Experts Weigh in on the Essential Tools of a Gourmet Kitchen

gourmet kitchen
Royalty free image from Pexels

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.

Similar Articles

coasters

Coasters are a small piece of accessory that helps you protect your living room table, dining table, car seat, cup holder, and dashboard, and bedroom side table from beverage spills and stains.

Home Usage Testing

In today's fast-paced consumer market, understanding customer preferences and behavior is paramount for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Enter in-home usage testing (IHUT), a game-changing strategy that empowers companies to gather invaluable insights directly from consumers in their natural environments. 

 Match Jon Jons for Twin Brothers

Elevate twin style with creative Jon Jon matching ideas. Explore fun ways to coordinate outfits for brothers, doubling the charm.

Can chickens eat kiwi

The world of backyard chicken keeping involves more than just providing shelter and protection; it extends to carefully curating a balanced and nutritious diet for these feathered companions. In recent times, there's been curiosity about the inclusion of fruits in a chicken's diet,

Furnace-Repair

Ensure warmth all winter! Trust your expert furnace repair in Newmarket for seamless solutions. Your key to enduring comfort during chilly days.

Porch Swing

Learn these 5 essential tips for porch swing care and maintenance. Keep your outdoor oasis in top shape with expert advice.

birthday

The bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is truly unique and special. One of the most joyous occasions in a grandparent's life is celebrating their grandchild's birthday. As the years go by, the memories made during these celebrations become cherished treasures for both generations.

blessing 50th birthday wishes for friend

Reaching the milestone of a 50th birthday is a momentous occasion in anyone's life. It signifies half a century of experiences, wisdom, and cherished memories. When it comes to celebrating the 50th birthday of a dear friend, finding the right words to express your love, admiration, and well wishes can be a beautiful gesture.

 Pressure cooker

Learn about the dangers of pressure cooker explosions and the legal ramifications involved. Get insights on the risks and how to stay safe. Read more now.