Plan the Perfect Kitchen to Avoid Costly Mistakes
In this blog we look at some practical considerations to help you choose the perfect appliances for your kitchen and how to avoid making costly mistakes.
Apart from being beautiful, it goes without saying that your kitchen should be an uber-functional that optimise the available space.
When considering kitchen appliances for a new or current kitchen, there are several super-important factors to keep in mind.
1 Available Space: Measure the dimensions of the area where you plan to place each appliance. Consider depth, width and height to ensure a proper fit. Ensure there's enough clearance for doors, lids, and drawers to open fully without obstruction. As a general rule, allow at least a one-metre walkway between kitchen cabinetry. This will allow you to open and access cupboards and appliances from the front and will keep the cooks in your kitchen safe.
2 Appliance Dimensions: Check the dimensions of your selected appliance before you sign on the dotted line. Appliances come in various sizes, and it's essential to choose ones that fit comfortably within your kitchen layout. Make sure your cabinetmaker has the technical drawings for installation to avoid expensive errors.
3 Plumbing: Who doesn’t want a fridge with an ice and cold-water dispenser? They’re great! But before rushing out to buy one, check whether it needs to be plumbed in. It can be costly to retrofit plumbing if it’s not already there, and so dollar-wise you’ll be better off selecting a model that doesn’t require it.
4 Integrated Appliances: If it’s a sleek, streamlined and customisable design that you’re after, you can’t go past integrated appliances. However, there are some drawbacks to think about. Integrated fridges are often shallower in depth (which translates to less storage space) and are usually more expensive than their standalone friends. On the plus side, if you have a small kitchen, integrated appliances will help give your kitchen a more open feel where every inch matters. Some models can be fitted into your cabinetry above the kickboard (your cabinetmaker will love you) and some need ventilation at the front (no kickboards allowed!). - also see 6. below.
5 Built-in vs. Freestanding: Decide whether you want freestanding appliances (think ovens) or built-in ones. Built-in appliances can save space and create a more streamlined look, but they require custom cabinetry and precise measurements.
6 Clearance and Ventilation: Some appliances, like refrigerators and ovens, require proper ventilation. Make sure that there is sufficient space around them for air circulation. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific appliance you're installing to avoid warranty issues!
7 Door Swing: Consider the direction in which doors and lids will swing open. Make sure there's enough space for them to open without hitting other appliances, cabinets or obstacles.
8 Benchtop Appliances: For smaller countertop appliances like microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers, ensure you have enough space on the benchtop, not only for the appliance but to be able to safely transfer items to the benchtop next to it. Consider designated areas to keep these appliances, such as a scullery.
9 Appliance Functions: Think about the functions of each appliance and how often you'll use them, most of us at one point or another have accumulated every type of appliance known to man. Having function in mind will help you prioritise which appliances are must-haves and those that are optional.
10 Flow and Accessibility: Arrange appliances in a way that promotes efficient workflow. The refrigerator, stove, and sink, often referred to as the ‘kitchen work triangle’, should be easily accessible and not too far apart.
11 Cabinet and Cupboard Space: All the best kitchens have lots of drawers and not many cupboards. They’re more convenient to use and they hold more. P lan for enough cabinet and storage space to accommodate your appliances, especially if they're not built-in. Proper storage can help keep the kitchen clutter-free.
12 Utility Connections: Ensure that appliances that require water, gas, or electricity connections have easy access to these utilities. This can prevent the need for complex and costly modifications. When building your kitchen, include more power points that you think you will need.
13 Future Considerations: Consider potential changes in your household size or lifestyle. Will your appliance needs change over time? Leave surrounding space if possible for flexibility in case you need to upgrade or replace appliances in the future. This is especially important when considering your choice of fridge.
Keeping these points in mind, you can create a stylish and ergonomic cooking space (without the angst) that will keep you cooking for a long time to come.
- Janine Nairn
Creative Director