Appliance Guide: What You Should Know

Working with an appliance specialist is the most important advice we can give. In fact, you'll need to sign a waiver if you don't! Here's why.

There's likely no more technical part of your home than the kitchen. The technology and planning involved make this one room the most technical part of the whole project.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Most European brands are flush inset, meaning the appliance panel sits flush with the cabinet panels so you can't tell the two apart. Don't forget the handle detail, either: some newer models are touch-to-open and need no handle at all.

Provide the specifications for openings and panels, and consider door swing clearances, especially near walls and inside corners.

Dishwashers and Under-Counter Appliances

These usually call for the ADA-compliant model, so a handle channel can run above it without making the base cabinets too tall. Some newer models offer touch-to-open, avoiding handles if that's part of your cabinet aesthetic. Again, provide the specifications for openings and panels.

Ovens and Tall-Cabinet Appliances

Built-in ovens and other appliances that go in tall cabinets may need trim kits, so confirm them before the cabinets are built.

Ventilation

We recommend installing the backsplash before the hood, so the hood can be set to the right distance from the back wall. Make sure the duct diameter meets the hood's requirements; a duct that's too small can make it extra noisy. If you're given the option of 30" to 36" of clearance above the cooking surface, we vote 36". The bigger the backsplash, the better.

Island Power

Plug strips, pop-up power towers and outlets inside drawers are a few ways to bring power to an island properly, rather than putting an outlet right in the middle of the focal point.

Before You Buy

Expectations are more accurate when they're based on real information rather than the assumption that things will work themselves out. We never assume somebody else took care of it, which is why we urge you to request more than a receipt after your purchase: get the full specifications for every appliance.

Check that the options for your appliance model aren't ambiguous and that you have the exact specs for the configuration you want, including the panel specs. The most common mistake involves refrigerators that can be installed in more than one way, and it affects everything. If you're going for a high-end flush install, getting the correct trim kits and specs is paramount.

Planning a kitchen around integrated appliances? Request a free consultation.