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Kitchen Appliances

Smart Appliances - From Tech to Design

Kitchen appliances have come a long way over the past century. They are no longer just functional – they are now highly engineered, increasingly smart, shaping not only the performance and look of modern kitchens but also how cabinetry is designed and constructed.

At Complete Kitchens, with nearly half a century of experience as kitchen designers and cabinet makers, we have seen how rapidly appliances change. This evolution makes cabinetry design more intricate and detail-driven.

Kitchens are already the most complex room in a home, and today’s advanced appliances only add to that complexity. That’s why a highly experienced design and engineer team, skilled craftsmen, and on-site experts with a keen eye for detail are more essential than ever.

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Armadale Kitchen Renovation_ Contemporary kitchen design
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Balwyn contemporary Kitchen Renovation_ Blum and Marble
WAG-Balwyn Kitchen Renovation _2015 -square

How Appliances shape Modern Kitchen Design?

  • Visual Integration

In modern custom kitchens, appliances are carefully integrated into the overall cabinetry design to create a seamless and cohesive look. Integrated fridges, concealed rangehoods and dishwashers, and built-in wall ovens are now standard features, helping designers minimize visual clutter and maintain clean, uninterrupted lines.

Cabinetry is purpose-built to visually absorb appliances, resulting in a sleek, contemporary kitchen where every element feels coordinated. Handleless cabinets, push-to-open drawers, and panels that align perfectly with appliance doors further enhance the minimalist aesthetic, giving the space a calm, cohesive, and high-end appearance.

Induction cooktops have taken this minimalism to the next level. Their smooth, flat surfaces and hidden burners allow the cooking zone to blend seamlessly into the benchtop, making the space feel open and inviting—a kitchen that functions as much for socializing as it does for cooking.

 

  • Workflow,  Regulations and Ergonomics

Kitchen appliances have a direct impact on cabinetry dimensions and overall space planning. Dishwashers influence benchtop heights and the layout of base cabinets around sinks, while fridge size, door swing, and door projection determine walkway clearances and ease of movement.

Cooktop and rangehood selections also affect the height and positioning of overhead cabinets, as different appliances require specific clearances and ventilation to meet Victorian building regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and warranty requirements.

While custom cabinetry allows these elements to be carefully considered and integrated into the kitchen design, not every appliance combination will suit every household perfectly. In some cases, ergonomic considerations, such as the height and reach of the owners, may require compromises to ensure the kitchen remains comfortable, safe, and practical for everyday use.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Appliances?

  • When to Buy

It is always helpful to start by researching kitchen appliances early. This allows you to understand what is available on the market, identify your must-have features, and form a realistic budget. Appliances are a significant part of the overall kitchen renovation cost, so having a clear idea of your preferences early is beneficial.

However, we strongly recommend placing appliance orders after you have consulted a professional kitchen designer and your kitchen layout has been finalized. This ensures that your appliance selections work efficiently within the space and align with the overall design, workflow, and cabinetry dimensions.

It is equally important to factor in installation requirements and associated costs. Many modern appliances involve more than a simple replacement. High-tech appliances may require electrical upgrades, specialized plumbing, additional ventilation, or purpose-designed cabinetry solutions.

For example, integrated fridges and dishwashers require matching cabinet doors and panels to be designed and manufactured specifically to suit the appliance. Induction cooktops may require upgrades to the main switchboard or increased power capacity. Downdraft rangehoods often need complex internal cabinetry structures or dedicated cut-outs, which can impact drawer configurations and storage space.

  • Accessories Matter

Smaller appliances and accessories are often overlooked in the early stages of planning. These items frequently come up partway through the design process, but it’s important to advise your kitchen company before manufacturing begins so they can be properly accommodated in the cabinetry.

Microwaves are a common example. If you are selecting a built-in model with a trim kit, it needs to be treated as a fixed appliance and designed to fit precisely into a purpose-built cabinet with the correct clearances. The same applies to accessories such as an InSinkErator. While concealed under the sink, it still requires space for plumbing, power and future access, which can affect the storage design of the sink cabinet. Other additions – such as water filtration systems, pull-out bins, internal power points or charging drawers – may seem minor, but they can significantly influence cabinetry design if not considered early.

By sharing these details upfront, the cabinetry technical detailers can configure your cabinet dimensions to work seamlessly behind the scenes, avoiding modifications or compromises after kitchen is built.

Clever Cabinet Designs to Fit Your Appliances

  • Microwave Cabinets

Microwaves are small appliances that many homeowners prefer to keep out of sight. For those who use them frequently, a purpose-designed microwave cabinet provides easy access while maintaining a seamless kitchen look.

This can be as simple as a standard cabinet with a door to conceal the appliance, or a bi-fold or slide-out design for frequent use, allowing the microwave to stay open and accessible when needed, without disrupting the clean lines of your cabinetry.

Toorak Kitchen Renovation_ Curved pantry with integrated fridge
  • Integrated Fridges

Integrated fridges are designed to blend seamlessly into your cabinetry, creating a cohesive and refined kitchen aesthetic. By concealing the appliance behind custom-made panels, the fridge becomes part of the overall design rather than a standalone feature.

Whether fully built into a curved pantry as a design feature, or incorporated as a CoolDrawer for everyday convenience, integrated fridges offer a stylish solution that prioritizes both form and function while maintaining clean, uninterrupted lines throughout the kitchen.

  • Feature Rangehood Box

A feature rangehood box transforms a necessary appliance into a striking design element. By enclosing an undermount rangehood within custom cabinetry, it becomes a seamless part of the kitchen while still providing powerful extraction.

Designed to suit a variety of styles – from classic French provincial with elegant detailing to sleek contemporary kitchens with brass or modern finishes – the rangehood box is carefully crafted to integrate with surrounding cabinetry, enhancing both the look and functionality.

Caulfield East Traditional Kitchen Renovation_ Custom Rangehood box

CAREFUL PLANNING FOR SMART WORKFLOW

  • Smartly Designed Workflow

A high-performance kitchen is built on more than just premium appliances — it depends on meticulous planning behind the scenes. Strong design intent, accurate planning, and well-considered specifications must align to support the way the kitchen is used.

From internal cabinet configurations and clearances to precise appliance cut-outs, plumbing provisions, and electrical requirements, every element needs to be carefully coordinated. When cabinetry is purpose-designed to accommodate each appliance and trade, the kitchen delivers not only a refined appearance, but seamless performance where it truly counts.

How You Work with Complete Kitchens?

At Complete Kitchens, appliance planning is integrated into our design process from the very beginning. Our designers meet clients during the in-home design consultation, whether you already have appliances selected, are still researching options, or need guidance from scratch. We work with your decisions, or help lead you through them, so appliance choices support both your lifestyle and your kitchen design.

While we don’t sell appliances ourselves, we regularly work alongside trusted kitchen and bathroom appliance specialists such as E&S Trading. This allows you to receive expert, brand-specific advice while ensuring appliance selections remain compatible with your kitchen layout, cabinetry design and budget. Our showroom kitchens also display a range of integrated appliances, giving you the opportunity to see how different appliance types work seamlessly with custom cabinetry in real kitchen settings.

Once your appliances are selected, you simply provide us with the specifications. Our cabinetry technical detailers carefully review all appliance requirements, including dimensions, ventilation clearances, service connections and installation instructions. Where required, we will advise which appliances need to be delivered to our factory for cut-outs, test fitting or pre-installation preparation.

Most premium appliance brands provide clear and consistent specifications. However, in some cases – particularly with newer technologies or less common models – documentation can be unclear or open to interpretation. In these situations, having the appliance physically checked ensures accuracy and avoids costly issues during installation.

This collaborative and detail-driven approach allows us to design and manufacture cabinetry that fits precisely, installs smoothly, and performs exactly as intended.

 

Like what you see? Let us help you. 

 

If you are planning your kitchen renovation, it is the right time to engage us now. The Complete Kitchens’ design team can assist you from the initial design phase and offer you one-stop service, including manufacture, installation and trade coordination.

Learn more about how we work on our Process page, or visit our Oakleigh South showroom to experience our craftsmanship and integrated kitchen solutions firsthand.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose my kitchen appliances during a renovation?

It’s best to start researching appliances early to understand your options and budget. However, we recommend finalizing selections after your kitchen layout is designed with a professional.

Do you sell kitchen appliances or accessories?

Our showroom features a range of popular appliances from premium brands in fully fitted kitchen displays, so you can see how they work in real settings. However, we don’t sell these appliances directly. Instead, we work closely with trusted appliance specialists such as E&S Trading, who provide brand-specific advice. Once your appliances are selected, our design and technical team coordinate the specifications to ensure they fit perfectly with your custom cabinetry.

When it comes to accessories, we offer a wide selection from premium suppliers such as Häfele and Hettich, including bins, LED strip lighting, pull-out units, and handles. These items can be selected during the design phase and included in your contract.

What if I change my mind about an appliance after the cabinetry is made?

It does happen from time to time. However, changes after cabinetry manufacture can require modifications and may be costly. If you need to make a change, we will work with you to explore the options and advise on the necessary dimensions and specifications for your new appliance. Our trusted appliance partners can also help identify the best alternatives within your budget.

Can I reuse some appliances in my new kitchen?

Absolutely! If your existing appliances are still in good condition and you’re happy with their performance, they can often be incorporated into your new kitchen. Freestanding fridges, ovens, and dishwashers are commonly reused. Our technical team will measure and check your appliances on-site to ensure they fit perfectly with your new cabinetry layout.

A quick tip: if you are reusing a freestanding fridge but might want a larger model in the future, let your designer know. We can plan the cabinet and ventilation space to suit your current appliance while leaving enough room for potential upgrades. This way, your kitchen remains flexible without compromising on design or functionality.

Who is responsible for installing the appliances?

While we manufacture and install the cabinetry, the actual appliance connections are carried out by the qualified trades to guarantee safe and compliant operation. For example, rangehoods, dishwashers, gas cooktops, and sink/taps must be installed by a licensed plumber, while electrical appliances such as ovens, induction cooktops required a licensed electrician. To minimize surprises on-site, our cabinet makers pre-fit built-in appliances and test cut-outs for sinks and taps in our factory, ensuring everything fits before installation.

If you renovate your kitchen with us, we can coordinate the key trades required for your project, such as licensed plumbers and electricians. Our trusted trades have worked with us for many years and are highly skilled, reliable, and 5-star rated. Alternatively, you are welcome to engage your own trades if you prefer.