First things first—if the plan for your kitchen renovation includes new cabinetry and storage solutions plus new appliances—it’s important to select the kitchen appliances before making any permanent cabinetry decisions.
Here’s why—major appliances such as refrigerators and stove ranges contribute to the overall layout of your kitchen. They will influence decisions like the size and fit of the overall cabinetry and storage design of your room.
Don’t worry—your kitchen designer can help you make the most of your kitchen’s space and assist you with the right choices.
Can’t decide if you really need new major appliances? Learn from KraftMaid Customers.
We work closely with our customers and learn from their stories so we can share their experiences with other customers. One lesson that many customers have shared with us: You may not want to keep dated appliances when installing new cabinetry.
Why? When properly taken care of, the KraftMaid cabinetry and accents will be with you for years, and years…and years to come. Dated appliances may not, and you may experience buyer’s remorse in the long run. Although new appliances can add to your budget, in the long run it’s money well spent.
The Benefit: by selecting new appliances, you have even more opportunities to create the perfect kitchen for you. You’re also tackling any restrictions or functionality issues that you have with your existing kitchen and its dated appliances.
The Test: How can you determine whether or not you need new appliances? Easy.
- Consider the age of your appliances.
- Is the appliance noisy?
- How does it perform?
- Has it had any recent repairs?
- Will it fit with the new design and aesthetic look of the space?
If the answers to these questions raise any concerns, it’s a good idea to start doing some research on the latest in refrigerators and cooking ranges.
What to Consider When Selecting a Major Appliance
The most important factor to consider is the size of your household and the number of cooks in your kitchen. This will help you determine the size of appliances you should consider and help you decide whether or not you need an additional cooking area or a prep sink.
Next, evaluate the size of your kitchen to determine the type of refrigerator, stovetop and cooking range you should purchase. If you’re limited on counter space, or space in general, look into stacked cooking units (an oven range rather than separate cooktop and oven) and narrow refrigerators.
Visit stores to get an idea of the latest designs and features. Pay attention to details. Open up the doors on refrigerators and ovens to get an idea of the space they will need to open completely.
From a design perspective, collect images of the appliances you like from magazines and brochures. Identify what you like about each appliance and consider how the appliance will contribute to the overall look of the kitchen. Do you want stainless appliances to match your decorative hardware? Perhaps an oil rubbed bronze to coordinate with a rich finish? Maybe even appliances with a floating glass appearance to coordinate with a more contemporary style? Or would you rather conceal your appliances for a seamless look in your kitchen? Your kitchen and or interior designer can help you with these selections.
Identify the color contrast you would you like to create in your kitchen. Some customers like the look of dark appliances against light cabinets, while others favor the look of light-colored appliances against a darker color of cabinets
Want to conceal your appliances? KraftMaid offers decorative appliance panels that match your cabinets and create a seamless cabinetry look in your kitchen. Not all appliances accept a panel, so be sure to review the specifications of the appliance for a trim kit before you purchase.
Bottom line: your kitchen designer is the best person to help you select the best appliances for your home. You’ll save time, energy, and perhaps even money, by relying on their expertise for selecting the best appliances for your kitchen.