Ease of cleaning is well worth considering at the outset. Stay clean liners resist dirt build-up but pyrolitic cleaning is the ultimate. It burns off all baked-on debris at 500°C so that all you have to do is sweep out the resulting ash. Look out for ovens with a steam cleaning facility, too, and remember that some ovens have removable inner doors that are easy to clean.

These are the best all purpose bowls for a multitude of applications. Choose a wide range of sizes (be sure to get a large bowl for whipping egg whites and whipped cream). In general, the heavier the bowl, the higher quality.

What will you choose, paint or wallpaper? Modern emulsion paints are very easy to apply using rollers, brushes or pads. Two coats of a good quality silk finish are recommended for durable cover. If your kitchen front is plain you can liven up the room by choosing patterned wallpaper. A light colour will make your room appear larger. Because kitchens are working rooms where moisture, grease and dust collect choose a wipe clean surface such smooth vinyl. Avoid embossed papers as they accumulate dirt, are hard to clean and easily graze.