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Whether you are moving into a new home or updating and organizing your current living space, shopping for kitchen appliances can be a complicated task. There are many brands on the market, with varying models and technological features. Use this guide to take some of the guesswork out of the decision-making process of selecting new appliances. This guide also provides tips to find the best models for your style, needs, and budget. Look to The Uncluttered Life’s Declutter Deck® for tips and tricks about home organization.

The Basics of Kitchen Appliances

Price is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing kitchen appliances. According to Home Guide, a home-project website, a standard package which includes refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave, ranges from between $2,100 and $5,400. Remember, this is the average. But, costs can vary widely based on the type, model and features. While a non-frills, top-freezer refrigerator may cost less than $400, a high-end, glass-front model with a purification system can be in excess of $15,000.

To avoid overspending, set a budget before shopping and do your homework to identify the exact parameters that meet your needs. If you’re buying multiple appliances at once, you may also be able to reduce the total price by bundling them together. Be sure to carefully measure your space beforehand so you know the length, depth, and width you need. And, as far as a cook top or oven goes, you’ll need to decide whether to get a gas, electric, or induction model. If your home doesn’t support gas appliances, you may be able to equip it to do so for an extra cost.

Style

An appliance’s style can significantly impact the way a kitchen looks, so pay attention to color, material, and shape as you shop for new ones. Stainless steel, black, and white are popular and versatile choices. Or, you could opt for a more out-of-the-box color like yellow or blue. For a seamless appearance, consider counter-depth appliances that will not protrude past your cabinetry. Just note that they may cost more than standard-sized ones. Whatever you choose, pick something you know will make you happy for the long term since most major appliances last between eight and fifteen years, on average.

Appliance Features

Of course, style is not the only factor to consider when looking for kitchen appliances. Functionality is equally important. What features you prioritize will depend on your cooking habits. Serious home chefs, for one, may want a range with handy options like a double oven or an air fryer. You may also invest in an industrial-style range hood to efficiently remove smoke, grease, and odors from the air as you cook.

If you often cook for a crowd, consider a dishwasher with a durable stainless-steel tub. Some also offer an extra third rack for silverware and other small items to free up room for more dishes.

As for your refrigerator, its configuration can make a big difference in its capacity. For example, a French-door model will give you extra refrigerator space, whereas a side-by-side can yield extra freezer room. If you’re a big fan of ice cream, for example, you may appreciate a top-freezer so your frozen treats can be readily accessible at eye level.

Energy Efficiency

Kitchen appliances can eat up a lot of energy. Do yourself and Mother Earth a favor by buying energy-efficient models. An easy way to ensure this is by selecting ones with an Energy Star label. This means that the appliance meets strict EPA energy standards. In addition, you can reduce how much energy your refrigerator uses by opting for a top- or bottom-freezer model over a side-by-side or French-door version. The larger doors on the latter two allow more warm air into your fridge, making it work harder to stay cool.

Keep the type of appliance you’d like in mind when selecting ranges and ovens, as well. You can use about 15 percent less power by choosing an induction range over an electric-coil or gas-powered one and 20 percent less by picking a convection oven over a standard one, according to Consumer Reports.

Smart Technology

Today’s appliances don’t just cook, wash or cool, they can also give you access to the internet to assist with everything from prep to cooking to cleanup. For example, some smart fridges will send you an alert when you’re running low on something or when an item is close to expiration. You may even be able to order what you need right from the refrigerator itself. Such appliances may be more expensive, but the convenience they provide may make the extra expense worth it.