Kitchen Appliances Designed to Do More

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers™

If you are a kitchen aficionado, you know the ins and outs of every one of your appliances. Has anything ever made you think that it could have been done better? Perhaps you wish that an appliance could deliver more bang for your buck, or that there was an answer to your grander-than-average aspirations? Here are some things to look for if you want your kitchen to be a step above others!

Refrigerators That Store More

Even within the same standard size, not all refrigerators are made equal. Certain configurations can create more practical space than others, and some layouts just work better for specific users. For instance, many prefer bottom-freezer models because they make it easier to access fresher foods up top, but others like side-by-side versions because they tend to offer the most cubic footage overall. Not sure where you stand? To get acquainted with the most common fridge options, check out our article, Selecting the Perfect Refrigerator Configuration. But don’t forget to scrutinize each individual model when it comes to comparisons!

It can be difficult to find very large refrigerators for residential use due to a lack in demand, because the fridge uses a lot of power to stay cold and that turns off consumers. Some families opt for extra fridges—they may put another in the kitchen, pantry, or garage to serve as an overflow backup. For most of us, though, a standard fridge is more than spacious enough; homeowners just need to use that space more efficiently. Look for a refrigerator with adjustable components you can move to fit your groceries better. You’d be surprised by how much space opens up when smaller items don’t get cluttered—it’s not just about the big ones! Having plenty of drawers and/or pull-out shelves will make it easier to keep organized, too. Also, remember to take other features into consideration, like whether you need built-in ice and/or water. These will reduce the usable space inside, so be aware of that as you explore the options.

Ranges, Cooktops, & Wall Ovens That Handle More

Those who cook up a storm often find themselves short on space to tackle multiple dishes at the same time. Whether the issue lies with the cooktop, oven, or both, there are a number of ways to address it. It’s not uncommon for larger families to invest in a range and a wall oven or two. If simply spreading tasks out across the room would help—if you like to cook as a team or just want to be able to prepare ingredients and place finished dishes near where they bake/cook—a better layout could be the answer. For more on that, read Finding the Perfect Appliance Arrangement. It makes a bigger difference than you might think.

Take stock of how you cook to determine what you need in terms of burners and ovens. Do you run out of spots to place pots on the heat? Do you have to bake at different temperatures simultaneously? Ranges and cooktops usually offer between four and six burners depending on the width, but some professional models take it up a notch with non-burner cooking surfaces. If you’re the type to make big traditional breakfasts, that griddle might be the solution you didn’t know existed! When it comes to baking and broiling, you can actually find double-oven ranges in all sizes; the typical residential range stacks one on top of the other while wider ranges place them side by side. Then there are wall ovens, which can be placed however you like. Whatever draws you, make a wish list—do you want special cooking features like simmer and convection settings? Today’s models give you a lot more to consider than those of the past.

Dishwashers That Clean More

Few people enjoy cleaning up after every meal, so it’s important to find a dishwasher that can take the sting out of this chore. The easiest way to do that? Being able to clean more items per load! It might not seem like it could have such a big impact given its size, but a third rack significantly increases the amount of usable space in a dishwasher. And as this feature has gotten more popular, the rack has evolved to handle more kinds of dishes. Some are just simple trays where you can spread out utensils, and others can even be trusted with delicate stemware. If you have any other particular concerns when it comes to dishes, be sure to look into specialized cleaning features—they can even address tricky items that you never would have put into a dishwasher before.

Whatever sort of appliances you need to complete your dream kitchen, check out what Whirlpool®, KitchenAid®, and JennAir® have in their catalogs! You’ll find everything from the basics to luxurious models with these brands, and all sorts of intelligent features that’ll help you get more out of them. They also offer a wide range when it comes to aesthetics, so rest assured your new appliances will add to your interior design!