When it comes to outfitting your kitchen with appliances, there’s a lot to consider.
We’re here to help make sure you’ve covered all your bases. From must-haves like refrigerators and dishwashers to nice-to-haves like a wall oven, more freezer space, and coffee makers, we’ll help you figure out what’s right for your kitchen renovation.
So whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to upgrade, read on for everything you need to know about choosing kitchen appliances!
How To Choose a Cooktop
- Gas Cooktop: Opt for a gas cooktop if you prefer precise temperature control and visual flame cues. It's also preferred by professional chefs for its responsiveness.
- Electric Cooktop: Choose an electric cooktop if you want a smooth and easy-to-clean surface. Electric cooktops can be further categorized into coil, radiant, and induction cooktops.
- Induction Benefits: Consider induction cooktops for their rapid heating, precise control, and energy efficiency. Induction cooktops heat the cookware directly, making them safe and responsive.
- Cooking Needs: Select a cooktop with the appropriate number of burners based on your cooking style and the number of dishes you typically prepare simultaneously.
- Available Space: Measure the available space in your kitchen to ensure the cooktop fits comfortably within your countertop layout.
- Burner BTUs: Consider the burner's BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating for faster heating and efficient cooking. Some cooktops offer burners with varying BTU levels for different cooking tasks.
- Heat Distribution: Look for cooktops with even heat distribution across burners to ensure uniform cooking results.
- Child Lock: If you have children at home, opt for a cooktop with a child lock feature to prevent accidental activation.
- Auto Shut-Off: Some cooktops have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the burners after a certain period of inactivity, enhancing safety.
- Intuitive Controls: Choose a cooktop with easy-to-use controls and clear markings for convenient cooking adjustments.
- Timer and Precise Controls: Look for cooktops with timers, heat level presets, and incremental control settings for precise cooking.
How To Choose Other Cooking Appliances
- Wall Ovens: Decide on the size and whether you need a single- or double-oven configuration, based on your baking and roasting needs. Consider ovens with convection capabilities for even cooking and reduced cooking times.
- Speedcooking Ovens: If you have limited space, explore hybrid options like speedcooking ovens, which combine convection and microwave features for efficient cooking. Speedcooking ovens offer multiple functions in one appliance, making them perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Proper Ventilation: Choose effective ventilation based on CFM ratings to ensure steam, heat, and odors are efficiently removed from your kitchen.
- Ducting Options: If possible, opt for ducting ventilation to the outside for maximum heat and odor removal. Alternatively, consider recirculating options for odor control.
How To Choose Refrigeration
- Installation Types: Select between freestanding, built-in, or fully integrated refrigerators based on how seamlessly you want them to blend with your kitchen design. Consider the available space in your kitchen and how the refrigerator's installation type will complement it.
- Family Needs: Choose between French door, side-by-side, or column models based on the number of family members and your typical grocery storage needs.
- Supplemental Under Counter Refrigeration: Consider adding under-counter refrigeration drawers, beverage centers, or wine chillers to accommodate entertaining and additional storage needs.
How To Choose Ice Makers
- Ice Types: Decide whether you want nugget or gourmet clear ice based on the types of beverages you frequently enjoy.
- Production and Storage: Match the ice maker's production and storage capacity to your family's consumption to ensure you always have an adequate ice supply.
How To Choose Dishwashers
- Styling and Finish: Choose a dishwasher finish that complements your kitchen's overall design and color scheme.
- Cleaning Features: Opt for dishwashers with varied cycles and options that suit your cleaning habits, such as adjustable capacity and soil-level settings.
- Noise Level: Look for dishwashers with lower decibel ratings for a quieter kitchen environment while the dishwasher is running.
- Size Options: Choose between standard 24-inch and smaller 18-inch width dishwashers based on your kitchen's available space and your specific needs.
- Energy Efficiency: Prioritize Energy Star-qualified dishwashers to not only save on energy costs but also contribute to a greener environment.
How To Choose A Microwave
- Countertop Microwave: Opt for a countertop microwave if you have sufficient counter space and need a versatile and easy-to-install option.
- Over-the-Range Microwave: Choose an over-the-range microwave if you want to save counter space and have proper ventilation capabilities.
- Built-In Microwave: Consider a built-in microwave for a sleek and integrated look, especially if you're designing a custom kitchen layout.
- Family Size: Select a microwave with a capacity that matches your family's needs. Larger families might need a higher capacity for reheating and cooking larger dishes.
- Cooking Power: Higher wattage microwaves cook food faster and more evenly. Choose a wattage level that suits your cooking requirements.
- Sensor Cooking: Opt for microwaves with sensor cooking technology that automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food's moisture level, ensuring optimal results.
- Convection: Consider microwaves with convection features for baking and roasting, expanding your cooking capabilities.
- Intuitive Controls: Choose a microwave with easy-to-use controls and a user-friendly interface for effortless cooking and reheating.
- Pre-Programmed Settings: Look for microwaves with preset cooking options for commonly heated foods, making meal preparation more convenient.
- Size and Dimensions: Measure the available space in your kitchen to ensure the chosen microwave fits comfortably, whether it's on the countertop, over the range, or built-in.
- Ventilation: If opting for an over-the-range microwave, ensure it has effective ventilation capabilities to remove steam and odors from your cooking area.
Why You Should Take Your Time When Choosing Kitchen Appliances
Any homeowner knows that upgrading kitchen appliances can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose appliances for your cooking needs. But don’t worry!
Knowing how to choose your kitchen appliances wisely is an easy process with just a few key factors to consider. Let’s dive in and explore the benefits of knowing how to choose your kitchen appliances, from wall ovens to smart refrigerators.
- You'll Get The Right Tools For The Job
When choosing kitchen appliances, it’s essential to consider their function and form. You want an appliance that will do what you need it to do but also look good doing it.
You should also consider the size and shape of the space available in your kitchen. Will a larger fridge fit in the space? Or does a compact model make more sense?
Considering all these factors when making your choice, you can ensure that you get an appliance that meets your range of needs during the kitchen remodel project.
- You'll Save Time And Money
Knowing how to choose kitchen appliances can save you both time and money in the long run. When shopping around, compare different brands, models, and features to find the best deal on an appliance that will suit your needs perfectly.
Additionally, take advantage of any discounts or promotions offered by retailers – they may be able to offer significant savings on your purchase. Finally, be sure to read reviews to understand which models are reliable and which ones are not worth considering.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Appliances for Your Home
1. Consider What You Need vs. What You Want
When choosing kitchen appliances, it is important to distinguish between needs and wants. If you are on a tight budget, prioritize based on what you need instead of what you want.
This will help ensure that the most essential pieces are taken care of first. Think about how often each appliance will get used and how much space each appliance requires before making any final decisions.
2. Research and Compare Different Brands
Once you have identified what types of appliances are necessary for your renovation, start researching different brands and models online. Read customer reviews and compare prices across various retailers in order to find the best deal.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential choices, consider visiting stores in person so that you can get a better feel for each item before making a purchase decision.
3. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances Whenever Possible
Another important factor to consider is energy efficiency when purchasing kitchen appliances. Look for products with an Energy Star rating as these items use less energy than other similar models without sacrificing performance or quality.
Not only are energy-efficient products more eco-friendly, they also tend to be more cost-effective over time by helping reduce energy bills each month.
4. Make Sure It Matches Your Kitchen Design
It’s also important that your new kitchen appliances match with your overall kitchen design—and not just aesthetically but functionally as well! Make sure that each appliance fits into its designated space without being too big or too small; if possible, bring measurements with you when shopping so you can double-check before making any decisions.
Additionally, try finding appliances with colors or finishes that coordinate with one another; doing so will create a cohesive look throughout your entire kitchen area.
5. Get What You Need Now and Plan For Later
When selecting kitchen appliances for your home, think about not only what you need now but also what you might need in the future. Investing in energy-efficient models will help reduce your energy bills over time, while stainless steel finishes tend to hold up better over time than other materials such as enamel or plastic finishes.
Additionally, consider buying “smart” models with features like self-cleaning ovens or voice-activated controls – these features may become invaluable down the line when life gets busy!
Kitchen Appliances FAQs
Conclusion
Now that you know what to consider when choosing kitchen appliances, it’s time to start shopping around. This can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start looking or don’t have much experience with kitchen appliances. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Our team of experts can help you find the perfect appliance for your needs, budget, and space constraints. Whether you need help picking out a new refrigerator or stove, or you want someone to manage your entire kitchen remodeling project from start to finish, we’re here for you.
Contact us today to get started!
City & Country is a licensed renovator serving Langley Township, Surrey, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, and more of British Columbia, Canada.