Smart appliance choices for your next reno: What to know before you plug in

Renovating your kitchen? You’ve probably got your heart set on the perfect tiles, splashback, or tapware. But let’s not forget the real MVPs (most valuable players) of your kitchen—the appliances. From your fridge and cooktop to the sleek little extras that make life easier (yes, we’re looking at you, wine cooler), picking the right appliances can make or break your reno.

So, before you go swiping your card or knocking down cabinets, here’s what to consider when it comes to appliances—and how to choose ones that won’t just look good, but will also save you time, money, and a bit of daily stress.

Cut costs while you cook: Choose energy-efficient appliances

We all want lower power bills. And the good news is, eco-friendly appliances are getting better every year. Choosing energy-efficient options doesn’t just help the planet—it helps your back pocket, too.

• Look for the stars – The more energy stars, the better. Simple.
• Water-saving features – Dishwashers and washing machines that use less water are a smart pick, especially in Australia where every drop counts.
• Smart appliances – Some appliances now let you monitor usage or control them remotely from your phone. Talk about power to the people.

Hot tip: If you’re replacing old appliances, newer models are almost always more efficient. Even the basic ones can make a difference on your next power bill.

Style meets function: The Euro Appliances look

Design lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re all about good looks and performance, check out the range from Euro Appliances. Known for their Italian design, they strike that perfect balance between sleek style and practical function.

• Choose your finish – Matte black, brushed steel, crisp white—there’s a finish to match every vibe.
• Understated and integrated – Euro’s designs are made to sit seamlessly in your kitchen. No fuss, no visual clutter.
• Function-forward features – Think intuitive controls, multi-function ovens, and quiet dishwashers. It's the little things.

Hot tip: Matching your appliances to your kitchen’s colour scheme or cabinetry helps everything feel pulled together. Très chic, without trying too hard.

Plan your layout like a pro

Appliances don’t just need to look good—they need to work in your space. A beautiful fridge is no use if it’s in the way every time you open a cupboard.

• Work triangle magic – Fridge, stove, sink. These three should form a triangle that’s easy to move around—no marathon sprints needed between boiling pasta and draining it.
• Avoid traffic jams – Make sure doors can open fully without hitting walls or other appliances.
• Make room to move – Especially in open-plan kitchens, keep major appliances out of the main walkway so you’re not tripping over the oven door.

Hot tip: If you’re going for integrated appliances, think ahead. They’ll need to be factored into your cabinetry design early.

Beverage and wine coolers: Worth the extra shelf space?

They might feel like a luxury, but wine fridges and beverage coolers are surprisingly practical, especially if you love entertaining or just like to keep things organised. Here’s why they’re worth considering in your next reno:

• Free up your main fridge for food
  If you’re constantly playing fridge Tetris with dinner ingredients and drink bottles, a dedicated cooler can help separate the two. No more shuffling groceries every time you want a sparkling water or beer.
• Keep drinks at their ideal temperature
  Wine and beverage coolers are designed to store drinks at just the right temp—better for flavour, fizz, and freshness. That means perfectly chilled whites, reds that aren’t too cold, and beers that hit the spot straight from the fridge.
• Add a touch of luxury to your kitchen
  Let’s be honest—they look pretty slick. Whether under the bench or built-in, a wine or drinks fridge gives your kitchen or butler’s pantry that high-end feel without blowing the budget.

Hot tip: Short on kitchen space? Pop one in the laundry, walk-in pantry or home bar zone instead.

Rangehoods that don’t spoil the view

Gone are the days of chunky, noisy rangehoods that dominate your kitchen. If you’re all about clean lines and open sightlines, check out these slick options:

• Undermount rangehoods – Installed under cabinets, these are discreet and do the job without drawing attention.
• Slide out rangehoods – Want to free up your space even more? Try a slide out rangehood. It’s sleek, smart, and perfect for open kitchens where you don’t want a big rangehood in the middle of the room.

Hot tip: Always match your rangehood size to your cooktop. Bigger cooktop? You’ll need a rangehood that can keep up.

Integrated appliances = Clean lines + big style

Want that seamless, magazine-worthy kitchen look? Integrated appliances are where it’s at.

• Hide it away – Integrated fridges, dishwashers and even microwaves sit behind cabinet panels so everything looks neat and tidy.
• Great for open plan living – With everything hidden, your kitchen blends in with your living space.
• Perfect for minimalist styles – If you love Japandi, coastal, or Scandi design, integrated is the way to go.

Hot tip: Integration often needs to be planned during the cabinet design phase, so talk to your kitchen designer early.

Appliance planning tips from the pros

Choosing appliances isn’t just about brands and features—it’s about making them work for your life. Here are a few handy tips to help you get the most out of your appliance picks:

• Measure twice, buy once
  Before you fall in love with that extra-wide fridge or double oven, double-check your measurements. And don’t forget to leave space for ventilation, doors to open properly, and enough clearance for installation.
• Think about your lifestyle
  Do you cook every night or mostly use the microwave? Do you batch cook on weekends or entertain often? The answers will help guide your choices. Big entertainers might value a wine fridge and two ovens. Solo renovators might lean into simplicity and space-saving.
• Look to the future
  Renovating isn’t something you want to do every couple of years. Think about appliances that will grow with your household—or add resale value if you move on. Energy efficiency, smart tech, and timeless finishes are always good bets.

Don’t forget the laundry and bathroom

While the kitchen gets most of the spotlight in an appliance upgrade, don’t forget the other hardworking spaces in your home.

• In the laundry, look for a washer-dryer combo if you’re short on space, or consider stacking front-loaders for a tidy, ergonomic setup. A built-in ironing station or drying rail can be worth its weight in gold when you’re dealing with small loads or rainy weeks.
• In the bathroom, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, or even a compact washer for delicates can add both comfort and function. And if you’re going for a sleek look, integrated or built-in storage for electric toothbrushes and hair dryers can keep clutter off the bench.

These extras might seem small, but they can make a big difference to your day-to-day routine—and how you feel in your space.

Appliances are more than just add-ons

When you’re deep in reno planning, it’s easy to treat appliances like a last-minute decision. But they’re central to how your home functions. Good appliances save time, save money, and make your daily routines easier—so give them the same love and attention you give your tiles and tapware.

Want help figuring out what’s right for your space?

Visit any one of our 100+ showrooms around the country, or book an appointment with a Tradelink appliance specialist. We’ll help you make choices that fit your space, budget and style—no guesswork required.