When we were designing our kitchen and pantry, we didn’t want to fill it with fancy appliances that only got used once in a blue moon. Instead, we focused on what would truly make our daily life easier—and now, 8 months in, we can confidently say these 5 things have become indispensable.
Whether you’re setting up your first home or looking to upgrade your existing kitchen setup, here are our honest favourites.
Ninja Foodi – Our All-in-One Workhorse
If we had to keep only one kitchen appliance, it would be the Ninja Foodi. It’s easily the most-used gadget in our home. From weekday soups to weekend braised pork, it does it all—pressure cooking, air frying, steaming, and even baking.
We love how it shortens cooking time without compromising on taste, especially on workdays when we’re low on energy but still want a homecooked meal.
Hot tip: Braised dishes taste like they’ve been simmering all day, but only take a fraction of the time!
Xiaomi Toaster – Budget-Friendly & Reliable
We opted for the Xiaomi toaster after comparing it with other trendier brands (yes, Balmuda, we’re looking at you 👀). It might not have the same aesthetic hype, but it definitely delivers on performance.
Toasts come out golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. We also use it to heat up egg tarts, pizzas, and pastries—it’s fast and efficient, especially for our tea breaks.
Bonus: You can connect it to the Xiaomi Home app (China version) for more custom functions!
Dishwasher – The Surprise Game-Changer
We were skeptical at first—would we really use a dishwasher? We didn’t want to splurge, so we went with a more budget-friendly Brandt model to test the waters.
Now? Total game changer.
It’s a lifesaver after gatherings. No more standing at the sink while everyone else relaxes—we just load the dishes, hit “start,” and join the fun. The half-load function also makes it practical for lazy weekday cleanups after work.
Water Dispenser – The Unsung Hero
Hot water, cold water, room temp—on demand. No kettle needed. No waiting. No clutter.
This small change made a huge difference in our daily routine. Whether it’s for morning coffee, instant noodles, or topping up a water bottle before heading out, our water dispenser is always in use.
Highly underrated and highly recommended.
Coffee Machines – One for Speed, One for Ritual
We’ve got both a Nespresso machine and an espresso machine, and each plays a special role in our lives.
On weekday mornings when we’re rushing out the door, Nespresso is the go-to—pop in a capsule, press a button, and done. But on weekends, we slow down and savour the process with our espresso machine. Grinding beans, pulling a shot, steaming milk—it’s our little morning ritual.
Together, they’ve helped us cut back on café spending a lot, while still letting us enjoy good coffee at home.
We didn’t get everything all at once. Some were budget picks, some were splurges. But each one earned its spot through daily use—and made our routines smoother, easier, and more enjoyable.
Have a favourite kitchen must-have too? We’d love to hear what you can’t live without!