Kitchens have become a hub for the family and, with open plan kitchen/dining room popularity not going away any time soon, they will continue to be a place to entertain guests.But as kitchens become more accommodating to visitors they also get more and more packed with gadgets.It is no longer a matter of having a cooker, kitchen sink and fridge-freezer - kitchens come equipped with all sorts of time-saving devices.So Switched has compiled a list of kitchen gadget essentials so people dont forget the most important additions once their Franke kitchen sink and Perrin and Rowe taps are in place.Gadgets featured on Switcheds list include accurate weighing scales, a coffee grinder, food processor, thermometer and, of course, an electric kettle.Commenting on the importance of a coffee grinder, Switched said Most time-pressed cooks have little patience, which is unfortunately why pre-ground spices exist. But youre missing out by not buying spices whole and grinding them yourself.According to New York Times columnist Kim Severson, most modern kitchen appliances make chefs lives easier.