Understanding Appliances In Your IKEA Kitchen – Part 2

Taking a look at dishwashers and microwaves for your IKEA kitchen remodel

In Part One of our two-part series “Understanding Appliances In Your IKEA Kitchen,” we spoke about some of the aspects of selecting the right appliances for your IKEA kitchen, specifically with refrigerators, ovens and ranges. Now in Part Two, our design team would like to discuss the important considerations regarding dishwashers and microwaves for your IKEA remodel project.

For instance, did you know that the right dishwasher is a great way to minimize clutter and maximize workflow in your IKEA kitchen? Or that the right microwave will save precious real estate in your kitchen layout when space is at a premium? We do! And we know that choosing kitchen appliances that fit your IKEA cabinets leaves customers with a lot to think about. That’s why we’re discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these appliances; the comparative costs of IKEA appliances versus non-IKEA appliance brands, and what brands work well with IKEA cabinets stylistically (and functionally).

Keep in mind, any brand of appliances will work well with IKEA cabinets. So non-IKEA appliance brands will be equally effective in your design as IKEA appliances (which are made in partnership with Whirlpool Corp.). 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 designers can also incorporate our signature IKEA cabinet hacks to accommodate your design vision and maximize how your appliances will be utilized.

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So if you’ve been researching examples of IKEA kitchen appliances and designs on Web sites like HOUZZ and Pinterest and are looking for insights into kitchen appliances, the following information will guide your dishwasher and microwave selections for your kitchen remodel.

Let’s take a look!

IKEA Dishwashers

Choosing the right dishwasher is one of the best ways to make your IKEA kitchen a success.

That said, the IKEA ESSENTIELL built-in dishwasher, available in stainless steel and Black stainless steel, provides a dynamic, custom look for any IKEA kitchen. Available for $599.00, the IKEA ESSENTIELL dishwasher is energy- and water-efficient (Energy Star qualified) and comes with a five-year warranty. For an even more budget-friendly option, the IKEA LAGAN built-in dishwasher in White ($299.00) measures 33-1/2”-35-3/4”(H)x25”(D)x24”(W), and is ideal for smaller kitchens; such as galley-style kitchens, or kitchens in city dwellings, such as condos or apartments.

Some non-IKEA brand dishwasher options include the new stainless steel Thermador DWHD770WFM Sapphire Series 24” Built In Dishwasher ($2,299). Energy Star rated, the DWHD770WFM features a sleek design along with fully integrated controls, a cutlery tray and an available three-year or five-year warranty. Also, the Bosch 500 Series stainless steel 24” Pocket Handle Dishwasher ($999.00) offers counter-depth installation, Autoair drying (which automatically opens the dishwasher door when the cycle is finished to let moisture escape and fresh air circulate); an adjustable upper rack, and Speed60 cycle (which completes washing and drying within 60 minutes). This is a great dishwasher option for families with a tight, hectic schedule.

Designer Tip: You always want to provide accurate measurements for your designer and installer/contractor. This will help greatly for making the design and installation process go much smoother. Or, consider using IKD’s 360 Panoramic View Platform to have personalized, photorealistic renderings of your space to review and share for accurate placement of your dishwasher.

IKEA Microwaves

When selecting a microwave remember that microwave sizes are not standardized. This mainly becomes an issue if you want a built-in microwave fitted into a base cabinet. If you want to fit a built-in microwave into a high cabinet, IKEA has many options and they even make a cabinet that can fit a single oven and a microwave. That said, built-in microwaves are typically 15-20”(H) and 24-30”(W).

Note: IKEA has one base cabinet intended for a microwave, but because there’s no standard microwave size, you could end up with a lot of extra room to the right or left of the microwave. Here are many more ideas for microwave placement in the kitchen.

Specifically, the IKEA HUVUDSAKLIG stainless steel built-in microwave ($559.00) measures 30”(W) and matches well with the IKEA ADRATT oven, according to IKEA. It also features a one-touch “Keep Warm” setting and offers a sleek, minimalistic look — ideal for customers who cook or entertain a lot and need to keep meals on schedule! The IKEA MEDELNIVA black stainless steel over-the-range microwave offers a cost ($279.00) and style alternative as it doubles as a range hood (which eliminates the need to keep the microwave on the countertops) and comes with a five-year warranty. This is a great solution for smaller kitchens where every inch counts and for customers who want extra space on the countertops for food prep or to place other small appliances, like toasters, etc.

One non-IKEA brand alternative is the GE 2.2 cu. ft. capacity countertop Microwave Oven ($319.00) which features sensor cooking controls, inverter defrost technology, a warming oven and an extra-large 16” turntable. Another option is the Samsung 1.1 cu. ft. Countertop Convection Microwave ($399.00) with Sensor Cook and PowerGrill. Measuring at 19”(D)x12-9/50”(H)x20-1/2”(W), the microwave features convection technology, an LED display and a child-safety lockout.

Keep in mind, there’re also some common IKEA kitchen design mistakes to avoid once you’ve selected your microwave. That’s a key reason why we at IKD are here to guide you in your product and design choices. We will insure that every design aspect of your IKEA remodel is addressed, including purchasing decisions (and when to best make them).

We trust this information has been valuable and provides a solid starting point with which to proceed with your IKEA kitchen remodel. If so, we are here to help you make the right product choices and, more importantly, to make sure that your IKEA kitchen (and other rooms in the home as well!) looks and functions exactly how you need it.

Learn more about how we can design your IKEA kitchen, bath, laundry room and other rooms at inspiredkitchendesign.com.