Kitchen Appliances At ImproveNet

Find the right kitchen appliances for your kitchen remodel job.

Ovens | Cooktops | Refrigerators

There are several key factors to explore when purchasing kitchen appliances. Of course it is nice to have appliances that match one another as well as the rest of the kitchen décor. Depending on your kitchen layout, you should consider freestanding or built-in appliances. Freestanding stoves are available, however for appearance sake, appliances blend better with the kitchen when they are built in. There are various options with gas and electrical cooktops and ovens-and- brands to consider looking into before making a purchase. It is important to find kitchen appliances that fits your needs. Ask yourself what is important to you: design, functionality, and capacity-and-how it's used-Do you cook a lot? For others or just you? Then make your decision. Kitchen Appliance makers have as many options and features you can wish for-each tailored to meet specific needs. It's a lot to think about-but new appliances are ultimately one of the most rewarding kitchen remodeling features. Below we'll outline some things to think about when purchasing kitchen appliances

Ovens--Ovens offer as many features as there are styles. Naturally most leverage common features like convection ovens and thermal cooking. Most gas wall ovens in the US range from 27-30 inches in width and offer single or stacked double ovens-available in both gas wall ovens and electric. Then, you need to consider features-for example both gas wall ovens and electric can have meat probes that will measure the temperature of meat and turn off when it is finished cooking. But some features get even more high tech-some have fine tuning capability, which allows users to dictate from which direction and in what percentage the heat will travel. So be sure to check when the oven is described as a convection oven-this can get as customized as you like. Contrasting these high-tech options, many home builders are abandoning the gas wall ovens and choosing to incorporate brick ovens--or for the more rustic, wood burning ovens into their homes. With any appliance purchase, there are a myriad of installation complexities, let ImproveNet help you find a contractor. Don't forget to discuss the features as well as the design-and size.

Cooktops- Professional quality gas cooktops have become very popular over the last few years leading to increasingly powerful burners available for your kitchen. Gas cooktops are available usually in stainless or silver. If black is more of your taste, it may interest you to look at flat cook tops that use electricity. These are also very sleek and will look excellent with a matching oven.

Often times, given the relatively basic functionality of a cooktop, homowners are driven by brand. Ask around about manufacturers and which companies own what product lines-and how the quality and pricing differs. Wolf cooktops and Viking cooktops seem to be the most popular these days but there are also a full line of European cooktops as well as strong cooktop selections from Dacor, Thermador and Jenn Air.

Also, due to the popularity of professional cooking products, ventilation is a well sought after accessory for the gas cooktop. This is required when using such heavy duty products a professional quality gas cook tops. Make sure to consult the contractor about proper ventilation for the kitchen.

Refrigeration- This is an area where feature-based research must be done. Let's face it-if you look only at dimensions, refrigerators are big boxes on the outside. While specs and design are critical in choosing a refrigerator once you open that door-no two are alike. From temperature-controlled individual environments, and auto-locking features (for those trying to diet), to ice makers, crushers and zones designed to cool your products at the precise perfect temperature.

Many cutting edge refrigerators are controlled by microprocessors resulting in better efficiency and greater temperature control, therefore keeping food fresh for longer periods of time. Many of these units are capable of achieving a fully integrated look that includes paneling to match cabinets. Of course with the popularity of pro-series appliances, stainless steel refrigerators are increasingly more popular.

It's always a good idea to compare features by brand and price then to narrow down your selection by compromising on features. That stainless steel refrigerator tucked into the wall of your kitchen will always be the most used kitchen appliance you have.

Also, don't forget-while stainless steel refrigerators-or whatever style you chose seem high tech and sleek, they're bulky and many have a need for a water hook up to supply the ice maker. Feel free to contact one of our contractors to help you with the installation of this and all your kitchen appliances.

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