Finding the best kitchen appliances for your home

Most apartment kitchens already come with stoves and refrigerators included. However, if you need a new stove, microwave, or refrigerator, there are many types of appliances that are good buys—you just need to know what brand, size, and type, etc. What do you need. Here are some ideas to get you started if you’re looking for new stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, or other kitchen appliances:

* Refrigerators:

Refrigerators are essential appliances in the kitchen

§ The most popular and convenient refrigerators are side by side, rather than the actual part of the refrigerator being on the bottom and the freezer on top or vice versa.

§ The water and ice dispensers on the outside of the door are a very nice touch that make water and, if desired, ice water easily accessible.

§ There are even refrigerators, like those designed by GE, that are shallower than traditional refrigerator models, making it much easier to find and reach things stored in the back of the refrigerator. As you probably know, food can go bad a long time ago, usually because you never see it when you’re looking for something to eat.

And, of course, there are much smaller refrigerators that aren’t so much kitchen appliances as conveniences for the office, dorm room, or RV, etc. These items are very useful in many ways and are specially designed for the purposes just mentioned. Virtually all kitchen appliance manufacturers offer these items.

The dishwasher:

Most dishwashers come with easy-to-use control buttons or dials on the front. Dishwashers in general are fairly affordable appliances, but sometimes you’ll want to do some research on the reliability of such kitchen appliances before purchasing your dishwasher.

Dishwashers are typically at least 34″ high and will fit perfectly under a standard 36″ high counter. Unfortunately, standard kitchen appliances don’t work for everyone.

For example:

Some people are very tall and have trouble bending over. In these cases, the person should try to install a taller dishwasher (and will often have taller counters as well). This approach will make your experience in your kitchens much less painful, and such retrofits for kitchen appliance installation are sometimes even doctor recommended.

For another example:

People who use wheelchairs often find it easier and more accessible to have a kitchen counter that has space underneath so they can roll their wheelchair up to the counter like a chair. Therefore, the size of the dishwasher you choose to purchase will need to be carefully considered.

The stove:

Of all kitchen appliances, the stove is one of the most important. There are many kitchen appliance manufacturers today designing burners and ovens, especially with different types of accessibility in mind.

§ Knobs:

Sometimes there are control knobs or buttons on the front of the range. This way, the user will never have to run their hand over a hot burner while cooking.

§ Glass ceramic units:

Another great type of stove is the type of stove or burners with flat surfaces. These kitchen appliances allow you to easily slide pots and pans from one area to another and are incredibly easy to clean up afterwards.

Ovens:

The way the oven door opens is also very important.

§ Many ovens have a door that pulls down. This type of door will provide a very convenient transitional shelf.

§ On the other hand, some consumers prefer a door that opens to the left or to the right. This may seem like it allows you better access to the oven racks inside.

*Microwave:

Microwaves are safer kitchen appliances and much less expensive than other kitchen appliances. They are easier to operate than conventional ovens, especially since you set the cooking time and the microwave turns off immediately. This is a great feature for the forgetful cook. Sure you can set a timer for your oven, but the oven stays hot and if you don’t hear the chime, your dinner may burn and you may even have to set off your smoke alarm. But with a microwave oven, the item you’ve heated will just sit there, waiting for you to remember it.

§ Look for features like a microwave oven with a door release mechanism that can simply be closed.

§ Many microwaves have buttons to program the operation you need, such as cooking popcorn, reheating soup or drinks, defrosting frozen leftovers, etc. These pads are great, unless you have vision problems. Or you can, of course, set your own time and heat levels using the number and cooking level pads.

§ Some microwaves have a timer instead of a touch panel.

* Small comforts:

Other types of kitchen appliances are not necessary, but they are great accessories and can be incredibly useful in the kitchen. Without some of these smaller, less essential kitchen appliances, there are some things you won’t be able to do.

§ Garbage disposals in the sink:

It’s easy to become dependent on in-sink water dispensers. Once you get used to not having to scrape the remains of your food onto your plates and toss them in the bin, it becomes customary to carry your dishes directly to the kitchen sink. If you do this without an in-sink waste dispenser, your drain will clog, and quickly.

In-sink garbage disposals are specially designed for easy disposal of food waste. And they’ll help your trash cans smell better for longer, from the lack of rotten food buildup inside.

§ Instant hot water dispensers:

Instant hot water dispensers can be a great convenience for those who need quick access to things like coffee or soup. However, it only takes another minute or two to heat the water in the microwave. Accessories like instant hot water dispensers are a stylish touch to add to your kitchen for added convenience.

There are many kitchen appliances to choose from that I have not mentioned here. Popular, smaller items like blenders, coffee makers, espresso machines, mixers, egg timers, and more are great items to have, though not essentials. Whatever kitchen appliances you choose to purchase for your kitchen, make sure they are in good condition and durable for your comfort.