August 10th, 2023 | 6 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect kitchen products with our Appliance Buying Guide
Finding a kitchen appliance package that meets all your requirements is not a simple task.
To explore the world of kitchen appliances, you must start with a well-planned approach that involves understanding the fundamental elements determining your options.
From measuring your available space to determining the right fuel type and ventilation needs, the process demands a comprehensive grasp of your requirements.
In this article, you'll learn all about the crucial factors you need to consider when putting together your ideal kitchen appliance package.
By delving into these essential considerations, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and create the kitchen of your dreams.
Let's get started.
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How to Choose an Appliance Package
There is no single best package for everyone; you should always start with the basics.
First, understand your measurements and what will fit in your space.
It may seem odd, but in a city like Boston, your refrigerator can range from 24 to 48 inches wide, with 36 inches being the most common width.
Ranges can vary from 20 to 60 inches wide, with 30 inches generally being the most popular size.
Although the standard size for refrigerators is 36 inches, and ranges are typically 30 inches, it is important to plan ahead to ensure the success of your kitchen project.
Kitchen appliances are specifically designed to fit within standard cabinet sizes.
For instance, refrigerators are typically 36 inches tall to align with a 36-inch cabinet. On the other hand, dishwashers are made to fit inside 24-inch cabinets, while stoves are designed for 30-inch cabinets.
Cooking Appliance Considerations
When designing your kitchen, your culinary preferences play a crucial role in determining its layout.
Here, we'll review various cooking appliances and their features to help you make informed decisions.
Cooktop and Wall Oven vs. Range
Ranges offer the advantage of centralized cooking and space efficiency. On the other hand, opting for wall ovens allows for more personalized cooking experiences.
You can choose from an array of options such as steam ovens, microwaves, warming drawers, and speed ovens to create a customized setup.
Additionally, with wall ovens, you don't have to bend down as you would with a range.
Induction vs. Gas Cooking
When comparing induction and gas cooking methods, there are several factors to consider.
Induction cooking stands out for its faster heating, precise simmering, enhanced safety (especially for children), and easier cleanup due to reduced venting requirements.
In contrast, gas cooking requires only 120 volts or less, while induction demands 240 volts and can use up to 50 volts.
If you're interested in transitioning from gas to induction, read this article: 6 Steps to Convert Your Gas Range to Induction
Electric vs. Gas Ovens
Deciding between electric and gas ovens depends on your cooking preferences. Electric ovens excel in baking tasks due to their drier and more precisely regulated heat.
On the other hand, gas ovens are preferable for roasting because they provide a moister heat environment. Also, gas ovens often come equipped with superior broilers.
Some Boston buildings might lack the necessary power capacity for an induction range, while it's worth noting that gas cooking has been prohibited in all multi-family residences in Boston since 2023.
Prioritizing Proper Ventilation
Effective ventilation is essential in any kitchen, especially if you frequently cook, particularly on the front burners. Understanding the following aspects is key:
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This metric indicates the volume of air exhausted every minute. For instance, a 600 CFM hood expels 600 cubic feet of air per minute.
Capture: Referring to the height, width, and depth of your hood, capturing smoke effectively is crucial. Even with a high CFM fan, smoke can linger due to poor capture.
Duct Run: Optimal ventilation is achieved by minimizing obstructions in duct runs, such as longer routes, transitions, and elbows. Directing steam, smoke, and grease straight up and back is the most effective method.
Duct Size: Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for duct size or choose a larger one. Smaller ducts can't handle the volume produced by your stove.
Addressing Make-Up Air Requirements
In Massachusetts, complying with make-up air regulations is mandatory, especially for vents exceeding 400 CFM.
Failure to provide make-up air means it will be drawn from spaces like your garage, ceiling, and furnace.
Planning for make-up air is straightforward: integrate it into your HVAC system or position it at least 10 feet away from your stove on the opposite side of the wall.
Learn More: Ventilation Buying Guide
Your Appliance Options and Features
Now comes the easiest part – choosing your appliance's features and types.
Refrigerators
Top-Mount Refrigerators: Found in less expensive packages, these have a freezer on top and a refrigerator on the bottom. Top mounts are in high demand due to last year's rush, with Whirlpool and LG being the most available brands.
Side-By-Side Refrigerators: Offer organized storage side-by-side but less space for trays and platters. Side-by-side models have become more popular due to their larger freezer capacity, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis. Brands like LG, GE, and Beko offer a variety of options.
French Door Refrigerators: This type is the most popular as it combines a side-by-side top with a pull-out freezer drawer, providing lateral storage.
Counter-Depth Refrigerators: These models don't protrude beyond the cabinet, offering a sleeker look for your kitchen, albeit at a higher cost for fewer cubic feet. Counter depths can come in side-by-side, French doors, or professional types.
Professional Refrigerators: Designed with compressors on top for a commercial look, professional refrigerators have an industrial style. Brands like Sub-Zero, True, and Viking are popular choices, though they may have longer lead times.
Integrated Refrigerators: Shallower than counter-depth models, integrated refrigerators fit within 24 inches, seamlessly blending with your cabinet. They work well with custom cabinet panels, making the distinction between the refrigerator and cabinet almost indistinguishable. Brands like Sub-Zero, Thermador, JennAir, and Liebherr offer integrated options.
Learn More: Refrigerator Buying Guide
Ranges
Slide-In vs. Freestanding Ranges: Freestanding ranges have a backguard, while slide-ins and front control ranges lack this feature, allowing you to see your backsplashes without obstruction.
Convection Ranges: Convection ovens use fan-forced heat for more even cooking temperatures.
Warming Drawer: Located beneath the range, this allows you to warm food for up to three hours, serving as an alternative to a storage drawer.
Two Ovens: Some ranges offer two ovens – a larger one above and a smaller one below.
Professional (Pro) Ranges: Equipped with multiple high-output burners, these are ideal for faster boiling, heating, or wok cooking.
Induction Ranges: These utilize electromagnetic heat for rapid boiling and precise simmering. Induction is safer and requires less ventilation than traditional gas burners.
Learn More: Pro Cooking Buying Guide
Microwaves
Convection Microwaves: These can function as ovens, microwaves, or both simultaneously.
Dishwashers
Silence Ratings: Dishwashers with a noise level under 44 dB are considered quiet, with 42 dB being nearly noiseless.
Third Racks: Some dishwashers feature a third rack above the cup area, providing additional space for silverware.
Integrated: Integrated dishwashers have hidden controls on the top, maintaining a seamless appearance.
Concentrated Spray Arms: Brands like KitchenAid, Samsung, Beko, JennAir, and GE incorporate more spray arms in their dishwashers.
Learn More: Dishwasher Buying Guide
Wi-Fi and Smart Functionality
While most brands now offer limited smart capabilities, it's evolving. LG's ThinQ App and GE's SmartHQ are known for their functionality.
Remote control and time-remaining displays are common features.
Some brands are even beta testing services to alert service companies of potential problems and the required parts for repair, minimizing downtime.
Learn More: Smart Appliance Buying Guide
Kitchen Appliance Package Prices and Rebates
Appliance packages vary by brand, with prices increasing due to upgrades.
Manufacturers and local and national buying groups might offer different rebates on the same appliances.
Keep in mind that these rebates can expire at different times, making long-term package development confusing. Different delivery dates might also apply to qualify for rebates.
Some rebate programs have been ongoing for years, like Thermador's "One-Two-Free" program offering free dishwashers and hoods with qualifying purchases.
Other Ways to Create a Kitchen Package
If you're not satisfied with the available appliance packages, get creative. Mixing and matching appliances is an option, but coordinating their appearance, especially handles, is important.
Consider your basic kitchen design; prioritize your dishwasher since it's the most frequently used appliance after the sink.
Look for non-existent brands that match well with your chosen appliances. While applying panels to refrigerators or dishwashers is possible, the options are more limited.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Kitchen Appliance Package?
As mentioned throughout this article, waiting for promotional holidays or sales is wise. Promotional holidays often mark the last chance to purchase before price increases.
The best times to buy appliances are:
- Presidents' Day: 2 weeks in February
- Memorial Day: 1 week at the end of May
- July 4th: 10 days around July 4th
- Labor Day: Late August/early September
- Black Friday: All of November
Read More: When Is the Best Time to Buy Appliances?
Key Takeaways
Choosing the perfect kitchen appliance bundle requires research and careful consideration.
Keep in mind what's best for you may not be best for others. Understand measurements, fuel types, and ventilation.
You can do this.
Additional Resources
Looking for more help on appliances? Get the free Yale Appliance Buying Guide with the 10 most frequently asked questions, their answers, features on the major brands, and advice for the best buying strategies. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
