No matter how much work goes into your kitchen remodel, there’s no denying that essential appliances are the true stars of this space. That being the case, it pays to be extra-discerning when searching for the right appliances to populate a newly-remodeled kitchen. Given the high cost of appliances – and remodels – it’s in your best interest to put genuine thought and effort into your buying decisions. So, if you’ve recently remodeled your kitchen – or are currently mulling an overdue remodel – consider the following factors when it comes time to purchase appliances.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency In recent years, many households have begun to prioritize energy efficiency when shopping around for new appliances. Given the many advantages of energy-efficient appliances, there’s little wonder as to why. For starters, with the effects of climate change impacting every part of the world, people have grown increasingly cognizant of their individual carbon footprints, and investing in energy-efficient appliances can be a great way to curb unnecessary power use. In addition to reducing your household’s environmental impact, energy-efficient kitchen appliances stand to save you a bundle on monthly energy costs. While it’s true that energy-efficient appliances generally come with higher price tags than traditional ones, the amount they’ll ultimately save you more than makes up for the additional expense.
Size
Few things are more frustrating than purchasing a high-end appliance only to discover that you lack sufficient space for it. With this in mind, make a point of carefully measuring your new kitchen prior to shopping for new appliances. This will provide you with a clear idea of how much space you have to work with and help ensure that you select appliances your kitchen will be able to comfortably accommodate.
Manufacturer
As any seasoned bargain shopper will tell you, brand isn’t everything. While there’s some measure of truth to this sentiment, it’s hard to deny that some brands are generally more reliable than others. However, by the same token, it’s important to note that price isn’t always a reliable indicator of quality. For example, “cheapest” doesn’t always mean “worst,” and “most expensive” doesn’t always mean “best.”
To get a clearer picture of which brands suit your purposes the best, simply fire up your favorite search engine and do a little research. Furthermore, review-focused websites like Consumer Reports can provide you with a solid understanding of which brands and products will give you the most for your money.
Warranty Coverage
High-end appliances are no small investment. That being the case, it’s in every budget-conscious household’s best interest to protect these purchases. Considering how much you’re liable to spend on new appliances, keeping these devices up and running for as long as possible should be among your foremost priorities. So, if you’re looking to avoid costly repairs and keep your appliances operating at peak efficiency, make sure to carefully consider warranty coverage when making purchasing decisions.
Most appliances come with limited manufacturer warranties that cover problems that are explicitly the fault of the company. While these warranties can be convenient for repairing and replacing new appliances beset by defects, they don’t extend to problems that stem from user error and misuse. Depending on the appliance, an extended warranty may be a worthwhile investment, although these tend to be very expensive and are often unnecessary. If low-cost, no-hassle appliance repair is what you’re after, a good home warranty may be just what the doctor ordered. A comprehensive home warranty will provide convenient coverage for your household’s most important appliances, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that hefty repair bills become a thing of the past. Best of all, most home warranties are affordable on even the tightest budget.
In many households, the kitchen serves as the primary congregation area. Not only is this the place where meals are prepared and eaten, it’s also a prime location for reading, lounging, conversation and a variety of other everyday activities. As such, if you intend to go through with a remodel, it pays to do your homework. This is particularly true when it comes to appliance selection. Populating your new kitchen with the right appliances will ensure that you’re able to effectively and efficiently store food, prepare meals and carry out various cleaning tasks.
