Choosing Built-In Commercial Appliances Over Standard Appliances for Your Kitchen

When it comes to creating a dream kitchen, the choice of appliances plays a crucial role. At Eastside Kitchen & Bath, we understand that homeowners in Bellevue and Kirkland are looking for both functionality and style. One of the significant decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for built-in commercial appliances or standard appliances. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of built-in commercial appliances, the differences between panel-ready and non-panel-ready refrigerators, and why electric ranges and cooktops are becoming a preferred choice over gas appliances, especially with new energy code changes steering away from natural gas.

Built-in commercial appliances are designed for performance and longevity, often found in professional kitchens but increasingly popular in residential homes. Here are some reasons why you might consider them for your next kitchen remodel:

Superior Performance and Durability

• High-Quality Materials: Built-in commercial appliances are typically made from more durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of frequent use. The robust construction means they often last longer, providing better long-term value.
• Advanced Features: These appliances often come with advanced features not found in standard models, such as precise temperature controls, multiple cooking modes, and higher energy efficiency. These features can make cooking more efficient and enjoyable, allowing you to prepare meals like a professional chef.
• Longevity: Designed for professional use, commercial appliances tend to last longer than their standard counterparts, offering better long-term value. They are built to endure constant use and often come with extended warranties.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Seamless Integration

• Custom Fit: Built-in appliances are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry, creating a streamlined and cohesive look. This can make your kitchen appear more spacious and organized, enhancing the overall design.
• Professional Appearance: They provide a sleek, professional appearance that can elevate the overall design of your kitchen. The clean lines and integrated look are particularly appealing in modern and contemporary kitchen designs.
• Space-Saving: Built-in appliances help save space by fitting snugly into cabinetry, making them ideal for kitchens of all sizes. This integration can free up counter space and create a more efficient workspace.
• Increased Home Value: Investing in high-quality, built-in commercial appliances can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers often look for kitchens that feature top-of-the-line appliances, and the presence of these appliances can be a significant selling point. A well-equipped kitchen can set your home apart in a competitive real estate market.
• Energy Efficiency: Many built-in commercial appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient than standard models. This not only helps reduce your environmental footprint but can also lower your utility bills. Energy-efficient appliances often qualify for rebates and incentives, providing additional savings.
• Improved Functionality: Built-in commercial appliances are designed with functionality in mind. Features such as larger capacity ovens, high-BTU burners, and precision temperature controls can enhance your cooking experience. These appliances are often equipped with smart technology, allowing you to control and monitor them remotely.

When choosing a refrigerator, you’ll come across the option of panel-ready versus non-panel-ready models. Understanding the differences can help you make a choice that suits your design preferences and functional needs.

Panel-Ready Refrigerators

Panel-ready refrigerators are designed to accommodate custom cabinet panels on their doors, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry.

Benefits of Panel-Ready Refrigerators

• Seamless Design: They provide a uniform look that integrates with your kitchen cabinetry, creating a cohesive aesthetic. This can make your kitchen appear more spacious and uncluttered.
• Customization: You can match the panels to your existing cabinets for a truly customized look. This level of customization can help achieve a specific design vision, whether traditional or contemporary.
• High-End Appearance: Panel-ready appliances give your kitchen a high-end, designer feel. They are often found in luxury homes and can add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
• Design Flexibility: Panel-ready refrigerators allow for greater design flexibility. If you decide to update your kitchen’s color scheme or style in the future, you can simply change the panels without needing to replace the entire appliance.

Considerations for Panel-Ready Refrigerators

• Cost: Panel-ready refrigerators tend to be more expensive than their non-panel-ready counterparts. Additionally, you need to factor in the cost of custom panels and professional installation.
• Installation: These refrigerators require precise installation to ensure that the panels align perfectly with the surrounding cabinetry. It’s crucial to hire experienced professionals for this task to achieve the best results.

Non-Panel-Ready Refrigerators

Non-panel-ready refrigerators come with a finished exterior and do not require custom panels.

• Ease of Installation: These refrigerators are easier and quicker to install since they do not require custom panels. This can be a significant advantage if you’re looking for a straightforward kitchen update.
• Variety of Styles: They come in a variety of finishes, such as stainless steel, black, or white, offering more immediate choices. This variety allows you to find a refrigerator that complements your kitchen’s existing decor.
• Lower Initial Cost: Non-panel-ready refrigerators often have a lower initial cost compared to their panel-ready counterparts. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for many homeowners.
• Ease of Maintenance: Non-panel-ready refrigerators are often easier to clean and maintain. Stainless steel finishes, for example, are durable and can withstand frequent cleaning.

Considerations for Non-Panel-Ready Refrigerators

• Aesthetic Limitations: While these refrigerators come in various finishes, they may not provide the seamless, integrated look that panel-ready models offer.
  This can be a drawback if you’re aiming for a highly cohesive kitchen design.
• Design Compatibility: It’s essential to choose a finish that complements your kitchen’s overall design. Mismatched appliances can disrupt the visual flow of your kitchen.

The debate between electric and gas cooking appliances has been ongoing for years. However, recent trends and regulatory changes are pushing more homeowners to consider electric ranges and cooktops over gas appliances.

Advantages of Electric Ranges and Cooktops

• Energy Efficiency: Electric cooktops, particularly induction models, are highly energy-efficient, transferring heat directly to cookware and reducing wasted energy. This efficiency can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Safety: Electric appliances eliminate the risk of gas leaks and reduce the chances of burns with induction cooktops, which only heat the cookware and not the surrounding surface. This makes electric cooktops a safer option, especially in households with children.
• Ease of Cleaning: Electric cooktops often feature smooth surfaces that are easier to clean than gas burners with grates and open flames. Spills and splatters can be wiped away quickly, making kitchen maintenance simpler.
• Consistent Cooking: Electric ranges provide consistent and even heating, which can improve cooking results. Induction cooktops, in particular, offer precise temperature control, allowing for better culinary outcomes.
• Versatility: Electric cooktops are versatile and can be installed in a variety of kitchen layouts. They are also compatible with a wide range of cookware, although induction cooktops require magnetic pots and pans.

As part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy use, many regions are updating their energy codes to phase out natural gas in favor of electric appliances.

Key Changes in Energy Codes

• Emissions Reduction: Moving away from natural gas helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with environmental goals. Electric appliances, especially those powered by renewable energy sources, contribute to a cleaner environment.
• Incentives for Electric Appliances: Some regions offer incentives or rebates for homeowners who switch to energy-efficient electric appliances. These incentives can help offset the initial cost of purchasing and installing new electric appliances.
• Future-Proofing: As regulations become stricter, investing in electric appliances now can help future-proof your kitchen and avoid potential compliance issues down the line. Electric appliances are becoming the standard in new construction and major renovations.
• Health Benefits: Reducing the use of natural gas can improve indoor air quality. Gas appliances can release pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can impact respiratory health.

Practical Considerations

• Installation: Electric cooktops and ranges may require specific electrical setups, which can add to the installation cost. However, these costs are often offset by the long-term savings and efficiency gains.
• Learning Curve: Switching from gas to electric cooking may require some adjustment. Induction cooktops, for example, heat differently than gas burners, and it may take time to get used to the new cooking experience.
• Cookware Compatibility: Induction cooktops require magnetic cookware to function. While this may necessitate the purchase of new pots and pans, the benefits of induction cooking often outweigh this initial investment.

Benefits of Induction Cooking

• Speed: Induction cooktops can heat up pots and pans faster than gas or traditional electric cooktops. This can significantly reduce cooking times and improve overall kitchen efficiency.
• Precision: Induction cooktops offer precise temperature control, allowing for better culinary outcomes. This precision can be particularly beneficial for delicate cooking tasks such as melting chocolate or simmering sauces.
• Cooler Kitchen: Induction cooktops generate heat directly in the cookware,
  resulting in less ambient heat in the kitchen. This can create a more comfortable cooking environment, especially during the summer months.

Choosing the right appliances for your kitchen is a significant decision that impacts both functionality and aesthetics. Built-in commercial appliances offer superior performance, durability, and a professional