Moving into a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. Whether you’re newly married, starting a family, or simply upgrading to a better space, setting up the kitchen becomes a top priority. After all, the kitchen is where meals are prepared, memories are made, and family conversations often begin.
But choosing the right kitchen appliances can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, features, styles, and price points available, how do you know which ones are best suited for your needs? Don’t worry — this comprehensive guide will aid you in making informed choices while staying within budget and maintaining functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
Understand Your Cooking Habits and Lifestyle
Before browsing online catalogs or heading to a showroom, take a moment to assess your lifestyle. Every family’s cooking style is different, and your appliances should complement your daily routine.
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Do you enjoy elaborate cooking or stick to simple meals?
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Is your family large or small?
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Are you always in a hurry, or do you spend leisurely hours in the kitchen?
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Do you cook Indian-style meals with high oil content and spices?
Understanding these habits will determine whether you need a heavy-duty mixer grinder, a built-in oven, or a powerful kitchen chimney. A bachelor’s needs will differ significantly from those of a family of four.
Plan Your Kitchen Layout First
The next step is to plan your kitchen space. Whether your kitchen is U-shaped, L-shaped, or a straight modular kitchen, you’ll need to allocate appliance space thoughtfully.
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Built-in or freestanding: Choose whether you want a built-in hob and oven or standalone versions. Built-in appliances look sleek but need careful planning.
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Ventilation and chimney placement: If you're planning a chimney, its placement and ducting need early consideration.
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Electric vs gas supply: Confirm what’s available in your locality. If you have an uninterrupted gas supply, you might opt for gas hobs. Otherwise, consider induction cooktops or electric ranges.
A well-planned layout ensures your appliances won’t clash or clutter your kitchen, and everything remains within reach.
Prioritize the Essentials First
Don’t get distracted by shiny new gadgets just yet. Start by purchasing the must-haves:
1. Refrigerator
It’s the heart of the kitchen. Consider size, door style (single, double, side-by-side, French door), inverter compressor, and energy rating. Frost-free and adjustable shelves are big bonuses. Choose based on family size and storage needs.
2. Stove or Hob
Choose between a gas stove, a gas hob, or an induction cooktop. Consider the number of burners (2, 3, or 4), material finish, auto-ignition, and safety features. Stainless steel and toughened glass are standard finishes.
3. Microwave or OTG
Do you reheat more or bake often? A convection microwave oven is excellent for multitasking — cooking, reheating, and baking. An OTG (oven-toaster-grill) is better suited for serious baking and grilling needs.
4. Mixer Grinder
From chutneys to spice mixes, a powerful mixer grinder is non-negotiable in Indian kitchens. Look for options with multiple jars, safety locks, and speed control.
5. Kitchen Chimney
If you cook spicy or oily foods often, a kitchen chimney is essential. Choose between ducted or ductless, wall-mounted or built-in. Go for higher suction power (1000+ m³/hr) for Indian cooking. Auto-clean options are easy to maintain.
Factor in Appliance Sizes and Dimensions
Always measure your kitchen counter and cabinet dimensions before purchasing appliances. Oversized gadgets can cause layout issues. For instance:
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A large microwave might take up crucial prep space.
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A wide refrigerator may not fit in the allocated area.
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Built-in ovens require custom cabinet cuts.
Note down appliance dimensions and compare them with your available space. Ensure there’s room for ventilation behind and around appliances.
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy efficiency is no longer optional — it’s a wise financial and environmental decision. Look for the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) star ratings when purchasing refrigerators, washing machines, and even water purifiers.
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5-star rated appliances consume less electricity.
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Inverter technology in refrigerators and microwaves ensures intelligent energy usage.
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LED displays, timers, and eco-modes in newer models also help reduce power consumption.
Over the long term, energy-efficient appliances drastically lower your electricity bills.
Stick to Your Budget — But Be Value-Driven
It’s tempting to splurge on the latest models with innovative features. But always balance features with budget. High price tags don’t always translate to better quality.
Here’s how to stay smart:
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Set a realistic budget for each appliance.
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Watch for combo deals or festive discounts online.
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Prioritize functionality over luxury features.
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Look out for brands that offer warranties, free installation, or EMI options.
You can always upgrade later, but your essentials should offer durability and utility first.
Don’t Ignore After-Sales Support and Brand Reputation
Always buy appliances from reputed brands known for durability, service support, and warranty coverage. Brands like Samsung, LG, Bosch, IFB, Bajaj, Pigeon, and Whirlpool are trusted across India.
Things to check:
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Length of warranty (especially on compressors and motors)
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Availability of customer service centers in your city
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Free demo or installation support
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Return/replacement policies in case of defects
Also, check product reviews and YouTube videos to get real-user opinions before purchase.
Explore Smart Appliances If It Fits Your Lifestyle
If you're tech-savvy or building a smart home, explore smart kitchen appliances that offer Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, app-based cooking presets, and energy analytics.
Examples include:
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Smart refrigerators with touchscreens and inventory tracking
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Microwaves with recipe presets accessible via mobile app
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Induction cooktops that shut off automatically when not in use
While not essential, these features can enhance your kitchen experience if you enjoy automation and convenience.
Think Long-Term: Invest in Durability
Buying kitchen appliances is not just about today’s convenience. It’s a long-term investment. Don’t compromise on build quality, especially for high-use appliances like stoves, mixers, and refrigerators.
Go for:
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Stainless steel over plastic
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Copper motor over aluminum in mixers
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Toughened glass tops on hobs
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Ceramic or enamel coating in microwaves and ovens
Durable appliances last longer, perform better, and save replacement costs.
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Dream Kitchen
Your new home deserves a kitchen that works for you. Functionality, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and reliability — all need to align. Take time to compare options, measure your space, and invest wisely. Prioritize essentials, plan layout early, and gradually expand your collection with additional gadgets like dishwashers, air fryers, or blenders.
And if you're looking for trusted kitchen appliances at the best prices, platforms like Bijli Ki Dukan offer a wide range of affordable, energy-efficient products across leading Indian brands — with doorstep delivery and service support to make your new kitchen setup even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the must-have kitchen appliances for a new home?
A: Essential appliances include a refrigerator, stove or hob, microwave or OTG, mixer grinder, and a kitchen chimney. These form the foundation of a functional modern kitchen.
Q2. Are built-in appliances better than freestanding ones?
A: Built-in appliances offer a sleek, integrated look and save space, but are more expensive and more complicated to replace. Freestanding units are more flexible and easier to upgrade or shift.
Q3. Should I buy a microwave or an OTG?
A: Choose a microwave if you primarily reheat, defrost, or cook simple dishes. Go for an OTG if you're into baking, grilling, or roasting often.
Q4. How important is the Energy Star rating when buying kitchen appliances?
A: Very important. Appliances with a 4- or 5-star BEE rating consume less electricity, which reduces your power bills and benefits the environment.
Q5. Should I buy all my kitchen appliances at once?
A: Not necessarily. Prioritize essential appliances first, and expand gradually as your budget allows. Buying in phases also lets you explore better deals.