Choosing Kitchen Appliances

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in designing your kitchen is whether you prefer a separate cooktop and wall oven(s) combination or a free-standing range, which integrates the cooktop surface and oven in one appliance. There are advantages and benefits to both options, based on how you use your kitchen. For instance, if you tend to cook dishes that start on the burner but are finished in the oven, you might prefer the proximity that a range offers. And free-standing ranges are often more economical and easier to install. But if you have multiple cooks sharing one ample space, the separate zones offered by a cooktop and a wall oven might serve you better. However, your choice may be dictated ultimately by the layout or space constraints of your kitchen — an open kitchen with little wall space or a small kitchen may not be able to accommodate a separate wall oven.

Whether you opt for a range or a cooktop, you’ll need to start by choosing the fuel source. Ranges are available in gas, electric, or dual-fuel configurations. Gas ranges offer iron burner grates and front-facing controls. Dual fuel is popular because it provides even electric heat in the oven together with easily controllable, precise gas burners on the cooktop. You’ll also need to select the right size range for your kitchen layout. Standard range widths are 30, 36 and 48 inches. Larger, professional-size ranges (36 and 48 inches) often include ways to customize the cooking surface, such as additional burners or an optional built-in grill or griddle.

For cooktops, the fuel source choices are gas, electric radiant or induction, with similar choices in sizes, configurations of burners and customizable accessories as are available in ranges. Both electric radiant and induction cooktops provide a modern, seamless look, including optional flush installation, and are easier to clean than gas cooktops. Induction is the most energy-efficient choice, quickly transferring electromagnetic energy directly to pans, which brings them to temperature far faster than any other method. However, be aware that with induction cooktops, you must use cookware that contains a high content of ferrous metal because the heat is only transferred by magnetic interaction between the pan and the coils.

If you’ve opted for a wall oven, the amount of baking, broiling or roasting you normally do may affect what features you choose. Ovens come in standard sizes of 27 and 30 inches and are available in either a single- or double-oven configuration. Double ovens are ideal for cooks who entertain or have large families, if your kitchen size and layout can accommodate them. And while wall ovens don’t allow for custom panel fronts, they may be installed under the counter or flush within the cabinetry for a more integrated look.

Another oven feature to consider is convection, which uses a fan to distribute the air in the oven clockwise and counter-clockwise for even cooking with minimum hotspots in less time than a traditional oven. With convection, you can also cook multiple items at the same time, a plus for those who love to bake batches of cookies. Plus, the reduced cooking time of convection can translate into household energy savings.

A speedcooking oven, like our Advantium, is a hybrid convection and microwave oven. The Advantium uses high-intensity halogen light with ceramic and radiant cooking elements to cook the outside of foods rapidly together with microwave energy to cook the inside evenly. Speedcooking ovens are ideal for accommodating busy lifestyles and can be a great alternative for the cook that wants the functionality of a double oven configuration in a smaller kitchen space. If you do upgrade to a speedcooking oven, be sure to purchase the appliance with the correct voltage for your selected location, as both 240V and 120V versions are available.

Whether via a wall-mounted hood, island hood or downdraft ventilation system, proper ventilation not only removes steam, heat and odors from your kitchen but also keeps your cabinets and appliances clean and grease-free. One of the most important features to look for in a ventilation system is the fan’s ability to move air, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For the best venting, the recommended rate is 1 CFM per 100 BTUs of the heat output of your range or cooktop. For example, if your total cooktop output is 60,000 BTUs, you should consider a hood with an air flow rate of 600 CFM. Also, be sure to look at other hood features like lighting, warming lamps and utensil racks that can increase its functionality in your kitchen.

Another important consideration for ventilation is ducting. If the layout and location of your kitchen in your home permits it, ducting your ventilation system to the outside will remove the maximum amount of heat and odor. Otherwise, opt for a duct-free or recirculating ventilation hood, which relies more heavily on filtration for odor control.

When choosing a refrigerator for your kitchen project, first select one of the three installation types:

• Freestanding: Freestanding refrigerators may be viewed from a variety of angles, often have large capacity and are easy to relocate should your design change. When installed, however, they are not flush with kitchen countertops.
• Built-in: Built-in units are usually taller than freestanding ones but fit flush with your countertop depth for a seamless look.
• Columns or Fully Integrated: These units blend so seamlessly into your design that it can be difficult to distinguish them from the rest of the kitchen cabinetry.

All three options are available in a variety of sizes and capacities to meet your family’s individual food storage needs.

Once you’ve decided on an installation type, you’ll need to consider the refrigerator’s configuration. French door models with a bottom freezer as well as popular side-by-side models require less door swing space and provide easier access to the freezer for children than a traditional top-freezer model. For extra capacity, large families may also want to consider a larger refrigerator and freezer combination or upgrading to an all-freezer next to an all-refrigerator, if the kitchen space and layout can accommodate them.

If you often entertain, consider supplementing your regular refrigeration with additional under-counter options:

Refrigeration Drawers: Including a separate under-counter refrigeration drawer in your kitchen design allows you to expand the capacity of your refrigerator in whatever area of the kitchen you need it the most.

Beverage Centers and Wine Chillers: These units not only free up space in your refrigerator for platters and dishes but can also keep all your beverages chilled to their optimal serving temperature, whether it’s an award-winning Pinot Gris or sodas for the family.

Frequent entertainers also love the convenience of a dedicated ice maker. When choosing an ice maker, start by selecting the type of ice it produces — nugget or gourmet clear, which can make a difference in many cocktails and specialty drinks. And be sure that the ice production and storage amounts match your family’s needs.

In selecting a dishwasher, start with styling; choose a finish that coordinates with the rest of your new appliances. And while most dishwashers are installed flush with kitchen countertops, integrated dishwashers matched to your cabinetry using custom panels are a growing design trend. Next, compare cleaning features. Look for dishwashers with a variety of cycles and options that complement your cleaning habits. For example, if your family runs frequent wash cycles, shop for models that offer varying capacity- or soil-level options. And entertainers might consider those with stemware holders or cycles for fine china. Plus, you’ll want to compare the number of jets and types of racks based on the kinds of dishes you’ll be cleaning.

One of the most important features to consider is how loud the dishwasher is while running. Dishwasher noise levels are rated in decibels; the lower the decibel rating, the quieter the dishwasher will be. Look for a rating of 45 decibels or less for the most quiet performers.

Dishwashers are most commonly available in a standard 24-inch width, as well as a smaller 18-inch width, ideal for very small spaces or as a second dishwasher for a wet bar.

And eco-conscious consumers should consider a dishwasher’s energy consumption and water usage. Shop for a model that is Energy Star-qualified for not only superior energy efficiency but also to reduce environmental impact.