Kitchen Appliance Consumer Information
For many families, the kitchen is the hub of the home, getting the most traffic and use. Kitchen appliances help families prepare and store food and perform cleaning tasks. When choosing kitchen appliances, taking into consideration how your family uses the kitchen will help you maximize the large amount of money you spend on these products. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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Refrigerators with come with top mount of bottom mount freezers or side-by-side models. Cooking appliances, such as cook tops, ovens and ranges come in gas and electric models and may feature commercial grade burners and ventilation. These items and dishwashers and trash compactors come in modular models that neat slack under kitchen counters as a drawer. Small kitchen appliances make the kitchen work easier, and include blenders, food processors, mixers, toasters, can openers and code makers. Appliances come in a variety of colors and finished that fit in with any kitchen design.
Price Ranges
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As of July 2010, conventional ovens average around $850 dollars. Microwave ovens cost between $100 and $500. Combination microwave ovens cost about $1,500. Convection ovens cost about $1,300. Top-mount refrigerators range in cost from $300 to $2,000. Gas and electric cook tops run anywhere from $200 to $2,000. Bottom freezer fridges cost from $600 to $5,800 and side-by-side units cost $800 to $3,800. Prices rise for built-in custom to fit your kitchen or stainless steel models.
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Energy Efficiency
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The refrigerator is highest energy consumer of all kitchen appliances. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends looking for the Energy Star label when purchasing a refrigerator. Keep in mind the top freezer models is more energy efficient that the side-by-side. When purchasing a gas range, choosing one with an electric ignition saves gas. Purchase a toaster oven for small meals. It saves energy because it uses from one third to half as much energy as a full-size oven.
Selection
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Large kitchen appliances are a big purchase. Choose the model that fits your needs. The best gas ovens have inner and outer flames for controlled cooking. Electric models are less expensive, but are less precise. If you are always cooking in a hurry, splurge on a convection oven, which performs like an oven with the speed of a microwave. The bottom freezer is more convenient for families who are in and out of the fridge a lot. When choosing a dishwasher, look for models with stainless steel interiors and quiet motors, to lessen noise.
Trends
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One rising trend is the outdoor kitchen. Beside large grills different cooking surfaces, you can find warming drawers, rotisseries, sinks, wine cooler and freezer designed especially for an outdoor kitchen. Extras include pizza ovens, beer taps, wine chillers and ice makers. Outdoor kitchen appliances come in enough variety to rival the most gourmet indoor kitchen. Grilling expert Chuck Castro says that you can pay anywhere from $3,000 to $100,000 for an outdoor kitchen.
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References
- Photo Credit detail of classical cooking stove image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
