Understanding Appliances In Your IKEA Kitchen

Reviewing important appliance considerations for your IKEA kitchen remodel

One of the most important aspects of a successful IKEA kitchen remodel is selecting the right appliances — and then using them properly.

As experts in all things IKEA, we know that choosing kitchen appliances that fit your IKEA cabinets leaves customers with a lot to think about. After all, you’ll certainly want to know the advantages and disadvantages to the appliances; comparative costs of IKEA appliances versus non-IKEA appliance brands; what brands work well with IKEA cabinets stylistically (and functionally) and, of course, what’s new in appliances.

That’s why we’re providing a two-part series called “Understanding Appliances In Your IKEA Kitchen,” to share information for when you’re selecting appliances, such as refrigerators, ranges, microwaves and more. In Part One, we’ll focus on refrigerators and ovens/ranges.

That said, any brand of appliances will work with IKEA cabinets. Yes, so non-IKEA appliance brands will be equally effective in your design (as would cabinets from third-party custom front manufacturers, by the way.) A key reason for this is that IKEA’s SEKTION cabinetry framework is a modular system which allows our designers to design around your product choices. Our team can also incorporate our signature IKEA cabinet hacks to accommodate your design vision and maximize how your appliances will be utilized. (Note: IKEA appliances are made in partnership with Whirlpool Corp.).

Whether you’re a first-time IKEA customer or a seasoned DIYer whose been researching examples of IKEA kitchen appliances and designs on Web sites like HOUZZ and Pinterest, this overview will guide you with the types of appliances you’ll need to consider for your remodel project.

Let’s take a look!

IKEA Refrigerators

Your refrigerator should not only work with your IKEA cabinets but should be a style and size that works best for your layout (and budget!). One way to do this is through a checklist of must-have appliance features and an understanding of how you intend to use the space.

That said, it’s important to understand the three types of refrigerator configurations typically seen in IKEA kitchen designs: A traditional refrigerator; a counter-depth refrigerator, and an integrated refrigerator. A standard refrigerator is 70” tall and its depth is usually between 25” and 31” (and as a result will stick out beyond the surrounding base cabinets, which are 24” in an IKEA kitchen).

A counter-depth refrigerator is also typically 70” tall and 24-26” deep, which is not counting the depth of the door. That means the entire refrigerator does not sit flush with the cabinets. The reason for this is the refrigerator box itself is flush, but the door adds about 2” for hinge clearance (so the door can open). Overall, a counter-depth refrigerator can mean you have less room to work with. But if you find that you’re left with only a few inches between the top of the refrigerator and the ceiling, your IKD designer will finish the space with panels or drawer fronts.

Lastly, an integrated refrigerator is 24” deep and will be flush with the cabinets. It also ranges between 80-84” tall. Integrated refrigerators are usually either completely camouflaged by a built-in appliance cabinet or are stainless steel options. For that reason, integrated refrigerators are ideal for European-style IKEA kitchens as they maintain very nice, clean lines.

Product-wise, the IKEA VALGRUNDAD 19 cu.-ft. stainless steel bottom-freezer refrigerator, available for $1,199.00 is one option; or for smaller kitchens, consider the IKEA FRYSBAR 13.9 cu. ft. stainless steel top-freezer refrigerator priced at $699.00. By comparison, some non-IKEA brand refrigerators include the Samsung 18 cu. ft. counter-depth French door stainless steel refrigerator, offered for $1,449.00; as well as the Frigidaire Professional 19 cu. ft. single-door refrigerator with smudge-proof stainless steel and an Energy-Star rating ($3,249.00).

Important things to remember:

• Not all refrigerators are the same size.
• The heights of your refrigerator and ceiling.
• Can you fit the refrigerator into your kitchen?
• Decide if you want cabinets above your refrigerator.

We also highly recommend that you measure the height of your kitchen ceiling (as well as surrounding areas) before you decide what refrigerator is best for you. Kitchen ceilings in most American and Canadian kitchens are either 84” or 96” tall so you’ll want to make sure you’re leaving enough space to accommodate the style and function you want.

IKEA Ovens and Ranges

Another must-have appliance, of course, is an oven or range. Fortunately, there are many available options from IKEA as well as non-IKEA brands.

There are two types of ranges to choose: Free-standing ranges and slide-in ranges. The main distinction is a free-standing range is designed to stand alone (typically 24” or 30” wide), and can also be installed between two cabinets; while slide-in ranges are designed solely to be installed between cabinets.

One choice is the free-standing IKEA LAGAN range with gas cooktop in white ($439.00). The IKEA LAGAN includes a large oven with a drawer underneath; measures 29-7/8” (W)x28-¾”(D)x47”(H) and is easy to install as it doesn’t require a special cabinet treatment. IKEA also offers the stainless steel IKEA TVARSAKER range with induction cooktop for $879.00 as well the IKEA KONSISTENS wall oven with a self-cleaning feature for $1,099. (Designer note: Induction cooking works by creating a magnetic field that reacts with the metal of the pan. This means that the whole pan becomes the heating element — it’s this that cooks your food rather than the heat coming from below. The advantages here is that the cooking surface remains cool, induction cooking is almost 84% more energy efficient compared to gas cooking, and the level of heat control is instant. Plus with the pan as the heating element you can cook a lot faster than with gas or electric cooking.)

By contrast, you can opt for non-IKEA brand ranges, such as the Samsung 6.0 cu. ft. Smart Slide-in Gas Range with Smart Dial & Air Fry in Tuscan Stainless Steel for $2,159.00; or the GE Profile 30” Freestanding Gas Double Oven Convection Range With No Preheat Air Fry (Dimensions: 47-1/4”(H)x30”(W)x29-1/4”(D)) for $2,249.00.

You may also want to consider purchasing a range hood, such as the IKEA UNDANTAG wall mounted range hood, available for $449.00, which provides a minimalistic look to any modern design theme or adds a sleek feel to traditional spaces for a more transitional layout.

Hopefully, you now have some inspiration and some practical information as you research products for your IKEA kitchen. Remember, our team of certified design professionals are here to guide you through the design and product selection process. In Part Two, we’ll share valuable information about selecting and designing with dishwashers and microwaves.