5 Features to Build a Gourmet Kitchen in Your Home

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Did you know that it is five times more expensive to order takeout or eat at a restaurant than it is to cook a meal at home?

Making a regular habit of cooking at home is not only a great way to save money. It also is much healthier than eating food from restaurants all the time.

But if you want to truly experience cooking as a home chef, it’s important to have a properly equipped gourmet kitchen. If you’re ready to get your kitchen into restaurant-quality shape, check out these five must-have features.

Proper Storage

The first feature that any gourmet kitchen needs to have is adequate storage. This will ensure that you have enough space to stash your ingredients, gadgets, and cooking utensils.

Working with a professional like this general contractor will allow you to design cabinet space ideal for your needs. In addition to top and bottom cabinets, you may consider putting in a larger pantry.

Also, when you design your cabinet space, make sure it is easy to organize your items. You might consider putting in shelving specific for pots, cutting boards, or plates to make it easier to stack your items.

Prep Space

If you’ve ever cooked a complex, multi-course meal at home, you know that your counters start filling up pretty quickly with ingredients, cutting boards, pots, pans, and recipe books.

This is why a gourmet kitchen must have proper preparation space. Also, keep in mind that having adequate storage space will ensure that there is enough space on your counters for preparation.

You can also add additional surface area for preparation. For instance, a large island in the center of your kitchen can be a good, central location.

Keep in mind that countertops in a gourmet kitchen should be designed for heavy use. It is important to choose a countertop material that can hold up well and are easy to clean. Butcher block, marble, and even stainless steel are good options.

High-End Appliances

For a gourmet kitchen, you will want to choose high-end appliances that allow you to prepare a variety of meals.

The most important appliance is your range, as it ensures you have a space to cook food at an accurate, consistent temperature. Gas ranges offer better control than electric ranges, making them a better choice for a high-end kitchen. You will also want a range hood that can handle moisture, smoke, and grease.

For baking, however, an electric convection oven is typically better than a gas. This is why many gourmet kitchens have the oven separate from the range. If you bake often, or for large groups, you may even consider installing double ovens on the wall.

Many cooks also like to have ovens with warming drawers. This provides space to allow food to stay warm when you are cooking a big meal.

Of course, the refrigerator is another important consideration for your kitchen. You will want a refrigerator that is as large as your kitchen allows, as this makes it easier to organize. You will also want to choose a refrigerator where the freezer space is easier to organize.

Kitchen Gadgets and Accessories

In addition to your standard appliances, there are certain gadgets that will make it easier to cook high-end meals. Having sufficient storage and counter space will make sure you have room for these items.

Preparation Tools

Tools like blenders, choppers, and mixers will help you complete certain stages of food preparation easier. Investing in a high-quality mixer will allow you to add a variety of attachments, such as pasta makers and ice cream makers.

You may also want to consider investing in a kitchen scale. This will allow you to exercise more precision when baking and cooking.

Cooking Tools

A standard set of pots and pans will serve you well, but there are some meals that you will need more specialized tools. For instance, a cast iron pan is a must-have for cooking restaurant-quality steaks. If you want to cook Thanksgiving dinner at your home, you will want to invest in a roaster.

You will also want to invest in a set of high-end knives. This will make it easier to cut your ingredients efficiently and properly.

Odds and Ends

Finally, there are some gadgets that are simply designed to make working around your kitchen go a little more smoothly. For instance, many chefs like to use a magnetic strip to hang their knives. This makes them easier to access than keeping in a knife block.

If you enjoy serving wine with your meals, you might consider getting a wine fridge that fits under the counter. You can set your wine fridge to a specific temperature to make sure your reds and whites are optimally chilled.

The Kitchen Sink

A small sink is a source of frustration for many home chefs. The dishes start piling up quickly, which can make it difficult to access the sink for water or for handwashing.

There are a couple of solutions for this. A farmhouse sink offers a deep basin, making it easier to wash dishes. Double sinks allow you to use one side for dishes, and the other side for accessing water for cooking and cleaning. Another idea is to add a handwashing sink to your island.