If you’re outfitting a new house or apartment, it’s not unusual to let a few must-haves slide to stay within your budget. While budgeting is certainly important, there are just some things you shouldn’t skimp on. There will come a time when each of these appliances will save you time, money, or a mess. From the basics, like a coffee maker, to more unique items like a pasta maker, here are 10 essential household appliances no house should go without.
1. Espresso makers
Espresso makers may seem like a frivolous purchase, but if you’re a coffee-lover, they can be a real lifesaver. A high-quality espresso machine will transform your mornings by saving you the time and money spent on daily coffee runs.
While there are top-of-the-line machines that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great espresso maker. There are plenty of affordable coffee machines that can give you all you need to make delicious espresso at home.
2. Slow cookers
Slow cookers are ideal for busy families or anyone who loves to come home to a hot meal. If you don’t have the time to cook a complicated dinner, a slow cooker can do the work for you. All you need to do is add the ingredients to the pot in the morning and let it cook all day.
When you get home, you’ll have a hot, piping meal waiting for you with minimal effort on your part. With countless slow cooker recipes you can find online, the possibilities of dishes you can whip up are endless.
3. Air conditioning
If you live in a hot climate—or face scorching summers a few months a year—an air conditioner is a definite must-have. Not only will it keep you cool and comfortable during the summer months, but it can also help improve your air quality.
An air conditioner can filter out pollen, dust, and other allergens using its intake vents to give you clean, fresh air to breathe. With the world shaken up by a viral pandemic, clean air is more important than ever.
While window units are the most common type of air conditioner, portable and central AC units are equally good appliances.
4. Washing machine and dryer
Unless you’re planning on doing all your laundry at the laundromat, you’ll need a washing machine and dryer for your home. These appliances are vital for keeping your clothes clean and in good condition.
While you may be able to get by with a washer and dryer that only offer the basics, some newer models come with a variety of features and settings. Some washers even have built-in faucets so you can pretreat your stains before they set in.
5. Dishwasher
A dishwasher is another appliance that can save you time and energy. Instead of spending your evenings scrubbing dishes by hand, you can let the dishwasher do the work for you.
Nowadays, dishwashers come with all sorts of features like built-in water softeners and detergent dispensers. You can also find models that have a sanitize cycle to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be lurking on your dishes.
6. Microwave oven
A microwave oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do much more than just reheat your food. With this handy appliance, you can cook meals quickly, defrost frozen meat, or bake delicious treats!
If you’re tight on space, a small countertop microwave oven can be a great addition to your kitchen. But if you have the room, a larger over-the-range model will open up the door for you to explore more cooking options.
7. Refrigerator
Let’s face it, no kitchen is complete without a refrigerator. You wouldn’t want your food to go bad, would you?
While many family households opt to get a standard fridge, other types might better suit your needs. If you live alone or have a small family, a mini-fridge can be a great space-saving solution. And if you entertain often, a wine fridge is a must-have for any budding sommelier.
8. Vacuum cleaner
Dust build-up in your home can result in a slew of health issues including allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems.
If you don’t want to face that dilemma, a good vacuum cleaner can help you keep your home spotless.
While it may seem easy to just choose any vacuum, there are some special considerations you need to take into account. For example, if you have pets, you’ll want a vacuum that can pick up pet hair without any trouble.
9. Computer
In this day and age, a computer is essential for both work and play. Whether you need it for schoolwork, to stay in touch with family and friends, or just to surf the internet, a computer is a must-have appliance.
It doesn’t have to be a top-of-the-line model—even a basic laptop or desktop computer can get the job done. Just make sure to get one with enough storage and RAM to suit your needs.
10. Telephone
While cellphones have largely replaced landline phones, there are still many households that rely on a good old-fashioned telephone.
For one, these appliances don’t rely on batteries, so you’ll never have to worry about your phone dying in the middle of a conversation. They’re also good for businesses that don’t rely on a single phone number.
In Conclusion:
These are just some of the essential household appliances that every home should have. While you may not need all of them, it’s important to at least have the basics like a fridge, stove, and washing machine. With these essential appliances, you’ll be able to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently.
