7 Questions Before Buying a Kitchen Appliance

1. How much time do you spend in the kitchen? If you often spend afternoons crafting showstopping chocolate soufflés or other elaborate dishes, select appliances that cater to your tastes. Those designed to let you dig in and dictate every aspect of the process are ideal for the dedicated home cook or professional chef. The gas range seen here, for instance, has dual-stacked burners that allow for optimal temperature control, be it high heat or low simmer. Conversely, if your time is limited in the kitchen, consider a multitasking appliance such as a convection steam oven. Some models can poach eggs in ramekins in under six minutes for a quick breakfast.

2. How many people do you cook for regularly? Perhaps it’s just the two of you dining each evening and a pair of undercounter freezer and refrigerator drawers will suffice. Or maybe you host your extended family every weekend or love to entertain lots of friends. If you find yourself regularly cooking for a crowd, make sure your refrigerator, freezer and oven capacity can meet the demands of your dinner table.

3. What do you like to cook? The secret to choosing the right appliances might lie within your recipe box — your favorite dishes can help inform your selection. If you enjoy creating ambitious meals, for instance, consider a larger, multiburner cooktop to accommodate several pots and pans at once. You might also like an induction cooktop, which uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat cookware for precise temperature control and quick heat. (It boils water rapidly, making it ideal for Italophiles cooking homemade ravioli). Add a teppanyaki griddle if you favor Japanese cuisine, or select an indoor grill for restaurant-style burgers. If Southern food warms your soul, consider a deep fryer.

4. How often do you shop for groceries? With the growing popularity of same-day grocery delivery services and the resurgence of farmers markets, it’s easier than ever to access fresh food. If you’re not going to consume it all in one meal, find a refrigerator that extends the life and preserves the flavor of your groceries. If you’re the heat-and-eat type, you’ll need ample freezer space. Some refrigerators come with two compressors and three evaporators to provide just the right temperature and level of humidity for fresh or frozen foods.

5. How much space do you have? Take a look at your kitchen’s floor plan and square footage. A large-capacity refrigerator might be ideal for one kitchen, whereas multiple undercounter freezer and refrigerator drawers might better serve another. If you’re trying to maximize your space, look for multitasking appliances; convection steam ovens, for example, steam, bake, roast, broil and reheat. Have plenty of room? Consider full-size wine storage units to protect your collection, or add double ovens to your appliance list.

6. What’s your design style? Select appliances that complement your interior aesthetic, whether it’s contemporary, traditional or something in between. A few design-forward appliance companies offer panel-ready options, so kitchen necessities can blend in with your millwork or virtually disappear. A downdraft ventilation system, for example, can be hidden beneath the countertop when not in use. When activated via remote control, it rises silently to whisk away smoke and odors.

At the end of the day, your lifestyle, along with the answers to the questions above, will help you find the right appliances that will let you savor your kitchen.
More: To speak with an expert and learn more about your appliance options in person, visit a Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom near you.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.