Retooling the Heart of Your Home: Kitchen Appliances

“The kitchen is the hub of the house, ”says Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, owner of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath, ltd. “People aren’t just cooking there. They’re learning to create the experiences they would get when they go out. They’re making meals together with friends and sharing new recipes. It’s almost like a science lab—they’re discovering new things and experimenting more with the food they cook.”

And just as a scientist depends on proper laboratory equipment, your home’s designated chef needs functional and energy-efficient appliances to create delicious meals and evoke a pleasant and stylish ambiance. The kitchen’s décor is especially importance since it’s so often the center of social functions.

“A lot of my clients are tired of being closed off. They complain that they feel disconnected when they’re cooking or cleaning, so they want a kitchen open to the family room,” shares Gilmer, who advises her clients to be sure they are happy with the room’s layout before buying new cabinets or appliances.

The National Association of Home Builders has projected Americans will spend $217 billion on remodeling in 2009, much of that on improving kitchens. There’s no better time to upgrade your toolset than now. It’s easy to find promotions, sales and price cuts if you are willing to do the work. Warners’ Stellian’s website allows users to search downloadable rebates for a variety of appliance manufacturers. GE is offering a free stainless steel upgrade through July 6. Select appliances are available in stainless steel for the same price as traditional finishes.

“Homeowners who once might have moved to a larger home are now deciding to stay and remodel, transforming their home into something more satisfying. In light of this trend, GE is focusing on making some of its popular, innovative cooking technologies more accessible to a wider range of homeowners,”
explains Allison Gatta, public relations and advertising Program manager for GE Consumer & Industrial Appliances. GE’s new offerings include an affordably- priced double oven range— perfect for the times you skip the restaurant and cook dinner for family and friends at home, instead. When shopping for new appliances, It sometimes makes sense to “bite the bullet” and splurge for a pricier model, Gilmer suggests, especially if you plan to stay in your home for a long time.

“The product may be more expensive, but it will last 15 years. Just make sure it has a good warranty…it’s important to put money towards appliances, even if you have to just buy a standard cabinet.”

She recommends Liebherr refrigerators, explaining, “They have been importing for the last seven years and specialize in refrigeration.”

When you are replacing your appliances, consider space constraints and functionality. The dishwasher should be near the sink, for example. Energy-efficient choices can also save you money. ENERGY STAR, a joint project created by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, certifies appliances that use 10-15 percent less energy. Switching to ENERGY STAR appliances can save $75 a year. Multiply that by all of the years you plan to stay in your home and keep environmental benefits in mind, and your next new appliance may be attractive, functional and ENERGY STAR-certified.