Updating the kitchen is a big project that requires a lot of decisions, especially regarding major appliances.

You need to identify the kitchen appliances you need, the features that will benefit your lifestyle, and the style that appeals to your taste. For the best results, we recommend taking some time to explore your options before you need to make these important decisions. Doing so will allow you to visualize your dream kitchen and prepare you with the information you need to bring your dream kitchen to life.

This guide will walk you through a few important considerations so you understand how to choose kitchen appliances for your home.

How to Choose Kitchen Appliances for Your Home

Make a list of the appliances you need for your kitchen. Typically, homes will always have a refrigerator and freezer, an oven, and a stove. The more optional kitchen appliances tend to be microwaves and dishwashers. However, they are still very common.

Decide whether you need one or all of these appliances in your kitchen. This will benefit you when considering your options, your allowable space, and whether you should consider purchasing an appliance suite.

Layout

Determining the layout of your kitchen will greatly impact the appliances you buy. If your kitchen is already designed and you are simply replacing your appliances, you will still want to consider this step.

Where do you intend to put your appliances? Your kitchen needs to flow. For example, your dishwasher should be next to your sink. Also, should your refrigerator door open to the left or the right? It should flow naturally through the kitchen and not cause a disruption in flow at any turn.

Whether you are designing a new kitchen, remodeling, or simply upgrading your appliances, the flow of the layout can make your space enjoyable or aggravating. So, take some time to think this over before you make any decisions.

Measurements

Once you know where your appliances are going, you need to measure – and then measure again. Don’t ever assume your measurement is correct. If you think it is, then measure again until you are sure that you have it right. Knowing the exact measurements can give you a much better idea of the appliances that will work for you once you are ready to purchase.

Tip: Be sure to carefully measure your doorways and walkways, too. If you purchase a refrigerator that will fit just perfectly in your kitchen, you still have to make sure you can get it through the door!

Budget

You will most definitely want to set a budget for yourself when purchasing kitchen appliances for your home. It is easy to say that you’d love to have a top-of-the-line range, but if you spend all of your money on that range, you may have to forego other appliances. Or, at the very least, matching ones. And making an impulsive decision could also cost you other appliances, or possibly some important features.

To have a uniform kitchen, you will want to consider appliances from the same style and finish that will flow well together in your space. Know your budget, allocate spending for each appliance, and then explore your options.

Style and Finishes

What type of design style is your kitchen? Modern? Contemporary? Traditional? Transitional? There are so many ways you can design and decorate your kitchen – and your appliances play a big role in this.

You may want brightly painted or ceramic appliances, or perhaps you prefer stainless steel. Whatever your preference, you should know before you go. This will allow you to purchase appliances that truly fit your kitchen.

Tip: Did you know that stainless steel can have different finishes? If you would like your appliances to match, it is best to buy them as an appliance suite. This ensures that you get all matching finishes and, stylistically, they will have matching buttons, knobs, etc. Suites are truly the easiest way to get a uniform look.

Take Your Lifestyle Into Consideration

Taking your lifestyle into consideration is a huge factor in your appliance purchase. There are many options for each appliance that requires you to determine your level of use. For example, do you have a large family or a small one? Do you often have get-togethers or cook big meals? Do you dine out more than you eat at home? Do you often buy more frozen foods than fresh foods?

The answers to these questions will help you in determining your need for certain appliances. If you have a large family, then you will likely have more groceries to store in a refrigerator – which means you should opt for a larger one. If you often host get-togethers or cook large meals, then having a stove with six burners may be more beneficial to you than one with only four.

Be smart about your lifestyle – it is more of a determining factor for your home appliance buying needs than anything else. The last thing you’d want to do is waste money on an appliance that is much too small to be beneficial to your needs.

Think About Energy Efficiency

Reducing the amount of energy you use not only saves energy in general, but it also saves you money – since you pay your electric bill. Buying appliances that are built to be more energy efficient may initially cost a bit more to purchase (although this is not always the case). However, it is important to realize that, although the purchase price could seem a bit steeper, the savings over time may be greater than the extra money initially spent.

Take time to read labels, especially those with the Energy Star label, and do a little math. You may just be surprised.

Buying appliances for your kitchen is a major purchase. Don’t just do research online or ask around and make an impulsive purchase. Do your research, consider the above, and then go to the store – see the appliances, look them over, and then make your decision. Be wise – and you’ll be happy with your final purchase.