Appliances

With all the new styles and innovations in appliances today, there are plenty of choices to choose from. When faced with having to replace an existing appliance or retrofit a new kitchen, deciding upon which appliances to purchase can be overwhelming. Gas, electric, or induction range or cooktop? Convection or steam oven? Side-by-side or french door refrigerator? Top-load or front-load washing machine?

And it doesn't stop there. What finish should the appliances have? Stainless? Black? Should they be integrated with the cabinetry? You're thinking "How do I narrow down my choices?"

Start by asking yourself several important questions: What's the style of your kitchen? How do you cook? What are the pros and cons of your current appliances? And how much money has been budgeted for the change? Then, go out and research what's new and available in the marketplace.

Many appliance and home improvement stores have web sites that not only offer comprehensive specifications on the appliances they sell, but also provide reviews and ratings from buyers that can help you in making your decisions. Consumer Reports and CNET are also great resources for appliance ratings and reviews.

And remember, green is in, so look for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances whenever possible - it'll save you money in the long run.