Choosing Appliances

There are so many appliance options its important to think of the pros and cons within your space. Decide between the must haves and the would likes. The more features, generally the more expensive, but if you are staying in your home long term you may consider the investment worth it.

Think of the style you want to achieve with your kitchen - appliances can add or detract from the overall look and play an important part in the function and aesthetics of a modern kitchen.

Ovens

Inbuilt Ovens

Used either singularly, double or as a group. I have found that one oven is quite restricting at times of high use, and for family needs. There are so many combinations available now, its easy to pick and choose what suits so you can tailor to your own needs.

Standard oven. Used as a built in single oven, or added together side by side in a tower or under bench. If plenty of wall space is available, eye level ovens come into their own with reduced bending and easy viewing while cooking.
Combination microwave oven. Slightly smaller in height, these can switch between convection oven and microwave features. Great for giving that extra oven space when required and also look aesthetically pleasing alongside a standard oven.
Steam oven. While reasonably pricey, steam ovens have become a popular option to replace the microwave. Steam cooking is healthy, and great for reheating food evenly without drying out, and retaining flavour.
Warming drawer. Where using a combi microwave or steam oven, warming drawers can be added underneath so they line up visually with the standard oven height. The mix and match options are really versatile and look effortlessly seamless.
Coffee machine. Adding a built in coffee machine creates a functional extra, and can either be plumbed or manually filled depending on the model.

Freestanding Ovens

Freestanding ovens do not require joinery and give large scale cooking options. The freestanding oven becomes a pivotal centrepiece in the kitchen, often used in country or traditional kitchens, it can also be contempoary and fit easily into a family kitchen space. They are usually larger in size, so look good when there is ample bench space either side.

600mm, 900mm are standard sizes but they do come in larger versions as well.
Gas or induction top choices.
Single or double doors options are available. Two or more doors let you cook without heating the entire capacity of the oven for energy saving.

Cooktops

Induction cooking has taken precedence over electric cooktops, but gas is still popular.

Induction. Induction cooking has the power to revolutionize your cooking experience. Induction technology uses magnetic currents to directly heat your pots and pans, instead of the cooktop. Cooking with induction results in quicker heat, precise control, a greater simmer experience, and no fuss cleaning with a simple wipe to the flat glass surface. Newer models on the market have optional extraction systems integrated within the hob, doing away the need for an overhead rangehood.
Gas. Gas will always be popular for its precise temperature control. The heat is instant and gives even distribution while cooking. Gas is the perfect choice if you live remotely and experience power cuts. The downside - cleaning is a little longer, as the trivets will need to be removed after each use to clean underneath.
Dominos. Individual smaller hobs, mix and match gas, electric, wok, and induction for versatility. Dominos are a more expensive option and will require more bench space depending on how many are chosen.

Ventilation

Do you want to see your extraction system in the kitchen, or hide? There are so many beautiful choices either way, so worth considering in the overall look of your kitchen.

Built in. If you have a row of cabinetry over the cooktop, then a powerpack is a good option to be built into the cupboard above. Ducting can go upwards to a bulkhead, or taken out sideways through to a soffit on the outside of the house.
Custom built. Make a feature of your whole wall with a custom built rangehood cover. Motors for the extractor can also have an option with some models of having a quiet inbuilt motor into the ceiling space.
Canopy rangehood. Usually stainless steel, but other decorative finishes are available. Easily installed without cabinetry.
Rear rise extractor. These are great for in an island when you do not want an overhead blocking the space. It does require a decent amount of room for the motor within a cupboard so will depend on space. Ducting on an island can be designed into the foundation when building, but if using on a back wall, then it can be ducted out the back of the wall.
Cooktops with integrated extraction. Once again, these are great for island or spaces where you do not want an overhead extractor, but it does require a cabinet for the motor.

Refrigeration

Double door, single door, freestanding, or integrated. With ice-maker and filtered water, or standard - there is choice for every situation.

Freestanding. Single door, double door, french fridge with drawer at bottom. Think about whether you have ability to plumb in for water filtration and ice-making. Many fridges will be dictated by the space, for example many double doors fridges require a gap of 960mm within the niche.
In-built. Where you specifically don’t want to see the fridge, you can choose an integrated fridge and have the front panel in the same finish as the kitchen. Note - you will still need a handle of some sort, the doors are generally well sealed and require a sturdy handy to pull open.
Wine Fridge. Full height wine fridges can look beautiful within the kitchen if you have room and the budget. Smaller under bench wine fridges are handy and often can be a decorative feature under your island, or in a scullery out the way.

Dishwashers

Look for the function you need, once again are you happy to see the dishwasher, or would you prefer to hide it with the same colour doors.

Freestanding. Stainless, black, white finishes.
Semi-integrated. Add a panel in the same finish as your kitchen to the base. The top control panel is still seen for easy visual use.
Fully integrated. A full panel in your kitchen finish is fitted to the front enabling a seamless look to the kitchen.
Dishdrawers. Fisher & Paykel have single and double dishdrawers, either in selected finishes or integrated to match your cabinetry. Single dishdrawers are great for small spaces.

Summary

There are so many elements and decisions to creating your kitchen to function perfectly for you. When I work with clients, we evaluate in order of necessities and then would likes. This really helps put things into perspective, and also means that your kitchen will be designed exclusively to offer solutions for your personal ease of use and enjoyment.

If you would like to book a consultation, please get in touch.

Kitchen Design