The Buying Guide for Kitchen Appliances
When embarking on a kitchen renovation project, choosing appliances can seem daunting. Don’t panic! It’s completely normal to feel lost with the increasingly diverse range available.
Do you need a refrigerator with or without a freezer? A gas or induction stovetop? A standard or drawer dishwasher? To help you, the ESPÉ team has prepared this short kitchen appliance buying guide.
The role of appliances in kitchen design
Appliances are no longer just practical objects; they are an integral part of the kitchen’s decor. They are aesthetic focal points that can enhance or diminish the quality of a design.
That’s why we consider appliances early in the planning process. We quickly integrate the choice of appliances into the design process to ensure a consistent result.
Choosing large kitchen appliances
Once the budget is established, it’s time to move on to the selection stage. This is the time to do careful research to choose the right appliances.
The refrigerator: a central and stylish element
The refrigerator is the central element of the kitchen. In addition to being practical for storing food, it has a decisive impact on the style of the room. There are three main types of refrigerator:
The freestanding refrigerator: it’s easy to see, takes up more space, but is easy to move or replace.
The integrated refrigerator: it’s designed to integrate with the kitchen furniture and is flush with the countertops and cabinets.
The built-in and integrated refrigerator: it blends seamlessly into the decor, to the point of being difficult to distinguish from the cabinets.
In addition to the main refrigerator, you can add an ice maker or additional refrigeration spaces. For those who don’t want a freezer in the fridge, one can be integrated into a cabinet or pantry. This is an increasingly popular option that saves space in the kitchen.
Stove and oven: combining functionality and performance
For the stove and oven, the choice is vast. You can opt for a standard model, or a cooktop integrated into the countertop, or even inlaid under a layer of granite for a completely sleek look. Likewise, the oven can be separate and built into the cabinets.
Technically, you can choose between gas, electric, and induction. Induction is increasingly popular because it is fast, safe, and energy-efficient. For the oven, natural convection cooking remains the most widely used, but fan-assisted cooking is gaining ground because it requires no preheating and allows for more even cooking.
New technologies are also emerging:
Steam ovens: These cook food with steam, maximizing nutrient retention.
Sous-vide cooking systems: These allow for very precise cooking by distributing heat evenly, preserving all the flavor of the food.
Dishwashers: A practical and smart choice
The choice of dishwasher depends on your habits. Several factors must be considered:
Pre-programmed systems: You can choose cleaning cycles adapted to different types of dishes.
Storage space: You can opt for a drawer model for more flexible organization.
The number and positioning of jets: These elements guarantee optimal cleaning.
Noise: A dishwasher operating at 42 dB is barely audible, while at 55 dB it is noisy.
Size: A standard model is 24 inches, but there are smaller 18-inch models for tight spaces.
Water and electricity consumption: this is a point that should not be neglected to make long-term savings.
Small household appliances: the art of the useful and the beautiful
We shouldn’t forget small appliances. They may be less expensive than larger ones, but we’re buying them in larger quantities. We’re talking about blenders, slow cookers, food processors… They can enhance a room not only with their aesthetic appeal, but also with their practicality.
The current renovation trend shows a strong demand for coffee makers and built-in wine coolers. These elements not only make life easier, but they also add a touch of sophistication to the kitchen.
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