Part 1: Essential Housewares & Appliances Every Homeowner Needs

Every dream home starts with the right essentials. A house may be built of walls and beams, but a home is made functional and comfortable by the housewares and appliances inside it. From the refrigerator that keeps your groceries fresh to the pans you cook your favorite meals in, these essentials form the backbone of daily living. In fact, choosing the right housewares and appliances is just as important as a solid remodeling plan, the two go hand-in-hand in creating a convenient and beautiful living space. At MGS Contracting Services, we’ve seen time and again that a successful remodel isn’t just about new walls or cabinets; it’s also about integrating the essential housewares that make life easier and more enjoyable.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk both new homeowners and seasoned renovators through the must-have items for every home. We’ll cover all the bases, major appliances, handy countertop gadgets, versatile cookware, bakeware for every occasion, everyday utensils, stylish tableware, cleaning tools for every floor, cozy linens, and smart tips to tie it all together. By the end, you’ll know exactly what essentials to invest in (and why), how to organize them in your newly remodeled space, and how MGS Contracting Services can help blend these items seamlessly into your home design. Let’s build the foundation of a functional, comfortable home together! Housewares

1. Major Appliances: The Backbone of Every Home Housewares

When it comes to home essentials, major appliances are truly the backbone of everyday life. These big-ticket items handle the heavy lifting, keeping our food fresh, our clothes clean, and our dishes sanitized, so choosing them wisely is crucial. In a remodel, major appliances should be planned early on, as they often dictate the layout of the kitchen or laundry areas. Let’s look at the key players: Housewares Housewares

Refrigerator & Freezer, Finding the Right Style: The refrigerator is arguably the most important appliance in your kitchen, and it comes in a variety of styles and configurations. The classic top-freezer fridge (freezer compartment on top, fridge below) is usually the most budget-friendly and space-efficient option. Top-freezer models offer reliable, basic cold storage and are often chosen for smaller kitchens or as a secondary garage fridge. On the other end, French door refrigerators (double doors opening to the fridge compartment with a freezer drawer below) and side-by-side refrigerators (vertical split with fridge on one side, freezer on the other) have become very popular in modern remodeled kitchens for their capacity and convenience. These styles tend to provide larger storage volume and more organized access to fresh and frozen foods. French door models, in particular, offer wide fridge shelves for platters and easy eye-level access to fresh foods, making them a great choice if you cook or entertain frequently. Side-by-sides dedicate full-height compartments to fridge and freezer, which can be useful for households that use a lot of frozen goods. If you’re looking for a sleek, custom look during your remodel, consider counter-depth or built-in fridges. Built-in refrigerators sit flush with cabinetry and can be paneled to match your cabinets for a seamless look; they are often taller and can be as wide as 48 inches for a true high-end statement. Keep in mind, built-ins come at a premium cost and are a more permanent installation (not ideal if you plan to move soon). A smart compromise is a counter-depth refrigerator, these are shallower (about 24 inches deep) so they line up with standard cabinets, giving a built-in appearance without actually being built into the wall. Counter-depth models sacrifice a bit of capacity due to their slimmer depth, but they make up for it with easier access and a streamlined aesthetic, perfect for an MGS kitchen remodel aiming for that modern, clean-lined look. Tip: Measure your kitchen layout carefully and decide early in the design process which fridge style you prefer. MGS Contracting Services often builds custom cabinet surrounds or enclosures for refrigerators, so knowing if you want a standard freestanding model or a built-in helps us plan electrical outlets, water lines, and cabinet dimensions accurately. Housewares Housewares

Range & Oven, Gas vs. Electric vs. Induction: Next up is the cooking center of your home: the range (or cooktop and wall oven). Choosing between gas, electric, or induction heating is a big decision that affects your cooking experience and kitchen design. Gas ranges are beloved by many avid cooks and professional chefs for their precise heat control and instant flame. Turn the knob, and you get an immediate, visible flame that responds instantly when you raise or lower it. This makes it easier to gauge and adjust cooking temperature on the fly, one reason gas is often considered the “gold standard” for serious cooks. Gas stoves also continue to work during power outages (since the burners can be lit with a match), which can be a handy advantage in storm-prone areas. If your home already has a natural gas line (or propane hookup), installing a gas range during a remodel can be relatively straightforward. Just be sure to plan for proper ventilation: gas combustion produces moisture and flue gases, so an adequate range hood or vent is essential to whisk away fumes and keep your kitchen air clean. Modern electric ranges have improved a lot and offer their own benefits. Electric cooktops (especially the smooth glass-ceramic top models) provide an evenly heated surface and a sleek look that’s easy to wipe clean. They tend to excel at maintaining steady, low simmering heat, great for gentle tasks like melting chocolate or simmering sauces without risk of a flame blowing out. Electric ovens are often praised for even baking results. The downside is that electric burners take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, so responsiveness is slightly less than gas. However, if your home doesn’t have gas and adding a line isn’t feasible, electric is a perfectly capable choice (and avoids any concerns about open flames or gas emissions). Then there’s the newcomer making waves in the kitchen world: induction cooktops. Induction is a type of electric cooking that uses magnetic fields to directly heat your cookware. The result is amazingly fast and precise heat control, water boils in a flash, and heat changes are as quick as with gas. Importantly, induction is by far the most energy-efficient option: it can be up to ~90% efficient at transferring energy to the pot, much higher than gas or standard electric. (In fact, according to energy experts, induction stoves use about 10% less energy than even electric coils and are around three times more efficient than gas stoves.) Induction cooktops also have the advantage of a cool-to-touch surface (the glass only heats under the pot, elsewhere stays relatively cool), making them safer for households with kids. The main considerations are that you’ll need compatible cookware (magnetic metal pots/pans like cast iron or stainless steel work, whereas aluminum or copper alone won’t unless they have a magnetic base) and induction units themselves can be more expensive upfront. During a remodel is a great time to switch to induction if you’re interested, since MGS can ensure proper electrical wiring is in place (induction ranges typically require a 240V outlet, similar to traditional electric stoves). Placement & Layout: Whichever type of range or cooktop you choose, think about its placement in the kitchen design. The range often becomes a focal point of the kitchen “work triangle” (the trio of fridge, sink, stove). In a remodel, you have the opportunity to optimize this triangle for smooth workflow. For instance, you might move the range from an isolated wall to an island or peninsula to create a more social cooking space (just remember to plan for a vent hood overhead). Also consider adjacent countertop space, you’ll want some landing area on either side of the stove for safety and convenience when moving hot pots. At MGS Contracting Services, we often build custom cabinetry around ovens and ranges, including slide-in ranges that fit between cabinets for a seamless look or separate wall ovens at an ergonomic height. A popular high-end touch is to integrate a wall oven and a microwave or second oven in a tall cabinet, freeing up under-counter space for storage. Housewares Housewares

Microwave, Countertop vs. Built-in: Speaking of microwaves, they’re a kitchen essential for most people, whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting meat, or making a quick cup of tea, a microwave saves time. In smaller kitchens or older homes, the microwave often just sits on the countertop, which works fine but does take up valuable prep space. During a kitchen remodel, you might consider a built-in microwave or microwave drawer as a space-saving solution. Built-in microwaves can be installed in upper cabinets or in a cubby within a cabinet run, this not only frees up counter space but also gives a clean, custom look. For example, a microwave can be tucked into a tall pantry cabinet or above the wall oven (some models even combine an oven and microwave in one unit). Another trendy option is an under-counter microwave drawer, which glides out and lets you drop in dishes from the top, very sleek and accessible, especially for those who don’t want to reach up high. The alternative is a countertop microwave, which is more economical and simply plugs into an outlet on the counter. If you go that route, MGS can design a specific spot for it, such as on a dedicated appliance shelf or behind closed doors in an appliance garage, so it’s not monopolizing your main counter. Integration Tip: No matter which style you choose, make sure to have an outlet planned in that location and ventilation as recommended by the microwave manufacturer (some require a certain clearance around them). A well-integrated microwave can almost disappear into the cabinetry, maintaining the visual harmony of your new kitchen while still being super convenient. Housewares

Dishwasher, Modern Convenience with Eco-Friendly Benefits: Gone are the days when dishwashers were considered a luxury; now they’re a must-have in most kitchens. A good dishwasher not only saves you the chore of hand-washing piles of dishes, it can also save water and energy. In fact, multiple studies have found that using a dishwasher is typically more water-efficient and energy-efficient than hand-washing an equivalent load of dishes. One famous study from the University of Bonn in Germany found that a full dishwasher load uses only half the energy and one-sixth the water compared to washing that same load by hand at the sink. Modern Energy Star dishwashers use as little as 3-4 gallons of water per cycle, whereas running tap water can gush out 2+ gallons per minute, so unless you can wash a whole dinner’s worth of dishes in under two minutes, the machine is likely more efficient! Beyond the numbers, a dishwasher also uses hotter water than hands can tolerate, which means better sanitation for your dishes. From an eco-friendly standpoint, this makes dishwashers a win-win (just remember to run full loads and scrape plates instead of pre-rinsing to maximize efficiency). When remodeling, you’ll typically want the dishwasher located next to the sink for easy loading and access to plumbing. MGS can install panel-ready dishwashers that accept a cabinet front, these blend in with your cabinetry for a sleek look. Imagine a kitchen island with what looks like a regular cabinet door, but it’s actually your hidden dishwasher! Also consider noise ratings when choosing a model (anything under ~45 decibels is very quiet). With open-concept layouts being common after remodels, a virtually silent dishwasher is worth the investment so it won’t disturb conversations or TV in adjacent rooms. Finally, think about ergonomics: if you do a lot of cooking or have a big family, placing the dishwasher slightly raised (on a platform or with a drawer beneath it) can save your back from bending as much when loading and unloading. Housewares Housewares

Washer & Dryer, Laundry Essentials and Layouts: Moving beyond the kitchen, laundry appliances are another major category for homeowners to plan for. Whether you have a dedicated laundry room, a closet, or a nook in a bathroom or basement, choosing the right washer and dryer set and designing an efficient laundry area will make the never-ending chore of laundry much more pleasant. The first consideration is size: full-size vs. compact. Full-size washers and dryers (typically around 27 inches wide each) offer larger capacity drums, which is great for families or if you like to wash bulky items like comforters at home. Compact units (around 24 inches wide) are ideal for smaller spaces, they can even be stacked in a tall cabinet or closet. If you’re remodeling a condo, older home, or adding a laundry area in a tight spot, compact stackable machines might be the ticket. Keep in mind that compact sets sometimes are electric-condensation dryer models (if you don’t have a vent to outside) whereas full-sizes often have vented electric or gas dryers. Layout: In a full laundry room remodel, MGS Contracting Services often builds custom cabinetry and countertops around the washer/dryer. For example, you can have a countertop over side-by-side machines for a folding surface, upper cabinets or shelving for detergents and linens, and even a built-in laundry sink for hand-washing delicates or soaking stains. We ensure proper hookups (hot/cold water, drain, 240V outlet or gas line, venting) are all planned in the design. Consider adding a floor drain or a leak pan under the washer for extra security against water leaks (especially if the laundry is on a second floor). Another decision is top-load vs. front-load washers. Front-load washers are often more energy and water efficient and allow stacking, but top-loaders can be a bit easier to maintain (no bending and less risk of odors since they don’t have a sealing door gasket). This comes down to preference, and note that some newer top-load models now have no agitator, increasing capacity. Pro Tip from MGS: We can get creative in squeezing laundry functions into small areas too. For instance, in one remodel we turned a hallway closet into a laundry center with a stacking washer-dryer behind bi-fold doors, plus built-in shelves for storage. In another, we built a pull-out folding station and a slim vertical closet for brooms and the ironing board. The key is to think through how you like to do laundry, sorting, washing, drying, folding, ironing, and allocate space for each of those tasks. A well-designed laundry area, big or small, can make a huge difference in your daily routine.

MGS Pro Tip, Seamless Integration: One of our specialties at MGS Contracting Services is integrating appliances seamlessly into cabinetry during remodels. This means your kitchen (or laundry room) won’t be interrupted by chunky white or stainless steel boxes; instead, appliances fit right in as if they were part of the cabinets all along. For example, we can panel your fridge and dishwasher with cabinet fronts, install a slide-in range that has a custom backsplash niche, or create an enclosure for your microwave. This not only boosts the visual appeal of your space (for that HGTV-worthy custom look) but also ensures everything is optimally placed for function. Remember, an appliance is only as good as its installation, a poorly placed oven that opens into a doorway, or a fridge that can’t fully open because it’s jammed against a wall, will frustrate you despite being high-end. In our design process, we map out appliance clearances and ergonomics carefully. The result is a kitchen or laundry that not only looks amazing but works smoothly day-to-day. Housewares

2. Countertop Appliances & Smart Add-Ons Housewares

Beyond the big appliances, there’s a whole world of smaller gadgets that live on your countertops and make daily life convenient. These countertop appliances can truly enhance your cooking and routines, think of your morning coffee maker or the trusty toaster oven for quick snacks. Let’s dive into the essential ones every homeowner should consider, and how to keep them from overrunning your counter space (a common challenge!). Housewares Housewares

Small Kitchen Essentials: A few small appliances are so useful that most kitchens will benefit from having them. Here are the core ones to consider for your home: Housewares Housewares

Toaster or Toaster Oven: If you love a good slice of toast or bagel in the morning, a toaster is a must. A pop-up toaster is compact and does one thing well (make toast). A toaster oven is a bit larger but more versatile, it can toast, bake small batches of food, broil, and even act as a mini-oven without heating up your whole kitchen. Many homeowners opt for a toaster oven for its multi-use nature, especially if they have the counter space. Housewares
Blender: From breakfast smoothies to pureed soups and sauces, a good blender is incredibly handy. It’s one of those appliances you might not use daily, but when you need it, there’s really no substitute. If you’re a smoothie fanatic or love making frozen drinks, investing in a high-powered blender can be worth it. Otherwise, a standard countertop blender or even an immersion (stick) blender might suffice for occasional blending tasks. Housewares
Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine: For the coffee drinkers among us, this is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a classic drip coffee maker, a pod-based machine, a fancy espresso maker, or even just an electric kettle for your pour-over setup, having a way to get your caffeine fix at home is essential. Choose a coffee appliance that fits your style, a programmable drip machine for convenience, a French press if you prefer simplicity (well, that’s not electric but still essential houseware), or a full espresso/cappuccino machine if you fancy yourself a home barista. Housewares
Electric Kettle: Even if you’re not a tea drinker, an electric kettle is surprisingly useful. It boils water faster than a stovetop and can be used for tea, instant coffee, hot cocoa, instant soups, oatmeal, you name it. Many models have temperature settings which is great for different teas or even prepping water for bread-baking. If you already have a coffee machine with hot water or an instant hot water tap from your remodel, you might skip this, but otherwise it’s a small appliance that earns its keep. Housewares Housewares
Microwave (if not built-in): As discussed, if you didn’t opt for a built-in microwave, a countertop microwave is essential. Just plan a spot for it because it’s one of the larger countertop items. Housewares Housewares

Beyond these basics, there are plenty of other countertop appliances that can make life easier depending on your interests:

Stand Mixer: Bakers often swear by their stand mixer (e.g., the iconic KitchenAid). It’s fantastic for kneading bread dough, mixing batters, whipping cream, etc. It is heavy and takes up space, so in a remodel, we often design a special shelf or mixer lift that hides it away when not in use (more on that soon). Housewares
Slow Cooker / Instant Pot: These are great for busy families, toss in ingredients in the morning, and come home to a cooked meal (slow cooker), or use the pressure cooking function to get dinner done fast (Instant Pot style multi-cooker). If you enjoy soups, stews, braises or bean dishes, these can be must-haves. Housewares
Air Fryer or Multi-Cooker: Air fryers have surged in popularity for healthier “fried” foods. They are essentially small convection ovens. Some toaster ovens now include air-fry capability, combining functions. If crunchy fries and chicken tenders without deep oil are your thing, you might consider one. Housewares
Food Processor: For those who cook a lot, a food processor can be essential for chopping, shredding, making pesto, pie dough, etc., in large quantities quickly. Housewares Housewares
Others: There are many specialized gadgets (rice cooker, bread machine, juicer, etc.), these fall more into “nice-to-have” territory unless you have a specific passion or dietary need. Housewares Housewares

Smart Appliance Upgrades: In the age of the smart home, even countertop appliances have gotten high-tech. You’ll find Wi-Fi enabled coffee makers you can turn on from your phone, blenders with pre-programmed recipe apps, and toasters you can talk to (well, almost). The question is, do you need them? A rule of thumb: upgrade to smart appliances only if they genuinely make your life easier or if you’re a tech enthusiast who loves the novelty. For example, a smart coffee maker that you can program and start from bed via Alexa might be a game-changer for your morning routine (hot coffee ready when you walk to the kitchen). A high-end smart blender could walk you through recipes with automatic speed adjustments. However, many small appliances work perfectly well with good old-fashioned buttons. One thing to consider is multi-function appliances, these are somewhat “smart” in design if not connectivity. For instance, some modern pressure cookers double as air fryers, slow cookers, yogurt makers, etc., saving you from buying separate devices. Another example: a convection microwave that doubles as a second oven. These hybrids can be worth the upgrade cost because they reduce clutter. Housewares Housewares

Space Efficiency, Avoiding Counter Clutter: One common problem in kitchens is that countertops get overcrowded with gadgets, leaving little room for actual meal prep. A cluttered counter not only looks messy but can also be frustrating to work around. During a remodel, plan for dedicated storage for small appliances. Here are some ideas: Housewares

Appliance Garages: An appliance garage is essentially a cabinet or cubby with a door (roll-up, flip-up, or pocket doors) on the countertop where you can tuck away frequently used appliances like the toaster, coffee maker, or blender. When you need them, you open the small garage door and slide them out (or even use them in place if there’s power inside), and when you’re done, they hide away. This keeps your counters clear and appliances out of sight, yet still easily accessible. The benefits of appliance garages are significant: they remove visual clutter and also protect your appliances from dust, grease, and splashes when not in use. MGS can design these to match your cabinetry, complete with outlets inside for convenience. For example, we can create a corner appliance garage with a breadbox-style roll-top door, or a tall cabinet with retracting pocket doors that slide back to reveal a “breakfast station” (coffee maker, toaster, etc.). Homeowners love these because you can keep all the morning routine items in one place, then literally close the door on them after breakfast for a clean look. Remember the quote: “less clutter in the kitchen, more space on the countertops for food prep”, that’s exactly what an appliance garage achieves. Housewares
Custom Shelving and Inserts: If a formal appliance garage isn’t in your plan, use other storage tricks. Deep drawers with sturdy slides can hold heavier appliances like stand mixers or food processors, we can even install a lift mechanism that pops your mixer up to counter level when needed (no more lugging that 20-pound mixer around!). Pull-out shelves in lower cabinets are also a boon, rather than digging to the back of a cabinet to retrieve the slow cooker, a full-extension slide-out lets you see and grab it easily. Vertical dividers can create slots for thin appliances (like cutting boards and also slim appliances such as waffle irons). Housewares Housewares
Wall-Mounted Options: To free counters, consider mounting what you can under cabinets or on walls. For example, under-cabinet coffee makers or can openers were a trend; nowadays, even stand mixers have optional wall mounts (though those are more commercial). A magnetic knife strip on the wall (we’ll talk about that in the utensils section) can clear knife blocks off the counter. Every bit helps. Housewares Housewares
Designate Zones: When planning where appliances go, think in terms of usage zones. A beverage zone could have the coffeemaker, kettle, mugs, and tea/coffee supplies all stored together (maybe near the fridge for easy milk access). A baking zone might have the mixer, measuring cups, flours, etc., in one area of the kitchen. By clustering items by use, you not only make it efficient for yourself but you can also ensure those zones have the storage features needed (like an appliance garage in the baking zone for the mixer and food processor, and perhaps open shelving in the beverage zone to display pretty mugs and store canisters). MGS can help identify these work zones during your remodel planning.

The goal with countertop appliances and gadgets is to have what you need for your lifestyle, but also to have a place for everything. With custom cabinetry, we ensure your new kitchen can house all your favorite helpers neatly. No more rummaging through a dark cabinet for the blender base or leaving the air fryer permanently parked in the corner. The result is a clutter-free, efficient kitchen where you can actually enjoy your countertop space for chopping veggies or rolling out dough, and still have all your appliances at your fingertips when you need them. Housewares Housewares

3. Cooking Implements: Building a Versatile Kitchen Arsenal Housewares

With the appliances sorted, let’s talk about the arsenal of cookware that every home chef needs. You might have the fanciest stove in the world, but you still need quality pots and pans on top of it to actually cook a meal. Investing in a good set of core cooking implements will pay dividends for years (even decades). Here we’ll cover the essential pans and pots every kitchen should have, why quality matters, and some optional add-ons that expand your capabilities. We’ll also sneak in some design insight on storing these often heavy, bulky items in your remodeled kitchen. Housewares

Core Pots and Pans Every Home Needs: You don’t actually need a huge 15-piece cookware set to start, in fact, many sets include pieces that you’ll rarely use. Instead, focus on a few versatile pieces that can handle most cooking tasks. According to cooking experts, “there are a few core pots and pans that no kitchen should be without…you can do most of your cooking with seven essential pieces.” While everyone’s list may vary a bit, here’s a common checklist of must-have cookware:

Skillet / Frying Pan: This is your workhorse for sautéing, frying, searing, and more. A medium to large skillet (10″ or 12″) is ideal. There are options like a stainless steel skillet for high-heat searing and pan sauces, and a nonstick skillet for eggs and delicate foods. If possible, have one of each: e.g., a 12-inch stainless steel skillet for general use and a 10-inch nonstick for omelets and such. A cast iron skillet can also fulfill this role and has the benefit of being oven-safe and imparting great browning (plus it will last a lifetime if cared for). Housewares
Saucepan (with lid): A saucepan in the 2–3 quart range is essential for boiling, reheating, making sauces, cooking grains, etc. It’s your go-to for anything involving liquids on the stovetop. A saucier (a pan like a saucepan but with rounded bottom corners) is a favorite of some chefs because sauces won’t get stuck in corners and it’s easier to whisk, but a standard saucepan will do the job too. One mid-size saucepan and perhaps a smaller one (1 qt) for tiny tasks like melting butter or heating a can of soup are useful. Housewares Housewares
Stockpot / Large Pot: For pasta, soups, stews, chili, corn on the cob, you need one big pot. Typically a stockpot of 6 to 8 quarts works for most households. If you love making bone broth or huge batches of stew, you might go larger (12 qt), but that’s optional. Ensure it has a lid. This pot also doubles as a vessel for boiling a lobster or doing a seafood boil at home, if you ever feel adventurous.
Sauté Pan or Dutch Oven: This is where preferences come in. A sauté pan is like a skillet but deeper and usually comes with a lid, great for braising or recipes that start by searing and then add liquid to simmer. A Dutch oven (enameled cast iron pot, usually round with a heavy lid) can accomplish similar tasks but also go from stovetop to oven for slow braises, bread baking, etc. Many people consider a Dutch oven one of the most valuable pieces to have, it’s excellent for soups, stews, roasting a chicken, baking crusty bread, and more. If you invest in a high-quality enameled cast iron Dutch oven, it can last generations (and it looks beautiful, often you can serve right in it at the table). If you have to choose one piece as an “optional upgrade,” a Dutch oven might be it, as it can do the job of a stockpot and a sauté pan in many cases. On the other hand, a stainless steel sauté pan (like 3-4 qt size) with straight sides and a lid is also super handy, especially for one-pan meals or pan-frying cutlets without splattering oil everywhere.
Small Frypan: In addition to the large skillet, having a small 8-inch frying pan is great for quick tasks or cooking for one, like frying an egg or toasting nuts. Housewares Housewares
Other Handy Pieces: A cast iron skillet (if not already counted) is often listed as essential because of its high heat tolerance and naturally nonstick seasoned surface. It’s great for searing steak (can go straight into a hot oven or under broiler), making cornbread, even as a grill substitute. A nonstick sauté pan or deep skillet is nice for dishes that tend to stick or for easy cleanup nights. But as long as you have one nonstick surface pan and one stainless or cast iron pan, you’re set. Housewares Housewares

Remember, high-quality doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive brand, but it does mean you should avoid the very cheap, flimsy pans. Investing in quality cookware is worth it, a good pan will distribute heat evenly (no hot spots), won’t warp easily, and will last years without the handles coming loose or surfaces deteriorating. As Food & Wine puts it, “You don’t want to waste your money on subpar pots and pans.” A $20 bargain pan that burns your food or falls apart is no bargain. You might spend more upfront for a well-constructed stainless steel skillet or a heavy-duty saucepot, but you’ll be using that piece for a long time. Many experienced homeowners eventually curate their cookware pieces one by one rather than buying a pre-packaged set, you might splurge on a top-rated skillet, find a great mid-priced saucepan, inherit Grandma’s Dutch oven, etc., until you have your ideal set. Housewares Housewares

Optional Add-Ons: Once you have the basics, there are a few additional cookware pieces that, while not strictly “must-have,” can greatly expand what you can cook: Housewares Housewares

Dutch Oven (if not already included): As mentioned, an enameled cast iron Dutch oven (~5 to 6 quart size) is fantastic for slow-cooking and can be used in place of a slow cooker if you prefer oven braising. It’s also gorgeous for serving soups or stews at a dinner party. Many people use it weekly for making hearty one-pot meals. Housewares
Cast Iron Griddle or Grill Pan: If you love pancakes, a flat griddle that spans two burners is a breakfast dream. A grill pan (with ridges) can give you grill marks on steaks or veggies indoors. Housewares Housewares
Wok: If you enjoy stir-fry and Asian cuisine, a carbon steel wok (with a flat bottom for home stoves) is a versatile addition. It’s not only for stir-frying; you can deep-fry, steam, and even smoke foods with a wok. Serious Eats notes that a wok is one of the most versatile tools and particularly excellent for deep-frying due to its shape. It is a bit specialized but worth it if those cooking techniques are up your alley. Housewares Housewares
Extra Saucepans or a Second Large Pot: If you cook multiple things at once, having a couple of saucepans (like a 2 qt and a 4 qt) can help. Or a second large pot if you often need two (like boiling pasta in one and making soup in another simultaneously). Housewares Housewares
Specialty Pans: Depending on your interests, you might consider a clay pot for certain recipes, a pressure cooker, or a dedicated rice cooker (though a pot can cook rice, a fuzzy logic rice cooker gives perfect results and convenience if you eat rice daily). Housewares Housewares

Quality Check and Materials: Cookware comes in different materials, stainless steel (often with aluminum or copper cores for even heating), cast iron, nonstick aluminum, copper, etc. Each has pros and cons. Stainless steel with an aluminum core is a great all-purpose, durable choice. Cast iron is superb for heat retention and high heat but heavy. Nonstick aluminum pans are lightweight and easy for sticky foods but the coating can wear out after a few years. Often, a combination is best (e.g., stainless pots, cast iron or carbon steel skillet, one nonstick pan). Housewares Housewares

Design Insight: Storage Solutions for Cookware in Your Remodeled Kitchen: Now, where do we put all these clunky pots and pans? This is something we address frequently in kitchen remodels. Stacking them in an ordinary cabinet can lead to a noisy avalanche when you need the one at the bottom. Instead, we implement smart storage: Housewares

Deep Drawers for Pots and Pans: One of the best things to come out of modern kitchen design is replacing lower cabinets (with doors and an abyss of stuff inside) with deep pull-out drawers. A pot drawer can easily hold several pots and pans plus lids, and because the entire drawer pulls out, you can see and reach everything. No more crawling on the floor to get the back pot! We often include pegboard or adjustable dividers in these drawers to keep items from shifting. Heavy-duty drawer glides handle the weight of cast iron and stacked cookware. These drawers are a game-changer for heavy cookware storage, even a huge Dutch oven slides out effortlessly when you want it.
Pull-Out Shelves: If you prefer cabinets, we can install pull-out shelves inside. These act like drawers behind cabinet doors, bringing your cookware out to you. It’s similar in effect to deep drawers, though with a slightly narrower opening due to the doors. Housewares Housewares
Vertical Dividers: For flat items like baking sheets (covered in the next section) but also for slim pans or lids, a cabinet with vertical dividers is excellent. Some people also store cutting boards and pot lids in these slots. Typically, these are placed in a narrow cabinet or above a fridge. Housewares Housewares
Pot Racks: If you like the look of an industrial kitchen, a hanging pot rack can also store cookware in style, doubling as decor (shiny copper pots on display). However, many homeowners are moving away from hanging racks in favor of the cleaner look of everything tucked away, unless you have a special collection you want to show off. One compromise is an open shelf for cookware: for instance, a single sturdy shelf that holds a stack of colorful Dutch ovens or a collection of cast iron, which can be a visual statement. Housewares Housewares
Lid Storage: Lids are notorious space hogs. In your remodel, consider a built-in lid organizer (like an insert that holds lids in the interior of a cabinet door, or a partitioned section in a drawer just for lids). There are also pull-out racks specifically for lids. Solving the lid puzzle will make grabbing the right pot quicker. Housewares

By planning your kitchen storage around your cookware, you ensure those quality pots and pans are easy to access and inspire you to cook more. In summary, build your kitchen arsenal with a few well-chosen, high-quality pieces, you can cook almost anything with a good skillet, a saucepan, and a stockpot. Then add specialty cookware as your cooking adventures expand. And let MGS design a kitchen layout that gives every pot and pan its own spot, from a stout Dutch oven to the smallest lid. You’ll thank yourself on a busy weeknight when you can grab what you need without a fuss and get dinner on the table smoothly. Housewares Housewares

4. Bakeware: Essentials for Everyday & Special Occasions Housewares

Baking isn’t just for the holidays, even if you’re not a professional pastry chef, every homeowner will likely do some baking, roasting, or at least oven-heating at some point. Whether it’s a batch of cookies, a birthday cake, a Thanksgiving casserole, or frozen pizza on a busy night, having the right bakeware on hand is key. This section covers the essential bakeware pieces you should own, the differences in materials (glass, metal, ceramic) and why they matter, and how a well-designed kitchen can accommodate all those awkwardly shaped sheets and pans. Housewares

Essential Bakeware Pieces: Compared to pots and pans, bakeware tends to be lighter and thinner, but you’ll need a variety of shapes to handle different recipes. Here are the basics every kitchen should include:

Baking Sheets (Sheet Pans): Often called cookie sheets, these flat rectangular pans are incredibly versatile. The most handy size is the half sheet pan (roughly 18” x 13”), which fits in standard ovens. You can roast veggies, bake cookies, toast nuts, bake chicken breasts or fish, basically anything, on a sheet pan. Many meals can be done entirely on one sheet pan (hello, easy dinner cleanup). We recommend at least two half-sheet pans so you can bake a full batch of cookies at once or have multiple trays for roasting when entertaining. There are also quarter sheets (small) and full sheets (industrial oven size, won’t fit in home ovens) but half-sheet is the go-to. Look for heavy-gauge aluminum or aluminized steel that won’t warp at high heat. Rimmed sheets (like a shallow 1” lip around the edges) are most useful because you can also make jelly roll cakes or keep juices contained when roasting meat. Housewares
9×13 Baking Pan (Rectangular Pan): This is the classic casserole dish size. Essential for brownies, lasagna, casseroles, roasted veggies, cakes (e.g., a sheet cake), and more. You can choose metal or glass/ceramic for this. If you only have one baking dish, a 9×13 is it. Many recipes (especially American ones) are designed for this size.
8×8 or 9×9 Square Pan: Useful for smaller batches of brownies, bar cookies, cornbread, or side dishes. Not absolutely required if you have a 9×13 (you can adapt recipes), but they are cheap and nice to have. Also, two 8x8s equal one 9×13 in volume, roughly, so sometimes you see recipes calling for two square pans. Housewares
Round Cake Pans: If you plan to bake round cakes (for layered birthday cakes, etc.), you’ll want two 9-inch round cake pans. Having two allows you to bake two layers at once for a standard layer cake. Even if you’re not a big cake baker, these pans can double as round casserole dishes or even pie substitutes in a pinch.
Loaf Pan: For homemade bread, loaf cakes like banana bread, meatloaf, etc. The standard is a 9”x5” loaf pan. If you never bake bread, you might skip this, but most people end up using one for quick breads or meatloaf occasionally.
Muffin Tin (Muffin Pan): Great for muffins and cupcakes, obviously. Also useful for making mini quiches or even freezing portions of things. A 12-cup standard muffin tin is common. If you have kids or enjoy baking, you’ll definitely want one.
Pie Dish: If you’ll ever make pie or quiche, a pie plate (9-inch diameter) is needed. You can also use it to serve things or for small cobblers, etc. Glass (like Pyrex) pie dishes are common so you can see the crust browning, or ceramic ones are pretty for serving.
Ramekins: These are small ceramic or glass bowls, usually 4 to 8 ounces, used for things like crème brûlée, soufflés, serving dips, or even holding prepped ingredients. They are optional, but if you enjoy making individual desserts or want to get fancy with soufflés, ramekins are a must. They’re inexpensive and handy beyond baking (like serving condiments).
Cooling Rack: Once you bake cookies or bread, you need a place to cool them so air circulates and they don’t get soggy bottoms. A wire cooling rack (or a few) is important. These also fit inside sheet pans for roasting (to elevate food) or glazing fried foods, etc. So they do double duty. Ensure the ones you get fit inside your half-sheet pans for versatility.
Specialty Pans: These include things like a Bundt pan (for those beautiful ring-shaped cakes), a springform pan (with removable sides, for cheesecakes), tart pans with removable bottoms, etc. These are only necessary if you plan to make those specific recipes. A springform is nice if you love cheesecake. A Bundt pan can be fun for festive cakes. But they’re not day-to-day essentials.

With the above list, you can bake almost any common recipe. If you’re a beginner, you can start with just a couple of sheet pans, a 9×13, and maybe a muffin tin and add others as needed.

Materials Matter, Glass vs. Metal vs. Ceramic (and more): Bakeware comes in different materials, and it’s not just about looks, the material affects cooking performance:

Metal Bakeware (Aluminum/Steel): Metal pans (aluminum, aluminized steel, or stainless steel) are excellent heat conductors. They heat up quickly and brown food well. For example, metal baking sheets and cake pans will yield a nice browned crust on baked goods. However, darker metals or nonstick-coated metal can brown too fast (sometimes leading to over-browning), shiny or light-colored metal is often preferred for more even baking. Aluminum is most common because it distributes heat evenly. One thing to note: plain aluminum can react with acidic foods (like tomato or lemon) causing a metallic taste or discoloration, that’s why many aluminum pans are anodized or nonstick-coated to “seal” them. Stainless steel is non-reactive but, as King Arthur’s baking experts mention, stainless alone doesn’t conduct heat as evenly as aluminum. That’s why you don’t see pure stainless cake pans usually, it’s either aluminum or a combination. Bottom line: use metal for when you want good browning (cookies, breads, roasting meats/veggies). Metal pans are generally lightweight and durable, but can warp if very thin. Heavy-gauge is better.
Glass Bakeware: Glass (like the ubiquitous Pyrex dish) is a poor conductor of heat compared to metal. That means it heats up more slowly, but once hot, it holds heat longer (an insulator). This can be a plus for some dishes and a minus for others. Glass is terrific for things like casseroles or pies where you want gentle, even heating and the ability to see the browning. For instance, a glass pie plate lets you peek at the crust doneness. However, because glass holds heat, your item keeps cooking even after you take it out of the oven. It can lead to the edges being overcooked by the time the center is done (like brownies that are dry at the edges). A good tip many recipes suggest is to lower the oven temperature by 25°F when baking in glass vs. metal, to prevent over-browning. Another advantage: glass is non-reactive (no flavor interactions) and generally safe for serving and storage in the same dish. Just avoid sudden temperature shocks with glass to prevent breakage (no broiling or moving hot glass onto a cold surface).
Ceramic & Stoneware Bakeware: Ceramic is similar to glass in that it heats slowly and retains heat. It’s often used for casserole dishes, pie plates, and ramekins. Ceramic dishes (including enameled stoneware) are very attractive for serving, you can take a lasagna straight from oven to table in a nice ceramic dish. They’re also non-reactive. The trade-off is again slower, less crisp browning. King Arthur’s guide notes that ceramic or stoneware doesn’t conduct heat as quickly as metal, so it’s perfectly fine for things like bread pudding or pie where precision isn’t critical. But if you tried to, say, bake a crisp-edged cookie in a ceramic dish, it might not get as crisp as on metal. Stoneware (like Pampered Chef style unglazed stone baking sheets) can yield very even, gentle heating and once seasoned, they’re somewhat nonstick, but they require care (no soap) and are heavy.
Silicone Bakeware: You might see those floppy silicone muffin pans or mats. Silicone is great as a nonstick surface and for its heat resistance, but it doesn’t brown well because it insulates too much. For example, silicone muffin pans may yield pale, soft crusts. However, silicone baking mats (Silpat etc.) are fantastic when used on top of metal sheets to prevent sticking (for cookies, macarons). They replace parchment paper and can be reused endlessly. So silicone mats are a yes; silicone pans are a maybe (depending on usage).
Insulated Bakeware: Some metal pans are “insulated” (air gap between layers) to prevent over-browning. These can be helpful for delicate cookies, but they bake slower.
Reactive vs. Non-Reactive: Certain metals (like untreated aluminum, cast iron) can react with acidic foods which might affect flavor or color. But most bakeware like aluminized steel, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, glass, ceramic are non-reactive, so you’re usually fine baking anything in them. Just something to keep in mind if using, say, an old aluminum cake pan with tomato-based dish.

In summary, choose the material based on what you’re baking. Use metal for cakes, cookies, breads when you want a good rise and light browning. Use glass/ceramic for wet, slow bakes like casseroles or cobblers where gentle heat helps cook through without drying out. Often, people have a mix: metal sheet pans and cake pans, glass casserole, ceramic pie dish. And remember that a recipe may bake faster in metal than in glass, adjust accordingly.

Maximizing Bakeware Storage in Your Kitchen Design: Bakeware pieces, especially baking sheets and muffin tins, tend to be thin but wide. Stacking them can be noisy and inconvenient when you need the bottom one. This is where thoughtful cabinetry design makes a difference:

Vertical Tray Dividers: As touched on earlier, one of the best ways to store flat bakeware (sheet pans, cutting boards, thin racks) is upright in a cabinet with dividers. Typically, we allocate a narrow cabinet (maybe 10-12 inches wide) near the oven for this purpose. Inside, vertical partition boards create slots where you can file your sheet pans, serving trays, cutting boards, etc., like files in a filing cabinet. This way, each item slides in and out easily without lifting a heavy stack. Often this cabinet is above the oven or microwave or in the island. KraftMaid, for example, offers specific tray divider inserts for their cabinets. In our MGS remodels, we custom build these or use quality inserts to fit the space.
Pull-Out Trays: Another approach is a base cabinet with pull-out tray shelves that hold bakeware. For instance, you might have a lower cabinet where, instead of a fixed shelf, a sliding tray holds all your cake pans and pie plates. You pull it out to see everything. This works well for heavier stoneware or glass bakeware that might be too clanky to store upright.
Drawer for Baking Tools: If you’re a big baker, we might dedicate a deep drawer to all your specialty baking pans (Bundt, springform, muffin tins). Deep drawers can handle the height of stacked cake pans and keep them accessible.
Above-Fridge Cabinet: Often the cabinet above a fridge is hard to reach and ends up storing infrequently used big platters. This space can be ideal for seldom-used bakeware (like that huge roasting pan for the annual turkey, or extra baking sheets you only break out during holiday cookie marathons). We can outfit that cabinet with dividers as well, since you likely only access those pieces occasionally.
Multipurpose Use: Some cookware storage can double as bakeware storage. For example, the same deep drawer with pot dividers might house your muffin tin standing on its side next to pots. Or a pantry can hold some baking sheets on a shelf.
Lid Racks for Pot Lids… or Lids for Bakeware: Don’t forget the lids for casserole dishes. If you have glass casserole dishes with lids, store the lids upright in a rack to save space (like a file divider or a rack on the back of a cabinet door). The dishes themselves can stack.

We at MGS always discuss your cooking and baking habits when planning your kitchen. If you’re an avid baker, we might design a special “baking center”, an area with a lower countertop height for kneading dough, storage for all your flours and sugars, and drawers specifically sized for baking pans. Even if you’re a casual baker, making sure your cookie sheets and cupcake trays have a home will keep your kitchen organized.

Bakeware Care Tip: To extend the life of your bakeware, avoid metal utensils on nonstick surfaces, line pans with parchment or silicone mats when possible, and hand wash aluminum or nonstick items (dishwasher detergent can corrode them over time). Heavy glass like Pyrex can go in the dishwasher, but sudden temp changes should be avoided.

Having a well-rounded collection of bakeware means you’ll be ready for anything, from a weeknight sheet-pan dinner to your friend’s bake sale. And with a remodel-designed storage solution, all those pans and trays won’t drive you crazy; you’ll actually know where everything is and can grab it without clatter. Baking might even become your new favorite hobby when your kitchen is set up for sweet success!

We hope this first extensive guide has armed you with knowledge and inspiration to outfit your home with all the essential housewares and appliances you need. Remember, the heart of a functional home lies not just in the walls and cabinets, but in the thoughtful combination of the right tools, comfort items, and design that suits your life. Here’s to creating a home that’s truly equipped for happy living!

If you’re ready to make it happen, MGS Contracting Services is just a call or click away, we’d love to help you merge form and function in your next home project. Happy homemaking!