Installing a kitchen is an exciting project. Not only do you achieve a whole new look and feel for the room at the heart of your home, you can fill it with brand spanking new appliances!
So how should you go about choosing the appliances? Especially when there are so many brands, options and bells and whistles to choose from?
That’s where we can help! At Riviera Kitchens and Joinery, we recommend you consider several factors when making your choices. Each appliance is an investment, so it’s wise to do your research and to shop carefully.
The 3 main factors to consider
1. How you currently use your kitchen
Do you love to cook? How many people do you cook for each night? Do you regularly entertain at home? The answers to these questions will help you work out what you need from your appliances. Consider how you use them now. What do you love about them? What do you wish they could do?
The purpose of a kitchen is to prepare and store food, so appliances are really important features of the space. Now is the time to sort out all your wants and needs to help you find those capable of ticking all the boxes.
2. The layout of your new kitchen
Designing your kitchen layout and selecting the larger appliances really needs to happen at the same time. Otherwise, how will you know if the design can accommodate the size of the fridge you want? Or the oven you need?
It’s important to know the measurements of the big-ticket items so space is made for them. This includes the space needed around them for ventilation in order to comply with Australian Standards.
It’s also a good idea to consider work flow and traffic through the kitchen. You want to make sure that the fridge, stove and sink are all easy to get to and that someone opening the fridge isn’t getting in the way of the cook!
3. Your budget
Be clear on your budget before you start shopping. This will help narrow your choices so you can focus on the appliances in your price range best able to complement the kitchen style you are aiming for.
We suggest you go for well-established brands and look for appliances that are easy to clean and maintain. Appliances with the same finishes help to achieve a contemporary look.
Factors to consider for specific appliances
Oven
In terms of kitchen design, the first thing to decide is whether the oven and cooktop will be located together, or separately.
If they are to be separate, wall ovens at eye-height are easy to access. The standard size is 60cm, but larger models are available. You might even consider installing two of the same size, or another that is half-size, which also functions as a microwave.
A slim cooktop, with an under-counter oven, achieves a streamlined look.
Freestanding ovens, with oven and cooktop all in one, can be a stand-out feature and they are available in both modern and retro styles.
Cooktop
If you have opted for a separate cooktop, consider the bench space available for it. You will need some space around it for utensils and ingredients.
There are a few types to choose from:
- Gas cooktops heat quickly and allow for easy temperature control, but they can be difficult to clean.
- Ceramic cooktops are easy to clean, but the temperature is not as easy to control and the surface remains hot long after cooking.
- Induction cooktops respond easily to temperature changes and because of their magnetic field, the surface doesn’t get hot. The downside is that you will need compatible saucepans.
Rangehood
Your choice of rangehood needs to be decided early because the kitchen design will impact on ventilation.
Ideally, steam should be removed from the kitchen via an external vent, but if this is not possible, then you need a model that recirculates air around the kitchen.
The rangehood should match the size of the cooktop and you can choose between fixed, retractable, canopy or undermount options.
Fridge
The fridge needs a lot of space so you will need to choose this appliance early in the design process.
Integrated options allow for a streamlined look and if you would like a water and ice dispenser, then running water must be attached to the appliance.
There are a few configurations to choose from:
- Single door or french door
- Top mount, with the freezer on top
- Bottom mount with the freezer on the bottom
- Side by side, with the fridge next to the freezer
- Pigeon pair, where the fridge and freezer are matching, but separate.
Dishwasher
It’s important to know the height of the dishwasher, because it will affect the height of the benchtop. Make sure your wine glasses and dinner plates will fit inside it and decide whether you would like the control panel to be at the front or on the top of the door.
Dishwashers can be freestanding or built-in, integrated or semi-integrated, drawer or slimline.
Other appliances
There are a few smaller appliances to consider during the design process:
- Items you would like to sit on the benchtop
- Built-in coffee machines
- Water filters
- Warming drawers
- Wine fridges.
Need to browse?
We get it – there’s nothing like a well-stocked shop to really get ideas and narrow down the choices. Of course you’re welcome to make an appointment at Riviera’s Bowral showroom. When customers ask us where to go for good customer service and an extensive range of kitchen appliances, we recommend:
- Winning Appliances in Narellan
- Bing Lee in Bowral (just down the road from Riviera Kitchens)
- Harvey Norman in Moss Vale.
Need more advice?
Grant and Mel are here to help! Make an appointment for a one-on-one consultation at our Bowral showroom.
