So you’ve recently moved into your very first home. Congratulations! The next step is to now fill your home with furniture and appliances to ensure your comfort and safety.
Some of the first things you should buy include a bed and bed frame, a dining table, and some chairs, as well as storage for your belongings. A sofa is also a good investment if you’re planning to have guests over.
What about appliances? Which among the “big ticket” ones should you prioritize? To help you out, here’s a quick list of the top appliances you should buy first:
A Refrigerator
One of the most essential appliances in your home is the refrigerator. Philippines’ unforgiving, humid heat can quickly cause spoilage so you need a place to store food and produce to keep them safe and fresh. Your other kitchen appliances won’t matter if all your ingredients are ruined. It’s also a big hassle to go to the grocery store or palengkewhenever you have to cook.
When you buy a refrigerator, it’s best topick one that has a separate freezer. This way, you can open the main fridge without opening the freezer and vice versa. This preserves the cool temperature inside each compartment, which prevents energy wastage. If your budget allows, pick one where the freezer is on the bottom; a side-by-side model is also a good choice because it’s easier to organize. You should also consider getting an inverter refrigerator to help you save on utility costs.
A Cooking Range or Stove
Unless you plan on eating out every single day (which will cost you a lot of money), you should definitely get a cooking range. This kitchen appliance combines a stove and an oven, so you can cook multiple dishes at the same time.
Most cooking range models have a combination of three gas burners and one electric hot plate, which gives you a lot of flexibility. Just make sure that you get appropriate cookware for the hot plate, like stainless steel or cast iron, to get the best results.
Speaking of cookware, don’t forget to buy pots and pans, along with some cooking utensils, when you get your choice of cooking range.
A Microwave Oven and/or a Toaster Oven
If you’re not that much of a cook, it’s still a good idea to buy a microwave oven. There are plenty of simple yet delicious microwave recipes that you can find online. You can also use this small but trusty appliance to reheat your leftovers.
A toaster oven is also a good investment. Like the microwave, it’s a versatile piece of kitchen appliance. You can use it to make toast, roast vegetables, and even cook some burgers. There are even toaster ovens big enough to accommodate a whole chicken! If you don’t have space for a full-size oven, then the toaster oven is the way to go.
An Air Conditioner (or an Electric Fan)
As you may very well be aware, the Philippines has hot, humid weather. It can get uncomfortable quickly if you don’t get cool air circulating in the space. Health conditions such as asthma may also be exacerbated by extreme heat. Thus, an air-conditioner is a wise investment to ensure comfort and good health.
If you’re going to run your aircon for more than 6 to 8 hours per day, it’s best to get an inverter model. Split-type air-cons may also be more effective if you’re trying to cool down a bigger space. However, if you’re just trying to cool a small bedroom, a window-type aircon is good enough.Just remember to place it at the correct height to ensure optimum cooling.
If you opt for electric fans, it’s a good idea to get wall fans or ceiling fans to save on space. Stand fans or desk fans, on the other hand, are perfect for placing in corners. For the best results, some space behind the wall and the back of the fan for better air circulation.
A Washing Machine
Trips to the laundromat can cost you a lot of money, especially if you often wash a lot of clothes. That’s why you should consider getting a washing machine. If you have wiggle room in your budget, choose a fully automatic model that can wash, rinse, and dry your clothes with just a press of a button or twist of a knob. There are also energy-efficient, water-saving washing machines. They can be more expensive at the outset, but they’ll be worth the utility cost savings in the long run.
A TV (Paired with a Soundbar)
If you’re looking for the ultimate entertainment experience, then you should definitely get a TV. There’s nothing like watching your favorite movies or playing video games on a big, high-definition screen. For the ultimate viewing and gaming experience, consider getting a soundbar with your TV. With a soundbar, the audio output from your TV will be fuller and more immersive.
Smart TVs are all the rage, but they can also be expensive. If you want, you can buy streaming devices that you can connect to the TV instead. Of course, before you buy one, do your research about 4K technology and other specs first so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for money.
Happy appliance shopping!
