How to Choose Kitchen Appliances
Before you invest in your next kitchen appliance, read our expert guide to how to choose with confidence
There’s a huge amount to think about when picking a new kitchen appliance, from size and capacity to how easy it is to use, clean and repair. Will it suit your space? How good is its energy rating? Does it have smart features?
These are all questions to consider, whether you’re kitting out an entire kitchen or just upgrading your dishwasher. To help you pick like a pro, we asked three experts for advice on sourcing and selecting the right appliances for you.
Professional advice from: Eva Byrne of Houseology; Alex Saint of Kitchen Architecture; Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens
These are all questions to consider, whether you’re kitting out an entire kitchen or just upgrading your dishwasher. To help you pick like a pro, we asked three experts for advice on sourcing and selecting the right appliances for you.
Professional advice from: Eva Byrne of Houseology; Alex Saint of Kitchen Architecture; Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens
Think about appearance, size and noise
Are you going for sleek and discreet, with appliances built in, or everything on show? Integrated appliances will help where you want a streamlined kitchen, “although you may lose some capacity, particularly with fridges and freezers. Freestanding appliances are a good idea when you want a more relaxed, loose arrangement,” Eva says.
When replacing existing appliances, make sure you carefully measure the gap occupied by your current machine. “Measure in millimetres for maximum accuracy,” Eva says. “Sizes may vary from one manufacturer to the next, so don’t make any assumptions.”
Another thing to consider is the decibel level of appliances. “As many kitchens are open-plan, machines that run quietly are great and help maintain a quiet space,” Diane says. This applies particularly to fridge-freezers. “Some models create a level of noise periodically, which can be annoying in a small kitchen,” Eva says.
More: 10 Essential Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Are you going for sleek and discreet, with appliances built in, or everything on show? Integrated appliances will help where you want a streamlined kitchen, “although you may lose some capacity, particularly with fridges and freezers. Freestanding appliances are a good idea when you want a more relaxed, loose arrangement,” Eva says.
When replacing existing appliances, make sure you carefully measure the gap occupied by your current machine. “Measure in millimetres for maximum accuracy,” Eva says. “Sizes may vary from one manufacturer to the next, so don’t make any assumptions.”
Another thing to consider is the decibel level of appliances. “As many kitchens are open-plan, machines that run quietly are great and help maintain a quiet space,” Diane says. This applies particularly to fridge-freezers. “Some models create a level of noise periodically, which can be annoying in a small kitchen,” Eva says.
More: 10 Essential Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Work out from where to buy
Using the internet to research appliances and check costs is super-convenient, but Diane warns against some pitfalls of buying appliances online.
“The challenge of shopping this way is who fits them and what happens if there’s something wrong?” she says. If you buy an appliance online and have it fitted by an electrician and then discover it’s damaged or marked, who’s liable? Did the damage happen in transit or with the installer?
“If the same company that fitted it also supplied it, then they should have enough clout with their supplier to get a replacement,” Diane says. “If you’ve bought it yourself online, you’ll have a few days after delivery to report any damage, but that’s all. I’d say take yourself out of the loop and gain some peace of mind by letting your kitchen specialist be the person responsible.”
Find reviewed kitchen designers in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Using the internet to research appliances and check costs is super-convenient, but Diane warns against some pitfalls of buying appliances online.
“The challenge of shopping this way is who fits them and what happens if there’s something wrong?” she says. If you buy an appliance online and have it fitted by an electrician and then discover it’s damaged or marked, who’s liable? Did the damage happen in transit or with the installer?
“If the same company that fitted it also supplied it, then they should have enough clout with their supplier to get a replacement,” Diane says. “If you’ve bought it yourself online, you’ll have a few days after delivery to report any damage, but that’s all. I’d say take yourself out of the loop and gain some peace of mind by letting your kitchen specialist be the person responsible.”
Find reviewed kitchen designers in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Factor in future repairs
Future-proof your appliances by considering how you’ll manage any repairs a few years down the line. “Make sure your appliance brand has a UK-based service department,” Alex Saint says. This can involve some research, but is invaluable if you run into problems in a few years’ time.
“It’s sometimes tempting to choose an appliance because it’s on a special deal, but if the machine breaks down and you can’t find the parts or someone qualified to carry out a repair, it could end up being a false economy,” he says.
Future-proof your appliances by considering how you’ll manage any repairs a few years down the line. “Make sure your appliance brand has a UK-based service department,” Alex Saint says. This can involve some research, but is invaluable if you run into problems in a few years’ time.
“It’s sometimes tempting to choose an appliance because it’s on a special deal, but if the machine breaks down and you can’t find the parts or someone qualified to carry out a repair, it could end up being a false economy,” he says.
Consider cleaning
There are a handful of general considerations to keep in mind when shopping for appliances, and cleaning is one of them.
“Avoid any with fiddly bits or parts that are hard to access,” Eva says. This applies especially to hobs and ovens, as well as to handles of fridges and dishwashers. “Choose an oven with doors that are easy to clean, too,” she adds. “Splashes trapped within the glass panels can be unsightly. Look out for finishes that can easily be wiped down.”
When it comes to the oven, some come with a pyrolytic cleaning option, which makes the job as easy as flicking a switch. “Pyrolytic cleaning functions (sometimes called other names such as ActiveClean) are an absolute must-have for any built-in oven if you can stretch to it,” Alex says. “The oven locks itself and rises to a temperature hot enough to incinerate any debris, grease and grime into a white powder that can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth.”
There are a handful of general considerations to keep in mind when shopping for appliances, and cleaning is one of them.
“Avoid any with fiddly bits or parts that are hard to access,” Eva says. This applies especially to hobs and ovens, as well as to handles of fridges and dishwashers. “Choose an oven with doors that are easy to clean, too,” she adds. “Splashes trapped within the glass panels can be unsightly. Look out for finishes that can easily be wiped down.”
When it comes to the oven, some come with a pyrolytic cleaning option, which makes the job as easy as flicking a switch. “Pyrolytic cleaning functions (sometimes called other names such as ActiveClean) are an absolute must-have for any built-in oven if you can stretch to it,” Alex says. “The oven locks itself and rises to a temperature hot enough to incinerate any debris, grease and grime into a white powder that can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth.”
Set a budget
Once you’ve assessed all these considerations, you should obviously also look at price. “[You need to] think about about what features are going to add value to your kitchen and fit with its aesthetic, but ultimately what you’re looking for is value for money,” Alex says. “Dependent on your budget, that can range from an entry level 60cm oven right through to a £25,000 range cooker.”
If you’re kitting out a whole kitchen, it might be worth buying all your appliances from the same manufacturer. “The nice thing about buying the same brand is you have one point of contact for service and support,” Diane says. “Recently, some suppliers have been doing special deals, so if you buy six appliances, you can get the cheapest one for free. Always search for deals like that.”
More: Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen
Once you’ve assessed all these considerations, you should obviously also look at price. “[You need to] think about about what features are going to add value to your kitchen and fit with its aesthetic, but ultimately what you’re looking for is value for money,” Alex says. “Dependent on your budget, that can range from an entry level 60cm oven right through to a £25,000 range cooker.”
If you’re kitting out a whole kitchen, it might be worth buying all your appliances from the same manufacturer. “The nice thing about buying the same brand is you have one point of contact for service and support,” Diane says. “Recently, some suppliers have been doing special deals, so if you buy six appliances, you can get the cheapest one for free. Always search for deals like that.”
More: Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen
Weigh up different ovens
Decide whether you’re happy to crouch down to an under-counter oven or would prefer one mounted on the wall. “An eye-level oven is a great choice if you have back issues, and you can handily locate a microwave above or below it,” Eva says.
Think about style, too. Choose between a double or single oven, two single ovens or a range cooker that has the hob and oven incorporated in a single unit. “A range cooker can become a great visual focal point in a kitchen,” Eva says. “An integrated version will lend itself to a more streamlined look.”
Decide whether you’re happy to crouch down to an under-counter oven or would prefer one mounted on the wall. “An eye-level oven is a great choice if you have back issues, and you can handily locate a microwave above or below it,” Eva says.
Think about style, too. Choose between a double or single oven, two single ovens or a range cooker that has the hob and oven incorporated in a single unit. “A range cooker can become a great visual focal point in a kitchen,” Eva says. “An integrated version will lend itself to a more streamlined look.”
Pick a hob
When it comes to fuel, you have the choice of gas, induction or ceramic. Gas hobs have traditionally been favoured for their instant heat and good control, but their raised pan supports can make them trickier to clean. Electric hobs are generally available as ceramic or induction hobs. “Both offer a sleek look and don’t have the cleaning issues associated with gas hobs,” Eva says.
Ceramic hobs are the cheaper option and function by heating each plate individually. “A downside is that they are slower to heat up or cool down than gas or induction hobs,” Eva says.
Induction hobs use magnetism to heat the pot, not the hob top, which makes them a safer and more energy-efficient option than ceramic. “They do need pans made of ferrous metal, which should be considered if your budget is tight,” Eva says. “Newer models offer zoneless induction technology, allowing you to cook on any area of the hob you choose.”
When it comes to fuel, you have the choice of gas, induction or ceramic. Gas hobs have traditionally been favoured for their instant heat and good control, but their raised pan supports can make them trickier to clean. Electric hobs are generally available as ceramic or induction hobs. “Both offer a sleek look and don’t have the cleaning issues associated with gas hobs,” Eva says.
Ceramic hobs are the cheaper option and function by heating each plate individually. “A downside is that they are slower to heat up or cool down than gas or induction hobs,” Eva says.
Induction hobs use magnetism to heat the pot, not the hob top, which makes them a safer and more energy-efficient option than ceramic. “They do need pans made of ferrous metal, which should be considered if your budget is tight,” Eva says. “Newer models offer zoneless induction technology, allowing you to cook on any area of the hob you choose.”
Find the right fridge-freezer
First, think about capacity. A growing family may need an American-style fridge-freezer, but if you’re downsizing or a small household, this may not be necessary.
“American-style appliances tend not to have built-in options and generally measure 900mm wide x 700mm deep,” Eva says. They need additional space on each side so you can open the doors back fully to remove drawers and shelves for cleaning. You’ll also need extra space at the rear for ventilation.
“You tend to get much more ‘bang for your buck’ with freestanding fridge-freezers,” Alex says, “but we prefer to integrate them for a more seamless, furniture-like look.” Be aware that integrated machines tend to give you fewer options for things such as ice makers and water dispensers. “They’re available, but usually sit in the higher price brackets,” he says.
“Don’t feel obliged to include the ice- and water-dispensing feature at all,” Eva adds. “It reduces the internal storage capacity and is only worth it if you need a constant supply of ice and chilled water.”
First, think about capacity. A growing family may need an American-style fridge-freezer, but if you’re downsizing or a small household, this may not be necessary.
“American-style appliances tend not to have built-in options and generally measure 900mm wide x 700mm deep,” Eva says. They need additional space on each side so you can open the doors back fully to remove drawers and shelves for cleaning. You’ll also need extra space at the rear for ventilation.
“You tend to get much more ‘bang for your buck’ with freestanding fridge-freezers,” Alex says, “but we prefer to integrate them for a more seamless, furniture-like look.” Be aware that integrated machines tend to give you fewer options for things such as ice makers and water dispensers. “They’re available, but usually sit in the higher price brackets,” he says.
“Don’t feel obliged to include the ice- and water-dispensing feature at all,” Eva adds. “It reduces the internal storage capacity and is only worth it if you need a constant supply of ice and chilled water.”
Decide between hoods and extractors
Choose from recirculating or extraction models. A recirculating one will absorb smells, grease and smoke only. “An extraction model is optimal and will expel the moist air to the outside,” Eva says. “You will need to plan a route for the ducting to the exterior and remember that extraction hoods are noisier than recirculating models.”
Alternatively, go for an extractor that’s integrated into the hob. “These give you design freedom above for storage, lighting or decorative finishes where previously you would have had an overhead extraction unit,” Alex says. The close proximity of the extraction to the heat source gives great performance, too. “It means steam and odours are pulled away from the cook rather than past them.”
Choose from recirculating or extraction models. A recirculating one will absorb smells, grease and smoke only. “An extraction model is optimal and will expel the moist air to the outside,” Eva says. “You will need to plan a route for the ducting to the exterior and remember that extraction hoods are noisier than recirculating models.”
Alternatively, go for an extractor that’s integrated into the hob. “These give you design freedom above for storage, lighting or decorative finishes where previously you would have had an overhead extraction unit,” Alex says. The close proximity of the extraction to the heat source gives great performance, too. “It means steam and odours are pulled away from the cook rather than past them.”
Select a dishwasher
Think about size first. “The most obvious choice is between a slimline model, which is 45cm wide, or a regular model, which is 60cm wide,” Eva says. “Both of these use the full height under a standard worktop.”
An alternative to a 45cm wide model in a small kitchen is a single drawer dishwasher. “This will occupy a space 60cm wide but only half of the height under the counter, allowing you to add extra storage drawers,” she says.
A well-designed dishwasher will allow you to adjust racks and fold down plate holders as required. “Make sure these adjustable parts are robust, otherwise they will slip about, causing endless annoyance,” Eva says. Look out for intelligent features, too, such as delayed start and sensor wash. “This may cost more,” she says, “but [features like this] will allow you to optimise your energy consumption and therefore your money.”
Tell us…
Do you have any advice for picking kitchen appliances? Please share it in the Comments.
Think about size first. “The most obvious choice is between a slimline model, which is 45cm wide, or a regular model, which is 60cm wide,” Eva says. “Both of these use the full height under a standard worktop.”
An alternative to a 45cm wide model in a small kitchen is a single drawer dishwasher. “This will occupy a space 60cm wide but only half of the height under the counter, allowing you to add extra storage drawers,” she says.
A well-designed dishwasher will allow you to adjust racks and fold down plate holders as required. “Make sure these adjustable parts are robust, otherwise they will slip about, causing endless annoyance,” Eva says. Look out for intelligent features, too, such as delayed start and sensor wash. “This may cost more,” she says, “but [features like this] will allow you to optimise your energy consumption and therefore your money.”
Tell us…
Do you have any advice for picking kitchen appliances? Please share it in the Comments.
All appliances are tested for how much energy they use and are given a rating on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient product of its class, so look out for a good energy rating.
“Running costs should be at the top of your search, given how expensive fuel is now,” Diane Berry says. This applies particularly to refrigeration. “Yearly running costs can vary by as much as 25%, depending on the brand and appliance’s efficiency,” she says.
Choose models with eco options, too. “These will mean the appliance can intelligently choose the setting or programme best suited to your use,” Eva Byrne says.