When designing a new kitchen, many questions arise. What kind of cabinets should I get? What color palette should I use? What type of floor is best? And probably the most common question: what kind of appliances should I get and where will I put them?
Figuring out where to place the appliances in your new kitchen can be a little tricky and it all depends on what kind of appliances you want, and how they will function in the overall kitchen design. There are many different types of appliances and many different ways to install them. Let’s break down your options!
Oven Options
There are only so many placement options for an oven because of the electric or gas components involved, but there are ways to veer from the standard oven/stove combo if you can make it work in your particular space.
Stove/Oven combo – the most common of the oven configurations, a stove/oven combo is ideal if you are trying to save space because it combines two appliances into one. The downside of this combo is that it’s not very sleek-looking and you have to bend down pretty far to get in or out of the oven.
Raised oven – an oven mounted into an oven cabinet at sight-level is great for those who do a lot of cooking and want to easily get in and out of the oven without bending down. There aren’t many downsides to this type of oven unless you simply don’t have the room to mount the oven into a cabinet.
Double Oven – A double oven has the same benefits of a raised oven because it is a raised oven, just doubled for more cooking space! Many homeowners prefer this type of oven arrangement if they have the space for it. The only negatives about a double oven is that it does take up quite a bit of space, so your new kitchen design will have to allow for it.
Microwave Options
A big question most homeowners have when planning their kitchen design is where to put the microwave, because there are so many different possibilities that it gets overwhelming. Here are some pros and cons of microwave placement options.
Below the counter – The pros are that it leaves your counter space clear with an open sight line. The cons are that the microwave may be too low and getting dishes in and out of it could be a challenge. It could also be hazardous if you have small children in the home because the microwave would be in easy reach.
Integrated into cabinets – Pros are that the height can be adjusted and customized to achieve the best reachability. Cons are that if it gets positioned too far away from a counter, you won’t have anywhere to quickly set a hot plate. It can also be difficult to retrofit unless you already have a cabinet at the perfect height and size.
Mounted over the range – Pros are that the microwave and hood/fan combination work together to save space in a small kitchen. Cons are that it might be difficult to use the microwave or see into it if it’s mounted too high. It also replaces the sculptural range hood, which has a less elegant look and is not quite as effective at venting.
In the island – Pros are that the microwave is kept out of sight without totally covering it up, while also saving the main cabinets for storage. Cons are that a lower microwave is harder to reach, which makes taking things in and out of it more difficult.
Over the oven (wall-mounted) – Pros are that the grouping of the appliances together creates an efficient work station as well as a sleek look. Cons are that the microwave might be too high or the oven might be too low for some homeowners to comfortably use.
Microwave drawer – Microwave drawers are a newer technology that is starting to trend in the remodeling industry. The pros are that they are compact and will fit in seamlessly with your cabinets and that it’s installed at hip height for easy handling and convenience. Standard microwaves have hinged door designed for right-handed people, but a microwave drawer pulls out wide for easy use by everyone. There are no real cons to this microwave unless you want something larger.
Vent/ Range Hood Options
The key purpose of kitchen ventilation is to reduce cooking smells, heat, and condensation by extracting (venting) them outside. There are a few different types of range hoods that can accomplish this.
Under Cabinet Mount – this is a range hood that is fixed to the bottom of a cabinet that may duct directly out of the back or vent out through the cabinet. This is a good choice if you want to have a nice hood without sacrificing cabinet space over the range.
Wall Mount – This range hood type is fixed to the wall and may have a decorative chimney or soffit that lines up with you cabinets or disappear into the ceiling. They are highly customizable and can be built to match your cabinet style if you’d like, or you can get a sleeker model if you are looking for a more modern style.
Ceiling Mount – This type of hood hangs from the ceiling and is commonly used over a stove that’s installed into an island or peninsula. You can also choose to hang it higher to avoid blocking a view but if you do so, it will need more coverage than it would in a wall mount situation.
Dishwasher Options
There are many makes and models of dishwashers these days. Some are quieter than others, some save more energy than others, and some are bigger or smaller than others. The type of dishwasher you choose should be based on your lifestyle and the most important factors that apply to your household. The dishwasher can be placed anywhere in the kitchen that has a water line, but it is recommended to put it next to the sink for convenience reasons. Just make sure there’s enough room in your kitchen design for the size of dishwasher you want.
Refrigerator Options
The same thing applies to refrigerators that applies to dishwashers…there are many shapes and sizes, and the best way to choose one is to examine your lifestyle and figure out the best option. Again, make sure there’s enough room in your kitchen design to accommodate the size fridge you want. If you want to add a custom element, you can place panels around the fridge that match your cabinets for a more cohesive look (see photo above).
To really understand the best appliance options for your kitchen remodel, speak to one of our highly-skilled kitchen remodeling experts today!