Appliances

There are so many options of appliances out there and on this page I aim to list the types available in each category, with a brief description. Also, why not try my new appliance dedicated search engine - Click Here

Cooking

Ovens

There are fan assisted and conventional ovens, but one thing to look out for is the opening direction. If you're going for low down below worktop level ovens, go for drop down doors, however if you're having it in a tall cupboard, think about going for a side opening door. Just makes life that little easier when getting the Sunday roast out!

Double Ovens

These are great for families and when you are preparing a meal where two different cooking times at two different temperatures are required.

Steam Ovens

I first saw a steam oven at a Miele training and it blew me away, ever wanted to steam cook food efficiently and quickly with perfect results! Definitely recommended!

Combination Ovens

Combi ovens combine the cooking power of conventional ovens and microwaves, taking two cooking appliances and incorporating them into the space of one.

Microwaves

Microwaves come in either freestanding or integrated forms. But be wary when choosing an integrated model as you need to buy a surround or a door which can be quite tricky to install.

Gas Hobs

As with all hobs, if you're left handed, buy one with the controls at the front og the hob, this will mean no stretching across the rings to control them.

But gas hobs are great, quick and easily control the heat. A pro's choice of cooking implement!

Electric Hobs

Electrical hobs are a good choice if your budget is constrained and you are unable to use gas.

Induction Hobs

I know I said a pro's choice is the gas hob, but give it time and induction will be the new choice. Induction hobs can out boil a kettle and for efficiency and uniform heat it CANNOT be beaten. The way it works is by stimulating the ferrous material in your pans creating the heat in the pan, not from under it. All very clever, however you do require ferrous based pans to make it work, but when you can afford an induction hob, you can afford new pots and pans!

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are really good, better than electric, but not as expensive as induction. They also come in some really funky designs!

Integrated Hoods

Also when looking for extractors, consider your venting options, if you want a hood that is away from an external wall, check the direction and total distance of the pipe work that is required, the longer the distance the less effective the extractor.

If the distance is too great, look at re-circulation, this can be just as effective and you can get washable filters too.

Also, make sure that the extractor and surrounding wall units are high enough from the hob. For electric hobs a recommended height is 600mm from hob level, but for gas is 760mm. For accurate dimensions always consult your supplier.

Integrated hoods are a great way to keep the look of your minimalistic kitchen, they're also usually cheaper as they don't have expensive fascias. However, make sure they fit in your wall units and are powerful enough for your needs.

Telescopic Hoods

These have a pull out section at the front and can catch alot more fumes than just integrated extractors.

Wall and Island Hoods

Wall and Island hoods are more decorative and can bring extra style to a kitchen, I prefer the square stainless steel models as they are very contemporary and stylish.

Cooling

Freestanding Fridge/Freezers

A good option for a utility room, they come in many shapes and forms, but if you're wanting a clean and stylish kitchen these can detract from the design.

Integrated Fridge/Freezers

These hide away nicely behind kitchen doors and you don't really lose much in capacity. I recently did a little research and for a space comparison to an American fridge, the price is cheaper to go integrated. You can get 2 tall integrated cheaper than an American fridge and have comparable storage!

You can also get under counter fridges, some with ice boxes, for those regularly used items!

Just remember that the doors need to open past 90 degrees so make sure you have enough space to either side to open the doors! Also if you go for a fridge with an ice maker, that your plumber makes provisions for this, also if you can, put an isolator in an accessible place, just in case.

American Style Fridge/Freezers

Big, expensive, and totally dominates any kitchen, don't, just don't!

Wine Fridges

If you are a connoisseur of wines, then this is a good idea, you can get ones with controllable zones to keep all your wine at the right temperature.

Cleaning

Integrated Dishwashers

The same thing applies here as integrated Fridges and Freezers. A hidden dishwasher keeps your kitchen design looking sleek and beautiful. These are ideally positioned next to the sink so that the water supply and waste can link directly to the sink services.

Freestanding Dishwashers

You can get these too.

Dishwasher Drawers

There are a couple of companies that supplies dishwasher drawers and they are very good if you do a lot of cleaning, having one section cleaning while you fill the other.

Slimline Dishwashers

If you don't have much space in your kitchen, you can get 450mm wide dishwashers.

Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers and Washer/Dryers

When choosing these, I would recommend installing them in utility rooms if possible. They rattle around a lot if they are not properly fixed down and can dislodge worktops and units over time. But you can get integrated versions which can be hidden away.

Accessories

Coffee Machines

Coffee machines can be a great addition to a kitchen; they look stylish and produce amazing results. Definitely for the coffee lover though and remember that some machines require water supplies.

Warming Drawers

Sometimes a kitchen design can look unbalanced; however you can remedy this with a warming drawer. They are great for dining and fit nicely to finish a design off.