Experts Weigh in on the Essential Tools of a Gourmet Kitchen

The experts have spoken, and a gourmet kitchen still reigns high on the list of “must-haves” for home buyers this year.

In fact, some of the statistics, according to a spring of 2019 survey conducted by Zillow, reveal some staggering facts.

• Homes with gourmet kitchens sold for over 30% more than the list prices
• Steam ovens yielded a 34% profit for sellers. That’s a higher margin than any other home feature.
• Pot fillers upped the asking price by an average of 28%
• Professional-quality stainless steel appliances boosted the selling price by 32%

With sales results like these, the desire grows in every homeowner’s heart to up their kitchen game and take their homes from functional to fabulous.

And why not?

With that money invested, they can enjoy their homes today and recoup their money the day—perhaps long down the road—when the sell their property.

A gourmet kitchen seems to be a winning proposition for all.

Sounds great…But, what is a gourmet kitchen or chef’s kitchen?

According to experts, a gourmet kitchen, which is also called a chef’s kitchen by realtors, is one that offers home cooks the same functionality and quality equipment that pro chefs have at their restaurants.

Of course, in a home kitchen versus a commercial spot, it must look gorgeous and posh for the family’s enjoyment. Yet, it should pass muster if a professional chef stepped in to cook.

What appointments go in a gourmet kitchen?

Now that you have whet your appetite (pardon the pun) for a chef’s kitchen, you might be wondering what appointments you should plan to include.

Here are some of the top considerations:

• Space requirements
• Appliances
• Functionality
• The small details

Let’s look at each one of these separately.

Space Requirements

Chef’s kitchens are typically well-planned out. While this might mean “large,” and often is, you can have a gourmet kitchen in an apartment in the city as easily as in the ‘burbs. The key is in planning the space well.

Counter space

These rooms need to provide plenty of counter space for food prep, plating, and cleaning up. The more the better. However, even in a smaller spot, an open space with minimal clutter can serve as prep area.

Separate pantry

Plan a separate pantry—preferably a separate closet—to stock all the essential dried and canned goods. In the even of tight space, a pantry tower unit suffices.

Room for two cooks

The flow of the floor plan should allow for multiple cooks—just like in a commercial space. In a home’s gourmet kitchen, this usually means that two people can cook harmoniously.

Appliances

In a gourmet kitchen, high-end appliances are a must.

Some of the usual inclusions are as follows:

• Steam oven or convection oven
• Sub-zero refrigerator and freezer
• Two dishwashers (if space allows)
• Stainless steel finishes, preferred. However, fun pops of color are making a comeback
• Smart technology to allow the home cook complete control while amplifying energy efficiency

To be fair, a sub-zero fridge is just not in every homeowner’s budget. Following some of these suggestions, invest in the best quality that you can afford to gain the max at resale time.

Also, remember to invest in the small electric appliances that can make day to day prep work a breeze, like a stand mixer, masticating juicer, and electric pressure cooker.

Functionality

While a home kitchen must be aesthetically pleasing, a chef’s kitchen is all about the overall function. Combined, you must plan a space that’s mind-blowingly gorgeous but can run like a well-oiled machine.

Here are some of the features that enable you to have your cake and also lick off the icing.

Secondary sink

In a commercial kitchen, health code mandates handwashing in a separate sink. Therefore, a secondary sink, the handwashing sink, is included. That’s in addition to the dishwashing and food prep sink! This might not be practical in smaller kitchens, but it’s a very convenient feature to have.

Pot filler

As mentioned in the intro to this post, a pot filler adds value. Essentially, this feature is a spigot that extends from behind the range and can fill large pots with water without the need to carry that weight from the sink to the stove.

Tall cabinetry

Tall cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling are a must for the chef’s kitchen. This storage space keeps the home chef organized and provides ample storage for all the kitchen tools of their trade.

Small details do matter

Finally, the small details do matter in a gourmet kitchen. Here is where you can really select things that make your kitchen, well…yours! This is the fun part.

Finishes

Choose neutral finishes to the cabinets, countertops, and floor tiles that suit you. Stick with neutrals for a better return on your investment later.

Pops of color

Add your favorite colors, textures, and patterns in your accessories. Think gorgeous pottery pieces shown off in a glass-fronted display cabinet instead of brightly colored walls. The look is considered more desirable by those future buyers.

Small kitchen tools

Have some fun selecting kitchen tools you’ll use every day. After all, it is your space! Some kitchen must-haves, according to the Taste of Home team, you need the basics like cookware, baking pans, colander, and cooking utensils. Purchase the things that you love and, more importantly, will enjoy using every day.
 

Go Forth and Plan Your Gourmet Kitchen

Feeling inspired? Now that you are armed with some information and resources, it’s time to head off and plan your gourmet kitchen. Remember to keep it nice and neutral and add your personal stamp to the accessories and small kitchen appliances to ensure holding resale value.