Sourdough bread, whipped coffee, and tiny pancakes. Whether you’ve tried making any of these trending foods or not, the kitchen has definitely been one of the most well-used rooms these past few months. Even without the pandemic, kitchens are often the place that brings families and friends together; it’s no surprise this room makes for one of the biggest investments for most homeowners. In addition to countertops, flooring, and cabinetry, kitchen appliances are what help make or break a kitchen. Here’s what to consider when finding the right ones for your home.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen triangle theory
When it’s time to replace your kitchen appliances, it might also be a good idea to reassess your kitchen, too. Does it need a slight remodel or update? When considering this, take a look at where your current appliances and workspaces are. One of the golden rules when it comes to having a well-designed kitchen is having “the kitchen triangle”. This is when the placement of your sink, refrigerator, and stove, form a triangle in your kitchen. You always want to make sure the flow between these three work areas are not blocked or interrupted.
There are many ways to achieve a well-thought kitchen triangle. Much of this will depend on your daily routine and how your kitchen is already set up. Even if you aren’t able to do a full kitchen remodel, there are other ways your designer can help rework your kitchen for better flow.
Measure, measure, measure
Measuring is crucial when it comes to fitting new appliances into your home. You don’t buy an appliance you’re in love with only to find out it’s too small or too large for your available appliance space! Once you measure out your kitchen, it might also be worth deciding if you need to make extra space for the appliance you want. Lastly, make sure your new appliances will fit through any doorways and space it will have to travel through upon delivery.
Considering design
Design plays a very equal part when looking at kitchen appliances. While aesthetics play a big part (you’ll want something to match the rest of your kitchen), the design is also helpful when it comes to the fit and flow of your kitchen. For example, there are many options for counter-depth appliances for small kitchens. You can also choose flush-installation so that your appliances don’t sit forward against your cabinets or countertops, or install panels to hide everything away when they’re not in use.
Do brands matter?
When it comes to kitchen appliances that you’re going to be using every day, three times a day — yes, brands do matter! It’s crucial to choose appliances that have a reputation of quality appliances. Sub-zero and Wolf appliances are some of our client-favorites, and Samsung and LG have also come out with great kitchen technology as well.
And while you can mix and match appliances, there are actually several advantages to sticking with one manufacturer. Many manufacturers have their own unique finishes, from exclusive “matte” colors to particular knobs and handle shapes. You can also save money when bundling up multiple appliances from a single brand.
When you’re considering new kitchen appliances, always consider your routine. Don’t get caught up in all the bells and whistles before needing your basic kitchen needs! Here are some things to think about when choosing some of the more popular kitchen appliances.
Refrigerators
Size is a big factor when it comes to choosing the right refrigerator for your home; larger households probably want a fridge with a larger capacity. Nowadays, you can also pick from different layouts, such as French doors, top-mounted freezers, or bottom freezers. There are also plenty of smart refrigerators to choose from that can help you keep track of groceries and find new recipes.
Stoves and Ovens
Gas, electric, induction, convection – there are a lot of options when it comes to stoves and ovens! Make sure you have the correct hookups for whatever you decide to choose; if you have a preference for something different than what your home allows, you may be able to get a new hookup installed. There will be pros and cons to each stovetop and oven depending on your cooking style and how energy efficient you want your appliances to be.
Dishwashers
We’ve thought of how to store our food and cook our food, now it’s time to think about how we clean up after a meal. If you haven’t updated your dishwasher yet, you’re going to want to. These days, dishwashers are quieter and more efficient than ever. The interior of dishwashers has also come a long way, allowing better placement of oddly shaped platters, deep-set bowls, and utensils.
Choosing the right kitchen appliances can be a daunting task, there’s just so many choices out there! But our designers at WPL Interior Design are ready to find the perfect set for you. Whether you’re looking to slightly update your kitchen routine or want a full kitchen remodel, we’re ready to create the kitchen of your dreams.
Get started on your kitchen project today by filling out our design inquiry form or giving us a call at 215-592-9570.
