What to do before installing the appliances in the kitchen?
added 11/26/2007
Make space for installation and choose
the optimum capacity of the appliances
Appliances make working in the kitchen simpler. There are
a variety of appliances that are been used in the kitchen
for cooking, cleaning, defrosting, baking and washing. Before
you actually install these appliances, it makes sense to provide
for the installation space. Appliances should be installed
according to the capacity of the household. This means that
refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, microwave ovens,
ovens, and toaster should be bought according to the number
of people in the house and the number of guests expected to
stay. Refrigerators, washing machines and ovens come in a
variety of sizes. Choose the size that’s optimum for
your household.
Check the warranties carefully
Plan the kitchen around the appliances and utilities, rather
than the other way around. Your appliances should last you
a minimum of 10 years. Buying the latest appliances means
an investment of a couple of thousand bucks. Make sure that
you get the complete manufacturer’s warranties on all
the appliances after you have bought them. All manufacturers
would give you standard warranties. Check to ensure the parts
that are covered and those that aren’t covered under
the warranties. You can also opt for an extended warranty
from a third party for your appliances.
Energy saving measures
Check for the energy saving measures in the appliances. Just
like computer screens, there are various models available
for refrigerators and washing machines that can with Energy
Star® label. This means that the appliances save more
energy than any other comparable appliance that isn’t
Energy Star® compliant. While looking at dishwashers,
washing machines, refrigerators etc., those which are Energy
Star® label compliant would show their typical energy
consumption in a year in Kwhs. The lower the energy rating,
the better it is. There are also many appliances which have
a Kosher setting especially the ovens. If you are interested
in buying kosher compliant appliances, then check the appliance
features before you decide to buy them.
Calculate the electric load and consumption
Calculate the total electric and water consumption in the
kitchen and then ensure that there are enough electrical points
and connection for the appliances. Calculate the electric
load keeping in view the electric consumption. Don’t
forget that there should be power and light connections as
well. It’s better to have some extra connections than
having fewer connections. Your kitchen plan should show all
the connections for the appliances as well as the light fixtures.
The wiring pan should also show the same plan.
Make a note of the appliances that are likely to
be installed.
List the appliances that you are likely to have in your kitchen:
Gas / electric ovens
Dishwashers
Washing machine
Dyers
Refrigerators
Microwave ovens
Hand blenders & Food processors
Grills
Toasters
Clothes Iron
Buying the appliances
The appliances can be bought at any departmental store or
can also be bought of the various sites on the internet. There
may be a price difference in the same model online and in
the stores. You may get some discounts or you could buy the
appliances during the Holiday season. Remember that manufacturers
and retailers offer discounts especially on older models.
Please refer to our Kitchen
Remodeling Firms section to find a great contractor near
you.
back
to kitchen design articles
|
