Kitchen Deals -> Cook's Tools

If you enjoy eastern cuisine, you can buy a speciality hob with a wok burner. Similarly if you are a BBQ fan, choose a BBQ grill. If you are left handed, go for front rather than right hand side controls as this eliminates the risk of reaching across the heat. If you cook for a large family, more than four rings may be useful, and if you have young children it may be worth considering paying a little extra for a hob guard or in the case of gas, choosing an automatic re-ignition or cut off device should the flame blow out.

Choose a dishwasher with sturdy compression springs in the door. Also look for tough, lightweight nylon or graphite racks with cushioned tips that protect glassware and cookware. Weimer recommends choosing a model with a rack design that provides the largest, most flexible interior space and is configured for your belongings, including odd-shaped pieces.

Never use a scouring pad of any sort to remove stubborn stains or soiled areas, since these pads scratch the finish and any future soiled areas won't clean up as well, especially with the self-cleaning models. When the oven is cool to the touch, place a cloth or sponge, dampened with warm to hot tap water, onto the soiled area and allow it to sit, for about ten minutes or so, to help loosen the soil.