Have you ever found yourself in a kitchen remodel wandering down the aisle of the appliance section of your local home improvement store, gazing at the multitude of options, and not even sure of where to begin? Today’s market has so much to offer in current appliances that it’s often overwhelming for consumers, but it doesn’t have to be. Choosing new appliances is relatively simple as long as you know what to look for.
If you don’t, you’re in the right place. This article will cover the factors to consider when choosing an appliance, whether you need professional installation, energy efficiency, and other essential things you should know. First, let’s talk about general considerations, then we’ll dig into specifics on kitchen appliances.
Shopping for Kitchen Appliances
Whether you are creating your dream kitchen, or simply a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to make sure that you find the most reputable places to shop when you start your search. Consider visiting new appliance showrooms and getting demonstrations of any appliance you’re considering.
You might not be able to run a load of laundry to sample a washing machine, but some stores put on cooking demonstrations, for example, or they will have other ways to reassure you that you’re making the right choice. Many stores will also have dishwashers hooked up so you can see just how quiet they are. Model kitchens in stores will help visualize what that double oven will look like installed or allow you to see what space constraints you might have with that new range hood or the perfect refrigerator. You might decide you need to change your kitchen layout or change the kitchen cabinets.
It would help if you also looked for companies that have warranties and professional installation services. Even if you think you can take your new refrigerator or dishwasher home and plug it in yourself, the extra charge to have the hassle off your hands is usually well worth it. They will also walk you through any new technological advances that you may not know how to use. After all, Alexa is built into refrigerators these days!
Consider additional extended warranties, such as maintenance services or special offers from the appliance retailer or other store where you make your purchase. They’re unnecessary, but some of the services are a great addition to your next appliance purchase. After all, new appliances are a hefty investment. You may as well protect them as best you can.
New Appliance Features to Look For
Although every appliance has different and new features to consider, you’ll find some general things to keep in mind. For starters, consider things like the size and capacity of the appliance—will it meet the needs of your family? Check out extra features, too, like a refrigerator with in-door ice and water or a new dishwasher that saves water to help reduce your utility bills.
These extras may not always be necessary, but you’ll want to compare them to see what you’re getting for the money. That matters far more than just getting a good deal when it comes to buying appliances. Some of the new appliance features are just nice, like scratch-resistant cooktops or fingerprint-resistant stainless steel doors.
Another thing people ask is, “Do I need to replace all my appliances?” You will be happy to know that you don’t need to replace them when you replace one appliance. Even if you buy a refrigerator and a dishwasher, you can mix and match if you like specific models better than others. You will likely want to keep colors the same, though. A room with all white appliances or stainless steel will look more aesthetically pleasing in your kitchen design.
Energy Efficiency
Most new appliances today are very energy efficient, but if that is something important to you, you’ll want to compare options across the kitchen appliances you’re interested in. One line of convection ovens might be better than another.
Every new appliance will provide you with energy efficiency information from ice makers to wall ovens to refrigerators with French doors. You might also consider gas versus electric when looking at new stoves and convection ovens. If you have the option to switch to gas from electricity, it will be more energy-efficient. Some kitchen appliances are also dual fuel.
So, remember to focus on the features that matter for each appliance, and make sure that you’re getting a good investment for your home, and you’ll always end up with the right purchase, no matter what you’re shopping for.
