A good kitchen is a necessity in most homes - unless, like Shadow Minister Julia Gillard, the "only thing (you) make for dinner is reservations" (SMH April 25, 2006). For the rest of us, the most important kitchen appliance is an oven, according to a recent survey by Whirlpool home appliances, which shows new homebuyers consider ovens at the top of the list.
The oven is one of the focal points of any kitchen, and if the one you have looks outdated or tired, investing in a new one will liven up the appearance of the entire room, regardless of price range. Here is a quick overview of what can be achieved, depending on your budget.
Top of the line
The best upgrade is a combination of both a built-in microwave and oven. A built-in combination is an option if you're re-doing your cabinetry - the oven and microwave literally fit into one space to give a designer appearance, and you can usually expect to recoup the cost of your investment at resale.
Mid - range
If your budget will not stretch to custom built-in appliances, the look is still achievable with a slide-in range. A slide-in range fits into the existing space and comes with trim to cover the gap between the countertop and the oven, giving it the appearance of a custom built-in.
Low Price, Big Improvement
A cost-effective option is a freestanding range with a microwave-hood combination. In many kitchens, simply removing the microwave oven from the countertop and installing it above the oven is a space-saving enhancement, and an easy improvement if you are planning on staging the home for sale.
