Welcome back to our Ultimate Guide to Designing a Kitchen series! In the previous parts, we covered the basics of kitchen planning, and explored the ins and outs of kitchen cabinetry. If you haven’t read those parts yet, check out these links below:

Part 1 - Guide to Kitchen Planning
Part 2 - Kitchen Cabinetry

This article will be the final part of this guide where we’ll explore another crucial aspect of kitchen design: choosing the right kitchen appliances. Why is this important, you ask? The right kitchen appliances are what bring your culinary creations to life! Whether it’s a range with a collection of burners for precise cooking, or a high-capacity dishwasher to help clean quickly and efficiently, the right appliances can make your life in the kitchen so much easier.

So grab a cup of your favorite brew, get comfy, and read on! 

Stye and Design

Before we dive into the different types of appliances, let’s go through some design considerations first, as this will play a significant role in the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. The last thing we want is for your appliances to clash with your otherwise carefully designed kitchen.

Freestanding vs Integrated Appliances

Freestanding appliances, as the name implies, are standalone pieces. They are slipped in at the end, after your cabinetry is installed. Such appliances are a great fit for those looking for versatility, flexibility, and ease of installation. Given enough space, you can opt to rearrange them later on without much issue. This is a boon should you ever consider moving homes or renovating in the future.

Another benefit is that freestanding appliances tend to be more budget-friendly when compared to their equivalent integrated counterparts. Aside from the appliance itself being more affordable, you also save on the installation costs.

Integrated appliances, on the other hand, come out on top if you want to create a cohesive and truly custom look. They’re the perfect option for those aiming for a sleek, tidy and harmonious kitchen space –a true treat for the eyes.

On top of that, integrated appliances are great at maximizing your available kitchen space. Many of them are at counter-depth, making sure all your cabinets and appliances are flush with one another. Others, such as ovens and microwaves, can be stacked one on top of the other, making the most out of the vertical space. This makes integrated appliances the optimal solution when space is limited, like in a New York City apartment, for example.

Panel-Ready vs Stainless Steel Appliances

If you decide to go for integrated or built-in appliances, then it’s time to consider whether you want panel-ready ones or stainless steel ones. Each one has its pros and cons, and will affect the overall aesthetics of your kitchen.

When it comes to panel-ready appliances, their main draw is the ability to create a seamless look in your kitchen. Custom cabinet panels will allow your appliances to blend seamlessly with the rest of the space. This design choice allows for a cohesive and uniform aesthetic. This also makes it easier to mix and match different brands of appliances, as they can all be outfitted with matching panels.

If you want your appliances to stand out and be the focal point of your kitchen, then stainless steel appliances might be for you. Doubly so if you prefer a sleek and industrial look to your kitchen. However, do keep in mind that stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges easily. It may require more work on your part to keep them looking pristine.

In terms of cost, panel-ready appliances are generally more expensive than stainless steel ones. Especially if you chose a premium wood finish for your cabinetry.

Matching Finishes with Other Fixtures and Hardware

Short answer? No. It is not necessary to match your stainless steel appliances and your cabinet hardware finish. But of course, there’s more nuance than that. When it comes to matching your appliance finishes with the rest of your kitchen, the goal is to achieve a cohesive aesthetic. Stainless steel appliances easily match stainless steel hardware. However, those same appliances can also look great when mixed with black hardware in a sleek contemporary kitchen. There are no hard and fast rules to follow here, though here are some quick tips to help you out.

1. Keep your metal finishes to 2 or 3 at most. Think of it as having a primary finish and a secondary finish. For example, your appliances and faucets are all stainless steel or chrome. Then, your pulls and knobs are all polished brass. If you have specialty lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights over a kitchen island, then that’s where you can put a third finish in.

2. Be conscious of contrast. We want to mix metals in a way that looks highly intentional, and a great way to do this is with contrast. As in the example above, black hardware would be a good contrast to your appliances. Using hardware in finishes like antique brass or champagne gold will also work. However, try to avoid mixing finishes that are too similar to each other such as polished nickel and brushed nickel together. Their being highly similar makes it look off.

3. Use your cabinet color as a guide. The final goal in all of this is a cohesive and harmonious kitchen. Therefore, if you’re not matching hardware and appliances, then match your hardware with the cabinetry.

Considerations for Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerators and Freezers

To prepare the best meals, you need to prepare the best ingredients. Whether it’s for keeping your greens fresh and your ice cream frozen, having the right refrigerator and freezer is a game changer. Here are some of the main considerations when choosing a refrigerator and freezer.

1. Size and Capacity. There are two main factors determining what size of fridge and freezer you’re going to need: available floor space and your household storage requirements. Larger families and those who stock up on multiple weeks worth of groceries would definitely prefer something larger. However, if you like to order in or hit up the supermarket often, then you can get by with a smaller appliance.

2. Separate vs Combined Fridge/Freezer. Once you have an idea of how much storage you need, next consider whether you want a separate or combined fridge/freezer. If the space allows, having a separate fridge and freezer offers more storage capacity and flexibility. You can choose to have them side by side, stacked, or even in different areas of your kitchen. Conversely, a combined fridge and freezer takes up much less space than two whole appliances. This can also potentially be more cost-effective as you’ll only have one appliance to buy and might use less energy in the long run.

3. Features and Functions. Many refrigerators do more than just keep your produce and juices cool. Consider what features will align with your lifestyle and daily needs. Some common features include: temperature control, water and ice dispensers, automatic defrosting, and crisper drawers. Features vary depending on the model and brand, so make sure you carefully scrutinize your options.

Ranges and Cooktops

Now that you’ve got the ingredient storage down, next we look into where we’re going to cook up our culinary masterpieces: ranges and cooktops. Just like with everything else in the kitchen, there are several key factors to consider when choosing one. 

1. Fuel Type. You have two options: gas or electric. Gas cooktops offer more precise control and provide instant heat. This is essential for recipes that require quick temperature changes. Maintenance is the main drawback for gas ranges as you need to check burners and ensure proper ventilation to prevent gas build-up. Electric cooktops, on the other hand, are perfect for tasks that require a smooth and even heating surface., such as melting chocolate or simmering sauces. They won’t have hot spots that can cook your food unevenly, unlike with gas ranges. However, some electric cooktops require specific cookware for optimal performance, so that’s something to look out for. Some more premium range options also have a dual-fuel setup, allowing you to use both gas and electric with one appliance.

2. Size and Configuration. Space is always at a premium, especially in such a busy area like the kitchen. Ranges and cooktops come in a variety of sizes ranging from as small as 20 inches to as wide as 60 inches. Also consider whether you want a freestanding range, or to have a separate cooktop and wall oven instead. Of course, you can also have both! Take advantage of the different aspects of gas and electric fuel types by having both a gas range and an electric cooktop.

3. Cooking Power. You need a variety of heat outputs when cooking different recipes. Some require weaker flames so food cooks slowly and evenly. Others require very strong flames such as searing a steak or quickly boiling water. For electric cooktops, pay attention to the watts value provided by the manufacturer. For gas ranges, pay attention to the British Thermal Units or BTU.

4. Safety Features. When dealing with fire, it always pays to take extra precautions. Especially so if not everyone in your household is an expert around the kitchen. Look out for features such as child locks, automatic shut-off, and indicator lights that warn you when the burners are too hot. Gas ranges sometimes also come with an auto-reignite function, which helps prevent gas leaks should your burner accidentally shut off. 

Ovens

After the stove, the oven is probably your next go-to cooking appliance. It opens up a wide range of cooking options beyond what a cooktop can offer. With an oven, you can bake pastries, roast meats, and prepare casseroles. And to truly maximize your culinary potential, you need to invest in the right oven. Here are your main considerations.

1. Fuel Type. Similar to ranges and cooktops, ovens can run on electricity, gas, or even be dual-fuel. The advantages for each are also similar. Electric ovens offer more even heating thru induction, while gas ovens offer greater temperature control.

2. Size and Configuration. Just like all other appliances we’ve covered so far, size and configuration is something you need to consider. If you have a range with an oven, that’s one less appliance to take up floor space. If you want a separate oven, though, you can have a freestanding ocean, built-in wall ovens, and double ovens for when you need that extra cooking capacity. It all depends on your available kitchen space and how many meals you need to bake at a time.

3. Cooking Features. Ovens are a significant investment, and not something you replace very often. Therefore, it’s important to get one with all the bells and whistles to meet your needs. Essential features include adjustable racks, easy-to-use controls, and programmable timers. Other features like self-cleaning functions, delay-start options, and specialized cooking modes are nice to have, but can add to the cost. Ask yourself whether the added convenience and versatility is something you really need.

Microwaves

While it can be considered as a type of oven, microwaves operate differently from conventional ovens. Instead of radiant heat, microwaves use electromagnetic waves to generate heat and cook food. This makes them great for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, and cooking quick simple meals. They occupy a different niche in the kitchen, and thus you definitely want both a conventional oven and a microwave oven. 

1. Installation Type. There are various types of microwave ovens. The one you’re most familiar with is likely the basic countertop microwave, which is designed to sit on any flat surface in your kitchen. These are the most versatile as you can freely change its location, but at the expense of countertop space. If you want as much food prep space as you can have, then consider the various integrated installation types. These are built-in microwaves, drawer microwaves, and over-the-range microwaves. They’re less flexible in terms of location and more costly to install. However, they’re perfect for maximizing your available kitchen space and look very sleek to boot.

2. Size and Capacity. Regardless of which type you choose, they all come in a variety of sizes. When space is highly limited, such as in small apartments or dorm rooms, you can opt for a compact microwave. Built-in ones tend to come in larger sizes, which also means a higher capacity to accommodate larger meals –a feature that’s handy for large families or if you have guests often.

3. Power and Wattage. Microwaves are typically available in different power levels that are measured in watts. This affects cooking times, versatility, and performance. A high-powered microwave leads to more efficient cooking. Your food will cook and heat faster. Additionally, larger plates of food or oversized containers won’t be an issue at all, unlike with weaker microwaves.

4. Cooking Features. Microwaves have come a long way in the past decade or so, and many come packed with features that can make your life so much easier. Which ones you need, of course, depend on your cooking preferences and needs. Some common features include sensor cooking, pre-programmed settings, multi-stage cooking, and keep warm functions to name just a few.

Dishwashers

At the end of every meal, no matter how small or large, always comes the clean up. Dishwashers are a convenient and efficient way to clean dishes, utensils, and glassware. It also provides a designated space for dirty kitchenware, allowing you to keep the rest of your space clean and organized –definitely much better than a pile of dirty dishes in your sink! This is why it’s so important to choose the right one for your home, and maximize the dishwasher’s many benefits. Here are some of the things you should look out for.

1. Size and Capacity. You’re probably tired of us saying it, but  it’s important to consider the size of your appliance especially if you have limited kitchen space. Generally, most dishwashers fit neatly with your lower kitchen cabinets. The main difference between them is the width. The most common size is the standard or full-size dishwasher at 24 inches in width. They offer a generous capacity with various place settings for all your kitchenware. If you feel that you need more lower cabinet space than a dishwasher, then consider compact and slimline dishwashers. These come in at a smaller 18 inches and sacrifice some capacity as a result. 

2. Washing Cycles and Other Cleaning Features. More washing cycle options provide you with more flexibility and control over how your dishes are cleaned. Common cycles include normal, heavy-duty, quick wash, and eco-friendly, just to name a few. Another sought after feature that helps with washing is an advanced soil sensor that detects the level of dirt during a wash. This increases water efficiency as it can adjust water usage accordingly to match. There are also other water-saving features such as specialized spray arms and targeted jets that can further optimize your water usage.

3. Convenience Features. Aside from cleaning your dirty dishes better, some dishwashers also come with other quality of life features. This can be as simple as having adjustable racks and tines, allowing you to reconfigure the interior and maximize the dishwasher’s capacity. High-end dishwashers are also often designed with noise reduction technologies, allowing you to peacefully go about your day without the whirr of cleaning in the background. There are many more features like these that can contribute to a more pleasant dishwashing experience. Carefully consider which features align most with your needs.

Other Appliances

While the ones listed above are the most essential appliances for most residential kitchens, there are other specialized ones that you may want to consider.

For those who enjoy a good glass of wine with their steaks, consider investing in a wine cooler. These offer more precise temperature and humidity control compared to your regular refrigerator. Wine coolers are designed to maintain optimal conditions for various types of wines, ensuring that they age gracefully and can be enjoyed at their best.

If instead of alcohol you enjoy a healthy dose of caffeine in your everyday life, then you can opt for a coffee machine or espresso machine. These come in both freestanding and built-in options, giving you flexibility in how you want it in your kitchen space. Higher-end options often come with added features such as built-in grinders, multiple brewing options, and even personalized coffee profiles.

If what you want is more cooking options, then look at options such as built-in deep fryers, teppanyaki griddles, sous vide machines, and pizza ovens. You’ll want some of these if you want highly authentic foreign cuisines and a greater variety of meal options. 

Designing Your Kitchen

Whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring a design professional, designing a kitchen is an exciting journey for any homeowner. It’s a process that involves careful planning, thoughtful choices, and attention to detail. Throughout this Ultimate Guide to Designing a Kitchen series, we’ve explored key aspects of kitchen design such as general planning, design styles, cabinetry details, and appliance selection. Hopefully, you now have a comprehensive understanding of the many elements that make a kitchen functional, beautiful, and uniquely suited for you and your family.

Always remember, designing a kitchen is more than just aiming to impress with good looks. It’s about creating a space that caters to your needs, your lifestyle, and your culinary experiences. It reflects your personal tastes and preferences.

So, take these new learnings and unleash your creativity. Should you need a helping hand as you embark on this kitchen design journey, then we at Wood & Co. will be happy to assist. Get in touch with us, and let’s talk. Your dream kitchen awaits!