Whether you are doing a full kitchen renovation or just updating some dated appliances, putting together a whole new look for your home can be exciting, but a little intimidating too. One question I often get asked is whether it’s better to match appliances or mix it up. The truth is, there’s no wrong answer here.
If you want to have a perfectly matching kitchen ensemble to unify your space and take advantage of in-brand features, then you’ll want to go with brand matching kitchen appliances.
If you want to have the best performing appliance in each category and aren’t concerned with a perfect match – or if you want to create a unique kitchen that better reflects your needs, then mixing and matching appliances is the way to go.
Still can’t decide? Well, then, without further ado: the pros and cons of matching kitchen appliances.
PRO: Nothing Beats a Perfect Match
Matching Finish: If you want your appliance finishes to exactly match, then you need to stay in-brand. Whites, blacks, stainless steels, and especially new finishes such as black stainless steel differ from brand to brand. Buying kitchen appliances from the same brand is the safest choice; the matching finishes will unify your kitchen and reduce the risk of a design faux pas.
Integrated Design: Speaking of design, matching kitchen appliances come with distinct features that unify and compliment when installed as part of an ensemble. Matching finishes, matching handles, and design elements such as curved lines or LED accents tie everything together visually. And integrated features such as the Bluetooth connectivity in Samsung’s Chef Collection let your appliances work together and expand on the functionality of your kitchen.
Package Savings: The more you buy, the more you save when it comes to kitchen appliances. Manufacturers want you to buy all your appliances in the same brand and will often advertise aggressive promotions and package savings to entice you to shop in one line.
Simplified Shopping: Buying matching kitchen appliances eliminates a lot of the guesswork. You’ll save time, and you’ll save headaches. Choose a brand you like, shop around for the best price, and just like that – your kitchen problems are solved.
CON: You Can’t Judge an Appliance by Its Cover
Source: Olivier Simon Design
Not Created Equal: Every brand has its strengths and weaknesses, and when you bundle a brand, you’re forced to take the good with the bad. If that wasn’t enough, many brands don’t offer specialty appliances, or sometimes even certain standard appliances if it’s a brand new finish or design. Keep in mind that if you’re a feature first shopper who really needs that built-in coffee machine, then you may be limited in your in-brand appliance choices.
Cookie Cutter Design: One of the biggest downsides of a matching kitchen is its cookie-cutter feel. No matter how you slice it, hundreds and maybe thousands of people have a kitchen that’s the same as yours.
Less for Your Money: Buying within a single appliance line does give you access to manufacturer’s savings, but you may miss out on in-store savings, and one-off deals if you’re willing to mix and match. Often times these savings can far surpass those offered at the manufacturer’s level.
Another thing to keep in mind is that with panel ready finishes and pocket handle designs, it’s easier to cheat a match between brands than you might think. And depending on your design elements, with a little creativity, it is possible to mix and match finishes and colours to create a stunning effect.
Whichever you decide, be sure to check out our BrandSource Appliance Buying Guides. They’re the perfect place to start planning your kitchen. From the ins and outs, and ups and downs; they’ll give you everything you need to know about home appliances.
Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert