White, black, stainless steel, Energy Star, square, rectangular, gas, electric – there are so many options to consider when it comes to choosing appliances for your kitchen. At Atherton Appliance & Kitchens and BSC Culinary, we will help you take some of the guesswork out of appliance shopping. Rather than advertising numerous brands, our showrooms feature proven appliance brands that perform to the highest standards in the industry. Still, there is a lot you can think about before you even step into one of our showrooms. Making some decisions in advance will help turn your appliance shopping experience a smooth and satisfying experience.
Consider Your Budget: Cost is a major factor in most purchase decisions. Decide how much you have – or want – to spend on your appliances. Then make a list of the appliances you need and look up some average prices for each appliance. Get a feel for the brands that are within your price range, and decide which appliances might be worth splurging on (are you a cook who will enjoy a really great stove?) and which you might be able to save on (a dishwasher without a lot of bells and whistles might suffice).
Think About Your Individual and Family Needs: Think about how your new appliances will fit into your home and lifestyle. If you’re shopping for a refrigerator, measure the space you have available in your kitchen. How much food do you tend to store (do you have a large family, or are you single or part of a couple)? Do you freeze a lot of items, use a lot of ice, or need filtered water? One rule of thumb suggests that you plan on 12 cubic feet for two people, and two more cubic feet for each additional household member. But this is just a general recommendation. If you’re thinking about a microwave, decide who will need access – can children reach a wall model? Meanwhile, ranges and ovens come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Think carefully about the type of meals you prepare, whether you strongly prefer a gas range, or whether a wall oven separate from your cooktop makes sense for the way you prepare meals. Is quick clean-up or energy efficiency important to you? Answering these questions will help point you to the right choice. What about dishwashers? Consider whether water savings and efficiency are important to you, and whether you’d benefit from special cycles for such items as crystal, or pots and pans. Knowing exactly what you want and need will give you an advantage as you start your shopping.
Determine Codes and Utility Access: If you’re replacing an old appliance, you’ll need to do more than just make sure the new appliance will fit into the same space as the old one. An appropriate water line is required for dishwashers and for refrigerators that supply ice or filtered water. Also make sure that the electric and/or gas hookups in your kitchen are up to current fire and building codes, and will accommodate your new appliance. If you’re installing a new hood above a stove, new ductwork might be required. Also, check your access to natural gas. Your choice of range, cooktop, or oven might be limited by your access to natural gas, and the power supply available to your home.
Don’t Forget Design: Appliances complement, or even determine, the look of your kitchen. Should the color you choose match or complement the color of your cabinetry? Will you enjoy the sleek, professional appearance of stainless steel, the modern look of black, which can be a strong accent to other colors, or the classic appearance of white appliances? Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you decide by showing you examples of kitchen designs in our showrooms. Buying a suite of appliances all at once will help you create a cohesive design, but if you have to replace just one appliance, we can help you find one that will fit into your current kitchen.
At Atherton Appliance & Kitchens and
BSC Culinary, our appliance consultants are experienced professionals. They receive regular training from our brand manufacturers on the latest appliances, designs, and cutting-edge trends. Our goal is to supply you with the latest information and the best possible options, whether you are replacing one appliance or planning a full kitchen renovation.
We look forward to hosting you in one of our showrooms very soon!
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