Kitchen Upgrades Before the Holidays

The stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year's asks more of a home kitchen than any other time of year. Guests arrive, the oven runs for days, and the host is often the one stuck at the stove while everyone else is in the next room. The right kitchen upgrades before the holidays take pressure off that schedule, but only if the appliances are chosen, delivered, and installed in time to use them.

This guide covers four upgrades that make the biggest difference to hosting: a steam oven, a warming drawer, a double oven, and a wine refrigerator. It also explains why timing matters as much as the product, since appliance lead times are one of the most common reasons a holiday project misses its deadline.

Why Kitchen Upgrades Before the Holidays Should Start Now

Built-in appliances are rarely a same-day purchase. Availability depends on the brand, the model, and the finish, and delivery windows for built-in products can stretch from days to several weeks or more. Installation adds another step. Many built-in units need a cabinet cutout that matches exact dimensions, and some need electrical work or a water line before they can be used.

Starting now leaves room for each step: choosing the appliance, confirming it fits, placing the order, and scheduling installation. Waiting until early December leaves little room to absorb a delay.

Timing also affects price. MLD's month-by-month savings calendar points to Black Friday through early December as one of the stronger buying windows of the year, and it recommends checking closeout and floor-model units at MLD Outlet any time. Those units are one-off pieces with limited availability, so it pays to look early.

Steam Oven: Reheat and Cook Without Drying Food Out

A steam oven cooks with moist heat, which makes it useful on the days when the main oven is already full. It reheats leftovers and prepared sides without drying them out, cooks vegetables quickly, and combination models add convection for roasting and baking. Miele and Wolf both make steam ovens, and many steam ovens come in a compact 24-inch width that fits into existing cabinetry more easily than a full-size wall oven.

Before choosing one, check how it gets its water. Some steam ovens are plumbed to a water line, and others use a reservoir that you fill by hand. That detail changes the installation plan, so it is worth settling early.

Warming Drawer: Get Every Dish to the Table Hot

Holiday meals rarely finish all at once. A warming drawer holds finished dishes at serving temperature while the rest of the meal comes together, so the first dish out of the oven is not cold by the time the last one is ready. Food safety guidance generally calls for keeping hot food at 140°F or above, and holding food at that temperature is exactly what a warming drawer is built to do. Some models also warm plates and rolls, and some include a proofing setting for bread dough.

Warming drawers install under a wall oven or range, or in an island. MLD carries a full selection of warming drawers in different widths and finishes.

Double Oven: Cook at Two Temperatures at Once

A turkey and a tray of rolls rarely want the same oven temperature. A double oven lets you roast the main dish in one cavity while sides, desserts, and breads bake in the other, which removes the usual juggling act of rotating dishes in and out of a single oven. Double wall ovens and ranges with two ovens both solve this problem, so the choice usually comes down to your cabinetry and how you like to cook.

Double wall ovens come in several widths, so measure your existing cutout before shopping. You can compare options in MLD's built-in ovens selection.

Wine Refrigerator: Free Up Space and Serve at the Right Temperature

The main refrigerator fills up fast during the holidays. A dedicated wine refrigerator gives bottles their own space and keeps them at a good serving temperature, and dual-zone models let whites and reds sit at different temperatures. Undercounter units fit into a bar or island, while tall column units suit larger collections.

MLD's wine refrigeration and storage selection includes columns, undercounter units, and more, from brands such as Sub-Zero, Perlick, U-Line, and Liebherr. Browse the full refrigeration and wine collection online.

A Simple Timeline for Holiday Kitchen Upgrades

You do not need to renovate the whole kitchen to host well. A short plan keeps the project realistic.

• Measure first. Record the cutout dimensions for any appliance you want to replace or add, and note where electrical outlets and water lines sit.
• Pick one or two priorities. A single well-chosen upgrade, such as a warming drawer or a second oven, usually does more for hosting than several small changes.
• Ask about availability before you commit. Confirm the estimated delivery date for the exact model and finish, and ask whether a floor model or closeout unit is an option.
• Book installation early. Schedule your installer or contractor at the same time you place the order so delivery and installation line up.

See These Appliances in Person at MLD

MLD showrooms in Salt Lake City, Provo, Cedar City, Boise, Ketchum, and Jackson display live, installed products, so you can see how a steam oven, warming drawer, double oven, or wine refrigerator looks and works in a real kitchen. An appliance associate can talk through fit, installation requirements, and timing with you. Find the showroom nearest you .

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I order appliances before the holidays?

As early as possible. Availability varies by brand, model, and finish, so ask for the delivery estimate on your exact choice before you commit, and leave room for installation.

Is a steam oven worth it for holiday cooking?

It is worth considering if you reheat food often or cook a lot of vegetables and sides. A steam oven works alongside your main oven, so it helps most when oven space is tight.

How is a warming drawer different from keeping food warm in the oven?

A warming drawer holds food at serving temperature without tying up an oven you may need for cooking. It also keeps dishes from continuing to cook while they wait.

Can a wine refrigerator go in a kitchen island?

Undercounter wine refrigerators designed for built-in installation can. Many vent from the front, so check the manufacturer's installation specifications for clearance and ventilation requirements.

Ready to plan your kitchen upgrades before the holidays? Visit an MLD showroom or speak with an appliance associate to compare options and talk through timing.