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by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers®
There are many ways to customize your kitchen by choosing appliances that go beyond the regular suite, so be sure to acquaint yourself with all the options! Your lifestyle and family needs will likely determine what piques your interest, but here are some of our favorite ways to pack extra functionality into this space. We’ve included convenient extras as well as state-of-the-art products that offer more than you’re used to—get ready to start thinking of how you want your kitchen to serve you!
Smarter Technology
Smart appliances have been around for a few years now, but they don’t cease to impress with ever-greater innovations. App control and home assistant integration mean you can preheat, adjust, set timers, and initiate wash cycles at the tap of a button or by voice. You can get a range or oven that walks you through recipes, step-by-step, on a bright and clear touch screen. For the utmost in convenience, some models accept cooking instructions as soon as you scan the barcode of the frozen meal you want to prepare. For more on how these features can simplify your life, check out our article, Smart Home Appliances for Modern Households.
With all these high-tech possibilities, you may wonder if your appliances will become obsolete. The way technology changes so quickly, it’s understandable! Appliance manufacturers haven’t forgotten that their products are in it for the long haul, so they are designed to update—you don’t have to get stuck waiting to see what the next best thing is before committing to your purchase! You’ll find that different brands pair different built-in features with their appliances, though, and you should weigh the benefits of each before making a final decision. No software update can create physical attachments that weren’t included in manufacturing.
Optimization for Tight Places
Whether your kitchen is small or you’re just trying to outfit yours with as many amenities as possible, you’ll be glad to find compact appliances that make the most of every inch. Even major appliances are available in trim models—think 24” column refrigerators, 15” cooktop components, and 24” ovens with steam, convection, and microwave capabilities—if you need more performance from less space. This is ideal for those downsizing into tiny homes or who want to outfit a butler’s pantry or an accessory dwelling unit.
Beyond the regular functions provided by your average kitchen suite, you’ll also find nifty extras to address specific needs. Perhaps you want a dedicated beverage center or wine storage? If your family goes through a lot of ice, an ice maker can provide a steady supply without trays or wait time. To reduce the number of garbage bags you use and how often you have to take them out, look into a trash compactor. All these can be found in narrow undercounter models for a sleek built-in look. Check out Why Undercounter Space Is Prime Real Estate if you’d like to learn more about optimizing this area.
Built-in Bonuses
Are you looking to set your kitchen apart with an additional appliance that caters to your needs? We love built-in extras that help keep clutter to a minimum because they replace things that often end up on the countertop—like bread and coffee makers. With a warming drawer, not only can you eliminate reheating dishes before serving, but you can proof bread and even slow roast meals. Built-in coffee systems usually offer all the fancy stuff so you don’t have to leave the house for your drink of choice, and they can also replace kettles with their hot water dispensers for the tea and cocoa drinkers in the house. You never know what solutions you might find in an appliance—be on the lookout for features your family will take advantage of.
There’s a big, exciting world of unique appliances out there, so take your time choosing! No matter your style, you’ll find a variety of lovely options to complete your kitchen. And if you’re still searching for the perfect one, give our Fabulous Kitchen House Plan Collection a try. These homes—diverse in size, shape, and style—offer everything you want, wrapped around awesome kitchen layouts you’ll love to outfit to the fullest. Remember that your builder can easily modify our proposed cabinet and appliance layouts to create the customized kitchen of your dreams!