Appliances for a New Kitchen
by Ed Nunes
Image © Kitchen Views
So, you have decided to renovate your kitchen. Congratulations! A kitchen remodel includes not only selecting new cabinetry and countertops. Appliances are usually updated at the same time, and additional appliances are often desired.
Ideally before a kitchen design begins, appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, wall ovens, cook tops, and range hoods should be selected. Your Kitchen Designer can provide you with “standard” sizes, however for those specialty appliances, where specific cabinet cut-outs, decorative appliance door panels or tight clearances are needed the word standard does not apply.
Microwave:
Available either as a venting unit over the range or built-in into a wall or base cabinet, microwaves are also available as a countertop model. Venting units are equipped with an exhaust blower. They can be either vented directly outside or as recirculating units.
Dishwasher:
Standard dishwasher units are 24” wide. They are typically installed next to a sink and select models can feature a wood door panel to match the cabinetry.
Range Hoods:
Widely used if the range is wider than 30”, range hoods are offered in a variety of materials and finishes. They also feature different size motors to match the needs of your range.
Cooktops:
They provide a clean and stylish look to every cooking area. Kitchen size should be taken into consideration as the oven is often installed in a tall cabinet, reducing the amount of counter space.
Wall oven:
Available in either single or double units, it is mostly used when selecting a Cooktop, or perhaps as a secondary oven. It can be featured in a tall cabinet, easier to access, or below the counter in a base cabinet. If a single oven is selected a microwave can be installed over it (tall cabinet only).
Refrigerators:
By far the most critical unit in any kitchen, ample room should be allowed for the refrigerator doors to open fully. Bins and drawers should also be easily accessible. Please provide your Kitchen Designer with the model selected. He or she can then find the appropriate location in the Kitchen for easy access and use.
It is important that appliance specifications are provided during the planning phases. Prior to placing any cabinet order, it is equally advisable that the appliance list is reviewed to be certain they are current and have not been discontinued or redesigned. Replacement units don’t always have the same dimensions or clearances.
Ed Nunes
Kitchen Views, New Bedford, MA
508-990-8020
enunes@kitchenviews.com
Kitchen Views' Blog 
Great information about planning a kitchen. We definitely recommend choosing the appliances first, especially the cooking products. That cooktop and wall oven vs range decision makes a huge impact on the kitchen design which influences cabinets, flow, etc. Thanks, Ed!