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by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers
There’s so much to consider when you design a kitchen, not the least of which is what appliances you’ll install. You will see and use these appliances daily, so make sure you love what you choose! The perfect kitchen suite should serve your family’s practical needs and look great at the same time—here are some of the latest appliances designed with the modern family in mind!
Multi-Functional Microwaves
It's no secret that the microwave does the lion’s share of the cooking in most households. Between the ease, speed, efficiency, and intuitive controls that even kids can use, the microwave stands out as the heart of the kitchen for many. If this is true for you, you will love the expanded functions today’s newest models have to offer.
A microwave can do so much more than reheat leftovers, prepare frozen meals, and make popcorn for movie nights. If you’re a fan of baking, look for a convection mode. Perhaps you like crispy things? Try air frying. Both of these settings circulate hot air for even results, and they’re faster than heating goods in a conventional oven. But that’s not all—you can even toast effectively now. And despite all these updated functions, you’ll still have all the regular microwave selections you’ve relied on over the years. Say goodbye to multiple countertop appliances that clutter your space, because the microwave can handle almost everything!
Safe & Efficient Induction Cooking
You used to have to choose between electric and gas for cooktop heating, but now there’s another option—induction. This incredibly efficient method uses an electromagnetic field to heat up your pans, so you don’t lose energy to the surrounding air. You can adjust the strength for precise cooking results like gas, but there’s no open flame or hot surface to worry about. In fact, because induction heats your cookware, the stovetop remains cool to the touch no matter the setting!
Induction was first introduced to the residential market as a luxury product and only available in a standalone cooktop format. Due to popular demand, now you can enjoy induction cooking at a range of levels—cooktops large and small as well as ranges of various sizes, too. No matter the space you have to work with, you can find a great fit for your kitchen.
Versatile Ovens to Tackle Many Tasks
An oven is not just a box of hot air—if it were, we wouldn’t have different cooking techniques like baking and broiling. These days, you’ll see even more options, like convection and air frying. We mentioned these cooking methods for microwaves above, but they actually originated in ovens. So, if you need to prepare full meals for a family, invest in the larger capacity of an oven that suits your needs. Single and double wall ovens, as well as single- and double-oven ranges, all go beyond the basics now.
Today’s ovens come with a lot of features and modes that may seem foreign at first, but rest assured that they’re settings—you can decide if you want to use convection or turn it off to follow an old recipe developed for a conventional oven. The settings are designed to optimize cooking for all sorts of dishes, though, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll likely find that you enjoy making more meals when they all come out perfectly!
Hidden Built-In Looks
Don’t want a traditional metallic or colored finish? No problem! You can outfit your fridge and dishwasher to blend in with your cabinetry. Some smaller appliances, like undercounter freezers and beverage centers, also give you this option. Many homeowners prefer the simpler, cohesive look, and that it allows them to choose appliances based wholly on the functionality they provide. Cooking appliances can’t be paneled, but you’ll find plenty of sleek models that sit flush with cabinetry. Carefully consider your finishing options from color to hardware to complete your design scheme to perfection.
If you’d like to build an amazing kitchen appliance suite, explore the options available from KitchenAid®! They develop wonderful refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, microwaves, and more with adaptable, streamlined style that will fit into kitchens of all shapes, sizes, and aesthetics. You’ll find all the basics covered as well as innovative features that will change the way you see cooking, storage and cleanup—make sure to reach out for assistance if you need any help choosing the best appliances for your needs!