If you are remodeling your kitchen, you will likely be thinking about stoves, ovens, ranges, microwaves, and all that you need to cook meals for your family and friends once the remodel is completed. Perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make about your kitchen remodel is also one of the most overwhelming. There are so many different options to choose from, and figuring out what you want and need can be difficult. We are providing you with some simple tips for choosing the right cooking appliances to meet your needs.
Fuel Considerations
For many, the answer to this question is simple. Most people opt for a new gas stove if they already have one, of for a new electric stove if that is the type of hookup they currently have. However, if you are looking to switch the type of power you cook with, you want to make this decision early in the remodeling project. This way you can have gas lines installed or shut off properly, and changes to the electrical components while the floor and cabinets are out of the way.
Design Features
Appearance is everything – as long as it functions efficiently – when it comes to stoves and ovens. The most economical option for many is a freestanding range that combines both the cooktop and oven all in one. However, drop-in cooktops and built-in double wall ovens are becoming more popular with homeowners. Typically, this decision will be based upon the space you have and your style preferences. For larger kitchens, many people opt to install a drop-in cooktop in the center of an island, especially if there is a chef’s kitchen. This makes for convenient cooking and preparing of food items all in one location.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing cooking appliances for your new kitchen is the size. It is likely that you already have the layout designed and know the space you have to work with for a stove, cooktop, range, or wall ovens. Prior to shopping, however, you will want to make sure you measure – and double-check your measurements – to ensure you get the right size.
Another aspect of size to consider is how big of an appliance you want. For instance, will one oven be enough, or do you need a double oven? Most double ovens are wall ovens, so you need to make sure you have the room for the installation of wall ovens. In addition, you need to figure out how many burners you need on the cooktop. For most homeowners, a four-burner stove is perfectly fine. However, if you are a person who enjoys entertaining or has a large family that you cook for often, you may want to choose a cooktop with more than four burners.
Functionality
Functionality of the cooking appliances is also very important. If you consider yourself an at-home chef, or a gourmet pro, you might want to consider purchasing cooking appliances that are high-end. These types of appliances boast their high performance and precisions features. This could include a convection or induction cooking element in your oven. These types of features can improve the quality of food you cook, as well as reduce the time that it takes to cook them. On the other hand, if you are just a normal everyday person who cooks for their family these options may not be important to you.
Cost
Some of the features that have been discussed thus far can greatly impact the cost of the cooking appliances that you choose. For instance, convection and induction elements are more expensive than traditional cooking appliances. Furthermore, a double wall oven and a drop-in cooktop will be drastically more expensive than a traditional range, which combines the oven and the stove in one unit.
Overall Kitchen Design
The overall kitchen design that you choose has a major impact on the style and design of the cooking appliances you choose. For instance, the color and style of kitchen cabinets needs to complement the style and design of the cooking appliances. In addition, your cooking appliances will sit on or next to your granite countertops. This means that you need to ensure that the color granite countertops you choose will match the color and style of cooking appliances you select.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing kitchen cooking appliances. It is important that you consider every aspect of this purchase prior to making a decision. You want to make sure that you have what you want when the remodel is complete so that you may enjoy your new kitchen to its fullest potential. Take the time to view different models and styles in showrooms, thinking about the way you cook and what you would like to see in your kitchen. This is the best way to make the decision about what the perfect cooking appliances for you are.