Ask The Expert: Are High-End Appliances Worth It For My Kitchen Reno?

Whether you’re jumping into a full kitchen renovation or upgrading your appliances for a mini kitchen makeover, there’s no doubt you’ve pondered the big questions: What are the best kitchen appliances? And, if I pay more for high-end kitchen appliances, do I really get more in terms of features and functionality? 

As a kitchen appliances expert, I’m constantly asked these questions because people want to buy once, and buy well – particularly when it comes to big-ticket items that will keep their household running smoothly.

So, here’s my top tip. When planning your kitchen reno budget, prioritise your dream kitchen appliances. Put them at the top of your list. And keep in mind that your family’s dream appliance doesn’t necessarily have to be a high-end purchase. You might be pleasantly surprised at the price tag.

If there are features you want (cue the jet-drying dishwasher, double wall oven and custom fridge), work them into the budget at the planning stage. Life is too short for regrets. Plus, if you love these appliances, so will future buyers when and if the time comes to put your home on the market.

Which Appliances Should I Prioritise In My Kitchen Reno Budget?

Do you cook three meals a day for a busy household? Love entertaining friends and family? Or, do you find yourself zipping in and out for quick and easy meals on the go? Once you know how you need your kitchen to function, invest in the must-have kitchen appliances(or a kitchen appliance package) that will help you get it done.

Then it’s just a simple matter of building your budget around the big kitchen players. Here’s my pick of the bunch:

“So, here’s my top tip. When planning your kitchen reno budget, prioritise your dream kitchen appliances. Put them at the top of your list.”

Oven

With a high-performing oven, no recipe is out of reach, from family favourites to haute cuisine. These are the high-end features to look for:

• Combination steam cooking

• In-oven air frying

• Built-in camera to monitor cooking from your smart device

• Pyrolytic self-cleaning

Shop High-End Ovens

Fisher & Paykel 90cm Pyrolytic Oven

Miele PF H7890BP 90cm Pureline Oven

Smeg 150cm Dual Fuel Upright Cooker

Cooktop

For the latest cooking technology that combines precision and efficiency with sleek good looks, it’s got to be an induction cooktop. These next-gen cooktops have become a firm favourite of foodies and home design lovers alike, scoring top marks for their lightning fast heat-up times;  energy efficient, magnetic field-based heating technology; and easy-to-clean, smooth glass surface.Other high-end cooktop features to look for:

• 90cm+ cooking area

• Bridging zone that matches cooking area to large cookware

• Touch controls

Shop High-End Induction Cooktops

Smeg 90cm Linea Induction Cooktop Silver

Miele PF 93.6cm Induction Cooktop

ASKO 90cm 5 Zone Celsius Induction Cooktop

Dishwasher

A smart dishwasher can be a lifesaver. By spending a little more with premium brands including Miele, Neff and Smeg, you can go fully integrated for an on-trend and minimalist aesthetic. Plus, you’ll enjoy:

• Whisper quiet wash-ups

• Auto-dosing for perfect results with less detergent wastage

• Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you do it all from the couch using an app on your smartphone

Shop High-End Dishwashers

Smeg 60cm Semi Integrated Dishwasher

Miele Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Do High-End Kitchen Appliances Perform Better?

There’s no doubt that premium kitchen appliances offer more in terms of advanced tech. You’ll get more built-in features; more intuitive technology, so your appliances take the lead. For example, the latest rangehoods automatically power up when your cooktop is on, and your  smart fridge can compile the weekly shopping list (and menu).

And did I mention the bill-time savings? Top-of-the-line appliances prioritise energy and water efficiency, so you can spend more on the things you love.

Will High-End Appliances Look Better In My Kitchen Renovation?

For sure, how could they not! Be sure to check out the LG MoodUP Refrigerator, it offers a wide array of colors and styles to suit your unique taste. It's an excellent choice for those who want both functionality and style in their kitchen appliances. Consider integrating your built-in oven, coffee machine and microwave into a single wall for a stunning, functional feature wall. That said, keep in mind there are mid-range and even budget options that will deliver the suave looks and functionality you’re after too (if budget is an issue).

Where Can I Save On Appliances In The Kitchen?

There are so many ways to create your dream kitchen without blowing your appliance budget. In fact, The Good Guys in-store experts love nothing more than guiding you to the best kitchen appliances to meet your needs – talk to them about the best options for your budget and how you can get the premium feel and features you want. Plus, check out these 10 ways to Pay Less with The Good Guys so you can start saving today.

About The Author

Tania Grillinzoni is the Cooking and Dishwashers Buyer at The Good Guys. 

Ready to go shopping for your dream kitchen appliances? Head in-store or online to find the oven, cooktop and dishwasher to bring your kitchen renovation to life.