Kitchen Remodel Tips: Why Appliances Matter

ZLine Autograph Collection Range

When remodeling a kitchen, many homeowners focus on cabinets, color, backsplashes and countertops, but an often overlooked consideration is the appliance selection. Choosing the right appliances doesn’t just influence how your kitchen functions - it plays a significant role in the overall design aesthetic, the layout, and installation considerations.

Here’s some food for thought on appliance selection before you start your kitchen remodel and the design implications to keep in mind.

1. Appliances Start With Lifestyle, Not Labels

Before you get caught up in brands and BTUs, ask yourself how you use your kitchen. Do you cook every night? Are you a microwave meal warrior? Do you host holidays and big gatherings? Your lifestyle should guide your appliance choices:

• Busy families may benefit from double ovens or large capacity dishwashers.

• Entertainers may want a wine fridge, warming drawer, or a sleek cooktop built into the island.

• Minimalists might lean toward a more built-in look, potentially even incorporating completely invisible induction stove tops into a porcelain countertop island - the possibilities now are truly endless.

Once you know how you live, you can shop for appliances that support that lifestyle—and design your kitchen around them. Even if you don't start with the appliances, it's important to know what you want when designing the kitchen and even more important to have the model numbers intended before ordering cabinetry.

2. Remodeling and the new Microwave location

Microwaves might seem like an afterthought, but where you put them matters.

• A microwave drawer installed into a base cabinet allows for cleaner lines on upper cabinets and often moving it can open up space for a decorative range hood. Many clients are concerned about bending over to reach for food - we encourage our clients to consider the risk of reaching up for something hot as well. The bend is quite small.

• An over-the-range microwave combines two appliances into one, which is a great space saver in a compact kitchen.

• Countertop microwaves allow for easy reach for the whole family, but can sacrifice much needed prep space. If you have plenty, this could be a great option especially if the microwave is used for more than melting butter.

• Built-in microwaves are a great option if you don't need a double oven. An oven cabinet with space for oven and microwave is an option in many cabinet lines and considers both height (no bending!) and aesthetics.

👉 Design impact: In the end, how often and how you will use your microwave over time is most important, but choosing a built-in or drawer microwave is a much more streamlined (even hidden!) look.

3. Remodel-Ready Refrigeration: Built-In vs. Freestanding Appliances

This one’s big for layout and flow. A counter-depth refrigerator aligns more closely with your cabinets, giving a built-in, higher-end look and better circulation in tight spaces. But it often has slightly less interior space. Alternatively, you can go all in on a built-in with either stainless or matching panel front finishes that are completely seamless to the cabinets. The fully built-in models can comprimise above-fridge storage based on how they vent, depending on the height of your ceilings.

A standard-depth fridge projects past cabinetry, which may feel bulky, especially in a smaller kitchen. The standard depth does offer more capacity internally. The most important factor is room for the doors to open - especially in a kitchen where an island is planned.

Beverage refrigerators and wine coolers are new entrants that are enabling more specific storage and serving needs in the kitchen. Considering their location is important - especially if your kitchen is an entertainment hub.

👉 Design impact: Counter-depth models require careful cabinet planning to maintain clean lines, while standard-depth models may affect the walkway between islands or adjacent cabinetry. Adding beverage fridges is a great option for entertaining, but consider the flow of traffic to access and ensure it's not conflicting with food prep space.

4. Range Hoods: Function and Focal Point

The range hood has come a long way and today it's more of a design statement that can really emphasize the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. While minimalistic kitchens still lean toward the hidden look, a kitchen with a more modern farmhouse, professional kitchen, industrial or traditional look will lean toward a hood as a visual centerpiece and needs to support your range.

• A professional gas range will need a higher CFM-rated hood (stronger ventilation).

• It needs to be as wide as the range, especially for a gas stovetop, so it will occupy wall real estate. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, this could be a significant consideration.

• If you're choosing induction or electric, you can get away with a sleeker, lower-profile model.

👉 Design impact: Hoods influence the entire wall design above your range, from backsplash layout to cabinet symmetry. Some homeowners even opt for custom wood hoods or sleek metal chimneys.

5. Gas vs. Electric vs. Induction

Switching from gas to electric or electric to gas? It’s doable—but expect added costs.

• Gas to electric: You’ll need to run a 240V outlet and possibly upgrade your electrical panel.

• Electric to gas: You’ll need to install a gas line and ensure ventilation meets code. No gas is no problem - propane is an option, but you'll need space for the tanks outside of your house. Make sure to factor in inspections to your timelines when making this switch.

If you’re considering induction, you’ll need specific cookware—but you’ll get modern efficiency and a flat, easy-to-clean surface. We mentioned earlier that you can hide an induction cooktop - if a beautiful waterfall island is your aesthetic, but you don't want to comprimise the appeal of the stone look, then consider an invisible induction cooktop, but know that porcelain countertops will be a likely requirement.

👉 Design impact: This decision affects your wiring, cabinetry, countertop surfaces and appliance compatibility.

6. Built-In vs. Freestanding Appliances

Do you want a built-in wall oven with a separate cooktop? Or a freestanding range with oven and burners in one?

Built-ins look sleek and custom, but require more cabinetry and electrical planning. Freestanding ranges are easier to replace and install. There are now options as wide as 48 to 60" or higher, offering double oven capacity as well, but again will take up significant prep space, so the kitchen's size will dictate this as an option.

👉 Design impact: Built-ins allow for more flexible kitchen flow and storage solutions, but freestanding models can reduce costs and complexity.

7. Don't Forget Ventilation, Plumbing & Electrical

Every appliance has behind-the-scenes needs: dishwashers and refrigerators need water lines. refrigerators need proper ventilation to honor warranties, ranges and ovens need 240V or gas lines, range hoods require proper ductwork to the exterior of the home.

Work with a designer or contractor early on to make sure your appliance choices align with your kitchen infrastructure—or build the infrastructure to fit your dream appliances.

Final Tips for Appliance Selection:

• Decide early. Appliances should be one of the first decisions in your remodel process and dictate far more than you think with your layout, so do your homework if you plan to purchase new ones.

• Measure everything. Twice. Even a half-inch can throw off your design plan.

• Think future-proof. Go for energy-efficient models and smart home compatibility where possible.

In Summary:

Appliances are more than just machines—they're design anchors. From how your kitchen looks to how it functions day to day, your appliance selections will affect many design choices. Plan ahead, and let your appliances work for your space—not against it.

Want help selecting the perfect appliances for your remodel? Come visit the Kitchen Me Now showroom, where you can test-drive your dream kitchen before you commit - ZLine appliances included.