Selecting kitchen appliances can easily get lost in the shuffle when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. However, selecting the type, size and respective model (at least brand name) before you actually design the kitchen layout and letting the kitchen designer know will save you time and money.

Here's an example. Let's say you design a kitchen with a 36 inch range or stove top. That size is only available in the higher priced lines like Wolf and Viking that are over $5,000.

If you had specified a 30 inch range or stove top then your choices are much broader. A GE Profile or other comparable range or stove will cost you about $3,000 or less.

As you can see, you can burn cash here very quickly. Don't loose sight of your objectives, your budget and the reasons you are remodeling your kitchen. If it to sell your house, the GE Profile model will do just fine. If you plan on staying and cooking and want to make a statement, then go for the Wolf.

Bare Minimum Kitchen Appliance Checklist

1. Two ovens. These can be either a double oven, an Oven/Microwave plus an range oven. This is a must if you entertain or cook for a large family,
2. Range with oven or stove top (specify the width now 30, 36, or 48 inches so that kitchen designer can take this into account)
3. Restaurant style hood- if you do any kind of cooking spend your money here. Microwave hoods over the stove top are not up to the job of capturing cooking odors or grease. They usually pull less than 200 cubic feet per second, which are not adequate.
4. Refrigerator- now is the time to think if you want a built in refrigerator like a Sub-Zero or a model that is level with the cabinet which many GE models sport. Also note the side by sides are not as big as they seem. For a family of four they may be fine,but for larger families consider the more traditional models or an extra refrigerator.
5. Freezer- we think with larger families this is essential. It goes in your basement,
6. Dishwasher- like children, it should be quiet and not be seen (we got a Bosc model and it is very quiet). Your selection may be dictated by the cabinetry and the ability to cover the unit with cabinetry. Ours was.

   

7. Single or double sink- specify the width and see our article on kitchen sinks,
8. Wine cooler- this is a high cost item, but if you like the vino you have to spend the dinero. Plan on spending at least $1,500,
9. Bread warmer- another high cost item you can definitely do without. Spend the money on the restaurant style hood instead, and
10. Kitchen faucets and soap dispenser (see our article on faucets to help you decide)

How to get the best price
Make a list of every appliance you will need. Be sure to specify the branch and model exactly. Then go shopping and let the dealers (both online and and at brick and mortar stores) know that you are shopping for an entire kitchen. Appliance dealers will usually provide you with better service and a current appliance catalog.

Most appliance dealers will cut you a better deal on a large order. Also remember that you can buy ahead of time and ask the dealer to make delivery later to take advantage of any sales.