7 Considerations for Choosing New Kitchen Appliances

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or simply upgrading your current appliances, it’s no secret that choosing the right appliance is the most important part of the process. After all, they’ll be the centerpieces of the kitchen and the most used appliances in your home, so you want to make sure that the reliability, style, and price all fit your current needs. So when you’re on the hunt for your next oven, refrigerator, or dishwasher take these seven tips for choosing new kitchen appliances into consideration.

1. Size and Space First consider the size of your kitchen. If you’re working with a tight space, a super sized refrigerator might not be your best option. On the other end of the spectrum, if space isn’t an issue, be sure to weigh your need for large appliances so that you’re not choosing a double range oven just because you have the space.

Besides space, another variable to consider is size. If you have a large family and need a lot of room for cooking, a double range oven, like Thermador’s 30 inch Professional Series Double Oven, is a great option for its flexibility and efficiency. You’ll also want to take size into account when choosing a dishwasher. For example you might think you’re saving money choosing a compact model, but if you’re running your dishwasher twice more than you would with a standard model, you won’t be saving any money in the long run.

2. Style Before you get wrapped up in the logistics of choosing a new kitchen appliance, be sure to take style into consideration. After all, you spend more time in your kitchen that most of the other rooms in your home, so you want to make sure that you’re pleased with the overall aesthetic of the room. Whether you have stainless steel everything, or want to mix it up with a range of eclectic materials, make sure that your appliances are cohesive with everything else in your space.

3. Energy Efficiency Nowadays choosing energy efficient products is becoming second nature to many consumers. Choosing energy efficient products not only helps to cut down on energy emissions, it also cuts down on your energy costs, saving you more money in the long run. Now that there are strict regulations and Energy Star efficient labels on green products, seeking out these appliances has never been easier. Refrigerators are the most energy-depleting kitchen appliances, so be sure to take energy efficiency into consideration when on the hunt for a new refrigerator.

4. Convection vs. Conventional When considering energy efficiency, you don’t want to forget about the benefits of a convection oven versus a conventional one. Since convection ovens have a fan and exhaust system that circulates the air around your food, your meal will cook 25% faster than a conventional oven, saving you energy and money. It also cooks more evenly, so if you use your oven to roast meats and vegetables and cook things like pastries, purchasing a convection oven or a dual oven with a convection setting, like those from Miele or Gaggenau, is something to consider.

5. Price It’s no secret that price is most likely the chief factor in choosing a new appliance. You don’t want something to cost you an arm and a leg, especially if the price doesn’t match the quality. That’s why sticking with trusted brands, like Gaggenau and Miele, are great options, because you know you’ll be getting a quality product. If you’re shopping around for different priced options, make sure you pay careful attention to the reviews, because no one knows the product better than the consumers that have owned and used the products themselves.

6. Lifestyle Ask yourself how do you use your kitchen? If you’re one of those people that tend to eat out more than stays in, be realistic about your appliance needs. While it might be nice to have a top of the line oven, if you’re going to use it infrequently, it might be more practical to choose something that fits your needs a little better.

On the other hand, if you are in the kitchen more hours of the day than not, don’t be afraid to look at some of the larger stove options, and don’t forget to consider custom range hoods like those from Modern-Aire Ventilation, to ventilate your kitchen without sacrificing the stylistic aspect of the room.

7. European Appliances When shopping for kitchen appliances, many Americans look to European brands to find a product that fits their needs. European appliances are known for their multi-functionality, energy efficiency, and compact designs. Brands like Miele, Gaggenau, and Bosch are top brands that are becoming ever more popular stateside, so don’t be surprised when you see them popping up in newly renovated homes.

To see our kitchen appliances in person, or to  discuss the best options for your home, get in touch with Divine Design Build today!