How many times have you worked hard to create the perfect meal, only to be left less than satisfied with the end result? While sometimes it can be the fault of the recipe, or perhaps not having the right ingredients on hand, there is also the fact it could be due to a kitchen that just doesn’t function well. Without the proper tools and layout, you’re going to find you are working a lot harder than necessary in the kitchen, all to end up with sub-par results.

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So how can you ensure that you keep your kitchen in tip-top shape and functioning well? Here are some simple tips you can follow.

Clean Appliances on a Regular Basis

It can be really difficult to turn out fabulous meals if your appliances aren’t functioning at their peak levels. The fridge may not be circulating cool air as well as it should, the oven may not bake at a consistent temperature, the dishes don’t seem to come out clean from the dishwasher, or perhaps the burners on your stove create an odor once you turn them on. It could be that you just need to give your appliances a good clean in order to remedy these problems.

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Keeping your appliances clean will help them to run better, with less effort, and will also prolong their lifespan, which means you won’t have to worry about replacing them as often.

Make Sure Your Knives are Kept Sharp

This leads us to food preparation. Food preparation can take what seems like forever when you don’t have the proper tools, or tools that aren’t maintained. One of the most important tools you have in the kitchen for food prep is your knives. You’ll want to be sure you have a variety of types and sizes to handle various jobs, but also that they are kept sharp.

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When your knife gets dull, it won’t be able to make clean cuts, and you risk cutting yourself since you have to apply a lot more pressure to “saw” through the item.

As another tip, you want to be sure you also have a level and sturdy surface for cutting on – ideally a cutting board. Over time, cutting boards can start to become warped, especially if they are wood. Cutting on a surface that isn’t flat can be difficult, to say the least, so you may be wondering if it is possible to fix warped cutting board made from wood.

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If the warping isn’t too bad you can flip the board and start using the other side. If it’s a bit more noticeable then you may need to soak the board in hot water overnight, then lay it on a flat surface, weigh it down, and leave it. Steam can also help to take the warp out of the wood.

Keep Countertops Clear of Clutter

Sometimes it’s not the tools and appliances that are the issue, rather it is the lack of space. In order for your kitchen to be functioning well, you need space to move around, lay your ingredients out, and prepare the food without any issues. Take a look at your counter and try to remove any non-essential items. This step alone could make all the difference in the world when it comes to the functionality of your kitchen.

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Make a Habit of Cleaning Up Right Away

The final tip is to get into the habit of cleaning up right away. This prevents a mess from piling up, it makes it easier to disinfect food preparation surfaces, and it just feels a lot more inviting and welcoming when the kitchen is clean.

Each of these tips will help you to maintain a well-functioning kitchen.