While major kitchen appliances are fun to choose, homeowners need to consider their family and lifestyle before making a decision. Be prepared to list your preferred appliances if you are hiring a designer. This will help them determine how space and traffic patterns will be affected. This information will be important to many designers as it will affect the design and shape of the rest.
Upgrades to Dishwasher
Over the years, dishwashers have seen a lot of changes. They are now quieter and less annoying than their predecessors. Look out for models with hidden control panels built into tops of doors and stylized paneling to keep the appliance from standing out. Stainless-steel interiors and quieter motors reduce dishwasher noise, which is crucial for open-plan kitchens or those with adjoining entertaining spaces.
There are many options for buying multiple dishwashers. This is a rising trend in kitchen remodels and kitchen renovations. Peter Salerno, a New Jersey-based certified kitchen designer and owner of Peter Salerno Inc. says that fifty percent of his clients have at least two dishwashers. One dishwasher can clean while the other is filling with dirty dishes for larger families and homes that entertain.
Dishwasher Technology & Sizing
If you are looking for cutting-edge technology, homeowners should look out for efficiency, faster cycles, and advanced features that cut down on time and fuss. The SmartDispense dishwasher from GE holds 45 ounces of detergent and releases automatically with each load. Jenn-Air's 3-tiered dishwasher by Jenn-Air, featuring adjustable racks and a washing-arm under each rack, is a new standard in dishwasher design.
American-made dishwasher models are standard 24 inches wide. This means that if you're replacing an older unit, it may not be necessary to reconfigure the space. Check the dimensions of European models if you are interested in them as they tend to be narrower than American counterparts.
Cooktop Features
Cooktops (formerly called stoves) are now completely independent of ovens. This allows for more flexibility and features. Because they cater to gourmet chefs, commercial cooktops are increasingly popular in residential kitchens. The high-end gas stovetops have low-level BTU output settings that can be used to cook light sauces and melt chocolates. This allows for maximum control for precise cooking. For consistent heating and high-precision, look for burners that have an inner and outer flame.
The new residential units are closely following their commercial counterparts in terms price and features. Make sure you do your research. While electric residential cooktops are less expensive than gas, they will not be as precise as gas ones. The size of a cooktop can vary from 30 to 38 inches in width, but can be up to 48 inches if a grid is added.
A cooktop island allows the entertainer to address the guests and take the cooking to the table. Induction cooking and other emerging technologies such as downdraft ventilation can reduce the need for overhead fans. Induction cooking is where a pot or pan made of magnetic material interacts with the magnetic field generated by the coils on the cooking hob, creating a current inside the pot or pan. The surface of the pot or pan heats up the food and cooks it, while the inside remains cool. The entire system is completely flame-free.
Stove Exhaust
An essential component of any kitchen is the exhaust system. The size of the exhaust system should be equal to the size of the stove/cooktop. The cubic feet per minute (cfm) is the measurement of exhaust systems. The system's exhaust capability is greater the larger the stove. For example, a 36-inch stove should have a minimum 800 cfm system. A 48-inch stove would need between 1000 and 1200 cfm. To ensure that your exhaust system complements and matches the stove it serves, consult with your designer or certified dealer.
Standard and convection ovens
There are two types of ovens: conventional and convection. Convection ovens can be more expensive because they have blowers that circulate heat faster and even cook. Two ovens are becoming the norm in modern kitchens. Salerno believes that the double oven is crucial. Two ovens are essential for every kitchen. They can be wall-mounted or installed below the cooktop and provide greater flexibility and cooking capabilities.
Warming drawers are a popular feature in modern kitchen designs. To maintain the texture and temperature, heated drawers can be adjusted from 0 to 175° Fahrenheit. Warming drawers can be purchased for anywhere from $800 up to $1,400. They are useful additions to kitchens that receive a lot of usage and prepare large or complicated meals for families or guests.
Refrigerator Repair
There are three types of refrigerators: built-in, top-and bottom, side-by-side. While personal taste is important, the refrigerator size should be considered when choosing a style. A unit that holds 21-25 cubic feet may be sufficient for a family of four, but a refrigerator that holds 27-32 cubic feet might be enough for a larger family. Although storage can be measured in cubic feet the unit's width will determine the placement options. The family's needs will determine the size of the refrigerator. However, it is important to not skimp on the fridge.
Think about the placement of additional features such as ice makers and water dispensers when considering other features. For example, a paneled refrigerator won't work well with an external water dispenser because spills can cause damage to the paneling.
A rising trend is the addition auxiliary fridge/freezer drawers. These units under-the-counter can be used as beverage centers, or to store excess items that are not in the freezer or fridge. A nice perk for busy kitchens is to reduce traffic through the chef’s space. Salerno states that a beverage drawer can be used to keep children out of the kitchen and the primary fridge.
Open Box Appliance and Furniture is a family-owned Furniture and Appliances store in Springdale AR. We offer the best in home Furniture and Appliances at discount prices. Call us at (479) 799 0964.
