Considerations for Buying New Kitchen Appliances

Are new kitchen appliances in your near future? This is going to be a major purchase, so it’s important to do your research before going out and buying. Compare brands and read customer reviews online before you talk to a sales representative. Consider these three things.

Size

Does it fit? Too many people buy a new refrigerator or range on an impulse, only to get home and find that it is just an eighth of an inch too large for the opening where it belongs. Then they have to find someone to make their cabinets smaller, because the appliance is here to stay. On the other hand, if the appliance is too small–not just a little–but a lot too small, you might find it difficult to creatively fill in the oh-so-large gap.

The specs on this Frigidaire Stainless Steel French-Door Refrigerator reveal that it is 36 inches wide. This means your opening needs to be larger than 36 inches, at least by a fraction of an inch. Also, remember to measure for the height; the height opening for this refrigerator should be 70 inches tall.

Features

What kind of features are you looking for? For someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, certain features might be convenient, while they are not at all necessary for someone who never cooks. Consider energy efficiency for all appliances. And how about freezer drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator? A self-cleaning double oven? A sanitizing option for the dishwasher?

This particular stainless steel dishwasher by Fisher & Paykel is not only Energy Star approved, but it consists of two pull-out drawers rather than a door that lifts downward. It has nine cycles, an eco option, delay start and room for fourteen place settings.

Budget

Last, but not least, is the budget. This should actually be your first consideration when you decide to buy new appliances. You might really, really want those fancy new appliances with fancy features, but can you afford it? Of course, you need to consider your long-term energy expenses, so you might have to save up your money a little longer–but in the end, you will spend a lot less on energy bills.

A fancy fridge might be nice, but is it within your budget? The Electrolux Gallery Series refrigerator with a top freezer is more budget-friendly–plus, it is Energy Star approved. For $669.99 to $808.83, you get 18.2 cubic feet of storage space, three spillsafe glass shelves, two humidity control crispers and an optional ice maker.

Shopping for new appliances? Consider the above three things before going out and buying anything.