Induction vs. Electric Cooktops – How to Make the Most Out of Your Whirlpool Kitchen

Induction vs. Electric Cooktops - How to Make the Most Out of Your Whirlpool Kitchen

Whether you’re trying to cook more, eat healthier, or even go vegan (good luck with that one!) the way we eat and prepare food is almost always part of our hopes for the new year. So when you’re searching for ways to step up your cooking game, make sure you’re getting the most out of your kitchen. The right Whirlpool cooktop can make a world of difference in your new culinary adventure, so make sure you know all the basics, and pick out the perfect one for your needs.

Most people might think of traditional gas burners when they think of getting a new cooktop, but both Whirlpool electric and induction cooktops are gaining popularity in contemporary kitchens, and generating a lot of buzz in the culinary world. But what are the differences, and how can they affect the home cooking you plan to do this year? Before you take the leap into a new Whirlpool cooktop for your new year goals, check out some of the things that set these two appliance types apart to decide which one will help you make the most of your new year.

Induction Cooktops

The Basics

First things first, what is induction? Many people have heard the term swirling around but aren’t sure exactly what it means. Essentially, Whirlpool induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that use magnets to generate heat. We’ll leave the science of it all to the scientists, but what that means for you is that, rather than heating up a burner, which transfers heat to the pan, your induction cooktop heats up the pan directly, allowing for more precise cooking.

Safety

One of the major appeals of Whirlpool induction cooktops is how safe they are. They require an induction compatible pan to start heating, so even if the power is on, your heating elements won’t get hot until the pan is placed on the surface. Conversely, heating stops instantly once the pan is removed from the surface. Though the pan may have transferred some heat onto the cooktop, it quickly dissipates, leaving the cooktop safe to touch in no time.

Efficiency

Efficiency is perhaps the Whirlpool induction cooktop’s best quality. Induction cooktops boil water nearly twice as fast as electric and can achieve the kind of precise temperature control that pro chefs love about gas cooktops. When you can cook food twice as fast, you’ll have no trouble at all sticking to your resolutions to stop eating out so much.

Whirlpool Induction Cooktop Efficiency

Convenience

Though Whirlpool induction cooktops are convenient in how easy they are to clean (the smooth tops are as simple to wipe down as your kitchen counter), they do come with a few inconvenient quirks. Because these cooktops use magnets to function, you will need special, induction compatible cookware. Cast iron works on induction, as does any pot made of ferromagnetic iron, but some of your cookware likely won’t make the cut.

Additionally, because all the parts are built in underneath the cooktop’s surface, induction cooktops can also be difficult to repair. However, with your local appliance store on hand ready with all the replacement parts and repair services you need, repairing a broken induction cooktop doesn’t need to be any harder than a phone call to our store!

Affordability

Proportionate to their benefits, induction cooktops also tend to be more expensive than other types. The technology is still relatively new to the market, and induction is only just getting its big break, so expect prices to stay high for the time being. If you’re sold on induction but hung up on the price tag, however, you can always find the latest models at the lowest prices at our store!

Electric Cooktops

The Basics

Whirlpool Electric cooktops are pretty straightforward: they use electricity to heat up coils, which then cook your food. What’s nice about them is that they have different options you can choose from. Radiant smoothtops and electric coil cooktops both have their pros and cons, but the versatility and simplicity of electric makes it a gem of a choice.

Whirlpool Electric cooktop

Safety

Electric cooktops have some safety benefits over gas cooktops, as they don’t involve open flame or the possibility of gas leaks, but induction cooktops have them beat in this department. Electric cooktops are slow to cool and can remain quite hot even after the coils have stopped glowing. Some more modern cooktops have heat indicators, which stay on for as long as the cooktop remains warm, but most rely on you to keep little ones away from the burners long after the dish is complete.

Efficiency

It’s hard to stand up against Whirlpool induction in the efficiency department, but many electric smoothtops hold their own against gas at least. They are quick to heat and allow for steady simmering. A good electric cooktop won’t let you down when you’re sautéing those veggies, though don’t expect it to keep pace with the heating speed of induction.

Convenience

Smoothtops are as easy to clean as induction – since the whole surface is a single glass pane, you can wipe spills up easily with a cloth or paper towel. Coil cooktops might not be quite so easy to clean, but their convenience lies in the ease of replacing broken parts. A faulty coil can be easily unplugged and inexpensively replaced, unlike induction cooktops, which will require a specialist to fix. Finally, unlike induction, neither electric cooktop type requires special cookware. So feel free to use your favourite pots and pans!

Cooktops are easy to clean

Affordability

Whirlpool Electric cooktops are among the most affordable cooktop you can own. They’re cheap to buy and cheap to operate, making them a great upgrade from your rickety old gas cooktop at a reasonable price. If you’re shopping on a budget, you’re more likely to find a high-quality electric option in your price range than any other cooktop type!

This year, treat yourself to a Whirlpool cooktop that will help you make the most of your kitchen and check off your resolutions list with ease. If you’re still wondering which cooktop will work best for you, stop by our store or give us a call! We’re happy to help you explore your options and get you even closer to all your New Year’s cooking goals.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

5 Bosch Appliance Trends to Look Out for in 2019

5 Bosch Appliance Trends to Look Out for in 2019

New year, new you … new kitchen? As we welcome 2019, we’re looking forward to a whole new year of innovation and style in appliance design. Appliances like Bosch are improving by leaps and bounds every year, so get ahead of the curve in 2019! When you start your appliance shopping this year, keep an eye on these hot trends from Bosch that are sure to take the kitchen by storm.

1. Black Stainless Steel

The reign of plain old stainless is over and black stainless is here to take its place.

Although stainless steel appliances have been a mainstay in Canadian kitchens for the past decade, some appliance shoppers have found the look cold and uninviting, and all that shiny metal that once looked so futuristic is starting to seem dated. Regardless of your feelings on stainless steel, with the passage of time comes the changing of fashion, and now the warm, bold look of black stainless is all the rage. This trend is just starting to pick up steam and will likely continue full force into 2019 and beyond. So, if you’re thinking of updating your kitchen appliances soon, don’t get left behind in the land of plain old stainless steel, and start building your gorgeous Bosch black stainless collection.

2. Reimagined Ovens

The old bottom-hinge oven door is so over. Instead of hunching and reaching and hoping your oven door doesn’t swing shut on your hands, several brands are reimagining the traditional wall oven. Side opening ovens by Bosch are taking centre stage in a major way, and for good reason. Not only are they easier to use — especially for people in wheelchairs or with coordination problems — they also look sleek and gorgeous. As more and more brands are releasing French door ovens designed for home use, we expect this trend to take over the market big time this year.

Bosch Wall Ovne with Side Opening Door

3. Smart Appliances

Leave those old analog appliances in the past! 2019 is the year of smart everything, and that includes your appliances.

Nearly every major appliance brand on the market has at least one smart model available, and we only expect that number to grow. Now, you can control your appliances from across the house with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, or while away from home with your smartphone. Who doesn’t want to get work done around the house more easily? Bosch Home Connected appliances make mealtime, cleanup, and everyday living simple, and now that the smart appliance train has left the station, it’ll be full speed ahead all through 2019.

4. Under-the-Counter Appliances

Home design and appliance design trends are often closely connected, and perhaps the best example of that principle this year is the popularity of under-counter appliances. One of the biggest trends in kitchen design this past year is minimizing – or even eliminating – upper cabinets. As that trend gains popularity, appliances are adapting to match.

Under-counter fridges are becoming a popular choice to complement a regular fridge, and microwaves can often be found built-in beneath an island countertop rather than up above. As a result of this trend, drawer appliances are also having their day in the sun this year – you can get microwaves, refrigerators, and even dishwashers in built-in, drawer form.

5. Column Refrigeration

Column Refrigerator by Bosch

It’s all about custom this year, and column fridge freezers are just another way homeowners are being empowered to have their homes their way. With column refrigeration, you can mix and match your fridge and freezer, add extra fridge space if you need it, and design your cooling appliances to blend seamlessly with the rest of your cabinets. Column fridges also typically come complete with all the latest refrigeration technology, like odour seal, temperature zones, and so much more. The tech – and the designs – will just keep getting better in 2019, so keep an eye on the latest models as they’re released.

Don’t let this year’s trends catch you by surprise! Check back on our blog to keep getting the latest on appliance trends, styles, and tech, as well as expert help for all your Bosch appliance needs. We can help you stay up to date every day of the year – and at unbeatable prices too! So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Smart Kitchen: What’s New in Kitchen Appliances for 2019

Smart Kitchen What’s New in Kitchen Appliances for 2019 (Large)

The 2019 International Consumer Electronics Show, the launching pad for the latest in consumer innovation has come and gone. And holy cow – your kitchen is about to take the world by storm!

To sum it up in one word. Connected. Building on current smart appliances, manufacturers have taken up the call and 2019 promises to be the most innovative, and the most interconnected appliance space we’ve ever seen.

We have already given you 2019 hottest trends, but when it comes to innovation these three features are changing the way we think about appliances, forever.

Home is Where the Hub Is

Samsung was first to market with their Family Hub refrigerator in 2016. Featuring an integrated WiFi connected tablet, the Family Hub was designed to manage your connected home in one convenient location. In 2019, Samsung is taking the Family Hub in bold new directions with 5G connectivity and an expanded Bixby home assistant. More than just voice assistance, Bixby promises improved connectivity across your entire family of Samsung products with enhanced AI that learns and adapts to you.

Not to be left behind, manufacturers like GE Appliances and KitchenAid are also bringing their own hubs to market. The GE Kitchen Hub has an integrated Over-the-Range design featuring a 27-inch smart touchscreen/ventilation combination, while the KitchenAid Smart Display is a multifunctional stand-alone smart device featuring a 10” interface.

Both hubs feature Google Assistant offering compatibility with over 10,000 Google integrated devices; voice command functionality; thousands of recipe options; and like the Samsung Family Hub before them, an easy way to manage your interconnected home in one place.

Smart Display in a Whole New Way

Despite the functional similarities, the GE Family Hub stands out from the competition in one important way, the 27-inch smart screen display features dual HD cameras for direct video chat. Conveniently positioned, you can catch up with friends and family as you prepare your dinner. Or just Netflix and cook, if that’s more your style.

KitchenAid is betting that consumers will prefer the smaller, independent interface of the Kitchen Hub, featuring an easy to clean screen with an IPX-5 water resistance rating; while the Samsung Family Hub expands the functionality of their touchscreen interface with more customizable options.

Putting the App in Appliances

Taking integration to the next level, the Whirlpool family of appliances come bundled with Yummly and Yummly Pro apps to seamlessly take your cooking to the next level. From guided cooking to personalized recipe recommendations your Whirlpool Appliances will automatically adjust temperature and settings based on Yummly’s recommendations.

Taking the experience even further, Yummly Pro promises to feature exclusive content from professional Chefs and Influencers from Step-by-Step cooking experiences to yet-to-be-named exclusive content.

Other manufacturers have their own answers to Yummly in apps like LG’s Drop Kitchen OS or GE’s SideChef. With deep app integration, manufacturers are offering more than just connectivity, more than just convenience.

When everything else works, you don’t have to. And that means you have time for more important things.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

How to Use 2019 Colours of the Year in Your Kitchen

2019 Colour of year in your kitchen Source: Studio McGee

Every year the major paint companies release their picks for colour of the year. This year, the three big paint companies each picked a bold and unique colour.

Behr chose this solid blue, Blueprint S470-5 which they describe as “An honest, approachable colour that conjures up the blueprints builders rely on to bring architectural designs to life, Blueprint creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life—where awareness of what we want to build for ourselves can transform into action.”

Behr Blueprint S470-5 colour of the year 2019

Benjamin Moore chose this bold grey, Metropolitan AF-690 which they describe as “A stylish gray with cool undertones, metropolitan reflects the modern sophistication of 21st-century design.”

And finally, Sico made this deep green Grand Manan Black 6161-83 their colour of the year. They describe it as, “Rich and vibrant, this colour fulfills our growing need to get away from it all. Let nature into your home for the ultimate comforting effect. This dark green will lend modern elegance to your interior.”

Sico Grand Manan Black 6161-83 Colour of the year 2019

While they are all different, they are each strong, captivating, and offer up a calm (but assured) confidence in their choice.

Love the colours but don’t know what do in your kitchen with them? I’ve rounded up inspiration.

Here are three ways to use the 2019 colours of the year in your kitchen.

1) Paint Your Cabinets

Bold blue, green or grey, each of these cabinets is as FAR from boring white kitchen as you can get. And with kitchen appliances offered in so many different finishes, you can really create some inspiring colour combinations.

Kitchen with Behr Blueprint cabinets Transitional kitchen design with benjamin moore AF-690 Source: Better Kitchens Elizabeth Roberts Kitchen with green cabinets Source: Elizabeth Roberts

Interested in finding more about kitchen trends? Read our previous blog 10 Kitchen Trends to Love in 2019.

2) Paint Parts of Your Dining Room Set

A simple coat of spray paint or some fun fabric in a bold colour is a simple way to update your kitchen chairs without breaking the bank.

Blue Painted Chairs DIY
Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Green Dining Room Chairs
Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Your dining table has seen better days? Painting your dining table top can give your dining room set an instant facelift.

Shes Crafty Dining room table with grey top
Source: She’s Crafty

3) Add in Colourful Décor Elements

Don’t want to go big and paint the cupboards? Try making smaller updates with bold colour. Something as simple as a small collection of green plants on the kitchen sink can add in a much needed pop of colour.

PLants in the window above the sink
Source: Bo Dedre

A bold tile also makes quite the (back)splash!

Source: Houzz

There are so many ways to refresh your kitchen with this year’s colours, will you add a few small décor pieces or go all out?!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

Why a Whirlpool Vent Hood is Needed in Your Kitchen

When you cook in your kitchen, you should never have to worry about being able to breathe. But, if your cookery gets exceptionally smoky when you bust out the culinary skills on your appliances, then it’s time you invested in a Whirlpool vent hood.

Some people argue that a vent hood is an unnecessary appliance and not needed above your cooking space. We beg to differ and have plenty of reasons why you’ll want one where you cook, bake, steam, and more!

1. Breathe Better

The number one reason to get a Whirlpool vent hood is to simply breathe better. When cooking, you’ll notice that without a vent or some sort of airway to push air out of your kitchen, the room tends to get a bit smoky. And when the fumes become too intense and don’t have a way of filtering out, it can make cooking a little unbearable.

A Whirlpool vent hood has the power to clear out the air with its fan and make the room fresh and breathable. With the electronic control panel, you’ll be able to set your fan manually between 3 different speeds. Not to mention, it’ll be quiet! Whirlpool vent hoods have noise reduction technology so instead of feeling like you’re caught in a storm, you’ll be able to cook in peace.

2. Brighter Kitchen

If you’ve ever wished you had more light over your cooktop or range, then having a Whirlpool vent hood is a great idea. These hoods are more than just an appliance for ventilation, they can provide a bit of extra light as well. With some extra LED task lighting illuminating your cooktop surface, you’ll no longer be squinting to see if your water is boiling. Cooking is so much better when you can see what you’re doing.

3. Heat Eliminator

During the warm summer months, having a vent hood handy can actually help keep the heat to a minimum. It doesn’t work like an air conditioner and blow cool air out, but the fan is extremely helpful in extracting the heat the same way it extracts the smoke from the air. So, instead of sweating like you just ran a marathon in your kitchen, a Whirlpool vent hood can help you stay cooler and keep your focus on the important things. Like cooking up something steamy without soaking in the steam itself.

As you can tell, having a Whirlpool vent hood is an ideal way to stay refreshed and comfortable while cooking in the kitchen. Not to be dramatic, but not owning a Whirlpool vent hood is a miserable experience and if you’re an avid cooker, you’ll want one of these appliances to make your stay in the kitchen a tolerable one.

Drop in to our store to check out the collection of Whirlpool vent hoods we have available. From glass to stainless steel canopy wall mounts, we’ve got a sleek variety for you to choose from. Find the vent hood that will freshen up your kitchen today!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

How GE’s App Makes Cooking in Your Wall Oven Easier

A connected life is a happy life. Between family, friends, and romantic partners, the connections in life are part of what make us who we are. They help us and make our lives easier. They define us. And they offer experiences that we’d never quite be able to have just on our own.

So, why then shouldn’t we be more connected in every aspect of our life? Well, with a GE WiFi Connect wall oven and the GE Appliance Kitchen App, you can be connected to the things – not just the people – that matter in your life. The GE Appliance Kitchen App will connect you to your kitchen appliances – like your brand-new wall oven you just picked up from us – giving you whole new connected experiences to make your kitchen life easier.

What are the benefits of being so connected to your wall oven, though? Good thing you asked. Let’s take a look.

Cherishing that Connection

Once you’ve connected your wall oven to your GE Appliances Kitchen app (if you need help on that, head right over here) you’ll have a whole world of new possibilities right at your fingertips.

You’ll be able to preheat the oven no matter where you are, change the temperature of the oven from anywhere, and even set and adjust cooking timers from – you guessed it – anyplace you want to be at all. Your oven will always only be as far away from you as your phone is … which for most people isn’t that far away these days.

The Geneva Conversation

While Alexa and Google Assistant may take the spotlight these days, they aren’t the only smart voices worth talking to. I’m happy to introduce you to Geneva, the voice assistant for GE’s apps. Simply ask your smart device to speak to Geneva, and you’ll be able to control your oven all with the magical and soothing tones of your own voice.

What exactly can you control? How about being able to preheat your oven? Turning it off? And even getting a notification when your timer goes off? Pretty fancy stuff, if I do say so myself. Welcome to 2019, and welcome to true smart home technology of the future.

“What Else Have You Got?”

Not convinced how big of a different the GE Appliance Kitchen App can make in your life? Well, I haven’t thrown everything at you … yet.

Let’s take a look at the other brands that your smart oven will be able to work with. To make it even more impressive, let’s just make it one giant list: Alexa, DiGiorno, Drop, IFTTT, Innit, and Google Assistant. Phew.

Not only do you get the benefits of the GE Appliance Kitchen App, but your smart wall oven will be able to integrate with other products to your heart’s desire! And isn’t that just what connecting is all about?

Making new connections – even if it is just to new appliances – can be daunting. But as your local appliance store, we just so happen to be well connected in the area of expertise, and we’re glad to help you find the best GE wall oven for your kitchen. Stop in today, and we’ll connect you to the next oven of your dreams!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

5 Healthy Recipes to Bring in the New Year with Bosch

If you’ve set new health goals for 2019, you aren’t alone. Many people will start this year with the goal of eating healthier, but staying on that track can be hard. Part of it is just coming up with healthy foods to eat instead of just relying on old, unhealthy staples. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got you covered on the recipe front!

Even better, with appliances from Bosch, eating healthy has never been easier! Here are just a few amazing recipes that will help you bring in the New Year in style and flair while sticking to your own eating goals. Let’s eat!

Chicken Paprikash (via Food and Wine )

Chicken-based recipes are a great way to keep your meals healthy and tasty, and this Paprika sauce is going to remind you why the seasoning has stayed a cooking staple for as long as it has. The recipe also yields four servings, so you’ll have tasty eats for the whole family in no time! It’s peppery Paprika perfection.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes (via Allrecipes)

There’s nothing better when starting a new health regiment than taking old foods and converting them over to something new, something healthier, but something that still tastes good! This whole wheat blueberry pancake recipe gives you a chance to do all of the above!

Even better, if you combine this recipe with a Bosch cooktop you’ll be able to whip up those pancakes faster than ever! You’ll be flipping flapjacks faster than you can eat them, leaving you a great opportunity to meal prep and save some for later.

Lemony Linguine with Spring Vegetables (via EatingWell)

If you are looking for a sturdy – and seasonal – recipe for dinner, then this lemony linguine is right up your alley. Blending spring vegetables with linguine, you’ll get a balance of carbs and flavors all in one dish. Even better, there isn’t a Snicket in sight.

And with a Bosch range, you’ll be able to heat your water evenly, even if you are cooking with oversized pots and pans.

Cheesy Steak Keto Tacos (via BRIT+CO)

While fad diets may be a dime a dozen, science is starting to really rally behind the low-carb approach of eating Keto. This recipe gives you the best of both worlds – wonderful tacos, while still letting you stay low- or no-carb in the process. There’s nothing better than getting your tacos, err, cake and eating it, too!

Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla (via Two Healthy Kitchens)

Yes, yes, this recipe isn’t a calzone, but it still is sure to hit that pizza craving in a much healthier way than ordering Domino’s and eating it all by yourself while you sit and marathon Netflix for hours.
Instead, try making this quick and easy pizza quesadilla. They are better for you, and you’ll feel much less shame after eating them all in one sitting.

These are just a few healthy recipes to help you get started on your health journey this year. And no matter what you are cooking, make sure you are doing it on the best appliances. Stop in today and we’ll guide you through all of the great appliances Bosch makes. You won’t believe what culinary adventures await you in the year ahead with Bosch at your side!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

4 Essential Samsung Appliances for Millennials

It’s busy – and hard – growing up these days. Between the political climate and the competitive and slim job market, buying more “grownup” and “settled” life purchases may not always be at the front of your mind when other things like rent and student loans seem all encompassing.

If you are used to washing dishes by hand, have never worried about the difference between top loading and front loading, and have no idea what in the world a tine is, you aren’t alone –for some shoppers, appliances just aren’t second nature. And we get that!

Millennials may have been born with computers in their hands, but we grew up with appliances in our hearts. That’s why we are here not just to sell, but also to educate – to guide you through the turmoil that is trying to figure out what your home needs and why it needs it once you finally leave the nest and are financially secure enough to actually have to worry about said decisions.

If you are a first-time home owner – or just fitting out your new apartment space – but aren’t sure what you need and why you need it and which, we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to truly turn your house into a home.

1. Refrigerator

Sure, you may not need to keep ramen in the refrigerator, but it’s probably well past time you started thinking about meals that can be cooked and then stored for later. Of everything on this list, a refrigerator is probably the appliance your home needs most, and you might be surprised just how functional a new fridge can be these days.

Besides keeping your food from spoiling – which is really important in adult life, trust us! – a new Samsung smart refrigerator comes with a 21.5” touchscreen, which can show you the contents of your fridge and be used to manage calendars and notes. You can even use voice recognition to add your favourite foods to your shopping list – no pausing Netflix required.

2. Washer and Dryer

Forget laundry mats and having to go through of hassle of actually finding physical change, real luxury is walking down the hall and doing laundry whenever you want to, for free. Of course, that requires knowing how to do laundry, and which setting to put things on, and how to not make colours bleed or sweaters shrink … you get the idea.

You may be noticing a running theme here, but these aren’t your grandparents’ washers and dryers, either. Check out a Samsung washer with Wi-Fi connectivity, and you’ll easily be able to use your phone to stay in touch and on top of your laundry.

Of course, we are sure you have other concerns, especially around the energy usage. We’re pro-environment, too! And the good news is so is Samsung, and their washers are Energy Star certified, which means you know you aren’t wasting energy while getting the necessities taken care of.

3. Cooktops and Hoods

Don’t worry if you are already lost – it’s totally OK to not know what a cooktop and a hood is.

But, you are out on your own now, so you are probably going to be doing a lot more cooking at home. That’s what the cooktop is for, and the hood will help the air quality in your cooking space stay clean and fresh.
Samsung’s smart technology extends to these necessary home appliances, as well. With Bluetooth you can connect your range and cooktop, making them work together for lighting and fan purposes. You can also keep an eye on them anywhere you have Wi-Fi! Yup, cooktops and hoods are smart enabled now, too.

4. Range/Wall Oven

While you may be used to take out and microwave dinners, there’s a whole new world of baking and cooking waiting for you with a range or a wall oven. Stop just watching reruns of “The Great British Bake Off” and “Iron Chef” and actually take the utensils into your own hands! You’ll be surprised what culinary creations you are able to whip up with Samsung’s sleek appliances by your side.

No matter what type of appliances you are looking for – or if you just need more help to figure out which ones are best for your current living space and lifestyle – stop by, give us a call, or browse our website! We’ve been in the game long enough to help anybody find the appliances they truly need.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

3 Things to Do BEFORE You Remodel Your Kitchen

Do you think you are ready for a big kitchen renovation? Have you spent hours on Pinterest creating the perfect dream kitchen and are ready to get the show on the road? I love your energy and enthusiasm, but there are few key things you should do before you even begin the process of launching into a kitchen redesign.

1. Consider Your Budget

Money can’t buy happiness, but it does buy new kitchens. When it comes to kitchen renovation or remodel, the budget can get high very quickly. You’ll want to know a very realistic number and also set aside a little for emergencies.

If you can’t squeeze an extra cent out of your budget and no hammer has swung yet, you need to reconsider. In any household project there will be unforeseen costs and issues, especially in a kitchen requiring power and water. Know your budget and stick to it.

2. Consider Your Space

What kind of space do you have to work with? Are you able to rethink closets, powder rooms or other spaces around your kitchen as part of this project? (see budget above though!) How much room do you have for all the things your kitchen needs to do? Be sure to measure out appliances and how much room you need to walk, open doors, and use the space effectively.

3. Needs Vs. Wants

You might want a giant six-burner stove, but the small space you have will only accommodate a four burner. You might want a pot filler over the stove, but installing water adds extra to the budget.

When it comes to a kitchen remodel or update, you have needs and wants, and so does your space. The perfect kitchen is one that balances out the needs of the space, the wants and needs of the user, and fits it all into the budget. It is definitely easier said than done, but my suggestion is to start with a list and go from there.

At BrandSource we’ve seen many kitchen remodels and projects and are happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of all the types of appliances so you can get the kitchen that is best for you.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

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10 Kitchen Trends to Love

The kitchen is the heart of our home and is definitely the room that takes up the most of my precious Pinterest time. Sure, I pin great recipes like everyone else, but I also have a never ending supply of great kitchen inspiration. Amazing kitchens with storage and colours, and technologies and all the awesome stuff I would do if I won the lottery. Let’s dream together, shall we? I’ve rounded up my top 10 kitchen trends I am totally loving right now.

1. Coloured Cabinets

A trend I’ve been seeing lots of in magazines, but only in one girlfriend’s house so far. It’s coming to a subdivision split level near you soon, it just takes one person on the block to be bold. Coloured cabinets are a great way to add personality.

2. All Kinds of Cabinets

It used to be one type of cabinet was ‘in style’, but now it seems the style is anything goes. Open shelving, glass door cabinets, closed cabinets, a combination of all of them! I love how this really allows your kitchen and the objects within it to shine.

3. Eclectic Tiles

I’m seeing lots of amazing tiles going down on kitchen floors or as bright and bold backsplashes. No longer white subway tiles, the backsplash and the floor are jumping back into the game with some serious patterns.

4. Innovative Storage

We do a lot in our kitchens and need them to help us out, so when it comes to innovative storage solutions I am all over them. I love the modern pantry we’re seeing more of, holding both food items and the necessary equipment.

5. Mixed Metals

Move over brass, and skip to the side stainless steel, you’ve had your time to shine! Now it’s time for all the metals to shine together. The trend I am seeing is one big harmonious mixing bowl of metals. Make whatever metals you like work. Much like the cabinets, there isn’t one real trendy colour – but rather what’s trendy is making it your own way by mixing and matching.

6. Industrial (like) Appliances

Big industrial like appliances are joining in with coloured cabinets in the trend category I love. For an avid entertainer or someone with a big family, six burners can make a good day great.

7. Destination Stations

A bar nook or coffee station, whatever makes your kitchen work better for your life is what I am seeing more of. These ‘destination stations’ help organize a kitchen space really well.

8. Green

From innovative appliances doing more with less, to plants and coloured cabinets we’re still seeing green as a trend that won’t stop (and for good reason!). Plants help keep air fresh and add a feeling of earthy décor.

9. More Interest, Less Clutter

Rather than cluttered countertops and overstuffed cupboards, we’re seeing much more focus on areas of interest and less clutter. Using lighting, open shelving, or closed shelving with glass, the kitchen is both functional and also a space of beauty.

10. Run-way Runners

The boring area mat saying something about ‘time for wine’ at the kitchen sink has seen its time. The kitchen trend I am seeing everywhere is the return of the runner. It’s a runaway hit and is a great way to a pop of colour to the run-way of your kitchen.

Hoping these few trends have inspired you to step out of your box and be more daring when comes the time for your upcoming kitchen remodel.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert