5 Best Kitchen Appliances to Add After Your Remodeling Project

The five kitchen appliances to consider for a remodeling project are a cooktop, oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave and dishwasher. Choose them early in the design process, even if they will be installed after the remodeling work, so their placement, fit and everyday functions can be considered as part of the kitchen layout. Prioritize the features you will use rather than choosing on appearance alone.

A Guide to Best Kitchen Appliances for Your Remodel Project

A kitchen is more than just a stunning backsplash or gorgeous countertop. It is the heart of a home. A modern kitchen should be functional, but it can also be stylish. The appliances you choose help shape how the room looks and how it works for everyday cooking.

Getting your kitchen layout right is a crucial part of creating a functional, attractive space. Appliance placement, ergonomics, ease of use and a clear path between the stovetop, kitchen sink and refrigerator all factor into your kitchen remodeling project.

For these reasons, choose your new appliances early in the design process. Here are five appliance categories to consider when upgrading your kitchen.

1. Cooktops

Gas, electric or induction? Choosing among them comes down to weighing the features of each option against your needs, preferences and priorities.

Compare cooking performance, energy-use information, cleaning requirements and safety features for the specific models you are considering. Rather than assuming one type will always be the best choice, think about which characteristics matter most in your kitchen.

Another factor is whether you want a built-in hob, or cooktop. A built-in cooktop can be worth considering for a compact kitchen and may open up design options. Available functions and features vary by model. Its placement needs careful planning, and installation requirements should be considered as part of the design.

You might also want to look into a range hood to help manage cooking odors and airborne cooking residue. Make sure there is enough room to mount it, and consider its noise level and ventilation requirements.

2. Oven

There are several considerations when choosing an oven, including:

• The size of your kitchen.
• Whether you have a gas or electric stove.
• What type of oven you want.
• The features you will use.

Consider a single- or double-oven design and whether a standalone or wall-mounted arrangement suits your layout. Check the dimensions and installation requirements of the specific model rather than relying on a general size range.

Convection is another feature to consider, especially if you want to cook multiple items at once. Compare the model's cooking instructions and performance information rather than assuming convection will always reduce cooking time or energy use.

3. Refrigerator/Freezer

A refrigerator is a major appliance choice, so consider style, fit and functionality together.

Options include top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side and French-door refrigerators. Whatever style you choose, check that it fits your kitchen and review its energy-use information, including any ENERGY STAR certification shown for the model.

Look for features you will actually use. Depending on the model, separate cooling systems and adjustable or sliding shelves may be worth comparing for food storage and accommodating taller items. Some smart refrigerators offer tools for tracking expiration dates, compiling shopping lists or leaving household messages. Check which functions are available on the model you are considering.

4. Microwave

If your old microwave needs replacing or your kitchen needs an upgrade, consider countertop, over-the-range and built-in options. Over-the-range and built-in models require installation planning, including how they fit with your kitchen cabinets. Professional installation may be appropriate depending on the model and its requirements.

For an over-the-range microwave, review the ventilation arrangement as well as its appearance and position above the cooking area. Plan a built-in model as part of the kitchen design rather than treating its fit as an afterthought.

If you are trying to save space, look into multipurpose microwaves. Some models also offer convection cooking or toaster functions, so compare their capabilities with the appliances you already use.

5. Dishwasher

In a small kitchen, making room for a dishwasher means considering the cabinet space it will occupy. Check the selected model's dimensions and installation requirements before planning the opening. Weigh that space against the convenience of using a dishwasher for cleanup.

Factors to consider include:

• Cleaning performance.
• Drying performance.
• Noise level.
• Wash cycles and options for adjusting heat or cycle time.

For smart dishwashers, compare the actual features of each model rather than assuming connectivity means better performance. Review its filtration, cleaning functions and water- and energy-use information alongside the features you need.

Get the Right Qualified Contractor for Your Next Remodel

Balancing needs with wants is a useful approach to choosing kitchen appliances. Function should take priority over style. Stainless steel is one finish to consider, but compare its care requirements and how it works with the rest of your kitchen rather than assuming it is the right choice for every home.

A remodeling project can feel overwhelming. When choosing a remodeling professional, discuss how appliance choices and installation requirements will be coordinated with the kitchen design and how the renovation process will be communicated.