Appliances
Appliances come in a variety of models and brands, so what are the differences, and how do you know which is the best to get? Basically there are some rules of thumb you can consider when shopping for appliances. One is the better known the brand, the better your chance is of getting something good. Also, if it needs repair you have an easier time getting parts etc, if the brand is popular.
Another rule of thumb is, compare features, not price, basically because many times features are what determine price.
Models of major kitchen appliances tend to differ from each other based on three things:
Whether they have a professional or standard capacity
Whether they are built-in, paneled, or freestanding
Their individual features
So, let's talk about these three things. Professional or standard capacity is not a difficult concept. Professional style means the appliance looks like and has a capacity similar to the commercial one used in your favorite restaurant's kitchen. In other words, they could be used in a restaurant, or a home. You probably won't be looking at true commercial units, as they aren't rated for residential use because of their special ventilation needs, excessive heat, massive size, and other safety concerns. However, you may be looking at the pro-style appliances; these offer the advantages of restaurant-grade, including greater durability, more precise temperature control, and a stainless steel finish. People who cook a lot at home or have large families might want to spring for the professional-style equipment. Some everyday cooks also like it for stylistic reasons.
Stainless steel is not an indication of professional capacity. In fact, many standard capacity appliances come with the same stainless steel style, just have different, more standard, features.
The next thing to consider is where you want the appliances. Before you buy new appliances, you'll also need to decide if you want to have them built into your cabinets, or free standing. This does not mean you can't have a space built for them, it means that if you have a built-in refrigerator, for example, you won't be able tell at first glance that it's in the room. Its doors will look just like those of your cabinets and it will lie flush with the cabinets rather than sticking out. You can buy special appliances with this feature, or you can get a similar look for less money by having your appliances paneled in the same style as your cabinets.
The last thing is the individual features offered, and what features you want. You can make a standard appliance seem like a dream come true by simply making it more accessible. For example, a basic dishwasher could be raised so you don't have to bend down to load and unload it, with that feature the extra cycles and options will seem less important.
So, the brand is not the biggest thing, but it is nice to get a brand name that is known for quality. If you are not sure about the appliance, you can always buy extended warranties, or ask a knowledgeable sales person for advice, then the rest is your personal preference, do you want an ice maker? Do you like the rinse only cycle? What features matter most, and which are you just paying extra for because you don't know any different?
