Pros and Cons of Having a Cooktop and an Oven in Your Kitchen
Whenever you're planning a kitchen remodeling project, you should consider it to be an ideal time to make changes to your appliances. This doesn't just mean upgrading them; it can also be an opportunity to change the style of the appliances that you use. You might currently use a stove/oven combination, as is the case in many households. However, replacing this two-in-one appliance with two separate ones—a cooktop and an oven—can change the look of your kitchen and even how you and your family members use this space. Here are some pros and cons to evaluate if you should make this change.
Pro: Less Congestion When Cooking
If two or more people are cooking in your kitchen at the same time, it can get highly congested around the stove/oven. However, when you decide to have a cooktop and an oven, you'll notice that things are easier. For example, if one family member is stirring a pot on the cooktop, he or she won't have to move out of the way for another family member to take something out of the oven, as these two appliances will be separate. When you have a stove/oven combination, this isn't the case.
Con: It May Cost You More
One potential challenge of having two separate appliances installed in that you may end up spending more money. Unless you find a good deal when you buy the appliances, you'll often pay more for a separate cooktop and an oven than you would when buying a combination unit. And, because your remodeling contractor will need to hook up two appliances instead of one, the installation costs may be higher, too.
Pro: It Won't Affect Your Counter Space or Storage Space
It's important to realize that going from a stove/oven combination unit to a cooktop and oven won't take up more counter space or storage space. This is something that is especially valuable to know when you have a smaller kitchen. The space under the cooktop can be filled with shelves; whereas, the oven will fit into a spot below your counter. Essentially, going from one appliance to two separate appliances will take up the same amount of space.
Con: Your Installation Spots Might Be Limited
Because your kitchen appliances require higher power than smaller appliances, they cannot just be set up anywhere. A remodeling contractor, such as Venters' Construction Inc., will likely suggest suitable places for the two appliances. One of them will likely need to be installed near where the old combination unit stood, as the wiring will already be in place. The contractor may recommend installing the other appliance nearby so that the process of running extra wiring through your kitchen is minimal. This may result in you being unable to place the two appliances exactly where you'd hoped to.