What to look for in kitchen appliances?

PurplePandamania

We're embarking on a kitchen remodel project, and tonight we're doing a preliminary look at appliances. What's hot in the world of appliances? What kind of features should we be looking for? We'll be getting a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, oven, and vent hood. TIA!

MommyLiberty5013

I ditto all of that. If you have a gas range, be sure the cooking grates are raised up enough above the edge of the stovetop.

We have a gas range that was put in by the previous owners and the largest burner space does not have enough space between the cooking grate and the edge. The heat from my large saucepans has caused the paint to chip and crack along the grate's edge. It does not affect the cooking ability, just not nice to look at.

I am not a fan of stainless. It smudges so easily. Not ideal for homes with kids or dogs (noses). While every surface gets dirty and needs wiping, stainless seems to really accentuate smears and dirt.

LOVE MY DOUBLE OVEN!!!

PurplePandamania

Thanks ladies! I've had kind of a crash course in appliances over the last few days, and I think we've made some final decisions. My favorite piece is the slide-in range, which we decided to go with instead of a separate cooktop and oven. It's a Samsung model that has a removable divider so you can use it as a single oven or a double oven with separate controls! Some things I've learned:

• Dishwasher: You want a stainless interior and something that's not too noisy. Most other bells and whistles are unnecessary, as long as the layout of the racks meets your needs
• Range: Look for a layout of burners that includes large or expandable ones. Inuction cooking is neat, but not really cost effective right now. On most ranges with double ovens, only one of the ovens has a convection fan, and the door to the lower oven is pretty much on the floor. The slide-out racks on casters are nice.
• Vent Hood: Main thing you're looking for is number of CFMs and something that's quiet.
• Refrigerator: Almost everything on the market right now is French doors with a bottom freezer. Samsung and LG currently have the most nice little features and organizational tools. IMO, the real important thing to look for is features in the freezer drawer, because you want to utilize as much space as possible, and you don't want to end up with a pit you throw all your frozen food into.