a trio of gadgets that are far from fundamental, followed by three that everyone needs.
Stand Mixers: Nice-to-Have or Need-to-Have?
Stand mixers, while popular in many home kitchens, fall into the ‘nice to have’ category. Yes, they serve a function for making doughs and batters smoother and more even, but are they strictly necessary? Not really.
You can easily knead dough by hand or whip cream with a basic hand mixer. Similarly for cake batters, all you typically need is a bowl and spoon. The final result may require slightly more effort but will be just as delicious without this appliance taking space on your countertop.
Bread Makers: Are They Really Saving You Time and Money?
Bread makers are touted as a way to have fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. However, owning one might not save you time and money in the long run.
Sure, it’s convenient to toss ingredients inside and smell freshly baked bread a few hours later, but baking your own loaf using an oven can be both fulfilling and cost-effective without this bulky equipment hogging the limelight.
Moreover, learning traditional bread-making skills could serve you well in times of need, or even become an engaging new hobby! So while having its perks, a bread maker isn’t a cornerstone of every kitchen.
Espresso Machines: A Luxury or a Necessity?
The espresso machine is high on many people’s wish list for kitting out their dream kitchen. But while it can certainly add a touch of indulgence to your mornings, is it actually indispensable? Assuming you are not running a coffee shop from home, probably not!
Plenty of affordable and compact options like cafetieres or stovetop moka pots can provide quality homemade coffee experiences without the notable investment.
Additionally, manual brewing methods can offer more control over coffee strength and character. Thus, while desirable, an espresso machine remains in the ‘luxury’ rather than ‘vital’ category.
Refrigerators: The Undisputed Champions of Essential Home Appliances
There’s a solid reason why refrigerators were one of the first wide-scale domestic appliance inventions. They revolutionized food storage, allowing products to stay fresh for much longer periods, and they still form an indispensable part of modern kitchens today.
A refrigerator not only saves you time by reducing frequent need for grocery shopping but also helps in conserving energy and minimizing waste. So yes, without a shadow of doubt, our lives wouldn’t be nearly as convenient or cost-effective without refrigeration available at our fingertips. And if you’ve got a fridge, then keeping it running smoothly by having spare components available is sensible, and providers like PartsCentre make this a breeze.
Ovens: Indispensable In Our Kitchens
Try to imagine your kitchen without an oven. It’s simply not a viable setup. This indispensable appliance opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from quick midweek convenience meals to baking fluffy cakes or slow roasting meats for Sunday dinner.
Baking, grilling, and roasting prove that an oven’s versatile uses extend beyond just warming food meant for microwave cooking. Whether it’s a small countertop model or a full-sized version complete with burners on top, the functionality provided by ovens certainly sets them among the can’t-live-without appliances. Just make sure to clean your oven if you want to sell your house promptly!
Washing Machines: A Must for Every Modern Household
Consistency, efficiency and convenience are three things we value highly in modern living. A washing machine provides all of these when it comes to laundry tasks.
While hand washing is plausible, the sheer amount of time and energy required makes it impractical for most households today. One simple load can handle what takes hours by hand.
There’s also the role that washing machines play in maintaining our clothes’ longevity with tailored care settings. With that in mind, it’s safe to conclude that in our busy era, a washing machine isn’t merely an appliance, but an integral part of managing house chores effectively.
Wrapping Up
You can of course pick and choose appliances that speak to you and which help you out. But if space is tight or your budget is limited, it pays to focus on the essentials, while kicking unneeded luxuries to the curb.
You May Also Enjoy
Solutions to fix construction skills
Budget Commentary – Mansion Tax, Business Rates & Planning Reform
Budget 2025 market data & home-mover and agent insight
Breaking Property News 24/11/25
What does Rachel Reeves have in store for the UK property market?
