A Brief Guide to Built-In Kitchen Appliances

If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation, it’s likely that you will be updating one or more major appliances. When you add new kitchen appliances, it’s like an immediate upgrade that can add some style, functionality and value to your home. A kitchen should be the beating heart of the home and positive changes made there are significant. After all, this is where the meals are cooked, memories are made and conversations take place. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best built-in kitchen appliances that can add so much to your home.

Do I Need New Built-In Kitchen Appliances?

There is no getting around the fact that new major kitchen appliances represent a significant investment in your home. So, it can be a daunting prospect when you start to research your options and look at the prices. The benefits can offset the costs in terms of improved aesthetic appeal to sell a home quickly and added value for a good return on investment (ROI). The short answer is most kitchens could probably benefit from at least one new built-in kitchen appliance. But, you will need a game plan before you make any major purchasing decisions.

How Can I Plan for New Kitchen Appliances?

The first stage or your planning process should be to evaluate what you already have. Take a look at your kitchen appliances and ask yourself a few questions, such as:

What do you like about your appliances?
What do you dislike about them?
Are they in great shape?
Are they still under warranty?
Do they look tired or out of date?

Answering these types of questions can help you to get a good feel for where you may need to upgrade your kitchen appliances. Some of your existing appliances may work for you, but they don’t match the kitchen design that you’re striving for.

The opposite may also be true, perhaps you have an older appliance that suits a classic look. There is no one-size-fits-all approach and every homeowner will need to consider their options. When you’re ready you should have a list of new appliances that will fulfil your needs and wants. Before you start to shop, check your list at least twice to make sure that you’re truly making informed decisions and making good use of your money.

Evaluate Your Functional Kitchen Space

Most existing kitchens will have some type of functional space format that should flow naturally as the cook performs three primary functions. They are preparation, cooking and cleaning. In reality, some kitchen layouts are better than others and if you are planning a new kitchen this needs to be a priority.

A well laid out kitchen can make all the difference to your daily life and the resale value of your home. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) the best advice is to draw an imaginary triangle in the kitchen. The first point of this triangle is the center of the sink, the next is the cooktop center and the final line terminates at the center of the refrigerator. This is commonly referred to as the “work triangle” and within this space key functions are simpler and more efficient.

There are five rules to consider when you set up a “work triangle” in your kitchen:

The three triangle sides can not exceed 26 feet.
Each side of the triangle should measure 4-9 feet.
If the kitchen has a single sink it should be located across or between the preparation area, cooking surface and refrigerator.
The “work triangle” cannot cut through a kitchen island by more than 12 inches.
Draw a plan or make a model, measure multiple times and make sure you follow these rules carefully to get the “work triangle” correct.

Carefully Measure and Measure Again

The main reason why customers return a major kitchen appliance to a store is because it doesn’t fit the kitchen properly. This inconvenience can be avoided with careful and repeated measurements to get the dimensions right for your cabinet makers. Even if you’re buying standard kitchen cabinets you will need to know that your new appliances will fit them. Don’t forget that you need some space around the appliances too! One of the most common kitchen measuring mistakes is not having sufficient clearance to open an oven, refrigerator or dishwasher door a full 90º.

Research Prospective Kitchen Appliances

Although you should now have a better idea about the type of built-in kitchen appliances that you want, it’s unlikely that you’ve narrowed the field. This is important because there are so many choices to make that it can be a daunting experience. The first stage of this process should be to eliminate any freestanding appliances if you’re looking for a flush installation.

Some homeowners do like to make a statement with a key freestanding appliance and this can work well if you have the space. But, one of the best things about built-in appliances is that they work well in a kitchen of any size. A wall oven installed at an ergonomic level can improve access and save valuable floor space. Adding a cooktop to a kitchen island or countertop can be a real space saver. Having an individual cooktop and oven allows you to choose which fuel you prefer with each appliance.

To narrow your search, start with some generalities that go beyond the built-in appliance type. A good example would be to consider the color or the appliances that you want. If they will be hidden within cabinetry for a super clean look, this is less of an issue. Stainless-steel appliances remain a popular modern choice, but black stainless-steel has been fashionable for the last few years.

If you haven’t purchased a new kitchen appliance in a while, you may be surprised at the available color options. Once you understand which built-in appliance you need, the color you want and the measurements it’s time to look for specific features.

Let’s take a look a the best built-in kitchen appliances that offer the most bang for your buck and some of the key things that you need to know about them:

Refrigerator:

This is the most commonly replaced and vitally important major kitchen appliance to invest in for your home. If you have not shopped for a refrigerator in a while you may be surprised at the configurations and advanced features. There are french doors, multi-zone cooling, smart functionality and many more to explore.

Wall Oven:

This is a great alternative to traditional freestanding appliances. This can be a conventional or convection oven and it may be in a single, double or combination configuration. If you want the convenience of a pair of ovens or an oven paired with a microwave this may be the solution you’re looking for. Because the wall oven is installed at an ergonomic height there’s no need to bend to remove a heavy dish of food.

Aside from these practical concerns one of the strongest features is the aesthetic appeal. Adding a wall oven to your kitchen will add a touch of class and sophistication. The most common wall oven size is 30”, but there are three more standard sizes: 24”, 27” and 36”. The smaller wall ovens are ideal for kitchens where wall space is at a premium. Most models are electric, but gas-powered ovens are available and they tend to cost more to install.

Cooktop:

If you choose a separate cooktop with a wall oven you can relieve a lot of pressure points in a busier kitchen. To create a point of interest add the cooktop to a kitchen island when you can prep a meal and chat with guests. As an added bonus, you can use the cabinet space underneath for extra storage. The two main cooktop considerations are the fuel type and the size. There are four fuel types available depending on your specific hookups, they are: electric coils, electric glass top, induction and gas (propane or natural). Modern cooktops come in three standard sizes: 24”, 30” and 36”, but larger and more expensive options are available.

Dishwasher:

A modern dishwasher will save you time and effort to get your dishes clean and sanitary. But, the best models are energy efficient and they use less water than hand washing! There are numerous makes and models on the market in multiple colors and some have advanced features to try.

When you research a new dishwasher, there are a few factors that you need to consider. First, there are varying door styles to suit different kitchen layouts and sizes. For a smaller kitchen you need a door that can fully open for easier loading and unloading. Next, think about the controls, some people are happy with traditional knobs, but some models have touch screens for easier control and monitoring.

Consider the decibel level of the appliance, if you live in a smaller place you may want a quieter dishwasher if you plan to run it at night when you’re sleeping. Finally, think about any features that you need, such as: specific washing cycles, energy efficiency, improved water efficiency and more.

If you’re considering a major built-in kitchen appliance upgrade, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to one of our home appliance experts for a personalized service.