Kitchen Appliance Basics
Kitchen Planning> Appliances> Budgets> Design
Your kitchen is a room filled with sophisticated tools designed to improve the quality of life on many levels. These appliances represent a significant investment, as much as one third to half the cost of your whole project. Not only are these appliances a major budget item, they should fit in with the overall kitchen design from both an esthetic and functional point of view. The range of choices is staggering, limited only by budget and space. Fortunately appliances have seen so many design improvements in the last decade that even the most basic kitchen budget doesn’t mean compromising function or style. And, if you have the money and desire, you can equip your kitchen with everything from an eight burner restaurant stove to a multi-media entertainment system.
Before you head out to the nearest appliance store, its important to consider each appliance purchase from a design viewpoint. This means looking at how you will use them, how they fit into your space, how to choose the best model for your budget and how they will look in your finished kitchen. Appliances are anchors in the functional layout of any kitchen. They also attract the eye with their finishes, technology and the promise of ease of use they carry.
Design Considerations When Choosing Kitchen Appliances
Their are three criteria to consider in choosing your appliances. These are functionality, budget and style. Function choices are based on how you use that appliance and how often. If you rarely do more than heat a meal in a microwave, you probably don’t need a restaurant range. If you have a serious interest in cooking but are working on a basic budget, you may want to find a way to get the high range of heat and control that a commercial style range offers without breaking the bank.
Budget choices in appliances range from a simple stove starting at a few hundred dollars to a European commercial range selling in the five figures. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must consider the overall cost of all the appliances including applicable taxes, delivery, installation and required changes in your plans. This might include outside venting, special gas lines, etc. It may also mean making sure you can get the appliance into the finished room before you order it. We’ve seen a situation where a custom ordered appliance arrived and it could not be moved into the kitchen without demolishing a wall. Measure your openings, stairways, etc.
Esthetic or style choices are equally broad. Colors, materials and design are all important to how your kitchen feels and looks. You can order every appliance from the same manufacturer in the same finish and look or assemble an eclectic collection based on personal preference and function.
Its important when shopping for appliances that you educate yourself about the range of options available. Unless you live in a major metropolitan area, it is unlikely that your local appliance dealers have more than a few models on display. This occurs in part because of the cost of carrying these models and because the average consumer simply walks in and buys what they see. It also comes about because styles and models change frequently.
Download the Appliance Specification Information Before You Buy
Your best bet is to go online and do some research. Most manufacturer sites allow you to download a specification sheet for each model in their line. These are incredibly valuable during the design process because they give you exact dimensions (which are not standardized), installation requirements and options for finishes and features. Look at several manufacturers’ lines. If you’re working with a professional kitchen designer make sure they don’t limit your selection to lines they represent. The reason for doing this research is that you may discover a better choice for your needs at a better price. It also helps you make an informed decision about a tool you’ll be using on a daily basis for years to come.
