Planning a kitchen reno? Don’t discount built-in appliances—(you know, the sleek ovens and fridges you’ve spent hours drooling over on Houzz)—because you assume they’re out of your price range. Seamlessly integrated alongside kitchen cabinetry, the new generation of refrigerators, wall ovens, cooktops and even microwaves, add value to your home—and can be surprisingly affordable.
Five reasons built-ins have a place in every dream kitchen
The Look. Designed to flow with your kitchen’s aesthetic, often with customized door panels to match cabinetry, built-in appliances offer a sleek and modern look. And because they are flush with cabinets, installing them can actually increase your available square footage!
Ergonomics. The ability to dictate the height of an appliance, such as a built-in wall oven, is one of the selling points of going this route, especially for clients concerned with back issues which can be aggravated from bending down to open a freestanding oven door, says Andrew Adam, Product Expert from our Trail Langley Showroom. Height variability is also a benefit for parents who want to keep the door out of their children’s reach, for safety reasons.
The Price. Fact: it is possible to find built-ins that are on par with freestanding, price-wise. Yes, you do have to factor in the cost of installation, but if you’re making a purchase during a kitchen reno (which is when most people buy appliances), then you would be paying that amount even if you chose to go the freestanding route. Brands such as Samsung, KitchenAid, Electrolux and Bosch (just to name a few), all offer built-in appliances at a reasonable price.
Performance and Longevity. Not only do built-in appliances often boast stellar performance features (think to-the-degree temperature accuracy), they are often longer lasting than their freestanding counterparts, meaning you save the cost of repurchasing a freestanding appliance when it breaks down. “The life expectancy of a built-in appliance is 20 years compared to freestanding which is generally seven to 10 years,” says Andrew.
Resale Potential. Appliance longevity and performance translate to increased real estate value, so if you’re looking to boost the marketability of your home, built-ins are an excellent option.
We recommend talking to a Product Expert during your planning stage so they can work with your specifications and cabinetmakers to guarantee your appliances will fit perfectly into your new dream kitchen! Visit us in-store to talk to one of our Product Experts or view our online catalogue.