Charter One Realty Blog

When it comes to choosing the best appliances for your home, there are many factors to consider. Perhaps the first factor is budget, and from there you get to have fun figuring out your style. Depending on your needs, functionality is a big factor too! From brand names to warranty options, color, and even size, there is so much to consider. And trust us, the options are seemingly endless. 

So how do you pick the best appliances for your remodel or new build? Upgrading your appliances should be exciting and we want to help you keep the process fun and inspiring, not overwhelming. Here are a few tips on how to get started without the stress.

The Best Appliances on a Budget

Nowadays there are so many quality options on the market when it comes to appliances. If you are seeking budget-friendly options that still work like a charm and look gorgeous, look for brands like Kitchen Aid, Bosch, Samsung, and GE to name a few. These brands are considered “affordable luxury” and offer a range of options at different price points. When shopping, understand your budget limitations and look for the features you desire rather than focusing on any one brand.

If your budget allows for top of the line, it’s hard to go wrong with brands like Miele, Sub Zero, Wolf, and Viking for example. We recommend working with an expert to help you choose the ideal models and functions for you. Take advantage of their knowledge and make sure the extra money you are spending is worth it. 

Outfitting your home with brand new appliances (kitchen and laundry) can start as low as $5k if you shop savvy and stick to the affordable brands. It’s just as easy to spend $25k if you splurge on luxury brands and add-on features. 

Measuring for the Perfect Fit

Once your budget is determined, the next thing we recommend doing when shopping for the best appliances is getting your measurements. Measuring your existing model and the space in which it will live is crucial! Be sure to record the height, width, and depth as well as the range of the door motion, if applicable. This holds especially true for “built-in” appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, etc. 

Think you have everything measured perfectly? We recommend measuring the space again to make sure everything is correct. You wouldn’t be the first person to order appliances a bit too wide or tall for their space, so don’t let that happen to you.

Photo: Best Buy

While the tape measure is out, measure the doorways the appliance needs to travel through so you can ensure an easy journey upon its arrival. The last thing you want is to bring your brand new appliances fresh off the delivery truck with no way of getting to your kitchen or laundry room. After determining your budget, the most important factor in finding the best appliances is to know your dimensions. 

Shop & Research Online First

Even if you prefer making big purchases in person, it’s a good idea to start your research on the best appliances for your home online. Consider why you’re replacing it and the improvements you want in the new item.

Prioritize Your Appliance Wishes

You can have a solid understanding of what you want with a few questions: 

1. Why are you replacing (or adding) this appliance? 

2. What do you wish you could change about the original model? 

3. What problems have you had with similar appliances in the past?

4. List your “must-have” features: (style, function, brand, etc.)

Your answers can help you stay on track when you begin your research shopping and researching. Once you have the answers, look at the measurements and start shopping with the original appliance brand and filter out similar options from different brands (if you’re unsure of what to choose) to review items in that size.

Photo: Samsung

Before you head to the store, jot these questions and your answers on a note or in your phone and use it as your guide before placing the order. 

Remember, a salesperson’s job is to upsell the order. It’s your job to get the appliances you want and need, not what the salesperson thinks you should have! Listen and learn from their expertise, but shop smart by making sure you know the gist of what you’re looking for and the budget you wish to maintain.

Photo: Remodelista.com

Bonus: Check with Your Home Warranty

Several home warranty policies include discounts for ordering appliances. Even if the special rate is only a few percent less, every little bit of savings helps. Once you decide on the item you wish to order, record the information and reach out to your home warranty company to place the order. 

Conclusion

Remember, the best appliances in your home are the ones that function properly on a regular basis, make your life easier and more enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind when shopping: 

1. Measure the space and/or the existing appliance.

2. Start shopping and researching online and check with the same brand of the original appliance if you are unsure of where to start. 

3. Contact your home warranty company to order the new appliances at a special rate. 

What do you think of our round-up in choosing the best appliances for your home? What appliances are you looking to replace?

Share with us in the comments below!