Appliances are one of the most significant decisions when remodeling your kitchen. Your appliances affect how your space functions and how it supports your lifestyle. That means that new kitchen appliances can provide a huge upgrade, offering better performance, convenient features, and a daily boost to busy families. Since you’ll be making a significant investment, it’s important to find the right appliances for your home.
But for many people, that’s easier said than done. Many clients tell us that they get overwhelmed when they start shopping for major appliances (or even smaller ones like a toaster oven or food processor). There’s a ton of information to process — brands, models, appliance features, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, online reviews, to name just a few — that it’s easy to feel stuck.
In this post, I’ll provide some tips to help you buy appliances that fit perfectly in your dream kitchen. At Wake Remodeling, while we don’t supply appliances, we design around the ones you choose, ensuring a seamless fit and a kitchen layout that works beautifully with your selections.
Here’s what to consider as you begin your appliance shopping journey.
1. Start with How You Cook (and Live)
Finding the best appliances is about choosing options that reflect your habits and not just popular trends:
- Love to cook? You may want a pro-style gas range, steam oven, or a powerful range hood. For certain appliances, you may want to be more open to paying for performance upgrades.
- Prefer quick meals? A microwave drawer and slide-in range might cover all your needs. With this route, you’ll want a high-quality microwave oven, but you can save money on other appliances.
- Have a large family? Prioritize capacity—think double ovens for baking, a spacious stove, lots of fridge space, and high-efficiency dishwashers.
- Love to host? Consider specialty appliances like beverage centers, warming drawers, or a second dishwasher. You may also want to prioritize sleek-looking options, such as stainless steel appliances that stand out in a modern kitchen.
- Looking for energy efficiency? Where applicable, choose Energy Star-rated appliances, an electric oven, and induction cooktops for performance and sustainability.
2. Major Kitchen Appliances to Think Through
Refrigerator
Choose based on your storage needs—French door, side-by-side, or built-in panel-ready units. Internal organization and freezer placement also matter. Don’t just look at the cubic feet of storage but also how the internal compartments are arranged (and whether what you have in your current fridge would fit well inside).
Range or Cooktop + Wall Oven
Ranges combine cooktop and oven; separating them allows for flexibility. The type of fuel source for the cooking surface—gas vs. induction—can make a major difference.
Ventilation Hood
Crucial for air quality and cabinetry protection—especially if you do a lot of high-heat cooking.
Dishwasher
Look for features like third racks, adjustable tines, and quiet operation—especially important in open-concept spaces.
Microwave or Speed Oven
Whether tucked into a drawer or integrated into cabinetry, these appliances add flexibility and save counter space.
Optional Appliances
Depending on your space and lifestyle, consider steam ovens, built-in coffee systems, wine or beverage fridges, ice makers, or warming drawers.
3. Induction vs. Gas: What’s Right for You?
Induction and gas are two of the most popular choices for cooktops and ranges—each with distinct advantages:
🔥 Gas Cooking
- Pros: Immediate heat control, visual flame, preferred by many traditional and professional cooks.
- Cons: Less efficient heat transfer, can heat the room more, and requires a gas line hookup to your house.
⚡ Induction Cooking
- Pros: Super fast, precise heat; cool-to-the-touch cooktop; energy efficient; great for families with kids.
- Cons: Requires compatible pots and pans (magnetic), may have a learning curve for traditional cooks.
4. Panel-Ready vs Statement Appliances
The look you’re after plays a significant role:
- Panel-ready appliances offer a seamless look that matches cabinetry.
- Statement appliances like a bold-colored range or pro-style hood can anchor your kitchen’s aesthetic.
- Fully integrated appliances disappear into the design for an ultra-clean finish.
5. Brand Options to Explore for New Appliances
When selecting appliances, explore brands based on your needs and budget:
Luxury Brands:
Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele, Gaggenau – Known for longevity, performance, and sleek design integration. Modern luxury models frequently have smart features that can be managed with smartphone apps.
Mid-Range Favorites:
Bosch, GE Café, KitchenAid, Fisher & Paykel – Offer a balance of quality, design, and price.
Budget-Conscious Picks:
Whirlpool, Samsung, Frigidaire – Solid performance with a range of features at a more accessible price point.
Are you unsure what’s right for you? We’ll help guide your layout to support your preferred appliance choices.
6. We Design With Your Choices in Mind
While we don’t select or purchase appliances for you, we ensure your kitchen design perfectly supports your choices, including appliance clearances, cabinet integration, and venting solutions. You choose what fits your life, and we’ll make it work beautifully.
Let’s Design a Kitchen Remodel That Works for You
Ready to build a kitchen that functions seamlessly around the appliances you love? Wake Remodeling will help you craft a space that balances beauty, layout, and everyday performance. Contact us today to get started.
