When you’re building a new home, you’ll quickly realize some decisions are a matter of form and function. Kitchen appliances are the perfect example. They’re focal points in the kitchen so you want them to look good, but they’re workhorses that get a lot of use. Kitchen appliances are also big investments, which is why choosing the best option is a big decision.
How do you decide between the hundreds of options for each kitchen appliance? Answering the questions below will give you a better idea of which appliances will work best in your new kitchen.
What’s Your Appliance Budget?
First and foremost, you’ll want to create a realistic budget for your kitchen appliances. The prices can vary significantly from a few hundred dollars to thousands per appliance. Outline a price point for each individual appliance and an overall budget. Next, try to get a rough idea of the longevity of a certain model to determine which one offers the best value.
Another thing to factor in is efficiency. Energy Star appliances tend to cost a little more up front, but they’re less expensive to operate, so in the end, they could be cheaper.
How Much Space Do You Need/Have?
Space is another key consideration before selecting kitchen appliances. There are standard sizes for kitchen appliances, but that doesn’t mean basic sizes are ideal.
The configuration of the kitchen can also make a difference. This can influence how much space you have and whether or not an appliance will impede pathways. When you’re in the design phase of building a new home, factoring in your kitchen appliances right from the start will guarantee everything fits together nicely.
Bonus Tip: Take special precautions when measuring for the fridge. There needs to be about an inch and a half at the back and sides for airflow. You also have to account for the doors being opened all the way.
Do You Have Gas or Electric?
This is a big one in terms of the stove you choose. Regardless, you’ll need to keep in mind where the electric outlets are located to hook up your kitchen appliances.
How Often Do You Cook?
Appliances aren’t just there for show. They are serious pieces of equipment, and for avid home chefs performance is a top priority. But if you rarely cook, a six-burner stovetop probably isn’t necessary.
Assess your activities in your current kitchen for a week. What types of food do you prepare on a regular basis? How much storage space in the refrigerator do you use? How often do you load up the dishwasher or wash dishes? Tracking your kitchen activity will give you a better idea of the type of appliances you need to make working in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable for the entire family.
What Will the Rest of the Kitchen Look Like?
Let’s not forget that kitchen appliances are showpieces. They’re real focal points in the kitchen and should go with the rest of your decor. It’s just one reason why you’ll want to have your kitchen design nailed down before purchasing appliances.
If having the appliances blend in as much as possible is a priority, then you may want to consider panel-ready dishwashers and refrigerators. They cost a bit more but the fronts can be customized to look exactly like the rest of the cabinetry from the outside.
Find the kitchen style of your dreams at myHouseby.com! We have home plans that you can personalize and immersive design tools that allow you to create a kitchen layout that will work in your new home. Give it a try today!