Products and Appliances

In the Products and Appliances Phase, we will cover kitchen products and appliances. See our Products section for specific information and tips on cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing, lighting, windows and doors, and steam radiator covers. See our Appliances section for specific information and tips on cooking, ventilation, dishwashers, refrigeration, trash compactors, vacuums, washers and dryers, and outdoor appliances.

We also have information on energy efficiency, green products, smart appliances, and repairing and refinishing old products and appliances. In both sections you will find our What's New section for items with new features and/or technology.

At this point in the process, you are beginning to research the products and appliances for your new kitchen. You will order them later after your kitchen floor plan has been finalized (in the Planning Phase). Learning which products and appliances best suit your needs can be an overwhelming and time consuming task. You may be investing 3-6 months (or more) of your time in order to sufficiently research and analyze the products and appliances.

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), "Americans can expect to spend approximately 50% of their new kitchen budget on cabinets, 13% on countertops, 8% on appliances, 3% on fixtures (sinks, faucets, etc.), and 2% on flooring." The remaining 24% is spent on planning, design, and construction costs. These figures may fluctuate slightly according to your cooking needs, but on the whole hold true for the average U.S. market. Whether you are purchasing a large or small number of products and appliances, quality and service are always paramount. If you have a question about a company or product, you may want to contact your local or national Better Business Bureau.

Keep your eyes open for certain products or vignettes (floor sample display) from cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, appliance showrooms, and/or Home Centers. They may offer specials on display, scratch and dent, and outdated models. Also watch for local sales and rebates as well as nationally advertised sales. Check manufacturers' web sites for current rebate offers.

Before you begin this process, check out our Personal Project Organizer, which includes a separate section for Products and Appliances along with 8 (blank) separators for you to label as you wish. The Organizer and Tote will help you coordinate all of the incoming information and brochures to make the whole process easier and more coordinated. In other words, the "you know what" is going to hit the fan and it will be all over your house--unless you stay organized. Link to (Personal Project Organizer and Tote) to view and order.