It’s easy get caught up in the excitement of designing a custom kitchen. You have an endless number of possibilities to help you create a beautiful and functional space. But before you get too far into choosing finishes and cabinetry styles, don’t overlook this crucial step: selecting your appliances. It may seem like cabinets should come first — they’re often the most visible part of the kitchen — but in reality, you should pick out your appliances before finalizing any plans. Here’s why:

Appliances Dictate Cabinet Dimensions

Appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and range hoods, all come in specific sizes. Custom cabinets are designed to fit seamlessly around them. If you haven’t chosen your appliances first, your cabinetry might not have the correct dimensions, leading to expensive redesigns or limiting your appliance options.

Helps Avoid Costly Mistakes and Redesigns 

If you build your cabinets first, then later choose an oversized fridge or a double oven, you may need to modify or replace the cabinets to make everything fit. This can add significantly to your timeline, cause unnecessary stress, and put you way out of budget. Finalizing appliance specs early helps you avoid delays and unnecessary expenses. 

Knowing the appliance costs also helps you determine your budget and allows for better allocation of funds for cabinets and other features. 

Ensures Proper Workflow and Layout

Choosing appliances in advance allows your designer to create a layout that supports an efficient kitchen workflow. For example, knowing the exact size and placement of your stove and sink ensures you have the right spacing for prep areas, storage, and traffic flow. You want to achieve the “kitchen work triangle,” the ideal positioning between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. 

Custom Features Rely on Appliance Specs

Many custom cabinet features, such as built-in microwaves, drawers, pull-out shelves, and other custom storage solutions, depend on knowing your appliance models and measurements. The more detailed the specs, the better your cabinet maker can build around them, maximizing functionality and style. 

Built-In Appliances Require Precision

Built-in appliances that sit flush with the cabinets or panel-ready models require precise measurements. The cabinets must be built to the exact appliance specifications for a seamless fit. That precision is only possible when the appliance choices are made up front. 

Helps Coordinate Electrical and Plumbing Needs

Some appliances need specific electrical outlets, gas hookups, or water lines. Make sure you factor these into your cabinet and kitchen layout, so you can coordinate all mechanical elements before construction begins. 

Tips for Choosing Appliances

Do you know what cabinets you want, but haven’t thought about your appliances? Here are some tips to help you with your selection: 

Determine Your Needs and Budget — Consider how often you cook, what kind of cooking you do, and whether you want to entertain often. Determine how much you’re willing to spend, and research different brands and models to find the best value that fits your budget. 

You may want to prioritize the appliances you use most frequently and the features that are most important to you, or focus on ease of use and convenience. 

Evaluate Energy Efficiency and Maintenance — Consider mdoels that have Energy Star ratings if you want your kitchen to be energy-efficient. Additionally, choose models that are durable and easy to clean for effortless long-term maintenance. 

Factor in Features and Design — Consider the aesthetic of your kitchen and choose finishes that will match your style. Make sure you choose appliances that are easily reachable for those living in your home and ergonomic for users of different heights. 

Research and Compare — Check online reviews to see what people have to say about the models and brands you are considering. You can also talk to appliance retailers or kitchen designers if you feel like you need expert advice. 

Consider the Long Term — Consider how your needs may change in the future and choose appliances that can adapt to your changing lifestyle. Look for brands that offer a good warranty and have a reliable service network, in case you have any issues or need repairs in the future. 

Choose Your Appliances Before You Design Your Cabinets

Selecting your appliances before designing your custom cabinets allows you to create a kitchen that functions well and looks beautiful, as well as ensures you have accurate measurements, better layout planning, and fewer costly surprises during installation. Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or remodeling, starting with appliances sets the foundation for a smoother, more successful design process, saving you time, money, and stress. 

When building or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll need to decide between European (frameless) and face frame cabinets. Each has a distinct construction style, aesthetic, and functional advantage.  Let’s break down the differences to help you choose the right fit for your space.

What Are Face Frame Cabinets?

Face frame cabinets are a traditional American cabinet style that includes a frame, typically made of hardwood, attached to the front of the cabinet box. This border measures one and a half inches wide. The cabinet door or drawer front attaches to this frame. 

This style provides a sturdier front structure, which helps keep the cabinet square, which is especially helpful for older homes with uneven walls. You can choose from an inset, partial, or full overlay, which determines how much the frame is covered by the door or drawer front. These cabinets are generally more affordable than European-style cabinets. 

Pros

Durability and Strength — Face frame cabinets have a robust construction with the frame providing additional support to prevent racking. 

Versatile Options — You can choose from a great variety of cabinet styles and finishes. 

Easy Installation — These cabinets are typically easier to install, especially for those with less experience. 

Cons 

Reduced Interior Storage — The face frame takes up space, resulting in slightly less usable storage compared to frameless cabinets. 

Limited Style Options — The traditional style of these cabinets may not suit modern or minimalist design aesthetics. 

Reduced Accessibility — The lip of the face frame can make it more difficult to access items in the back of the cabinet and make it harder to fit large items. 

Overcrowding — The boxy constriction may also make your kitchen look overcrowded or jam-packed. 

What Are European (Frameless) Cabinets?

The European cabinet style (also known as frameless) eliminates the face frame. Instead, it has a full overlay, which means the doors and drawers attach directly to the cabinet box. These flat-panel doors are known as “slabs.” 

These cabinets have clean lines and flush-mount doors that provide a modern appearance. The full-access cabinetry has no center stile or frame in the way, wider drawer boxes, and easier access. 

Pros 

Storage Efficiency — The frameless construction of European cabinets provides about 10% more storage capacity than face-frame cabinets, allowing you to easily store bigger and taller items. 

Sleek and Modern Appearance — The clean lines and seamless look of frameless cabinets are great for contemporary, minimalist, and modern spaces. The sleek look also makes these cabinets easier to clean. 

Increased Accessibility — Full-overlay doors and drawers provide easier access to items stored in the back of the cabinets, making them more functional than face frame cabinets. 

Durable Construction — European cabinets are built with robust materials and hardware, making them very durable and reducing the chance of racking. 

Cons

Higher Cost — European cabinets generally cost more than face frame cabinets because they use premium materials and construction techniques and require more lumber to support the lack of frame. 

Limited Customization — European cabinets don’t have as many customization options as face frame cabinets. They also tend to clash in traditional kitchen designs and may look outdated. 

Potential for Wear and Tear — Because the edges of the doors and drawer extend to the edge of the cabinet box, they may receive more scratches and chips. They also have the risk of falling off the wall if attached to uneven walls. 

Aesthetic Differences

Face Frame — Face frame cabinets work best in traditional, farmhouse, or transitional styled homes.

Frameless (European) — European cabinets work ideally in modern, contemporary, or Scandinavian interiors.

Construction & Cost

Frameless Cabinets — These cabinets tend to be faster and less expensive to produce due to fewer materials and simpler construction. You may be able to install these cabinets yourself.

Face Frame Cabinets —  These cabinets may cost more due to additional materials and more intricate construction. However, you have more room for custom styling. These cabinets typically need professional installation. 

Which Should You Choose?

Choose face frame cabinets if you prefer a more traditional look, need custom styling, have uneven walls, or are on a budget.

Choose frameless cabinets if you want a sleek, modern look and need to maximize storage and accessibility. These cabinets work well for big families.

Which Cabinet Style do You Prefer? 

Do you lean toward the clean lines and modern aesthetic of European cabinets or the classic charm of face frame construction? Whichever you prefer, understanding the pros and cons of each cabinet style will help you make a confident and informed decision. Your lifestyle, design taste, and storage needs should be the main influences.