If you are planning on renovating your kitchen, chances are you’ll be updating at least one major appliance, and we all know good appliances are the heart and soul of a great kitchen! New kitchen appliances can create an instant update, making it more stylish, more innovative, and add more value to your home.

Kitchen appliances can make up one of the largest investments in your home and can seem like a daunting task when shopping. What do you look for in a model? What are the most sought after functions? How do you choose the appliance that’s right for you and your family? Well fret no more; I’ve established tips to guide you through the shopping process from start to finish. By the end of this appliance buying guide, you’ll be well informed, confident, and ready to shop.

Do Your Homework

Make a list of what you like and dislike about your current appliances. If you’re going to invest in your kitchen, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for to suit all your kitchen needs.

Determine the Right Configuration

As you begin to make more detailed plans, you want to be sure you’re designing a highly functional kitchen – one that will be stylish, efficient, and provide a natural flow. There are three primary workspaces: Preparation, Cooking, and Clean up. It’s good to locate these workspaces and base your concepts from there.

Measure! Then Measure Again.

The number 1 reason why major appliances are returned is that they do not fit. Don’t forget to factor in at least 1 inch counter space for airflow! The master of kitchen upgrades is Frigidaire Professional®. Inspired by commercial kitchens, the full range of appliances brings professional design with out the remodel! For example, The Frigidaire Professional French Door Refrigerator is available with Counter-Depth design, giving you a built-in look and 4” of extra floor space!

Start Shopping

Range

The range you choose can have a great impact on how you cook. In the past it was always either Gas or Electric, but today we have more options to consider. For instance, are you willing to spend a little more for convection cooking? Convection uses an internal fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven resulting in even heat distribution and reduced cook times. The Frigidaire Professional® series offer PowerPlus® convection, baking and roasting dishes evenly, every time.

Refrigerator

A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances you can invest in for your kitchen. I’ll be honest, it’s no small purchase, but it’s probably the largest and most frequently used appliance in your home. If you haven’t shopped for a fridge in years, there are a few new options available now to help make your life easier and speedier in the kitchen. For example, if you’re constantly struggling to reorganize your fridge, there’s a solution for that. Many models now come with customizable storage that will help maximize storage space for quick and easy access.

Next, you want to consider the placement of your fridge. Will you need a built-in, counter-depth, or freestanding refrigerator? Built-in units are great for smaller kitchens because of the width. They are typically 24 to 25 inches deep and provide a sleek look next to the cabinets. Counter depth means the body of the fridge is as deep as the countertop, however the doors extend past that due to the hinges. They are a great option for kitchens with tight clearances. Freestanding refrigerators tend to be less expensive and designed for easy relocation, however they typically extend beyond then kitchen’s cabinetry.

The last thing you want to consider is stainless steel vs. non-stainless steel. Refrigerators with stainless steel finishes are all the rage, but sometimes they often show fingerprints and smudges. But, fingerprints have met their match! Frigidaire Professional has set the bar with their smudge-proof™ stainless steel which resists fingerprints and smudges! It’s the stainless steel that’s truly stainless.

Dishwasher

Today’s dishwashers are loaded with advanced technologies that get dishes sparkling clean in half the time. The best dishwasher for your home is the one that’s sized right to suit your household needs. Some of the features you want to consider are the dishwasher capacity, energy-efficient, and noise reducing. Because models are continually evolving, before buying a new dishwasher, do a little bit of research. Check out consumer ratings for reliability and convenience, and make sure to select a dishwasher that will add not only style, but also convenience to your home.

Photos courtesy of Frigidaire