Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 4: Appliances

While we’re not talking about the coffee maker, here (though it’s important to many in its own right), as you plan your kitchen remodel, you’ll want to examine those large appliances that make every day a little bit easier: the refrigerator and the range/oven.

Of course, if you’re pleased with the ones you already have, or at least pleased enough that you don’t want to spend money on new ones, then, by all means, work them into your design scheme. However, if you need an all around update to the two electronically powered devices you use most in your kitchen, you need to know what to look for.

Refrigerators

As with everything else that goes in a kitchen these days, refrigerators come in a wide range of design styles. Everything from stainless steel to vintage looks are available. They even make refrigerators that have faux wood doors to seamlessly blend together with your kitchen cabinets (although, Andy at HA Construction does not recommend using this option because they are hard to clean and often fall off - stainless steel is his best recommendation). Other elements that go into the design of your fridge include the option for a built in, or a counter top height style (drawers instead of doors). Different door styles and colors are also available.

If the new-fangled counter-top design makes you leery, don’t worry, the ever popular types of refrigerators are still available and probably will be for a long time. These obvious choices include:

• Freezer on Top – The most popular choice, by far.
• Freezer on Bottom – Ideal for those looking to have fresh food at eye level.
• Side-By-Side – The freezer and fridge are next to each other, rather than layered.

When examining features, you’ll find them in plenty. As you decide which refrigerator is best for your needs, take these possible features into consideration:

• Ice maker
• Exterior Ice dispenser
• Water dispenser (interior or exterior)
• Water filtration system
• Adjustable shelves/bins
• Temperature-controlled crispers

Range/Oven – Gas vs. Electric

As far as ranges/ovens go, you’ll certainly have to choose a design style that will fit your kitchen renovation, as well as a size (do you want four burners or six) and functionality that fits your usage and budget.

However, all that aside, the main aspect you’ll have to decide on concerning your range/oven is whether to purchase one that uses gas or electric. There are four main considerations when it comes to making this decision:

What You Had Before – If your kitchen renovation budget is tight, then you’ll probably want to buy a new range with the same element as you had before (gas or electric), because, in order to change from one to the other, HA Construction will have to do some rewiring. For example, if you had an electric range and decided to go with gas, then you’d need a gas line put in. However, if you have room in the budget, go for it!

Cooking Preferences – Many people swear by gas stoves for cooking purposes because they are known to cook more evenly and give you more control over the cooking temperature. Electric ranges often wear out and become somewhat unreliable for cooking, with ovens that cook too cool, or the medium setting on the range knob turning out to actually be high.

Operating Costs – Many are concerned that the operating costs for a gas range vs. an electric range have a significant difference. Truth be told, there are just two considerations: gas ranges cost more upon initial purchase than electric ranges and it’s generally more expensive to operate an electric range than a gas one.

Safety – While some might be concerned that the open flame of a gas range is more dangerous, either range type can cause a fire. What can be of concern is the possibility of a gas leak, or failing to turn the burner off completely and allowing gas to escape. Be sure you have exterior venting for the gas to escape out of your home if you use a gas range. You may encounter vents that filter smoke and/or vapors and they are fine for electric ranges. However, exterior venting is a must with a gas range. HA Construction does not recommend down draft venting in this case (an exterior vent that is supposed to pull fumes down under the house) because they are ineffective and costly to install.

Other Range Considerations

Once you determine whether you’re going to use gas or electric for cooking purposes, you’ll then want to look at features. If you decide to go electric, then you’ll want to determine which cooktop is best for your usage habits: solid disk elements, smoothtop surface or coils. Smoothtops radiate heat, are easier to clean and work best with metal cookware. Disk and smoothtops require perfectly flat cookware for optimal performance. Coils can be a great option for electric stoves, and are easily removed for cleaning, but they often become off balance over time, cooking unevenly.

There are also special features worth considering, regardless of whether you buy a gas or electric range. Decide if you want any of the following before choosing your range:

• Self-cleaning capabilities
• Digital oven programming (as opposed to dials)
• Additional storage at the bottom
• Oven window and light

If you’re having difficulty deciding on the best appliances for your new kitchen paradise, then ask Andy and HA Construction for suggestions and tips. Also, be sure to visit a few appliance stores and pick your favorites at each, comparing prices and features, before making your final decision. After all, you’ll be using these appliances on a daily basis, so you need something functional that will last, in addition to providing aesthetic appeal.