Appliances need to be selected before getting started on any remodel because their size will dictate all other decisions.
As I mentioned in Step 1 of our kitchen remodel journey, seeking inspiration by looking at other kitchens helped us realize that we needed more fridge space than we had originally designed for. We were able to resize cabinet space to accommodate the fridge we selected before getting the cabinetry contractor involved because we knew the exact dimensions of the fridge we wanted. We also decided to get both a beverage cooler and an ice maker and had to reconfigure some cabinet space to accommodate these appliances.
There is a wide range of options in appliances with various price points. Since we are designing the kitchen of our dreams, we do like to cook, and we have had so much trouble with appliances that don’t work well, we went with luxury line appliances. Whether you go this route or not, appliances are usually going to be a large part of your investment.
Most Important Considerations
Overall Considerations
How big do you want your appliances to be?
How big can they actually be given your space?
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to what you want and need in appliances?
What appliances do you actually want and need? There are the must haves, but are there others you want? For us, that was the stand alone ice maker and beverage cooler
Oven/Range Considerations:
Do you want your range and oven together or separate?
Do you want more than one oven? A wall oven(s) or with the range?
On a range, how many burners do you want and do you want a griddle?
Do you want gas or electric? If your oven(s) and range are together, do you want dual functionality? If you want a gas range and an electric oven together, it will run you $2000-3000 more.
Refrigerator Considerations:
Do you want a side by side (freezer on one side, fridge on the other) or a French door (fridge up top, freezer as a bottom drawer) or separate fridge and freezers?
Do you want an ice maker and/or water in the unit(s)? Inside or outside access to them?
Do you want it to be paneled to match your cabinets or the stainless steel (or other material) to show?
Dishwasher Considerations:
There are a lot of options dishwashers out there so ask around and see what people have liked and why.
Do you want to panel the dishwasher or not?
What types of dishes are you usually washing and what configuration best supports your needs?
How quiet is it? How long is the cycle time?
Brand Considerations:
Wolf/Subzero/Cove vs Monogram. There are lots of strong opinions (we discovered rather quickly!) on what luxury appliances are the best. Our vendor at AllSouth in Huntsville pushed Monogram so hard we wondered if he was getting a kickback selling them. Monogram does come at a lower price point than Wolf and Subzero – around two-thirds of the cost on most appliances – and does have some features that stand out, but we ultimately went with Wolf/Subzero/Cove because of the discount we got by buying everything from them and because of the extended warranty we got for doing so.
We also checked out Miele dishwashers on the recommendation of someone who really liked theirs.
With ice makers, nugget ice makers in particular, we heard you either go with Scotsman or Uline if you don’t want to go the route of ones that sit on the counter. After having trouble getting the Uline we first selected, we went with a Scotsman. We have our fingers crossed it is all it is cracked up to be.
We discovered a Zephyr dual temperature beverage and wine cooler at one of the kitchens we visited for ideas and they loved it, so we went with the same thing as well.
Appliances are a big factor in a kitchen remodel. Before you buy, make sure you’ve thought through the variety of considerations and brand options for what best suits your needs.
