The Top 10 Kitchen Products of 2017
by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers®
When you're finishing your own home, most of your decision-making energy is funneled into the kitchen. Not only does this room handle the most foot traffic and need to perform the most functions in the house, but you also want it to look great. And there are just so many surfaces, fixtures, and appliances to consider! If you're preparing to put together your dream kitchen, here are some of the new products that caught our eyes this year.
A Chic and Low-Maintenance Black Finish
This sleek Whirlpool® smart microwave boasts an incredible Fingerprint-Resistant Black Stainless Steel finish that was introduced early this year. The low-maintenance exterior complements the extreme functionality of the appliance—it is not only a microwave, but also a convection oven, and its scan-to-cook technology makes cooking effortless and time efficient. Imagine a kitchen full of appliances that cool, cook, and look this fantastic! You can build the perfect suite with a range, dishwasher, and refrigerator that have the best features for your family.
Model: Whirlpool® Smart 1.9 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology | $619.00 MSRP
This sleek Whirlpool® smart microwave boasts an incredible Fingerprint-Resistant Black Stainless Steel finish that was introduced early this year. The low-maintenance exterior complements the extreme functionality of the appliance—it is not only a microwave, but also a convection oven, and its scan-to-cook technology makes cooking effortless and time efficient. Imagine a kitchen full of appliances that cool, cook, and look this fantastic! You can build the perfect suite with a range, dishwasher, and refrigerator that have the best features for your family.
Model: Whirlpool® Smart 1.9 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology | $619.00 MSRP
Waterproof and Easy-to-Install Wood-Look Flooring
Kitchen floors take a beating, so it’s a good idea to invest in a type that can handle it. A wide range of Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP) flooring is available from Lumber Liquidators, so it couldn’t be more convenient to give your kitchen a beautiful waterproof floor that has superior wear resistance! There are all kinds of light, dark, high-contrast, rich, and muted wood-look styles to consider, and they come GREENGUARD Gold or FloorScore certified for indoor air quality to help keep your family safe. EVP offers affordable and durable choices suited to any interior design!
Model: Lumber Liquidators Coreluxe Ultra 8mm Watermans Wharf Pine EVP | $3.49/sq. ft.
Kitchen floors take a beating, so it’s a good idea to invest in a type that can handle it. A wide range of Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP) flooring is available from Lumber Liquidators, so it couldn’t be more convenient to give your kitchen a beautiful waterproof floor that has superior wear resistance! There are all kinds of light, dark, high-contrast, rich, and muted wood-look styles to consider, and they come GREENGUARD Gold or FloorScore certified for indoor air quality to help keep your family safe. EVP offers affordable and durable choices suited to any interior design!
Model: Lumber Liquidators Coreluxe Ultra 8mm Watermans Wharf Pine EVP | $3.49/sq. ft.
A Concealed Gadget Charging Station
Even if most of our devices are wireless these days, we all know how many wires we accumulate to keep them charged. That’s why we love anything that can reduce clutter and keep everything organized! KraftMaid® is known for innovative storage solutions, so we weren’t surprised to find outlets hidden in their beautiful cabinetry. With enough room for phones and a tablet or small laptop, a charging drawer gives you a place to store devices as well as their cords, so you always know where they are. Just imagine how much clearer it could keep your countertops!
Model: KraftMaid® Charging Drawer | Contact for a Quote
Even if most of our devices are wireless these days, we all know how many wires we accumulate to keep them charged. That’s why we love anything that can reduce clutter and keep everything organized! KraftMaid® is known for innovative storage solutions, so we weren’t surprised to find outlets hidden in their beautiful cabinetry. With enough room for phones and a tablet or small laptop, a charging drawer gives you a place to store devices as well as their cords, so you always know where they are. Just imagine how much clearer it could keep your countertops!
Model: KraftMaid® Charging Drawer | Contact for a Quote
A Cooktop to Personalize for Your Own Needs
Have you ever wished that you could have it all—gas, electric, and induction cooking capabilities? Thanks to Jenn-Air®, now you can! With their modular pieces, you can put together your dream cooktop, and there are even special options like a 15" Induction Wok, which is perfect for anybody who loves cooking with a wok but knows how cumbersome it can be on a regular range. You can get exactly what you need with these pieces, and downdraft ventilation is available to keep your custom cooktop looking sleek!
Model: Jenn-Air® 15" Single-Burner Modular Gas Cooktop with Wok Ring (left), 15" Modular Electric Griddle (center), and 15" 2-Burner Modular Gas Cooktop | Price Varies by Element
Have you ever wished that you could have it all—gas, electric, and induction cooking capabilities? Thanks to Jenn-Air®, now you can! With their modular pieces, you can put together your dream cooktop, and there are even special options like a 15" Induction Wok, which is perfect for anybody who loves cooking with a wok but knows how cumbersome it can be on a regular range. You can get exactly what you need with these pieces, and downdraft ventilation is available to keep your custom cooktop looking sleek!
Model: Jenn-Air® 15" Single-Burner Modular Gas Cooktop with Wok Ring (left), 15" Modular Electric Griddle (center), and 15" 2-Burner Modular Gas Cooktop | Price Varies by Element
A Swirling, Seamless Countertop and Backsplash
Corian® Solid Surface countertops are a fantastic option for any home—they’re available in striking natural stone patterns and man-made colors and designs, and they have a unique renewable quality that you won’t find in other materials. Just sand and buff any accumulated damage and it’ll look like new! This original solid surface introduced three patterns this year: Prima, Concrete, and Onyx. They are available in a variety of colors to suit any palette, so learn more about their aesthetics in this introductory video to discover if one is perfect for your kitchen.
Model: Corian® Dune Prima: Countertop, Backsplash, and Shelf | Find a Retailer
Corian® Solid Surface countertops are a fantastic option for any home—they’re available in striking natural stone patterns and man-made colors and designs, and they have a unique renewable quality that you won’t find in other materials. Just sand and buff any accumulated damage and it’ll look like new! This original solid surface introduced three patterns this year: Prima, Concrete, and Onyx. They are available in a variety of colors to suit any palette, so learn more about their aesthetics in this introductory video to discover if one is perfect for your kitchen.
Model: Corian® Dune Prima: Countertop, Backsplash, and Shelf | Find a Retailer
Bold and Stylish Faucets in a Range of Looks
Believe it or not, the faucet can really set the tone for your whole kitchen, so it’s important to pick the right one for your design. If you’re going for an edgy industrial look, or you want elegant contemporary flair, or perhaps just bold clean lines, be sure to check out the Litze™ Kitchen Collection from Brizo®. We were impressed with all of the options we saw at shows this year—not only are there a variety of stylish faucet models, but they’re available in six finishes ranging from cool to warm, and even matte black!
Model: Brizo® Litze™ SmartTouch® Pull-Down Faucet with Angled Spout and Knurled Handle in Matte Black/Luxe Gold Finish | $1,054.00 MSRP
Believe it or not, the faucet can really set the tone for your whole kitchen, so it’s important to pick the right one for your design. If you’re going for an edgy industrial look, or you want elegant contemporary flair, or perhaps just bold clean lines, be sure to check out the Litze™ Kitchen Collection from Brizo®. We were impressed with all of the options we saw at shows this year—not only are there a variety of stylish faucet models, but they’re available in six finishes ranging from cool to warm, and even matte black!
Model: Brizo® Litze™ SmartTouch® Pull-Down Faucet with Angled Spout and Knurled Handle in Matte Black/Luxe Gold Finish | $1,054.00 MSRP
A Fridge with Great Storage Capabilities
Do you ever find yourself struggling to organize your fridge? Choose one that is equipped to handle items large and small, and that does so with special care! KitchenAid® has a variety of refrigerator models, and our top pick comes fully loaded for a home chef. Its many features include self-closing drawers, a pullout tray in a stylish wood finish that accommodates wide platters, a slide-away shelf, and special storage for produce, herbs, and dairy products. This fridge is packed with a ton of innovative features to discover!
Model: KitchenAid® 23.8 cu. ft. 36" Counter-Depth French Door Platinum Interior Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish | $4,299.00 MSRP
Do you ever find yourself struggling to organize your fridge? Choose one that is equipped to handle items large and small, and that does so with special care! KitchenAid® has a variety of refrigerator models, and our top pick comes fully loaded for a home chef. Its many features include self-closing drawers, a pullout tray in a stylish wood finish that accommodates wide platters, a slide-away shelf, and special storage for produce, herbs, and dairy products. This fridge is packed with a ton of innovative features to discover!
Model: KitchenAid® 23.8 cu. ft. 36" Counter-Depth French Door Platinum Interior Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish | $4,299.00 MSRP
A Handy Lift for Storage and Saving Counter Space
Countertop appliances have changed the way we cook, but some of them are heavy and difficult to move to storage between uses. If this challenge prevents you from making the most of your machines, why not try an appliance lift? Hardware Resources® debuted a spring-loaded system a few months ago, and it can move appliances up to 45 pounds from a base cabinet to nearly counter level. That’s more strength than most of us will ever need, and it helps keep precious countertop space clear! The system locks in place to remain steady while you’re using your appliance, and it smoothly descends back into the cabinet when you’re done—it’s a baking dream come true.
Model: Hardware Resources® Soft-close Mixer/Appliance Lift | $149.99 MSRP
Countertop appliances have changed the way we cook, but some of them are heavy and difficult to move to storage between uses. If this challenge prevents you from making the most of your machines, why not try an appliance lift? Hardware Resources® debuted a spring-loaded system a few months ago, and it can move appliances up to 45 pounds from a base cabinet to nearly counter level. That’s more strength than most of us will ever need, and it helps keep precious countertop space clear! The system locks in place to remain steady while you’re using your appliance, and it smoothly descends back into the cabinet when you’re done—it’s a baking dream come true.
Model: Hardware Resources® Soft-close Mixer/Appliance Lift | $149.99 MSRP
A Uniquely Durable Sink That Pops
Have you ever thought that your sink could add a little more to your kitchen design? If so, you’ll love the range of Quartz Luxe™ sinks from Elkay®, which are available in a variety of colors! Not only are they strikingly beautiful, but they are also heat safe up to 535 degrees Fahrenheit, smudge and stain resistant, and their thick material absorbs noise for a quieter cleaning experience. Whether you opt for a top mount, undermount, or farmhouse sink, it’ll provide the visual oomph you’ve been looking for!
Model: Elkay® Quartz Luxe™ 35-7/8" x 20-15/16" x 9" Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink with Perfect Drain in Chestnut Finish | $ 1,395.00 MSRP
Have you ever thought that your sink could add a little more to your kitchen design? If so, you’ll love the range of Quartz Luxe™ sinks from Elkay®, which are available in a variety of colors! Not only are they strikingly beautiful, but they are also heat safe up to 535 degrees Fahrenheit, smudge and stain resistant, and their thick material absorbs noise for a quieter cleaning experience. Whether you opt for a top mount, undermount, or farmhouse sink, it’ll provide the visual oomph you’ve been looking for!
Model: Elkay® Quartz Luxe™ 35-7/8" x 20-15/16" x 9" Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink with Perfect Drain in Chestnut Finish | $ 1,395.00 MSRP
Smooth Gliding Hardware for Folding Pantry Doors
When you build your pantry, make sure that every piece offers you optimum functionality. Many times, people focus so much on interior storage features that they forget to invest in quality hardware. It keeps the doors moving smoothly, and you know you’ll be using it every day, so don’t settle for subpar equipment! Johnson Hardware® offers hardware sets for all kinds of doors—everything from simple bi-folding doors, to sliding bypass doors, to trendy hanging barn doors—so they’re sure to have a solution for your pantry! All of it is made in America, is available in multiple finishes, and touts straightforward installation—you’ll find that there are informative installation videos on each product page if you need any help! Give your pantry hardware that is more than strong enough to hold the doors you choose and offers many years of smooth gliding operation. Once you use shock-absorbing hinges, you’ll never want to go back!
Model: Johnson Hardware® 1700 Bi-Fold Door Hardware | Cost Varies by Finish and Set Size
When you build your pantry, make sure that every piece offers you optimum functionality. Many times, people focus so much on interior storage features that they forget to invest in quality hardware. It keeps the doors moving smoothly, and you know you’ll be using it every day, so don’t settle for subpar equipment! Johnson Hardware® offers hardware sets for all kinds of doors—everything from simple bi-folding doors, to sliding bypass doors, to trendy hanging barn doors—so they’re sure to have a solution for your pantry! All of it is made in America, is available in multiple finishes, and touts straightforward installation—you’ll find that there are informative installation videos on each product page if you need any help! Give your pantry hardware that is more than strong enough to hold the doors you choose and offers many years of smooth gliding operation. Once you use shock-absorbing hinges, you’ll never want to go back!
Model: Johnson Hardware® 1700 Bi-Fold Door Hardware | Cost Varies by Finish and Set Size
