So much of our lives is spent in the kitchen! When it comes to replacing those old and worn out appliances, it's important to do your homework and get a good idea of what's available on the market today before you buy. Kitchen appliances last a long time, so if you plan on selling your house within the next five years, it would be wise to consider where the popular trends are going as well. Here are some things to consider when choosing your next fridge, oven, and dishwasher.
Refrigerator
Be careful to choose the right size when it comes to your fridge: the models you will have to choose from are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Although today's refrigerators are more energy efficient than ever, they are still electricity hogs; be sure to not get one that is too large for your family, especially if you don't cook all that often. You may be limited in what you choose by your placement options: if your cabinets are low, you will not be able to select that 68" model you have your heart set on unless you are willing to also invest in some extensive remodeling.
A popular trend is to forgo a free-standing fridge for a paneled one that unobtrusively fits into your cabinetry. Ice and water dispensers are not a good option if you choose this route, however, since the inevitable drips and spills are bound to damage the cabinetry over time. When it comes to placement, make sure to consider clearance from doors, hallways, and adjacent cabinets. You should allow for at least 2 inches of clearance on both sides of the appliance to allow for restriction-free opening of the refrigerator doors.
Ovens and Cooktops
The latest style in kitchen design is to separate the cooktops from the ovens. Having the cooking and baking features in separate locations allows for more flexibility in getting dinner ready. The overall layout of your kitchen may prohibit the separation of the two; if this is the case in your home, there are still plenty of oven/range combinations to choose from on the market.
The fanciest cooktops are gas and even have inner and outer rings of flame that help chefs maintain precise control over their creations. This type of cooktop costs the most, of course, but it will be an impressive asset to your kitchen when you are ready to sell your home.
The kitchens in today's newly built homes almost always feature a set of double ovens: one is conventional, the other is convection. Warming drawers right under the oven are an added convenience.
Since price is always a concern for home builders as well as remodelers, make sure to take the time to shop around for a great deal. Believe it or not, some of the best deals around are found on the internet! Internet large appliance vendors carry the latest and best, but offer them at much lower prices than large chain retailers: and they'll even deliver.
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