A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best and Essential Kitchen Appliances for Style and Functionality

When designing a new kitchen, choosing the best kitchen appliances for your home is crucial. These choices will not only impact the functionality and efficiency of your kitchen but also play a significant role in achieving a cohesive style that suits you. In today’s modern kitchens, smart appliances have become a standard feature, allowing you to control them with your smartphone or through voice commands.

Moreover, it’s essential to think about energy efficiency in your kitchen. Opting for appliances with ENERGY STAR certification can save you money on energy bills and contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. To help you get started, here’s a list of some essential appliances to consider for your upcoming kitchen project:

Refrigerator:

• Options include gas, electric, induction, or dual-fuel ranges.
• We are huge fans of induction around here. Why? Mostly because many of our clients are busy professionals with young children. They need safety and easy cleanability! Read our post about important features to consider. 

Range Hood:

• Choose one that complements your range and provides adequate ventilation.
• If you are looking for a custom hood style, you’ll want to find a range hood insert compatible with the hood style and size.
• Hot tip: Generally, we recommend that your range hood be 6-12″ larger than your actual range! That’s right – plan for an additional 3-6″ overhang on either side of your cooking surface, AND if you are building a hood around it, you’ll want to keep in mind the overall width by the time it’s all said and done for adjacent cabinetry. Having a large hood size helps ensure that it can capture all of the cooking vapors and heat efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to look for a hood or insert that is one size larger than your range.

Dishwasher:

• Look for quiet, energy-efficient models with adjustable racks and various wash cycles.
• Also, an option is a Double Drawer Dishwasher as it offers the flexibility to run small loads or separate types of dishes. They also come in single-drawer dishwashers that are great for your wet bar or butler’s pantry for something on a smaller scale.
• Hot Tip: We recommend Bosch dishwashers to all our clients because they are the best on the market. If you’re interested in a Bosch dishwasher and aim to maintain a consistent brand style across all your appliances, you’ll be happy to know that Bosch offers panel-ready options to ensure a cohesive and seamless look.

Microwave Oven:

• Depending on your space and needs, over-the-range, built-in, or microwave drawers are available.
• Hot tip: Built-in microwave drawers located in the island are one of our favorite spots to put them! They offer great functionality for kids and adults alike while offering easy access for cleaning. We highly recommend a microwave drawer for your next project!

Built-in Oven:

• Double wall ovens or a single oven and microwave combination can provide more cooking flexibility. When selecting a wall oven, there are many options to explore, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your specific cooking preference.

Convection Microwave:

• Combines microwave and convection cooking for versatility.
  

Steam Oven:

• It is ideal for healthy cooking methods like steaming, and it can also be used for reheating.
  

Warming Drawer:

• Perfect for keeping dishes warm before serving, it’s essential to carefully consider the location placement in your kitchen so that it is conveniently located for intended use and at a comfortable height.

Coffee Maker:

• For all coffee aficionados, a built-in coffee system or a countertop coffee maker is an absolute must-have to keep the java flowing!
• Hot tip: We typically create an appliance garage or use the pantry to hide these small appliances. Plan for this during the cabinetry design process to ensure you have a seamless system by the end and everything has a place in your kitchen or pantry!
  

Trash Compactor:

• Reduces the volume of trash, making it more convenient. However, people have reported their trash being too heavy and complaining of smells when they need to take it out.
• We don’t recommend these to our clients as they take up more space than they save. They are more expensive and another thing that may break and need maintenance. They are dated and rarely put into kitchens anymore.
  

Undercounter Ice Maker:

• Helpful in entertaining and keeping drinks cold. Most commonly found in commercial spaces.
• There are on-the-counter options that are much smaller for residential use.
  

Ventilation System:

• A powerful exhaust fan or downdraft system can help with cooking odors and smoke. Speaking to a local appliance specialist about the best internal blowers for your hood ventilation system is essential. (If you are local to Spokane, Washington, contact us for our vendor recommendations!)
• Hot tip: Ensure your appliances are selected and design plans are completed before you start construction. You want to ensure proper rough-in placements for your HVAC system so blowers and venting are placed according to their specifications. If not, you could fail inspection, or your hood won’t function as intended (wasting money and contributing to poor ventilation in the home). Indoor air quality is one of the most important considerations for home upgrades.

Garbage Disposal:

• It makes food waste disposal more convenient and environmentally friendly.
• Hot Tip: We love InSinkErator Garbage Disposals for our projects!
  

Appliance Finish and Style:

• Consider whether you want stainless steel, black stainless, white, or custom panel-ready appliances for a seamless look.
• Additionally, there are always new finishes coming to the market with optional colored knobs, handles, etc. You can add a lot of subtle personality to your kitchen with different finish options.
  

Furthermore, when choosing the best kitchen appliances for your home, it’s essential to consider the layout and available space first. The appliances should complement your kitchen’s aesthetic and meet your cooking and lifestyle needs without making your budget cringe. And remember, reading reviews and consulting with appliance professionals can also help you make informed decisions based on your unique needs.

The Best Kitchen Appliance Brands We Recommend to Our Clients

Equally important, the best kitchen appliances for your home will vary from brand to brand, and depending on your needs, budget, and preferences. However, several well-known and reputable brands consistently produce high-quality home appliances to fit every need. Here are some of the top brands in various categories of home appliances that we like to use on our kitchen design projects:

Our top favorite appliance brands:

• Bosch: Offers a wide range of kitchen appliances, including dishwashers and ovens. They are a high-quality, mid-range priced brand that we recommend repeatedly! They are renowned for quiet and efficient dishwashers – which we love!
• GE Appliances: Known for their innovative and reliable kitchen appliances. There is an excellent range of styles and price points for every household. Most products offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Thermador & Monogram: Known for luxurious high-end kitchens and high-quality products. We love the different style flairs each brings and the paneled appliance options for a built-in look.
• Cafe, Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking, Fisher & Paykel, Etc: If you’re in the market for luxury appliances, there’s a wide array of exceptional options that we enjoy picking from, depending on our client’s needs and preferences.

As always, it’s important to research specific models and read reviews to determine which brand and product best suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, consider factors such as warranty, customer service, and price when deciding. What may be the “best” brand for you will depend on your requirements and budget.

Ultimately, selecting the best kitchen appliances for your home is vital in creating the kitchen of your dreams. The choices you make will have a lasting impact on both the functionality and style of your space. So, we’ve got you covered whether you’re seeking a sleek refrigerator, versatile range or cooktop, efficient dishwasher, convenient microwave oven, or various other appliances. To start your kitchen project, reach out to us today, and let’s make your dream kitchen a reality!

Do you have questions about kitchen design services or selecting the best kitchen appliances for your home?

Please inquire with us here! We would love to be a part of your journey transforming your home!