6 Go-To Specialty Kitchen Appliances for Stress-Free Entertaining

Entertaining has a way of testing our kitchens.

One day it’s just you and your favorite mug. The next, it’s eight relatives, three casserole dishes, and someone asking where you keep the extra wine glasses.

That’s where specialty kitchen appliances and storage solutions shine. From quiet steam ovens to cleverly hidden refrigeration, these additions transform your home by taking the pressure off you. After all, shouldn’t hosting a dinner party be fun?

With the right tools, you can focus on memory-making without stressing over counter space, feeling chained to a kitchen station, or running yourself ragged.

So without further ado, here are the six specialty appliances our clients rave about long after the remodel is done.

1. Steam Oven

Small but mighty, the steam oven is a favorite among empty nesters, second homeowners, and anyone who wants to heat up a meal without drying it out. It’s especially great for clients who still love to cook but don’t want to power up a full-size oven for a solo lunch. We’ve also had success recommending it to people who entertain often but need a flexible appliance that can multitask.

During the holidays, it truly earns its keep. Think perfectly poached eggs for brunch, gently reheated side dishes that still taste freshly made, and proofed dough for cinnamon rolls. We’ve even had clients use it to make homemade yogurt.

It’s compact, energy-efficient, and endlessly useful. Also, is it me, or are these little guys seriously cute? Choose one in a bold hue to tie in the accent colors of your fixtures and kitchen decor.

2. Built-In Coffee Systems

There’s something about having your own coffee station that just feels luxurious. Whether it’s a built-in machine that’s plumbed in and ready to go, or a dedicated spot for your pour-over gear and grinder, it sets the tone for your whole day.

On weekends or special occasions, it’s even more fun. Serve affogatos after dinner, or set up a self-serve cappuccino bar for guests. A great coffee setup is equal parts functional and thoughtful, with tons of opportunities to weave in your personal aesthetic.

3. Integrated Fridge and Freezer Columns

Integrated refrigeration is one of our favorite ways to combine function and form. Clients often come in thinking they’ll just need a standard fridge/freezer combo. But when we introduce the idea of separate, custom-paneled fridge and freezer columns, it’s a game-changer.

The versatility, the extra storage, the sleek lines. You’d be hard-pressed to make these fridges and freezers look uncool.

We love pairing these with wood panels that match your cabinetry and create visual flow. That said, some spaces want a little gleam. In more contemporary kitchens or chef-style layouts, stainless steel feels right at home. It’s all about knowing which elements you want to spotlight.

4. A Second Dishwasher

This one tends to surprise people, but once you’ve had two dishwashers, there’s no going back. Whether you’re hosting dinner parties, managing a large family, or just someone who bakes a lot, the ability to load while the first cycle runs is a total game-changer. It keeps clutter down and lets you reset your kitchen quickly without sacrificing your clean countertops.

During dinner parties, it’s an absolute lifesaver. While guests are finishing dessert, the cleanup crew (psst: call in the kiddos) can already be working behind the scenes. And for clients who entertain often, it’s one of those small luxuries that makes their home feel genuinely capable of handling it all.

5. Wine Storage & Beverage Centers

Wine storage is not one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s a sleek under-counter beverage fridge. For others, it’s a temperature-controlled wine room with backlit shelves and dramatic lighting. The key is finding what fits your lifestyle.

We often ask: are you storing rare vintages or keeping prosecco chilled for the weekend? Do you want a space to show off your collection or just a reliable spot to keep the rosé cold?

Either way, dedicated wine and beverage storage prevents kitchen traffic jams when you’re entertaining, and makes the casual evening sip all the more special.

6. Pizza Ovens

We’ve installed pizza ovens in main kitchens, backyards, and vacation homes where family pizza night becomes a full-on event. Design-wise, they pull double duty: a bold, sculptural element that adds instant character, whether your style leans mid-century modern, rustic, or classic traditional.

From brick to stainless steel to glazed ceramic, pizza ovens bring both texture and soul that’s definitely worth the extra “dough”. And while they’re perfect for turning out crisp, Neapolitan-style pies, they’re far from a one-trick pony: you can use them to bake bread, roast vegetables, or even smoke a brisket. Buon appetito!

At the End of the Day, Design Around Your Lifestyle

No two households are the same, which is why we never recommend appliances just to check a box. Instead, we take time to understand how you actually live. Who’s doing the cooking? How often do you entertain? Is this your main residence or a second home? Do the grandkids like to roll out pizza dough with you on Saturday afternoons, or are you more of a pour-a-glass-and-order-in kind of host?

Equally important is the space itself. What works beautifully in one kitchen might feel overcomplicated or underutilized in another. The goal isn’t to fill your home with gadgets, but rather to equip it for the life you’re living now, with an eye toward the moments you want to create in the future.

Curious about the specialty features and appliances that would level up your kitchen? Get in touch! I’d love to give you personalized recommendations.