Deciding when to upgrade kitchen appliances isn’t always a straightforward decision. The majority of us still wait until something completely breaks down to buy a replacement.
That’s the most sensible approach, but what if you’re also planning a kitchen remodel? Would it be an unnecessary expense? Today, we’re talking about outdated kitchen appliances and signs that they should be included in a remodel.
1. When to upgrade kitchen appliances: Your utility bills tell you first
Replacing an appliance is a financial decision, so you have to consider what you’re spending by keeping the old ones.
If any of your appliances are 10+ years old, their energy use is up to 50% higher than that of a new appliance. Refrigerators, which run 24/7, are the best example of this. A new one can run for approximately one-third of the cost of an old one. If you can’t explain why your monthly bill is rising, the old fridge or dishwasher are suspects. Over time, you can recoup the cost of replacing them by reducing energy consumption.
2. Outdated kitchen appliances: Signs they don’t fit your workflow
Ten years ago, you ate dinner for one at the counter after a long commute. Today, you have two kids and work from home. Now, the microwave you once relied upon is in the way of the exhaust. You had to buy a second refrigerator for the garage since the old one is too small to hold everything. This is just one example of how our kitchen appliances don’t evolve with our lives.
In other cases, existing appliances are what is keeping a bad kitchen layout in place. You bump into the island when backing away from the oven, or the sink splashes water onto the range. Whether or not you keep the appliances, the remodel should relocate them.
3. The “one more repair” trap
In some cases, people refuse to accept that an appliance doesn’t work because its reduced post-repair function seems promising. If you’ve had to perform repairs twice in the same year, replace it. If repair totals up to half of the cost of a new one, replace it. Investing in “one more repair” for something that’s on its way out regardless is a common money trap.
Ovens that heat unevenly, take forever to preheat, or hot spots in the refrigerator are just a few signs of cascading failure. Appliance repairs that are both cost-efficient and totally resolve issues for another decade are rare.
4. Kitchen appliance replacement costs include construction
A new refrigerator would mean deeper cabinets. An upgraded range needs a 240V line. A ventilation upgrade means new ducting. Why piecemeal each appliance replacement when you already have a kitchen remodel in the works? You’d be paying for demo and construction twice in the same few years.
Imagine completing your full remodel and keeping the seven-year-old fridge. That’s not too old, and maybe it’s a good one. But if it fails in the next few years, you’re going to struggle to find a replacement that fits into the cabinetry you just bought. Read more about planning a kitchen remodel with appliances in mind.
5. Design continuity disaster: Dated kitchens and property value
If you plan to sell, old appliances aren’t that big of a deal. A lot of data suggests offers may only decrease by a few percent. Plenty of buyers like bringing or selecting their own.
However, this changes when you have your eye on a kitchen remodel. Whether you’re going obviously modern or inconspicuously timeless, appliances 10 or more years old will hurt results. You can’t enjoy seamless quartz, expertly set Zellige tile, or like-a-glove cabinet integration next to a beige coil top.
It sounds purely aesthetic, but the mismatch creates market confusion. Everyone, from appraisers to guests, will question the true value and quality of work.
Customize and complete your project at The Designery
If the mere thought of including appliances in your remodel is what’s giving you a headache, we’re here to help.
The Designery is your all-in-one planning, selection, customization, and installation source. We offer full-suite appliance upgrades for the kitchen, or specific upgrades when it’s all you need. We can apply custom finishes to your existing appliances for a more cohesive design, and integrate cabinets for a better fit than you thought possible.
“The Designery did excellent work from the beginning of planning my new kitchen to installing cabinets and countertops. They coordinated with the plumber and others to keep our project on track. They have been so easy to work with. Our new kitchen is perfect thanks to them!”
Melinda, The Designery client
Contact us for a free design consultation or stop by your local showroom.
