Shopping for new kitchen appliances can be mind-boggling experience with the number of choices available these days. Typically, kitchen appliances are either freestanding, which means they are combined into a standalone unit that works as soon as power is supplied, or built-in, which are integrated into the kitchen cabinetry and require a bit more work before operation. But which one is best for you?Â
Though they are often costlier and more difficult to install than their freestanding counterparts, we believe that built-in kitchen appliances are the best for African kitchens in the long run. Here are five reasons why:Â
1. Simple and space-saving
As East Africa continues to urbanise, affordable housing in the big cities can be difficult to find. With homes getting smaller and more expensive, many homeowners are constantly trying to find new ways of optimising their space. The kitchen is not exception, and built-in kitchen appliances and solutions can help you get more out of your kitchen as well.Â
Unlike their freestanding counterparts, Newmatic hobs, hoods, ovens and microwaves are all designed to fit and be installed into your cabinet. This saves precious countertop space for frequently used small appliances like coffee machines and toasters, as well as floor space for cooking and other social activities. For maximum results, why not try our kitchen hardware line as well? Our BK4010 Kidney Tray, BK4127 Revolving Basket and BK5080 Magic Corner Basket transforms previously inaccessible corner cabinets into useful and convenient storage spaces.Â
2. More customisable options
Unlike freestanding units where different components such as the hob and oven are attached to each other, built-in kitchen appliances fit into their own individual compartments in the cabinetry. This gives the user the freedom to mix and match appliances of different materials, colours and specifications, thereby making kitchen design less restrictive whilst tailoring the space to better fit their lifestyle and cooking habits as well.Â
3. Easier repairs
Though we hope the day will never come, there will eventually be a time when our cherished kitchen appliances break down. When this moment arrives, built-in kitchen appliances will make the process less stressful. Sometimes, a kitchen appliance is so severely damaged that it must be sent to a workshop for repair, or worse, thrown away. In such cases, having individually installed kitchen appliances rather than a freestanding cooker enables you to use the other appliances without interruption or avoid replacing items which still have usable components. This allows you to minimise waste as well as disruption to your routine.Â
4. Superior kitchen design
Ever wondered how kitchens in the magazines look so clean and seamless? With a keen design instinct, built-in kitchen appliances can greatly enhance the overall look of your kitchen. Unlike their freestanding counterparts, which often break the visual flow of cabinetry or take up countertop space, built-in kitchen appliances blend into the kitchen well and make the space seem less cluttered. Built-in kitchens are also considered very modern and trendy right now, so choosing built-in kitchen appliances are sure to impress your guests and neighbours.
5. Increases your home value
Built-in kitchen appliances tend to be more expensive and difficult to install than their freestanding counterparts. However, the aforementioned benefits they provide, like being space-saving and more versatile in terms of design and repair often outweigh their cost. Furthermore, these upsides are entirely transferable to the next homeowner, thereby increasing your property’s value and making the investment extremely worthwhile.
In conclusion, through built-in kitchen appliances are pricier as well as more demanding in terms of installation and workmanship, we here at Newmatic believe that it is the best option for African kitchens in the long run, as it provides superior efficiency, versatility and style for every shilling you spend.