This is a big ticket item, but worth its weight in gold. It will save so much time when it comes to simple chopping or more advanced preparations like mayonnaise. As with most things, buy quality-- it will last longer, be capable of tougher jobs, and give you less problems. To make the food processor easiest to use, leave it on the counter top instead of storing it in a cabinet.

We recommend 2 strainers for every kitchen. The first is a solid stainless steel colander (one big enough to wash a lot of lettuce at once). The second strainer is a fine mesh conical strainer (called a chinois) which is a must for any serious sauce or stock making. A chinois is an expensive purchase, but with care it will last many years.

Very few people buying a new kitchen do so today without the offer of a water filter system as part of the deal. Water filters are taking by storm as the man and woman in the street discover that they can have the luxury of pure, clean tasting water in their kitchens for far less than the cost of a pint of milk a day! The water filter systems knock the costs associated with bottled water for six. Especially when you have virtually unlimited quantities of the stuff, pouring from a tap in your kitchen!