How to Choose Home Appliances - Part 1

There is A LOT to cover in the appliance department, so I am breaking this up into a few different posts. So, where do you start? I suggest clients start by choosing a fridge. This is a really personal choice, and you need to feel it, and see it in person.

First things first, ALWAYS choose “Counter Depth” that should be a no brainier. Otherwise it will stick far out into your kitchen.

Price wise, there is a huge jump when you go from a 36” to a 42”, 48” or beyond. So if budget is a factor, keep that in mind. Try not to get too hung up on the cu/ft because a good design and layout is far more adventageous than a cu. ft number.

I personally love a French Door (2 door fridge on top and a freezer drawer on bottom) because when the two doors open on top you have a wide open space for platters and have full access. This French Door Freestanding Refrigerator is one of my favorites.

I typically don’t prefer a side by side, unless you go big such as a 48" ( 30” fridge and an 18” freezer”). I love this one from my Sitio Abeto Project.

Photography by Public 311 Design

A new appliance that I recently discovered and used in my Sitio Granado Project was this 4 door French Door ( 2 door fridge on top, with 2 door freezer on bottom). Not only does it look amazing, but it has individual freezer drawers on bottom.

Photography by Public 311 Design

Designer Tips:

  • Forgo the water maker/ice dispenser on the front door of fridge, they most always end up leaking and they just look messy.

  • If you can, panel it! It always makes everything look more custom (ask your appliance sales rep if it can come panel ready, and then your cabinetry company will make panels to fit and be installed on site).

Michelle D