Top mistakes Melburnians make when choosing kitchen appliances

A kitchen renovation can quickly go off-track when appliance choices don’t match the layout, budget or lifestyle. And in Melbourne — where space, design rules and family needs vary wildly — this happens more often than you’d think. People jump on sales, grab the biggest fridge, or choose gadgets they’ll never use. By the time installation rolls around, it’s too late.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or planning detailed kitchen renovations in Melbourne, your appliances are more than just machines. They shape how your kitchen looks, works and flows. So let’s dig into the most common appliance mistakes made in Melbourne homes — and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing Appliances Too Late in the Design Process

This is the biggest trap. People often choose benchtops, cabinets and flooring first, then worry about appliances. But your oven, fridge and dishwasher affect every part of the kitchen layout — from ventilation to power points.

Let’s say you buy a 900mm oven but only leave space for 600mm. Or you choose a French door fridge that blocks the pantry when opened. These aren’t rare issues. They happen often, especially in heritage homes or compact floorplans.

Appliance size, depth and hinge clearance should be locked in early. Talk to your kitchen designer before purchasing. Match the specs with your layout. That way, ventilation gaps, wiring and cabinetry can all be designed around your chosen models.

We helped a couple in South Yarra who had bought appliances first, then hit walls during fit-out. Their microwave stuck out 50mm past the cabinetry. A simple shift in timeline would’ve saved them stress and money.

For practical steps on when and how to plan, check out this advice on how to choose the right appliances for your renovation.

2. Ignoring Energy Efficiency Ratings

Melburnians are becoming more energy-conscious, especially as electricity costs rise and sustainability takes centre stage. But some still overlook efficiency ratings when choosing appliances — often because price or appearance takes priority.

What’s the catch? Low-efficiency appliances might save you money upfront, but they’ll cost more long-term. An inefficient fridge, dishwasher or oven adds hundreds to your annual bill. They also heat up the kitchen faster and take longer to cool down.

Energy Star ratings exist for a reason. Look for:

• Fridges with at least 4 stars
• Dishwashers with water-saving modes
• Induction cooktops that heat faster and waste less

A young family in Pascoe Vale chose a fridge with poor energy ratings for a sleek look. After a year, they noticed rising bills — and the fridge struggled in hot summers. They ended up replacing it with a model that worked better and cost less to run.

To make smarter choices, upgrade with energy-efficient kitchen appliances that meet your budget, your space and your daily habits.

3. Overcomplicating with Unused Smart Features

Smart appliances sound exciting — ovens you control from your phone, fridges that send expiry alerts. But many homeowners overcommit to features they never use, turning useful gear into overcomplicated tech.

Not all smart features are equal. Some are clunky, need constant updates or rely on apps that don’t always work. Before buying, ask: do you need voice control to turn on your kettle? Or do you just want something that’s reliable and easy to clean?

Instead, focus on appliances that offer simple upgrades:

• Touchscreen timers
• Pre-programmed cooking settings
• Quiet operation modes
• Remote monitoring for safety

In a Fitzroy apartment, the owners went all-in on smart gear — a Wi-Fi-enabled oven, fridge cameras, voice-assistant coffee machine. Six months later, they used none of it. What they needed was an oven with faster preheat and a quiet dishwasher.

That’s why we always recommend you explore smart kitchen appliance ideas with purpose, not pressure. Choose features that suit your habits, not just your wishlist.

4. Prioritising Style Over Function

Design matters. Sleek appliances, hidden handles, matching finishes — they all help create a clean kitchen look. But choosing looks over function can backfire.

Let’s say you fall for an all-black appliance range, but they show every fingerprint and scratch. Or you choose a handleless oven but can’t grip the door properly when hot.

Form must follow function. Your cooktop needs the right number of burners for how you cook. Your dishwasher should fit tall glassware if you entertain often. Your fridge should have adjustable shelving, not just a pretty face.

We worked with a homeowner in Brunswick who chose an ultra-modern cooktop with no knobs — just touch controls. After a few weeks, they hated it. Wet hands meant misfires, and guests struggled to use it.

Style is important — but so is daily use. Ask yourself how you live, then choose appliances that make that easier, not just prettier.

5. Not Thinking About Noise Levels

Noise is often ignored during appliance selection, especially in open-plan homes. But it matters more than you think. Dishwashers that hum quietly let you run them while watching TV. Fridges with silent motors don’t buzz through the night.

Appliance noise is measured in decibels (dB). Every 10dB increase doubles the noise. A 40dB dishwasher is whisper quiet. A 55dB model is noticeably loud in small homes.

Check noise ratings before you buy:

• Fridges: under 40dB is ideal
• Dishwashers: 45dB or less
• Rangehoods: variable speeds with lower noise on low settings

In a home office setup or apartment, noise becomes even more critical. One homeowner in Kensington had a fridge humming at 52dB — enough to disrupt Zoom calls and movie nights.

Quieter appliances often cost more upfront, but the daily comfort they bring is well worth it.

6. Forgetting the Flow of the Work Triangle

The best kitchen layouts use the “work triangle” — a clear path between the fridge, cooktop and sink. But choosing appliances that don’t fit this flow creates daily frustration.

Let’s say the dishwasher opens into a walkway. Or the oven is right next to the fridge. These choices slow down cooking, cause congestion and reduce safety.

Always measure appliance door swings. Will the fridge door block a drawer? Will opening the oven hit a corner?

In a Caulfield home, the family had placed their dishwasher beside the oven. When both doors opened, they couldn’t move between them. They had to modify cabinetry to fix the issue.

Make sure your appliance choices suit your kitchen’s flow, not just the available wall space.

7. Buying the Wrong Size for Your Household

This one’s simple — but it’s still one of the most common mistakes. A single person doesn’t need a huge double-door fridge. A family of five can’t manage with a compact dishwasher. Size should match use, not just what fits.

Think about your household’s habits:

• Do you cook every day or mostly eat out?
• Do you host often?
• Do you bulk-buy groceries or shop daily?

Bigger isn’t always better. A large fridge uses more power and takes longer to cool. A double oven needs space and ventilation.

One clever solution is modular appliances. In a two-person Elwood flat, the owners installed two single dish drawers instead of one full unit. They only run what they need — saving water and energy.

Let your lifestyle shape your choices. Appliances that match your needs make life easier every day.

8. Overlooking Ventilation for Cooktops and Ovens

Poor ventilation can turn a kitchen into a hot box. Yet many people skip proper rangehoods or rely on open windows. This affects air quality, leaves odours lingering and can lead to grease build-up on walls and ceilings.

A good rangehood removes smoke, heat and steam — especially with gas cooking. Ducted systems are best, but recirculating models work in apartments where external venting isn’t possible.

Check the extraction power (measured in m³/h) and match it to your cooktop size. For example, a 900mm cooktop needs stronger extraction than a 600mm one.

Also consider noise, lighting and filter types. Metal filters are easier to clean and last longer than charcoal ones.

In a Malvern East project, poor ventilation caused discolouration on upper cupboards within a year. The solution? Upgraded ducted rangehood, better airflow planning — and a much fresher kitchen.

FAQs

1) How do I choose appliances that will fit into my kitchen layout?
Start with your layout. Measure every space carefully — including width, height and depth. Don’t forget to account for doors, hinges and ventilation gaps. Once you have those specs, you can shortlist appliances that fit.

Also think about how doors open. Will your fridge swing into the wall? Can the dishwasher open fully without blocking a drawer?

Talk to your kitchen designer early in the process. They’ll help plan cabinetry around appliance choices — not the other way around. Integrated appliances might need custom doors or filler panels, so factor those into your timeline and budget.

Think function first, then style. And always cross-check the final product specs before ordering.

2) Are integrated appliances worth the extra cost?
Integrated appliances look great — especially in modern or minimalist kitchens. They hide behind cabinetry, creating a clean, streamlined look. But they usually cost more than freestanding models and require more planning.

They’re best suited to homeowners who value design continuity and are happy to commit to one layout. Integrated fridges and dishwashers also tend to be smaller, so make sure they match your lifestyle.

Installation is trickier too. Hinges, ventilation and cabinetry need to be done just right, or you’ll end up with sticky doors or rattles.

If you’re designing a kitchen from scratch and want a seamless finish, they’re a good option. Just weigh up cost, capacity and practicality first.

3) What’s the difference between induction and gas cooktops?
Induction cooktops heat using electromagnetism. They’re fast, safe and energy-efficient. The surface stays cool except where the pan sits. They also respond quickly and are easy to clean.

Gas cooktops use flames and are preferred by many home cooks for better heat control. They work with all cookware types and don’t need special pots or pans.

The choice depends on your cooking habits. If you want fast, low-energy use and modern safety features, induction is ideal. If you prefer tactile heat control and a more traditional feel, gas may suit better.

Some homes combine both with a hybrid cooktop or portable gas burner alongside induction.

4) How can I future-proof my appliance choices?

Choose models with flexible settings and strong warranty support. Avoid overly complex features that might become outdated or unsupported. Look for appliances with:

• Universal fittings and power
• Easy access to spare parts
• High energy ratings
• Adaptable shelves or drawers

Also consider how your family or household might change. A couple now might need more fridge space down the track. Or you might want smart integration later, even if you don’t need it today.

Stick with reputable brands that offer local support and long-term service. Think about what your kitchen needs in five years — not just now.

5) What’s the best time to buy kitchen appliances in Melbourne?
End-of-financial-year (EOFY) sales in June, Boxing Day sales in December and Black Friday in November are all solid times to find appliance deals. Retailers often clear floor stock or offer bundles during these periods.

However, don’t wait until the last minute. You’ll need time for delivery, install and possible cabinetry adjustments. If you’re doing a full kitchen build, lock in your appliance choices early and watch for deals after that.

Make sure any sale items still meet your layout, efficiency and size needs. A good deal isn’t worth it if it doesn’t fit or perform properly.

The right appliance choices start with the right plan

Appliances aren’t just tools — they’re part of how your kitchen works every day. In Melbourne’s fast-paced, space-conscious homes, it’s easy to focus on brand names, finishes or deals. But smart planning always wins.

When you avoid these common mistakes and take time to match your layout, budget and lifestyle, your appliances won’t just fit — they’ll work better and last longer.

If you’re ready to make confident appliance choices that support your design from day one, visit Let’s Talk Kitchens & Interiors and connect with a team that understands how to bring every detail together.

Please call us today on (03) 8797 5506 to speak with one of our qualified Interior Designers or book a consultation.