10 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Appliances for Your Home
Planning a dream kitchen or updating your home’s appliances? It’s an exciting endeavor, but it’s easy to get tripped up by common pitfalls. Many homeowners focus on style and budget, only to discover after installation that an oven doesn’t fit the space or a fridge door hits the wall. 😖 Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered . In this friendly yet authoritative guide, we’ll walk through 10 frequent mistakes people make when selecting appliances and how you can avoid them. Steering clear of these missteps will save you time, money, and plenty of headaches, ensuring the appliances you bring home truly elevate your space (and your lifestyle).
1. Failing to Plan for Your Needs
Mistake: Diving into appliance shopping without a clear plan or end goal. Some folks pick out a fridge or range based solely on looks or a sale, without considering how it fits their cooking habits or overall kitchen design.
Why it’s a problem: A beautiful appliance that doesn’t suit your lifestyle will collect dust (or drive you nuts). For example, if you’re an avid cook who entertains often, that compact oven might be woefully undersized – even if it looked great online. Conversely, if you rarely cook, spending top dollar on a pro-style range might be overkill. According to professional remodelers, the “biggest mistake most homeowners make during a kitchen renovation is failing to plan properly” and envision how their life will play out in the new space. Without a plan, you might end up with appliances that don’t meet your day-to-day needs or that conflict with each other in your layout.
How to avoid it: Assess your lifestyle and goals first. Think about how you use your kitchen: Do you need a high-capacity fridge for a large family? Is energy efficiency a top priority? Are you a tech enthusiast who wants smart appliances, or do you prefer simple, reliable workhorses? By answering questions like these, you can create a priority list for what features and appliance types matter most. Also, sketch a basic layout of your kitchen with ideal locations for each appliance – this will help identify any workflow issues early. And remember to be realistic about upkeep: Love the look of stainless steel? Make sure you can handle fingerprint smudges, as one expert humorously notes. A solid plan ensures your appliance choices will complement you (and not just the showroom display).
2. Choosing Appliances After Cabinetry (or Too Late in the Process)
Mistake: Designing your kitchen cabinets and countertops and only then picking appliances – or even worse, buying appliances on impulse after everything else is set. This is more common than you’d think, and it often leads to the “square peg in a round hole” dilemma.
Why it’s a problem: If your appliances aren’t decided until late, you risk them not fitting properly. You might discover the fridge enclosure is 2 inches too narrow for the model you want, or the beautiful cabinets you installed now block the dishwasher door from opening fully. As HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod puts it, “ when it comes to designing a kitchen, measurements are crucial, and a one-to-two-inch difference can make or break an installment ” . Choosing appliances last can force you into compromises – like ripping out new cabinetry to widen a slot, or settling for an appliance that isn’t your first choice because it’s the only one that fits the finished space. This mistake can be expensive to fix and incredibly frustrating.
How to avoid it: Select your appliances early – ideally before or at the same time as your kitchen layout design. If you’re remodeling, pick out appliance models while you’re still in the planning stage. Provide those specs to your kitchen designer or cabinet maker so they can build the right-sized openings and proper clearances. Even in a minor update where cabinets stay, measure your existing cutouts before buying anything. Remember to account for appliance doors and handles, too: you need space for the fridge door to swing open past the counter and room for the oven door to fold down without hitting anything. By locking in your appliance dimensions up front, you’ll ensure a seamless fit – and avoid that heartache of “oops, my brand-new fridge doesn’t fit in the nook.”
(Pro tip: It can help to visit a showroom like MLD’s before finalizing cabinets. Seeing appliances in person lets you visualize how they’ll sit in cabinetry. You might notice, for example, that a particular French-door refrigerator needs an extra inch of space on the hinge side to open fully – vital info for your designs. Better to adjust cabinet plans early than after installation!)
3. Not Measuring Spaces and Pathways
Mistake: Focusing only on the spot where the appliance will go, and forgetting about how it will get there . Many people measure the alcove for a new range or the height of the fridge space – which is great – but fail to measure doorways, hallways, and stairs leading into the kitchen.
Why it’s a problem: An appliance might fit perfectly in its intended location, yet never make it into your home. It’s surprisingly common for deliveries to be thwarted by a too-narrow doorway or a tight corner in a hallway. The result? You might have to remove door frames, or in extreme cases, return the appliance altogether. Additionally, missing small clearance details can cause big headaches. For instance, refrigerators typically need a few inches breathing room at the sides and back for ventilation. If you shove a fridge into an opening that’s exactly fridge-size, it could overheat or fail to cool properly. Similarly, ovens need clearance from walls for safety, and you don’t want your nice paint job getting singed because the range is right up against a sidewall. Neglecting these measurements leads to awkward placements or costly modifications later (imagine having to knock out part of a wall because your fridge was 1” too wide for the hall – yikes!).
How to avoid it: Grab that tape measure (twice)! Measure the width and height of every doorway, hallway, and elevator an appliance must pass through. Don’t forget any low-hanging light fixtures or tight turns on staircases. Compare these to the boxed dimensions of the appliance (usually a bit larger than the appliance itself due to packaging). Also, note the needed clearances for installation from the manufacturer’s specs. As a rule of thumb, leave at least an inch of wiggle room on all sides of large appliances for airflow and ease of installation. And when delivery day comes, clear the path – remove doors from hinges if needed and protect flooring. Careful measuring and planning of the route will ensure your new appliance glides into place without a scratch, literally and figuratively.
4. Ignoring Electrical, Gas, or Ventilation Requirements
Mistake: Buying an appliance without checking what utilities it needs. You fall in love with a high-end electric wall oven, only to realize your kitchen has no 240V line in that spot. Or you pick a powerful gas cooktop, not realizing you lack a gas hookup or the proper vent hood for it.
Why it’s a problem: Appliances are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to power and hook-ups. If your kitchen’s infrastructure can’t support the appliance, you’re in for extra expenses at best – and safety hazards at worst. For example, many wall ovens, induction cooktops, and dryers require a 240-volt circuit (versus standard 120V) and a specific amperage. Installing one without the right circuit can trip breakers or even cause electrical fires. In fact, electrical issues from improper appliance installations cause approximately 24,000 residential fires each year in the U.S. – a sobering statistic from the U.S. Fire Administration. Gas appliances come with their own needs: you’ll require a gas line plumbed to the spot and adequate ventilation. A gas range that’s not vented properly can lead to grease and carbon monoxide buildup. Skipping over these requirements might mean after-the-fact scrambling to upgrade your electrical panel or add ductwork, which can delay your project and jack up costs significantly.
How to avoid it: Do a “utility check” for every appliance on your list. Read the product specifications (or the manual) before purchase to see voltage, amperage, and fuel type requirements. Check what type of outlet a plug-in appliance needs (does that new fridge use a standard 120V or does it draw more power? Does the washer require a dedicated circuit?). For gas appliances, ensure you have a gas supply line in place or budget for a licensed plumber to run one. Also, verify the BTU output of gas stoves to size an appropriate range hood – higher BTUs need stronger ventilation. If you’re not sure how to assess your current electrical or gas capacity, consult a professional electrician or plumber before buying. It’s much easier (and safer) to have an electrician install a new outlet or upgrade a circuit before your appliance arrives than to deal with blown fuses or gas leaks later. In short, match the appliance to your home’s infrastructure , or upgrade the infrastructure to match the appliance – but never ignore this step.
5. Prioritizing Style Over Function (Looks vs. Lifestyle)
Mistake: Choosing appliances based purely on appearance, brand prestige, or trendiness – without considering how they’ll function for you day-to-day. For instance, opting for that gorgeous retro-style refrigerator because it’s Insta-worthy, even if its capacity and features don’t suit your family’s needs.
Why it’s a problem: An appliance is a long-term investment that you’ll interact with daily. If it doesn’t align with your cooking habits or comfort, the initial charm will wear off fast. We’ve seen homeowners regretting that trendy glass-door fridge because it constantly looks cluttered, or a sleek European oven that’s too small for a Thanksgiving turkey. Additionally, different brands have different strengths. One might make a great range but a mediocre dishwasher. If you buy everything in one style line just for the matching look, you might compromise performance. The key is balance: aesthetics are important (you should love the look of your kitchen!), but not at the expense of usability. As we often remind customers, your appliances should match your lifestyle, not just your decor . Choosing form over function can lead to underutilized appliances or daily annoyance – a beautiful fridge isn’t much good if you’re constantly frustrated by its layout or if it’s missing the ice maker you wanted.
How to avoid it: Marry style with substance. First, list the features you need (or strongly want) in each appliance based on your routine. Love to bake? Prioritize a stove with a convection oven or a proofing setting. Have a large family or lots of dinner parties? A quiet, large-capacity dishwasher is your friend. Once you have your must-haves, you can narrow down models that fit those criteria, then compare aesthetics among those. Most brands offer various finishes (stainless, matte black, etc.), so you can likely find a look you enjoy in a model that meets your needs. Also, consider brand reliability and support – an appliance that looks chic but breaks often will quickly lose its appeal. Check reviews or ask an expert about which brands are dependable for the specific appliance type. At MLD, we often guide homeowners on choosing the ideal appliance brand “that aligns with your lifestyle requirements” – meaning it’s not just pretty, but also built to serve you well. By doing your homework on functionality first, you’ll end up with appliances that both perform beautifully and look beautiful in your home.
6. Overlooking Energy Efficiency and Operating Cost
Mistake: Focusing only on the upfront price tag and not the long-term energy usage of an appliance. It’s easy to ignore those yellow EnergyGuide labels, but doing so might mean higher utility bills for years to come.
Why it’s a problem: An appliance that’s inefficient can cost you hundreds more in electricity or water over its lifetime. For example, that bargain washer with a lower price might use a lot more water and power than an Energy Star model, erasing any savings within a few years. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that households can save up to $220 over 12 years just by choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator. Beyond cost, inefficient appliances have a larger environmental impact – they consume more resources and contribute more to greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, as energy regulations tighten, using outdated, inefficient models could even pose compliance issues down the road. In short, overlooking efficiency might mean paying for it in your utility bill every month and not doing any favors for the planet either.
How to avoid it: Read the energy ratings and opt for efficient models when possible. Check if an appliance is ENERGY STAR certified, which is a reliable indicator of efficiency. Look at the annual estimated operating cost on the EnergyGuide label – this lets you compare expected energy use between models. Sometimes a higher-end model costs more upfront but is so much more efficient that it saves money long-term. For instance, many modern fridges and dishwashers not only use less power, they often come with eco-modes and smart sensors to optimize performance. Also consider fuel type: an electric heat-pump dryer, for example, uses significantly less energy than a traditional electric dryer (though it may have a higher purchase price). If you’re concerned about eco-friendliness, seek appliances designed for sustainability – some brands emphasize recyclable materials or “green” manufacturing. An energy-efficient home is a win-win: you save on bills and reduce your environmental footprint. And if you need help deciphering those labels or deciding if the efficiency upgrade is worth it, ask our MLD team or check resources like Energy.gov. Making an informed choice here means you’ll feel good about your purchase every time the utility bill comes due (and Mother Nature will thank you too!).
7. Forgetting About Noise Levels
Mistake: Overlooking how loud or quiet an appliance is when it operates. You might assume all dishwashers or range hoods sound about the same – until that new one turns on and you feel like a jet engine is in your kitchen.
Why it’s a problem: In today’s open-concept homes, the kitchen often flows into living and dining areas. A noisy appliance can disrupt family time, TV watching, or even your work-from-home conference call. Common culprits are dishwashers, vent hoods, garbage disposals, and laundry machines. For instance, a dishwasher may seem quiet in a store, but in a silent house at night it could be very noticeable. Noise is measured in decibels (dB); a difference of even 5-10 dB is significant to the human ear. Many buyers regret not considering this – it’s a quality of life issue. As one guide notes, dishwashers under 40 dB are considered ultra-quiet (library-like), while anything above ~50 dB will definitely be heard in the next room. If you have infants or value peace, an overly loud appliance will be a daily annoyance and might limit when you can run it (no bedtime dishwashing, for example).
How to avoid it: Check the noise ratings and consider your home layout. Most appliance specs list a noise level: look for it on dishwashers (often given in dB) and range hoods (sometimes given in sones or dB at certain fan speeds). For reference, ~50 dB is about the noise of a normal conversation; the best dishwashers now are in the low 40s dB or even high 30s, which are barely audible. If you entertain frequently or have an open floor plan, lean toward quieter models even if they cost a bit more. When it comes to range hoods, keep in mind higher power (CFM) usually means more noise; choose a model with multiple speeds so you can turn it up high only when truly needed. If possible, listen to the appliance before buying – our showroom, for instance, can demo the difference between a standard disposal and an ultra-quiet one. Also, consider isolation: front-load washers on a second floor can cause vibration noise – you might invest in vibration pads or look at models with quiet operation technology. By making noise level one of your decision factors, you’ll create a home environment that’s as serene as it is functional. Because no one ever said, “I wish my dishwasher was louder.” 😉
8. Buying the Wrong Size (Oversizing or Undersizing)
Mistake: Selecting an appliance that’s disproportionately large or small for your space and needs. This could mean a gigantic fridge that dominates a small kitchen, or conversely, a tiny dishwasher for a household of eight.
Why it’s a problem: “Bigger isn’t always better.” An appliance too large for your kitchen can literally and visually crowd the room, disrupt flow, and even waste energy. For example, an oversized fridge in a compact kitchen might block a doorway or make a kitchen island unusable. It might also run less efficiently if it’s mostly empty. On the other hand, undersizing – like choosing an 18” dishwasher when you actually need the 24” standard – will leave you running extra loads and feeling frustrated at capacity. From a design perspective, mismatched scale looks odd: a massive professional range in a modest kitchen stands out (and not in a good way). It’s a common pitfall: people assume the most deluxe 48-inch range will automatically improve their kitchen, but if you don’t truly need it, it could be overkill. Additionally, overlooking scale and proportion is a frequent design mistake ; an appliance should complement the space, not overpower or get lost in it. Oversizing can also mean extra costs (larger appliances often cost more upfront and to operate) with little added benefit if you’re not utilizing their full capacity.
How to avoid it: Match appliance size to your space and usage. Revisit that kitchen plan and tape measure. Ensure the appliance’s physical dimensions are appropriate for the available area and leave comfortable clearance around it (as discussed in Mistake #3). Visually, you want balance – for instance, wall ovens banked together might look better in a larger kitchen than in a tiny one, where a single range might make more sense. Functionally, consider your household size: a couple might not need a 36” wide fridge, whereas a large family might genuinely benefit from it. If you’re tempted by a pro-style range because it looks impressive, be sure you’ll use those extra burners or features; otherwise, a standard size might be more efficient. When in doubt, ask an expert. At MLD, we often help homeowners find the “Goldilocks” fit – not too big, not too small, but just right for their needs. We might recommend a cabinet-depth (counter-depth) refrigerator for a streamlined look in a smaller kitchen, or confirm if that double-oven range will truly enhance your cooking routine or just eat up space. Also consider appliance capacity in addition to physical size: e.g., a higher capacity washer might be worth it for a big family even if the footprint is similar to a smaller model. By sizing appliances appropriately, you’ll ensure your kitchen is efficient, comfortable to work in, and aesthetically balanced.
9. Skipping Research on Reliability and Warranty
Mistake: Making a purchase without researching how reliable the appliance or brand is – and not understanding the warranty or protection plan options. Many people assume a new appliance will be trouble-free, only to face an issue and realize they’re not covered.
Why it’s a problem: All appliances can have issues, even high-end ones. But some brands or models have a track record of certain problems. If you don’t do a little homework, you might end up with a model known for a flimsy ice maker or electronics that fail. That’s a headache you could have dodged. Furthermore, failing to register your product or skipping an extended warranty (in cases where it makes sense) can leave you footing the bill for repairs. Consider that 76% of homeowners who experienced appliance malfunctions found the issues weren’t covered by warranty – even though 90% of them had been offered a warranty or protection plan at purchase . That indicates many decline or overlook these plans, possibly to save money, but later regret it when something goes wrong. While not every warranty or extended service plan is a good deal, knowing the basics of what’s covered (manufacturers usually cover defects for 1 year, but what about year 2 or 3?) is important. If you skip this, you may face unexpected costs or hassles dealing with repairs.
How to avoid it: Spend a bit of time on reviews and understand your coverage. Before you buy, read consumer reviews or ask experts about the model’s reliability. Appliance experts at MLD can often tell you which brands have strong service records. You can also check resources like Consumer Reports for reliability ratings. Don’t obsess over every single review (all brands have some dissatisfied customers), but look for patterns: if many people mention the oven’s knobs breaking, take note. Next, when you purchase, register your appliance with the manufacturer – this ensures your warranty is in their system. Decide on extended warranties wisely: for higher-end or complex appliances (think a $8,000 refrigerator with lots of electronics), an extended service plan might be worth it, whereas a simple microwave might not need one. Read what the warranty covers – is it parts and labor? On-site service? Knowing this will help if something happens. Also, keep the purchase receipt and manual in a handy file. If an issue crops up, you’ll be ready to contact the manufacturer or a certified repair service promptly. Being an informed owner is part of the package when investing in major appliances. A little prep now can save a lot of grief later, making sure your appliance continues to serve you well and any hiccups are smoothly resolved.
10. Not Consulting Experts or Seeing Appliances in Person
Mistake: Going it alone on appliance decisions without tapping into available expertise, and buying sight unseen. With the ease of online shopping, some homeowners click “Add to Cart” on a fridge based on specs and photos alone, or rely solely on their own research without asking professionals for advice.
Why it’s a problem: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel! Appliance specialists, kitchen designers, and contractors have seen what works and what doesn’t. If you don’t consult them, you might miss out on insights that could save you from a bad choice. For example, a professional might know that one brand’s “stainless steel” has a slightly different hue that could clash with your other appliances, or that a certain range tends to run hot and needs extra insulation – details not obvious from a webpage. Additionally, not physically interacting with an appliance before purchase is risky. An oven’s handle might feel flimsy, or the fridge drawers might not glide smoothly – things you’d only notice in person. Skipping a showroom visit means you won’t truly know the appliance’s look, feel, and sound until it’s in your home. And if it doesn’t meet expectations, returning large appliances can be a complicated process. Essentially, flying solo might lead you to overlook better options or practical considerations that an expert could quickly point out.
How to avoid it: Leverage expert help and get hands-on if possible. Before finalizing your purchase, talk to the pros: this could be the knowledgeable salesperson at MLD, your kitchen designer, or a contractor who installs appliances regularly. Ask questions – even ones you think are silly – like “Is this oven easy to clean?” or “Have you heard about any issues with this model?”. Experts might also suggest alternatives you hadn’t considered that better fit your needs or budget. Importantly, try to see and touch the appliance . Come visit one of MLD’s showrooms or any appliance showroom in your area. Seeing a range in person lets you check the build quality; you can feel if the knobs are solid and the doors close softly. You can also verify dimensions and clearance in a life-size context. It’s much better to discover before buying that the fridge’s door is hard to open from the left side, for instance. While online research is a great starting point (and we hope this guide is part of that for you!), pairing it with professional advice and an in-person experience will give you confidence. Remember, MLD’s team is here to help – we love sharing our knowledge to ensure you get the perfect fit. As our philosophy states, we strive to make product selection “ easier, more hands-on, and unexpectedly enjoyable ” for you. Take advantage of that! In the end, your goal and ours are the same: to see you thrilled with your new appliances for years to come.
In Conclusion: Choosing home appliances involves many decisions, but if you avoid these common mistakes, you’re well on your way to success. To recap, plan thoughtfully, measure everything, align choices with your lifestyle, mind the technical details, and seek guidance when needed. Your kitchen (and laundry room) will reward you with easier cooking, cleaning, and living when the appliances are the right ones, installed right.
Whenever in doubt, remember that you’re not alone in this process. At MLD, we’ve helped countless homeowners find appliances that fit their homes “like a glove.” Our showrooms are a playground of appliances where you can learn and compare, and our experts are always happy to answer questions. We want you to love your kitchen and trust your appliances, and we’re passionate about making that happen. Feel free to reach out or visit us – the door is always open (literally, you can open all our fridge doors and test them out!). Here’s to a smooth appliance shopping journey and a home equipped with the perfect appliances for you . Happy home making!