Appliance Shopping Tips + A Fresh Look at Sub-Zero Refrigeration

Choosing the right appliances for your kitchen remodel goes hand-in-hand with choosing the right cabinets—big ticket items you expect to last, and which are difficult (if not impossible) to return or exchange. This week we are taking a look at strategies homeowners can use to help navigate the process of appliance shopping, as well as some features our favorite brand—Sub-Zero—offers customers to help them choose the right refrigeration solutions for their kitchen.

Brand Knowledge

Do some homework up front and read about the leading appliance manufacturers. Check out their websites, read customer reviews, and ask your friends and family about their experiences with their own appliances. Visit a showroom to speak with knowledgeable representatives from each brand, but resist the urge to make an impulse purchase; be patient and do all the research before you commit.

One way Sub-Zero is making more brand knowledge available to customers is through their Installation Video library. Homeowners can view every step of the process from site preparation through the final checklist.

Evaluate Your Habits

Think about how you use your kitchen, and then consider how that will inform your needs. Do you need a bigger refrigerator, or do you need a separate wine refrigerator? (Or both!) Do you want built-in refrigeration, or is it time for integrated refrigeration for a more seamless aesthetic? Freezer on top, or freezer on the bottom? Perhaps an under-counter unit for the kids’ snacks and lunches? Let your lifestyle inform your ideas on appliance styles and features.

Check to see if the manufacturer’s website lists product features, and think about them in context of your life. Sub-Zero’s product features includes information on air purification, smart-touch technology, and more to help homeowners evaluate between product lines.

Measured Response

We cannot stress this enough—measure everything. Measure the dimensions of the space where the appliance(s) will live, and measure the spaces through which the appliance will need to fit to be delivered and installed. Also, keep in mind that appliance doors open—think about traffic patterns, and the direction in which a door opens; refrigerator doors can hinge left or right, for example.

If you’re shopping online, companies post appliance specifications for your convenience, but always visit a showroom to get detailed information on specs, features, and installation.

Don’t forget to connect with Cabinets & Designs on Facebook and Twitter, and make sure you sign up for our monthly newsletter. Visit our showroom to learn more about how to choose the right appliances, and start designing your new kitchen for 2015.