Kitchen Appliances: Selecting the Right Options for Your Lifestyle

Welcome to Chapter 6 of our Ultimate Kitchen Remodeling Guide. Appliances are the workhorses of your kitchen, determining both how you cook and how efficient your kitchen will be. Beyond their functional importance, today’s appliances also play a significant role in your kitchen’s aesthetic and can dramatically impact your remodeling budget.

In this chapter, we’ll explore kitchen appliance options, compare different cooking technologies, discuss integration approaches, and help you select the best appliances for your cooking style and budget.

In This Chapter:

Appliance Selection Strategy

Thoughtful appliance selection should balance performance, aesthetics, and budget:

Good, Better, Best: Kitchen Appliances – Our tiered guide to appliance options across different price points and quality levels.

Consider these questions when planning your appliance package:

• How do you cook most frequently? (baking, stovetop cooking, grilling)
• How many people do you typically cook for?
• Do you entertain often or host large gatherings?
• Are you looking for professional-grade performance or standard features?
• What technological features would make your cooking experience better?

Cooking Appliance Options

Your cooking appliances form the heart of your kitchen’s functionality:

Cooktop Technology

Gas, Electric, or Induction: Which Cooktop is Best for Your Kitchen? – A detailed comparison of cooking technologies to help you choose the right option.

Range vs. Wall Oven and Cooktop

One of the most significant appliance decisions is whether to choose a range (combined cooktop and oven) or separate wall ovens and cooktop. Each approach offers distinct advantages:

Range Benefits:

• More cost-effective
• Requires less cabinet space
• All cooking functions in one location

Separate Wall Oven & Cooktop Benefits:

• More ergonomic (no bending to access oven)
• Can place components in optimal locations
• Ability to select best technology for each (e.g., gas cooktop with electric oven)
• Option for double wall ovens for serious cooks

Refrigeration Considerations

Refrigerator styles impact both functionality and kitchen design:

• French Door: Most popular style with freezer drawer below
• Side-by-Side: Equal width refrigerator and freezer compartments
• Column Refrigeration: Separate full-height units for ultimate customization
• Counter-Depth: Shallower profile that aligns with cabinets for built-in look

Size requirements depend on your shopping habits and household size. Most families need 20-25 cubic feet of capacity, while avid entertainers might prefer 28+ cubic feet.

Ventilation & Range Hoods

Proper ventilation is crucial yet often overlooked in kitchen design:

Range Hood Styles – Explore different ventilation options from decorative hoods to discreet integrated systems.

Key ventilation considerations include:

• CFM requirements (cubic feet per minute) based on cooking style and BTU output
• Ducted vs. ductless systems
• Sound levels (measured in sones)
• Integration with kitchen design

Dishwashers & Clean-Up

The right dishwasher and sink configuration streamlines your post-cooking cleanup:

How to Clean Glass Cooktops – Practical maintenance advice for keeping your cooking surfaces spotless.

Modern dishwashers offer features like:

• Third racks for utensils and small items
• Specialized wash zones for heavily soiled items
• Quiet operation (measured in decibels)
• Smart features and cycle customization

Appliance Integration & Design

How your appliances integrate with cabinetry affects your kitchen’s appearance:

• Freestanding: Traditional installation with visible sides
• Slide-In: Designed to sit flush with countertops for a more built-in look
• Panel-Ready: Accept custom cabinet panels for a seamless appearance
• Built-In: Designed specifically for integrated installation

Selecting Your Appliance Package

Your appliance selections should reflect how you actually use your kitchen. While it’s tempting to focus on aesthetics or prestigious brands, function should lead your decision-making process.

We’ve created this post on Good, Better, Best: Appliances to help you navigate the selection process.

Where to Go Next:

• Need design inspiration first? Visit Chapter 1: Kitchen Design Ideas
• Want to understand the process? Explore Chapter 2: Kitchen Remodel Process & Timeline
• Concerned about overall costs? See Chapter 3: Kitchen Remodel Costs
• Looking at other components? Check out Chapter 4: Kitchen Cabinets or Chapter 5: Countertops

Ready to discuss appliance options for your kitchen remodel? Schedule a consultation with our design team to create your ideal appliance package.