Look for ladles that are made of one piece of stainless steel rather than a handle and dome which are spot welded together. With use, spot welded ladles tend to come apart. Buy several differnet sizes.

Not too much romance here, but essential for any functional kitchen. Buy the heaviest pans possible. Also, you should consider buying a non-stick silicon sheet: they make baking very easy!

Large side by side American fridge freezers, with the freezer on one side and the fridge on the other, are becoming increasingly popular and can be integrated with decor panels to match kitchen furniture.