How to choose kitchen appliances?
When choosing kitchen appliances, rely on your own experience and habits, but also familiarize yourself with innovative solutions.
Hob and extractor hood
The question is no longer whether to choose a traditional or an induction hob, as induction has become the standard. The real choice lies in deciding between a hob with an integrated extractor or two separate appliances. So far, the Bora hob solution has been the most popular, but today many manufacturers offer cooktops with a similar operating principle, including more affordable options. Hobs with built-in extractors require drawer space underneath, as the filter and extraction system need to be housed there. Choosing this convenience therefore means giving up one drawer. Built-in extractor solutions are quieter and visually more discreet, making them especially suitable for kitchen islands – removing the overhead extractor keeps the space more open and unobstructed.
A more environmentally friendly and convenient solution is a recirculating hood with a high-efficiency filter that is not connected to the ventilation system. For a ventilation-connected hood, opening a window is necessary to prevent negative pressure and to achieve the hood’s rated efficiency. This, in turn, affects the indoor temperature and humidity.
Ovens
When choosing an oven, consider your existing habits and rationally think about which functions you will actually use. In addition to numerous baking programs, ovens often have other useful features, such as self-cleaning systems. For example, with a pyrolytic oven, you can heat the oven up to nearly 500°C and then simply wipe away the charred grease. However, you might not even need a full-sized oven if your kitchen is small – a microwave with a grill function or an air fryer might be sufficient. Some people prefer a combination oven, which offers both conventional oven functions and microwave capabilities. This type of appliance saves space and is particularly useful for those who are unsure whether a microwave will be necessary as children grow. Remember – a two-in-one solution is convenient, but you cannot use both functions simultaneously.
Refrigerator
When it comes to refrigerators, capacity is important – a larger family may need an additional fridge or freezer solution. Extra space can be created by using the freezer compartment efficiently and if possible, the freezer can be installed in a pantry or under the countertop. A double-door refrigerator requires a fairly spacious kitchen and a model with an ice maker also needs a water connection.
Dishwasher
Since this valuable household helper is usually located near the living room and possibly also close to a bedroom, check its noise level – there is a noticeable difference between 41 and 49 dB. Also, consider the size – do you need a 60 cm wide machine or is a smaller 45 cm width sufficient for a small family? Sometimes it’s handy if the dishwasher also has a quick wash program
When purchasing a Liven kitchen, it is possible to choose from a variety of appliance models. Our team has made preliminary selections from compatible appliances that we have personally tested in our own homes, but for special preferences, you can make your preferred choices through our partner network.
