The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home, a place we all want to be functional, durable, and perhaps even a little stylish. Choosing the right kitchen appliances plays a deciding part in your overall satisfaction of the room. Doing some research before you buy will be a huge benefit. So measure the spaces you have available, decide on the colours and styles that will compliment your existing kitchen design.
Luckily for customers the style options seem endless-contemporary, rustic, classic country, sleek or retro- so are the choices in function and form-gas to electric, built-in to freestanding. However, all the variety available can leave us confused and indecisive. This guide will take you step by step through kitchen appliances. Helping you know exactly the right ones you should complete, or complement your kitchen with.
Built-in or freestanding? Double or single? Coloured or stainless steel? Choosing an oven can prove difficult as there are so many options available. Providing you have the space at your disposal, a free-standing oven can create an appealing focal point in the room. When considering gas or electric, it is usually more convenient to stick with the supply point you already have in your kitchen. This will mean you do not have the difficulty of moving wires or pipes, however you may consider this worthwhile, if it allows you to have your dream kitchen layout.
Usually installed at eye level, built-in-ovens can make handling hot food easier for the chef of the house. This is because there is no need to bend down to check or take out the food being cooked. Double ovens take more space but allow you more cooking options, and give you the ability to cater for a big family meal or party occasion. Single ovens are a compact choice for smaller kitchens with restricted amounts of space.
An effective and durable hob is vital in any modern kitchen. Induction hobs are the latest development in the market. They are the practical choice for a family as they boast being energy efficient, safe, and ultra-quick. They work by heating the pan instead of the hob. This happens because, the heat is only conducted when the coil underneath come into contact with a kitchen pan.
Traditional gas hobs remain popular. They offer instant heat, with modern varieties having touch controls and easy to clean finishes. Domino hobs can be ideal for those that like to host dinner parties. They allow you to create a custom cooking top. Comprising your own choice of fuels and cooking surfaces, such as griddles and hot plates.
Whether sat on a worktop or built into cabinets, microwaves can take up a lot of space. A built-in microwave can give you more flexibility in the kitchen, especially if your worktop space is limited. To make the most of your space and maximise functionality, it can be positioned above your hobs or beside your built-in oven. A combined microwave-oven comprises hot air and grill functions, to utilise the speed of a microwave but recreate the results of oven-cooking.
White goods are still preferred, however there are more options available for you to consider. Black and steel provide a more contemporary look; classic country cream can be ideal for a traditional looking kitchen; or bright colours can create a retro finish.
These freestanding appliances come predominantly in black, white or stainless steel. If the colour does not compliment your kitchen well, think about an appliance that can be semi or fully integrated. A semi integrated appliance will allow it to be concealed behind a cabinet door with only the control panel visible. It may appeal to you to buy an appliance that can be fully integrated and completely hidden behind a cabinet for a seamless finish.
When buying a fridge-freezer, think about which size you want to best suit your lifestyle, and the amount of room you have available in your kitchen. The width of the fridge is a vital factor, a standard tall fridge typically measures between 50cm and 70cm wide. American-style fridges can be much bigger and up to 90cm wide. It is essential you remember to allow space for ventilation on all sides of the appliance. To make sure it can work at its best.
The sink is often initially overlooked when designing a kitchen. However, it helps create a smart finish if you select one at the same time you choose the cabinets that go underneath it. Remember if you choose an undermount style it should be installed before the countertops. As the rim does not hook over the work surface. If you are an enthusiastic cook, you may prefer to use a dual basin. This will let you prepare food in one basin, and clean dishes in the other.
Be sure to get the correct style for your kitchen design as this can be an expensive piece to replace. In a modern themed kitchen, granite and stainless steel sinks look sleek. While, farmhouse sinks best suit country kitchens.
Function is of equal importance as flair when choosing appliances to feature in your kitchen. Remember that it is like an investment. Careful planning can provide you with a room that is both, practical to put together and gives you the dream look you desire.
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