The first time you lived on your own, you were probably a bit unsure about what to get for your kitchen. How many pots and pans would you need? Should you get a blender? Moving to a new country can cause a similar sort of confusion. You might be wondering what sorts of kitchen appliances are sold in Japan and what you’ll use in your day-to-day life. Don’t worry, figuring out what appliances you need is fairly easy. Here are some essential kitchen appliances to get for your apartment in Japan. 

Fridge

In some countries, rented apartments and houses usually come with large appliances. This is not the case in Japan. At most “mansions” (apartment complexes) you’ll have to buy and install your own fridge. Like in other countries, fridges are sold in a variety of sizes in Japan. If you live alone and eat most of your meals out of the house, you can save money on your electricity bill by purchasing a smaller fridge. 

Gas Range 

Your apartment probably won’t come with a stovetop either. You’ll have to buy a gas range and plug it into your apartment’s gas outlet. Most ranges have 1-3 burners. Some are sold with a fish roaster or small toaster built in. If you’re used to an electric range, it might take some time to get used to a gas one. They offer many advantages when cooking, such as steady, intense heat. 

Microwave and Toaster Oven 

Getting a combination microwave and toaster oven means you’re buying three appliances in one. We all need a microwave, and a good microwave and toaster will be there to help you out anytime you’re looking to quickly heat up food. Most homes in Japan don’t come with ovens, and few people install them.

Luckily, you can bake and broil a variety of foods in a toaster oven. While you might have a hard time fitting an entire chicken or baking a large cake, you can certainly cook some wings or make a few cookies. Finally, as the name suggests, the appliance works as a toaster. Whether you like sliced bread, english muffins, or bagels, a combination microwave and toaster oven is the way to go. 

Rice Cooker 

Even if you don’t eat a lot of rice, it’s a good idea to invest in a rice cooker. This is because there are so many other things you can cook in one. Rice cookers function as slow cookers that can be used to make curry, stews, or chili. With a steamer tray, you can cook vegetables. There are even recipes for baking cakes using a rice cooker. These appliances are far more versatile than they seem. Don’t forget to get one for your new apartment!

Hand Blender 

A small hand blender is useful if you like to make milkshakes or smoothies. You can also use one to smoothly mix together ingredients when baking or making sauces. Hand blenders take up very little space and can be easily stored away in a kitchen drawer. They’re a great alternative to larger countertop blenders and clunky hand mixers.  

Electric Hot Water Pot or Kettle 

Being able to quickly heat up water is an essential in any kitchen. If you just want a basic stovetop tea kettle, you’ll be able to find them in a variety of designs and sizes at any store selling kitchenware. However, electric hot water pots are much more common in Japan. They too are sold in many different sizes; those living alone can buy a small one that boils just enough water for one cup of tea. While there are some pricey ones out there, you should be able to get a good electric hot water pot for around ¥3,000. 

Coffee Maker  

Unless you only drink instant coffee, you’ll probably need more than a hot water pot to get your day started. You can find a variety of coffee makers, such as basic coffee pots and french presses in Japan. Getting a french press is an economic and eco-friendly investment since you don’t have to keep buying filters for it.

If you like fancy coffee, you don’t have to go to a cafe every morning. Instead, you can get a coffee maker with a milk steamer and create lattes at home. 

Fish Roaster 

Many gas ranges in Japan come with a fish roasting drawer, but if yours doesn’t, you might want to look into getting a countertop fish roaster. In addition to roasting fish in it, you can cook chicken, steak, and other meats. While it is possible to cook meat in a toaster oven, fish roasters are better suited for doing so. You can grill using a fish roster and get a nice, crispy finish on your fish and meats.