There are few things better than a home-cooked meal. For some it can bring about feelings of nostalgia, and for others it’s simply an enjoyable time with friends and family. Choosing the right appliances for your next kitchen remodel can ensure your kitchen functions and makes cooking enjoyable.
Stoves
There are two main types of stoves that our clients select in their kitchen remodel: cooktop and range.
Cooktop
A cooktop omits the oven portion of a range and drops into the counter. Generally, the knobs for the burners are on the top of the counter, rather than on the front like a traditional range. This is an option many of our clients select when they want to give their kitchen a modern look.
Range
A range is a cooktop and oven all in one unit. A range has the burners on the top and an oven below. Usually, the controls for the burners and oven are on the front as to not get in the way of the pots and pans while cooking. However, certain models will have the controls on the top, and others may have a combination. Ranges have long been the traditional option and allow you to manage the oven and cooktop in the same appliance.
Many of our clients prefer to have a range that has more functionality than just the oven and burners. We often use Wolf ranges in a kitchen remodel. For those who want more advanced features, Wolf offers ranges with infrared griddles, French tops, and charbroilers, allowing you versatility in cooking without additional appliances or pans.
Depending on the amount of cooking you like to do, or the size of your family, be sure to select the right size range for your kitchen remodel. Below is a chart showing the typical range dimensions.
| Type | Overall Height (most models 36”) | Width (can vary by +/- 0.5”) | Depth (excluding oven handle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Sized | 34-44” | 20-24” | 24-26” |
| Standard – Freestanding | 46-49” | 30” | 24-28” |
| Standard – Slide In | 36-38” | 30” | 24-28” |
| Professional | 35-40” | 36-48” | 26-31” |
Induction
On an induction cooktop, you place on top of a coil of copper wire with an alternating electric current passing through it. This results in a magnetic field that induces an electrical current within the pot or pan. This electrical current is what heats the cookware, and the contents within.
Induction cooktops give your kitchen a clean and modern look because the top looks like a piece of glass that is almost flush with the countertop. They are also much more efficient than a traditional gas stove. The food cooked on an induction cooktop receives 90% of the heat generated, as opposed to only 40-55% for gas.
Many clients select an induction cooktop because they give the user an incredible amount of control when heating sauces. Induction can also boil water twice as fast when compared to other appliances. Induction cooking also decreases the risk of burns and kitchen fires, because there is no open flame.
Before deciding to purchase an induction cooktop, clients who are unfamiliar with this method of cooking may want to purchase an inexpensive countertop model on Amazon. It is important to note that not all types of cookware are compatible with induction cooktops. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, and many types of stainless-steel cookware ARE induction compatible. Many of our clients choose induction for their kitchen remodel because it is the safest, sleekest and fastest option.
Electric
Electric cooktops became popular as replacements for wood or coal stoves because they require less labor to operate and maintain. The first electric stove was invented in 1859, but it wasn’t until the 1930’s that they became widely used. Switches and dials on an electric cooktop control the burners, which allow you to select the desired level of heat. Electric appliances can take longer to heat up and cool down than gas or induction. Electric cooktops have long been the norm in kitchens across the world, but as induction cooking becomes increasingly popular, their usage has started to dwindle.
Gas
Gas cooktops have long been the preferred choice among professional chefs and those who love to cook. These cooktops produce a flame from natural gas or propane, allowing you to physically see the heat being generated. As mentioned before, they are not the most efficient stove option, but many chefs agree that gas stoves are the best option due to their responsiveness and usability with a variety of cookware. Typically, gas stoves offer a more cost-effective option when compared to electric or induction stoves.
Range Hoods
Although a range hood is a code requirement in many other states, there is no such requirement in Wisconsin. However, most of our clients opt to have a range hood installed in their kitchen remodeling project. Range hoods remove the warm air and grease created by the cooktop or oven. Although, many range hoods are the same size as your range, if your kitchen has the space we recommend a range hood slightly larger than your range. This allows your range hood to have maximum coverage over your range.
Many of our clients opt to have their cooktop or oven installed in their kitchen island. However, a range hood over an island can be an eyesore. Recently, manufacturers have come up with a way to combat this issue by integrating the range hood into the ceiling. This creates a more open feel in your kitchen.
If you do not opt to buy a range hood that is from the same manufacturer as your stove, popular custom options can be fabricated from plaster, wood, metal or tile.
Range Hood Insert
A range hood insert is a kitchen exhaust fan that fits inside and powers a range hood. Most residential inserts are between 28” and 60” and typically pull between 600 and 1200 cubic feet per minute (CFM).
When choosing a range hood insert you need to determine the size of your range hood. The range insert should be two inches smaller than the range hood to adequately fit inside the range hood. If you have the space, we suggest a larger hood insert as they remove smoke and grease much faster.
Ovens
Ovens are one of the most integral parts of any kitchen. Whether your an avid baker, or simply like to toss in a frozen pizza, selecting the right oven for your kitchen remodel is important.
Double Ovens
For those who love to bake, or bake on a large scale, we suggest selecting a double oven for your kitchen remodel. A double oven has two separate cooking compartments that can be set to different temperatures and times.
Double ovens can be either integrated into a range, or into the wall. If you elect to have them installed in the wall they are stacked on top of each other. If you opt to have double ovens in your range, the two ovens will be side-by-side. For those who select a 48” double range, one oven will be smaller than the other. For those who select a 60” double range, the ovens will be of equal size.
Convection
Conventional ovens can have pockets of air that are warmer or cooler resulting in food that’s unevenly cooked. Convection ovens however, use fans to blow the heat throughout the oven, creating a consistent temperature in the oven. This allows the food to cook evenly, and can cook the food up to 25 percent faster than a conventional oven. When using a convection oven, it is important to be careful because cook times and temperatures may differ from the recipe.
Convection Steam Ovens
Steam ovens look like a microwave oven, however, instead of using a heating element to cook your food, a steam oven boils water and injects the steam into the oven. Steam ovens are popular with people who want to keep more nutrients in the food, use less oil, and create dishes that are moist and have better color. Moist air conducts heats better than dry air and makes cooking with steam more efficient.
There are two different ways to provide water to the steam oven, a refillable water reservoir (similar to a Keurig), or a plumbed water line directly to the unit. If you opt for a steam oven, we recommend the plumbed option in your kitchen remodel as this will help you avoid the hassle of having to continually refill the water tank. One of the initial drawbacks of the steam oven was that you were not be able to get crispy, browned results. However, manufacturers rectified this by adding convection to the steam ovens. This can allow your food to be moist and soft on the inside, while having a crispy, browned exterior.
Pizza Ovens
One of the more unique options our clients select is adding a wood fired pizza oven to their kitchen remodel. While using a conventional oven to make pizza works fine, those who want to make Neapolitan pizza require a specialty oven to achieve the necessary temperatures for this style of pizza. Installing one of these ovens in your next kitchen remodel can impress guests as well as give you the best pizza in the neighborhood. Additionally, pizza ovens can be installed outdoors as part of an outdoor kitchen.
Microwaves
The first commercially available microwave was built in 1947 and cost $5,000 ($61,500 when adjusted for inflation). However, microwaves did not become ubiquitous until the 1970s. Since then, microwaves have become a mainstay of every home kitchen. While you can go to the store and buy a microwave, many of our clients elect to have them built into their kitchen remodeling project.
One of the more popular options to save money is to have the microwave built into the range hood. This allows you save space with a two-in-one functionality. Another option our clients choose is to have a microwave drawer. Microwave drawers are microwaves that open like a drawer, rather than having a hinged door. They are installed in your lower cabinetry, similar to a dishwasher. While more expensive, microwave drawers are great when looking to save space, hide your microwave, and for use by children.
Refrigerators
The first electric refrigerators for home and domestic use were invented in 1913 and consisted of units mounted on top of an ice box. Technology has advanced tremendously since then and now refrigerators are not just commonplace, but a design choice. When selecting a refrigerator for your kitchen remodel, there are many styles to choose from.
Integrated Refrigerator
Integrated refrigerators are built into the kitchen housing and designed to completely blend with the kitchen cabinetry. They are completely flush with the counter depth, making a seamless design that seems to disappear in the kitchen. The result of this design is subtle and sleek.
Built-In Refrigerator
Built-in refrigerators are built into the kitchen housing just like integrated refrigerators, however the built-in refrigerator protrudes a few inches beyond the cabinetry. These are not flush with the cabinet depth. Flush doors and handles versus protruding doors and handles is the key difference between integrated and built-in refrigerators.
Door Styles
Whether you opt for an integrated or built-in refrigerator, there are many different door styles to choose from.
Top-Freezer And Bottom-Freezer
Two of the most common refrigerator door styles are the top-freezer and bottom-freezer. If you consistently use the freezer, the top-freezer refrigerator would be a great choice as you won’t have to constantly bend down to get what you need. For those who use the freezer less often, a bottom freezer refrigerator may be your preferred option.
Side-By-Side
A side-by-side has the refrigerator on one side, and a freezer on the other. By having two doors, a side-by-side refrigerator can save space allowing two people to work in the kitchen simultaneously. You are still able to retain the same capacity as larger refrigerators. Many of these refrigerators also come with built-in ice makers and water dispensers.
Separate Units
Many clients who are looking to maximize the capacity for their refrigerators and freezers opt for separate units to be installed next to each other. They are larger that single unit refrigerators and freezers and provide more storage space for food; perfect for big families, or those who wish to stock up on food and drink.
Under-Counter Refrigerator Drawers
As the name suggests, these are refrigerators that a drawers installed in your under-counter cabinetry. This appliance is particularly useful for those who need extra food storage space, or want the convince of having a refrigerator closer to their cooking appliances.
Beverage Cooler
If you wish to install a bar in your home remodel, or an additional storage space for beverages, consider a beverage cooler. They hold a variety of drinks; anything from water to beer. They are generally installed in the kitchen cabinetry below your countertops. A beverage cooler allows you to store drinks in a separate unit, allowing you more space in your fridge for other items.
If a beverage cooler peaks your interest, consider selecting one from U-Line, a Wisconsin company.
Wine Refrigerator
Wine refrigerators can be stand-alone, or built in to your kitchen cabinetry. They offer extra storage space for your wines, leaving more room in your refrigerator to store other food items.
Dishwashers
There are some people who still prefer to wash their dishes by hand, but the majority of people prefer to use a dishwasher. Traditionally, dishwashers are installed next to the sink. Conventional dishwashers contain a door that is pulled downwards, and the racks inside are pulled out. However, some of our clients opt for the drawer dishwasher.
The drawer dishwasher operates similarly to the drawer microwave and can look seamless when installed with panel fronts. They can be used more often, and reduce the noise when compared to a conventional dishwasher. Drawer dishwashers also have the ability to include two separate compartments, allowing you to do multiple loads simultaneously.
An additional consideration when selecting a dishwasher is that your kitchen island should be a minimum of 42” from the countertops. This allows you to be able to pull out dishwasher, refrigerator and oven doors without being in danger of hitting the island.
Drying Cycles
Originally, dishwashers only washed the dishes. Most models today now come with a drying function. Depending on the model, the drying cycle will work one of two ways.
Heat drying: This dries your dishes using forced hot air, turning the moisture into steam. This mode will add about thirty minutes to the runtime, increasing energy consumption by at least fifteen percent. Because of this, many manufactures have been phasing out the heat drying cycle.
Condensation drying: This rinses the dishes in hot water at the end of the cleaning cycle. Condensation then forms on the cooler surface of the stainless steel interior, effectively pulling water off the dishes and sending it down the drain.
Other Considerations
The Working Triangle
The working triangle is a principle of kitchen design that helps create efficiency by establishing clear traffic lanes and efficiency of movement. The triangle is used to connect your cooktop, sink and refrigerator. This design allows a cook to reach their cooking, cleaning, and food storage area easily. It also provides enough space between the appliances to avoid crowding. It’s important to note that the working triangle is a guideline, not a rule. If you have a smaller kitchen it may not be possible to follow the working triangle guidelines. The general guidelines for the working triangle are as follows:
- The sum of the three sides of the triangle should not exceed 26 feet
- Each leg of the triangle should measure between four and nine feet
- No side of the triangle should cut through and island or peninsula by more than 12 inches
- No major traffic patterns should cross through the triangle
Panel Ready
Selecting the right appliances for your kitchen remodel is important, but sometimes their finish may not match the rest of your kitchen. Consider opting for panel ready appliances. These allow a custom panel to be installed on the front of the appliance that matches the rest of your cabinetry. Appliance finishes often go in and out of style, and panel ready options provide a classic look that will look refined for years to come.
Different Finishes
Traditionally, the common colors for appliances have been white, black, stainless steel and biscuit. More recently, however, many appliance manufacturers are making appliances with a wider variety of finishing options. For those looking to add extra character to their kitchen appliances, consider a bold color choice. Lacanche offers high-end ranges with a plethora of color options and trims.
Unique Appliances
If you want to add luxury and capability to your kitchen, adding a rotisserie from La Cornue can set your kitchen apart. If you’re a fan of coffee, Miele offers a built-in coffee machine that fits into your kitchen cabinetry, or into your bedroom closet, giving you access to your coffee first thing in the morning. Serious chefs may consider adding a standalone broiler to bring restaurant capability to your home kitchen.
AGA Cookers
An AGA cooker is a unique choice for those who want a traditional English-style kitchen. AGA cookers are made of cast iron, and use radiant heat to seal the food, which locks in the moisture and flavor. AGA cookers contain multiple ovens within the unit including a roasting oven, a baking oven and a simmering oven. However, one of the biggest benefits to AGA cookers is that they are more than just a cooker.
An AGA cooker is used to heat the water and radiators in many homes. Typically, AGA cookers are left running 24/7 which can significantly reduce energy costs. While it may not sound like leaving it on all day will reduce energy costs, it actually uses less energy, because the AGA can be used to replace radiators, a tumble dryer, an electric kettle and a toaster.
Teppanyaki Grills
Serious Japanese food aficionados may consider adding a teppanyaki grill to their kitchen remodeling project. Teppanyaki grills have become popular in hibachi restaurants, and are available for home use. Teppanyaki grills are flattop grills that allow you to set different temperatures to different points on the grill. This gives you the ability to cook and prepare multiple ingredients simultaneously.
Create the Best Kitchen for Your Home
Having the right appliances for your kitchen can ensure your kitchen functions and is an enjoyable space to cook. At LaBonte Construction we have done numerous kitchen remodels, and have a wealth of experience to ensure that every part of your kitchen looks and functions in the way you desire. Contact us today to learn more about using our expert services for your next kitchen remodel.