Kitchen renovations can be some of the most involved renovations in a home, with tons of factors to consider, including plumbing, natural light, spatial needs, and electrical access.
But there are three kitchen appliances every reno should include that need full attention to detail to help your cooking space run smoothly and efficiently alongside its newly upgraded design.
Consider each of these easily overlooked appliances and why they are so important to a properly functioning kitchen.
Kitchen Radiators
For some, radiators are not the first appliance that comes to mind when discussing a kitchen renovation, but these appliances are a necessary part of any reno plan as they influence a number of factors to ensure your kitchen runs smoothly.
Why they are important
Kitchen radiators provide heating to every kitchen and are necessary to keep your appliances running smoothly, especially in winter. If a kitchen is particularly cold, it can be harder for other appliances like an oven to come up to temperature before use.
These radiators can also help dry the room, as kitchens often collect steam and moisture from cooking, boiling water, and cleaning dishes.
Above all else, these radiators provide comfort in a room that is used frequently throughout the day. Keeping your kitchen adequately warm and cosy means you’re more likely to enjoy it after renovations are complete.
What to look for
- Kitchen radiators should be compact in design to remain out of the way and maximise floor and wall space in your room. They typically last anywhere from 10-15 years and should be replaced when they are no longer heating the space efficiently.
- There are plenty of unique and functional designs on the market to choose from to keep your room’s aesthetic in mind, like designer kitchen radiators from Trade Radiators.
- Using trusted radiator merchants will help you find the right unit for your space and eating requirements.
Water Filtration System
Water filtering has become common in most home kitchens to improve drinking and cooking water quality. Keeping your system up to par is important, as these filters need regular maintenance and changing over time.
Why they are important
Kitchen water filters, whether under sink, refrigerator, or countertop systems, provide cleaner water that is free from chemicals and is better tasting.
Filtered water is also known to boil faster than unfiltered water, leading to faster and more efficient cooking. Kitchen filtered water is incredibly convenient and eliminates the need for purchasing plastic disposable water bottles for both drinking and cooking.
What to look for
- Decide on the filtration system that works best for your needs. If you’re after an undersink system for easy access to filtered water from your tap, look for filters that specialise in removing chemicals like chlorine, which is often found in most tap water.
- Check the filter capacity of your chosen system and ensure it provides enough drinking or cooking water access for your needs.
- Consider reverse osmosis filter systems, which use meticulous technology to thoroughly filter out over 99% of impurities, chemicals, and even bacteria from water, giving you some of the purest and cleanest water available.
Ventilation Hoods
Easily overlooked and oftentimes not replaced, ventilation hoods actually provide a crucial function to all of your cooking and ventilation needs. These hoods can trap grease and remove smoke and steam from everything cooked on the hob.
Why they are important
Ventilation hoods release smoke and steam outside, filtering out harmful fumes and excess moisture while cooking. They also control odour build-up and help regulate high temperatures, with some models even recirculating air back into the kitchen.
What to look for
- Many types of ventilation hood systems can either be ducted or ductless. Decide which would work best for you, depending on the existing ductwork found already within your kitchen.
- These ventilation hoods come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be placed under cabinets, microwaves, or even come with retractable features.
- You can choose from a range of discreet or professional-looking ventilation hoods, depending on your kitchen’s design, layout, and preference.
| Appliance | Role in the Kitchen | Key Benefit | When to Replace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Radiator | Heating & moisture control | Energy efficiency & comfort | Every 10–15 years |
| Water Filter System | Tap/drinking water purification | Improved health & taste | Every 6–12 months (filters) |
| Ventilation Hood | Air quality & steam removal | Healthier cooking environment | Every 10+ years or if inefficient |
The takeaway
When trying to renovate your kitchen, it’s important to consider all appliances within and their practical features that help make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable. These appliances not only help with basic kitchen functions, but their heating, cooling, ventilation, and water regulation properties mean your other appliances are likely to run more smoothly for a longer period of time.
Before You Renovate: Kitchen Appliance Planning Checklist
Before you dive into your kitchen renovation, make sure these often-overlooked essentials are factored into your planning. This will help you avoid future hassle, save money, and get the most out of your new space.
Pre-Renovation Appliance Checklist
- Check radiator efficiency:Â Ensure your existing radiator is heating the space adequately. If it’s over 10 years old or not performing well, consider upgrading to a compact, designer model suited to your kitchen layout.
- Choose a water filtration method: Decide whether an undersink, countertop, or reverse osmosis system is best for your needs. Reverse osmosis is ideal for removing up to 99% of impurities, but carbon filters may be sufficient for taste and odour concerns.
- Evaluate existing ductwork for hood replacement: Determine whether your kitchen supports a ducted or ductless ventilation hood. This will influence both your design and installation process. If installing ducting from scratch, plan it into your renovation timeline and budget.
