At Kitchen Shack we specialise in designing affordable, stylish kitchens. An integral part of creating a space that you love is choosing the right kitchen appliances to fit your lifestyle and complement your design.
Here’s a breakdown of key appliances and considerations to help make your kitchen both functional, beautiful and efficient.
Understanding the Kitchen Triangle
A well designed kitchen has three main work areas: the sink, cooktop and fridge – forming the “Kitchen Triangle’. This layout provides a smoother workflow allowing you to move efficiently between prepping, cooking and storing. Whether you have a U-shaped, L-shaped, G-shaped or a straight line kitchen, placing these work zones in a triangle can help make cooking easier. In larger kitchens, a secondary triangle can also be useful to manage traffic flow.
Whilst this kitchen triangle is used as a guide in the design process, every kitchen is different and may require a different layout. The types of appliances that are selected and utilised, will vary from kitchen to kitchen and will reflect your needs and those living in your home who use the kitchen daily. There are many considerations that our Kitchen Shack designers take into account when designing your appliance areas.
Key Appliances and How to Choose
1. Sinks
Your sink size and location impact both convenience and workflow. Families who prepare lots of fresh food often prefer larger sinks, whereas smaller families may find a single bowl sufficient.
If you have an island bench, placement of the sink can help reduce unnecessary movement and create a central prep area. Choosing between single and double bowl sinks and deciding on top mount or under mount installations will depend on aesthetic and cleaning preferences.
2. Fridges
Your fridge is something that is used every day. The size depends on the household’s needs. Larger families or those who cook often benefit from larger fridges, while smaller households prefer compact models. Consider the fridge to freezer ratio, which will be influenced by the number living in your home. It’s likely a family of six or more will require a larger fridge than say an individual who eats out often. High Energy Ratings are essential for lowering electricity costs, making an energy efficient model a wise choice.
3. Cooktops
Cooktop options include gas, electric or Induction. Gas is ideal for those who prefer high temperature cooking. Note: according to the Victorian Government, gas is being phased out in Victoria.
Induction cooktops are highly efficient, using magnetic fields to quickly heat compatible pots and pans. They’re safer for families with young children since the surface cools once cookware is removed. Electric cooktops include ceramic and induction and offer sleek, easy to clean designs.
4. Ovens
Your oven choice depends on cooking habits and kitchen size. Electric ovens are popular and easy to install, with options for features like self cleaning. Team ovens are great for health conscious cooks as they preserve nutrients in food.
Gas ovens offer precise temperature control and can be cost effective. For those who enjoy entertaining, double ovens can be handy. For those with young children or elderly, a wall oven is ideal because it’s out of reach and reduces back strain for frequent chefs. Because ovens are a large contributor to your overall power costs, it’s wise to choose an oven that has a high energy rating.
5. Rangehoods
Rangehoods remove smoke and odours, keeping your kitchen fresh. You can choose from retractable, fixed or integrated designs. Some prefer visible, stylish canopy rangehood as a feature, while others opt for discreet under cabinet options to let the cabinetry be the hero. Rangehoods usually come in 60cm an 90cm matching standard cooktop widths.
Learn more about rangehoods pros and cons.
6. Dishwashers
For seamless kitchen designs, fully or semi integrated dishwashers blend into the kitchen cabinetry, adding a modern feel. Under bench dishwashers maximise benchtop space, making them ideal for small kitchens. Freestanding dishwashers are versatile, can be moved if needed and more cost effective. Whether you need a quiet model for open plan spaces or a more budget friendly free standing optionm remember to check the energy rating.
7. Microwaves
Microwaves are essential for busy lifestyles, offering quick reheating, cooking and defrosting options. They come in various types with choices of countertop, built in, convection m conventional, over-the-range, grill and inverter microwaves.
Conventional microwaves combine oven and microwave functions and can be both counter top or built in, they are the most common choice. Over-the-range microwaves are installed above the cooking range and have built-in ventilation to help eliminate odours. Grill microwaves have radiant heating on top, used for grilling and roasting. Inverter microwaves use a seamless stream of cooking power and use power more efficiently than traditional conventional microwaves. Because of this they are extremely energy efficient.
Creating a cohesive space
Selecting appliances that match your cooking style and kitchen layout is key in your kitchen design. Our experienced Kitchen Shack Designers can help you choose sizing and placement of all your appliances to achieve optimal flow and make sure they fit seamlessly into your overall design. This approach ensures your kitchen will suit your lifestyle whilst being functional for your stunning new kitchen space. Book your free in-store kitchen design so you can choose the best appliances for your needs.
