In every family, the kitchen is a prime gathering spot. It truly is the heart of the home. Investing in your kitchen is without a doubt a wise decision. Here are a few things to consider to make it a welcoming meeting spot.
For a refrigerator
- Temperature accuracy, for both the refrigerator and the freezer
- The colour and the finish
- Thermal insulation in case of a power outage
- Low noise emissions
- Size, especially depth
- The ergonomics to put away your food
- The water dispenser and ice machine, if applicable
- The freezer’s location:
・ A top drawer offers better access to the frozen food and usually has adjustable shelves.
・ A lower drawer is more energy-efficient given its proximity to the appliance’s compressor. It is, however, not as easy to put away your food.
・ A freezer paired with a double-door refrigerator offers more storage space, but takes up a lot of room because of its width. It’s ideal for large families and spacious kitchens.
Looking for eco-friendly spring cleaning tips? Click here.
For a stove
- The stove’s heat accuracy and distribution
- The speed with which the oven and the elements heat up
- The power source and energy consumption:
・ The electric stove is the most eco-friendly option.
・ Gas isn’t quite as eco-friendly, as it doesn’t qualify for the EnerGuide rating. It is, however, appreciated for the quality of the cooking it provides.
・ The stoves that are currently being sold are all quite eco-friendly. For additional assurance, rely on the EnerGuide rating. - The type of surface and its efficiency:
・ The induction surface is the most recommended, both for its energy efficiency and its heating speed
・ Glass ceramic surfaces are the top sellers, but are not as efficient as an induction surface
・ Coil stoves are the least efficient, but the most affordable. - Stove options, their performance and ease of use (cooking, convection, grill, self-cleaning)
For the dishwasher
- Cleaning efficiency:
・ Ability to remove tough stains
・ Drying cycle that eliminates any trace of water on the dishes - Washing capacity and different cycles available
- Low noise emissions
- Ease of use and maintenance
- Consumption, both water and energy
For a kitchen with a harmonious decor, read our article on kitchen countertops.
Also considering giving your laundry room a little makeover? Here’s how to make smart purchases when shopping for your next appliances.
For the washing machine
- Choose a high-efficiency (HE) model. Not only are they eco-friendly, they also don’t damage fabrics
- Spin cycle efficiency
- Low noise emissions
- Load capacity
- Front or top loading:
・ Front-loading washers are more expensive, but have a superior load capacity and are more eco-friendly than top-loading washers.
・ Top-loading washers are more affordable than front-loading ones. They allow you to add in clothing even once the cycle has started.
For the dryer
- Load capacity
- Number of cycles available
・ Delicate, fast and anti-wrinkle cycles have all proven to be useful.
・ Pay special attention to the temperature for each cycle. Generally speaking, the faster the cycle, the higher the temperature. - The hygrometer
・ Appliances that track the humidity level rather than the temperature can be interesting.
・ They end the cycle as soon as the clothes are dry, which reduces the wear on clothing and prevents static electricity. - Use of steam
・ Useful to reduce odours, wrinkles and static electricity.
Buying high-performance appliances seriously improves a house’s energy efficiency. This will definitely please the environmental conscience of the next generation of future buyers.
Do you think about renovating your home? Contact a Multi-Prets broker and learn more about our refinancing solutions for home improvements.