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7 Key Questions to Answer Before Buying a Kitchen Appliance
Ensure that your next kitchen appliances suit your needs with the help of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove
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If youāve attended a dinner party recently, you might have noticed that everyone ended up elbow-to-elbow in the kitchen. While once concealed behind closed doors, this popular room is now widely acknowledged as the showpiece of the home. As a result, many new kitchen appliances have been developed for both style and performance ā and narrowing down your options can be daunting. Below, appliance brands Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove offer a helpful list of questions to consider before selecting your next appliances.
1. How much time do you spend in the kitchen? If you often spend afternoons crafting showstopping chocolate soufflƩs 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 itās 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.
2. How many people do you cook for regularly? Perhaps itās 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 ā 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, itās easier than ever to access fresh food. If youāre not going to consume it all in one meal, find a refrigerator that extends the life and preserves the flavor of your groceries. If youāre the heat-and-eat type, youāll 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.
4. How often do you shop for groceries? With the growing popularity of same-day grocery delivery services and the resurgence of farmers markets, itās easier than ever to access fresh food. If youāre not going to consume it all in one meal, find a refrigerator that extends the life and preserves the flavor of your groceries. If youāre the heat-and-eat type, youāll 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 kitchenās 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 youāre 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. Whatās your design style? Select appliances that complement your interior aesthetic, whether itās 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.
6. Whatās your design style? Select appliances that complement your interior aesthetic, whether itās 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.
7. Whatās your budget? High-performing appliances built to last are an investment. There are ways to save, however, by keeping tabs on specific brandsā promotional calendars and prioritizing the appliances youāll use every day. If youāre in the mood to splurge, some nice add-ons include warming drawers to keep meals ready before serving and coffee systems for barista-style cappuccinos and espressos. Also double-check the warranty policy for each planned purchase before you buy.
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.
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.
Fresher thinking for over 75 years
Icons of design and paragons of performance, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are... Read More
Fresher thinking for over 75 years
Icons of design and paragons of performance, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are... Read More
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I love this kitchen. Spare, light, and "open" to the gorgeous world outside no matter what the weather.