With so many styles of appliances on the market today, it can be hard to decide which option will work best for your home. Whether you’re fully remodeling your kitchen or looking to revamp it with some brand-new appliances, it’s important to pick ones that are functional for your lifestyle while complementing your overall kitchen design.
This article will go over some important factors to consider before choosing your kitchen appliances.
Layout
The first thing you want to consider when choosing appliances for your kitchen is your kitchen’s layout. You might be doing a complete kitchen remodel and have the option to broaden your appliance options. But, if you’re not switching up your kitchen design, you need to make note of what options will flow with your current layout.
Of course, you want to take exact measurements to see what would fit and what wouldn’t. Make sure your measurements are completely accurate, so when it comes time to go to showrooms, you’re certain the appliances you choose will fit. You’ll also want to ensure the appliances will fit through your doorways and hallways before delivery.
If you’re working with a small space, your options may be limited. Once you know what you’re working with you want to think about placement. When considering placement, imagine the flow of traffic in your kitchen.
Every appliance in your kitchen should be placed in a way that is easy to flow from one to the other. Most kitchens should be designed to include the kitchen triangle. The kitchen triangle is a general rule that the main work areas of the kitchen – the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator – should all be within a comfortable distance from each other, typically forming an invisible triangle.
Your goal with your kitchen layout is to enhance the functionality of the space, so you should plan your design to your comfortability.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a huge part in the functionality of your kitchen. Look at the current state of the kitchen. Is it functional for your everyday lifestyle? Is there anything you can add or take out that can help you be more efficient with your space?
The appliances you choose should match your specific needs. If you cook heavily and entertain often, your choices may be different from someone who doesn’t spend as much time in the space.
For families with a busy household, efficiency is going to be key. You’ll need to choose appliances and utensils that are kid-friendly and help you cook and clean at a quicker rate.
Your kitchen is a space that gets used every day, so it’s important to cater to your design and choose appliances that are distinct to your lifestyle.
Budget
Next, you’ll want to determine your budget so you can understand what appliances you can afford. This will help narrow down your choices. Remember, every layout of a kitchen is different. Something may look nice aesthetically and match your cost, but it may not be a functional fit.
Your budget probably has the greatest influence on your appliances choosing, so make sure you are being realistic and keep your lifestyle, layout and functional use in mind.
Quality
While your budget is one of the most important elements of choosing the right appliances, the overall quality of them is just as significant.
If you’re working with a designer or visiting a local retailer, they should be well versed in the quality of different products. You may be worried that better quality appliances aren’t in your price range, but there are so many great appliances that are also affordable.
Remember not to buy on impulse. You’re going to be using these appliances long-term, so do your research and choose the retailer wisely. Be smart about your decision and be on the lookout for any great deals that match your budget.
Design Style
Once you’ve got an understanding of your budget and layout, then comes the fun part – choosing the right style and finish to match your kitchen design. You’ll want to first look at your existing décor and choose a finish that will match. This can help you narrow down your choices even more since not all finishes will complement your aesthetic.
Appliances with a more minimalistic look can typically complement most design styles.
Look into the longevity of each finish as well. For stovetops and refrigerators, some finishes may show spills, burns and other wear and tear more than others. For example, stainless steel or all white appliances will show more compared to darker colors like slate or black.
Types of Appliances
Now that we’ve got an understanding of what to consider when choosing the appliances, let’s break down the main types of appliances you might what to buy.
1. Oven and Stove Top
If you’re looking for the most basic option, you probably want to go for a convection oven for all your cooking needs. If you’re a baker and plan to get a lot of use out of your oven, consider getting a more traditional baking oven.
For the stovetop, weigh out the pros and cons of each option. You’ll need to decide between electric, gas or induction. It really will come down to your personal preference and lifestyle.
2. Refrigerator and Freezer
There are so many small details to consider when picking the right refrigerator for your lifestyle. Do you prefer a single standing unit or built-in? French doors or pull out? Maybe you want a built-in ice maker with purified water. Whatever it may be, the options will again come down to your personal preference.
3. Sinks
There are so many sinks on the market today, coming in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes. Think about your use for the sink, what height would work comfortably for you, and how deep you want it to be. Sinks with deeper bowls are becoming a more popular choice as they can help hide any dirty dish pile up.
4. Microwave
Some kitchens don’t necessarily need microwaves and they can end up taking up a lot of space. If you do want a microwave, consider designing a built-in unit so it doesn’t take away from your counter space.
5. Dishwasher
Another optional appliance is a dishwasher. Again, this is just another unit that will have to get built into your layout. When designing your layout, consider placing the dishwasher close to the sink and cabinets for easy loading and unloading.
Summary
Whether updating your current kitchen or doing a full remodel, take all the strategies mentioned in this article to choose the perfect appliances for your space. Appliances may not be the most important aspect of a kitchen visually, but they are one of the most essential components that contribute to your everyday life.
Mandy Wilkens
admin
Jimmy Cheng
