If you are remodeling your kitchen, then chances are you are planning to buy new kitchen appliances. These new appliances will accent the room and fill the needs of the family. You can look at outlet stores as well as appliance stores to find all matching appliances in one area. With all the different colors, sizes, manufacturers and types of kitchen appliances needs, you have many selections to choose from when shopping. This means you will have to do your homework and make your selections well.
Major Appliances
The kitchen always needs a refrigerator and a range, and you want them to match each other. When looking for these major kitchen appliances, you have to decide between built-in and a freestanding model. Think about which refrigerator model suits your design better. The stove likewise could be a counter top stove with a built-in oven somewhere more convenient, or a freestanding traditional range with oven under a 4 or 6 burner cook top. Definitely go for a built-in stove if you want the convenience of two ovens.
The dishwasher and trash compactor are considered major kitchen appliances as well. You can have these match the refrigerator and stove for an overall uniform color scheme. Both the compactor and the dishwasher fit under the counter top, however, they both come as freestanding models as well.
Kitchen Appliance Combination Packages
Shopping around for the best price from different manufacturers on individual appliances is a good idea, but when you buy a kitchen appliance combination package the value is usually much better. A combination package will include dishwasher, microwave, stove, oven and refrigerator. They will all match and be the same brand and style. This way the appliances will integrate very well into your new kitchen. This is the best deal when purchasing kitchen appliances, but be sure that the kitchen appliances that you are getting are quality, reliable products, and you are not getting stuck with what is left in the warehouse.
Compare Kitchen Appliance Options
It is really worth the time and effort to compare kitchen appliance options. One of the most obvious reasons that you should take this time is because you will be able to get the best quality and price.
The first thing to check out is the quality. After all, if the product is poorly made then it really does not matter how much you are saving, because you will end up paying more when you have to make repeated repairs or buy the appliance again.
Do a brief background check on the manufacturer. See how long they have been in business, and research online whenever they regularly have complaints. You can ask around among friends and coworkers for input as well.
Reading kitchen appliance reviews is the best place to start before making large investments. There are different types and sources of kitchen appliance reviews that will offer a big picture. Many sites offer expert kitchen appliance reviews, which look at most products from a technical point of view. They can provide insight to the potential for repairs needed, and how easy it is to find a service center, and what it will take to install and use the product.
Other sites provide reviews and opinions posted by users of the product. Consumer based appliance reviews are sometimes not completely objective, as people will interject their disappointment in the product into the review. For example, in looking at a review for a particular item, if the unit received great reviews on operation, ease of use, performing as promised, and the company's response to problems, then take with a grain of salt the reviewer who absolutely hates it . When looking at kitchen appliance reviews it pays to look at more than one website.
An important consideration in comparison shopping is the Energy Star rating. This gives you a rough idea how much the appliance will cost to run. Some kitchen appliances have many wonderful features that may use a lot more gas or electricity. Evaluate the cost of use with the price of the appliance. When looking at Energy Star ratings, be sure to compare apples to apples, that is, make sure the unit of measure you are comparing on two different units is the same.
Armed with your information on manufacturers and styles, the last step is to make a list of the different stores in your area that offer the particular kitchen appliance you are looking for. Compare the suggested retail prices given by the different stores, and take note of which is the lowest.
Kitchen Appliance Colors
In the 1960s the latest in kitchen appliance trends turned its back on classic white appliances, adding such colors as avocado and sunburst orange and yellow. These days the range of colors and textures for these appliances are endless. You have your choice of black, white, off-white, red, navy, stainless, and black glass. Not to mention expensive, custom color choices.
Stainless steel is now one of the most popular finishes for appliances. Many people appreciate the aesthetic appeal of a stainless steel kitchen appliances as well as their ease in keeping clean. Not only do they reject fingerprints, but they fit in better with any kitchen color scheme.