How to prepare your kitchen for Christmas cooking

Tips to make Christmas cooking stress-free

The festive season is fast approaching, and with it comes the excitement (and chaos!) of Christmas cooking. Whether you're hosting the whole family or preparing a cosy dinner for a few, having a well-organised, fully functioning kitchen can make all the difference. At Go Assist, we're here to help keep your home running smoothly - so you can focus on enjoying the celebrations rather than stressing over last-minute appliance mishaps.

Here's how to get your kitchen Christmas-ready this year...

1. Give your appliances a check

Before you start peeling potatoes and prepping puddings, make sure your kitchen essentials are in good working order. 

Check your oven

• Is it heating evenly?
• Do the shelves sit properly?
• Does the door seal feel loose?

If you notice anything unusual, get ahead of it. A quick oven repair with Go Assist can save a Christmas Day disaster. 

Inspect your fridge and freezer

• Make sure it's cooling efficiently 
• Clear out the expired items to make space
• Check for any strange noises or inconsistent temperatures

If something isn't right, book a fridge freezer repair before the big food shop.

2. Deep clean your appliances and surfaces

A clean kitchen is a safe and efficient kitchen - especially when you're cooking for a crowd.

• Clean your oven (or run the self-clean cycle a few days ahead)
• Wipe down fridge shelves
• Degrease the hob and extractor fan
• Remove limescale from taps and kettles

3. Organise your storage spaces

Christmas cooking requires space - more than you think!

• Declutter half-used jars and packets
• Organise baking supplies
• Free up countertop space
• Make room in the fridge and freezer for prepped food

A well-organised kitchen helps everything run smoother and reduces stress when you're cooking multiple dishes at once.

4. Plan your Christmas menu early

Planning ahead is key.

• Decide on your Christmas menu in advance
• Check you have the necessary cookware
• Prepare any dishes that can be made ahead
• Clear freezer space if you're batch cooking

Knowing what you're cooking also helps you spot whether any of your appliances might struggle - giving you time to book a repair if needed.

5. Stock up on the essentials

Avoid the last-minute supermarket rush by picking up your essentials early:

• Foil, cling film and baking paper
• Spices and herbs 
• Roasting trays and serving dishes
• Oven-safe thermometer 
• Extra cleaning products

This ensures you're not caught out on Christmas Eve when shops are packed or closing early.

6. Prepare your dishwasher for heavy use

Your dishwasher will be working harder than ever during Christmas week, so give it some care beforehand:

• Clean the filter
• Rinse the spray arms
• Run a dishwasher cleaner
• Check that it's draining properly 

If your dishwasher is leaking, not cleaning properly or making odd noises, we can help with fast and affordable dishwasher repairs before the festive rush.

7. Don't forget your safety checks

Cooking more means more safety considerations

• Test your smoke alarm
• Make sure ventilation is working
• Keep wires and flammable items away from heat
• Check that your hob and oven are functioning safely

A few simple checks can help keep your kitchen safe over the holidays.

Preparing your kitchen ahead of time means you'll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the festivities with families and friends. If an appliance is showing signs it may not survive the Christmas workload, our expert and local engineers are on hand to get everything running smoothly again - so you can cook with confidence this festive season.