A Guide to Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Kim Ray

Kitchen appliances are one of the largest household expenses, and since most will last for a number of years before requiring replacement, it's important to buy the right kitchen appliances to meet the needs of your family and the style of your kitchen. Finding the right combination is the key to equipping your kitchen with the best choices for your hard-earned money.

Walk into any kitchen appliance store and you'll find aisles of appliances. The choices are mind-boggling. Prices vary according to brand names, and also according to features. It's difficult for a homeowner to know which kitchen appliances are the best overall value. The following buying guide will help you determine your needs and empower you to make the best selections for your home and family.

Requirements

Before heading to the appliance store, consider your needs and requirements. If you're in the market for a new stove and your old stovetop doesn't have the required burners for efficient cooking, consider a six-burner model instead of the standard four. If your old dishwasher doesn't have the room you require to wash dishes accumulated throughout the day, consider a three-rack dishwasher instead of two standard racks.

You'll be much more satisfied with your purchase if it meets your needs better than the item you're replacing. Reflect on what you need before you consider what you want in an effort to make the wisest selection. Spend a little extra to get the kitchen appliance that will best serve your requirements. A new appliance won't seem so wonderful if it isn't ample.

Appliance Sizes

Appliances are available in a number of sizes to meet requirements for various kitchen sizes, styles, and preferences. Don't make a final decision on kitchen appliances before measuring available space. For example, you wouldn't want to find out the refrigerator you chose is too tall to fit beneath cabinetry, or the stove is too wide to fit the designated opening.

Take the time to properly measure openings for new appliances, and measure old appliances for reference. Take detailed notes along on your quest and you'll have an easier time choosing appliances to fit your available space. There won't be any unpleasant surprises when you're ready for installation.

Cost

The cost of new kitchen appliances varies as much as the available sizes and styles. Don't try to save money by purchasing the cheapest model you can find. Cheaper models are often made from weaker materials and operate using smaller motors. More than likely, a cheaper model won't last as long as more expensive top-brand varieties.

The phrase "you get what you pay for" definitely applies to kitchen appliances. Don't skimp on value just to save a little money. Spending a little extra will likely pay off in the long run.

Last but not least, when comparing prices, ask if installation or delivery is included. The store with the lowest price might not really be the lowest if the other includes delivery or installation. Compare all costs before deciding which store offers the best overall value for the same item.

Options and Features

If it's been awhile since you've shopped for new kitchen appliances, the latest and greatest options and features will amaze you. Generally, the more options and features included, the more you'll pay, so why pay for features and options you aren't likely to use?

While shopping for appliances, take all options and special features into consideration. Ask yourself if it's something you want and something you need. Many times, you can cut corners and save money without lowering quality standards.

Warranties

When companies began offering extra warranties for kitchen appliances, many people wondered if quality was waning. Would the item require repair shortly after the manufacturer warranty expired? If this were truly the case, warranty companies wouldn't stay in business.

Use your own judgment when deciding whether or not to buy an extra warranty. If your kitchen appliances receive a lot of hard use, the extra warranty is probably a good idea. A warranty will provide peace of mind should something go wrong.

Financing

If you don't want to shell out a large amount of cash all at once for a new kitchen appliance, financing could be the answer. Some credit companies offer 90 days same as cash for items valued over a set amount. If the item is paid before the 90 days, no interest is accrued. Once the 90 days has elapsed, interest will be calculated for the 90 days prior and beyond. Consider the interest rate if there's a chance you won’t be able to pay the balance within the allotted time.

Keep these possibilities in mind if you are considering financing when buying new kitchen appliances. Ninety days same as cash offers are tempting, but they aren't necessarily the way to go. Always read the fine print before signing up for special financing. An item on sale won't be such a fantastic value if you end up paying extra on a high interest rate.

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