Remodeling 101: Kitchen Appliance Packages for Every Budget

Whether you’re ready to splurge or hoping to remodel on a dime, a kitchen renovation always begins the same way: figuring out an overall budget. But then what?

A good place to start any kitchen renovation (that isn’t reusing existing fixtures) is with your appliances. Set aside a portion of your total budget for appliances, which will make up between 15 and 20 percent of your total spending, according to nationwide appliance retailer Appliances Connection. From there, start by looking for a range, which likely will account for the biggest chunk of this appliance budget (see Remodeling 101: Gas vs. Electric vs. Induction Cooktops for advice in that department), and then build your appliance package around it.

Before building your appliance package, it helps to decide first on your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves,” so that you know what’s important to you going in. And no matter your budget, consider enlisting a designer or a product specialist who can help navigate the vast selection available and recommend the best models for your money.

Here, a breakdown of what you can expect based on three different budget levels: under $5,000, $5,000-$10,000, and $10,000 and up.

Under $5,000

A budget of $5,000 might seem high for just appliances, but when you take into account that the average medium-size kitchen remodel is $55,000, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, it seems particularly tight. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options for kitchen renovators on a slim budget.

A trio of kitchen basics—a range, refrigerator, and dishwasher—can be found for about $2,000. Look for models within your budget from brands like Frigidaire, GE, and Amana. A few expert picks include the Frigidaire 30-Inch Freestanding Electric Range with 5 Elements (with a smooth, easy-to-clean cooktop and a power burner), the Energy Star certified LG 30-Inch Freestanding Top Freezer Refrigerator, and the GE 24-Inch Built-In Dishwasher with 3 Wash Cycles, all in stainless steel.

With a little higher budget—around $3,000—you can add another appliance. A four-piece LG base-level package with refrigerator, gas range, over-the-range microwave, and dishwasher costs between $3,000-$3,500.

If you have a bit more to spend—between $4,000 and $5,000—you can spring for brands like LG, GE Profile, and Blomberg and models with more features, like extra fridge drawers or a range of finishes to choose from. The GE Profile 36-Inch Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator has upgraded features like an external water dispenser, exterior electronic controls, and frost-guard technology, while the LG 30-Inch Slide-in Electric Range is WiFi-enabled. Another good pick: The Bosch 300 Series 24-Inch Double Built-In Recessed Handle Dishwasher has a slew of wash options, including a sanitize cycle and delay start. WiFi-enabled appliance packages start between $4,500 and $5,000, too.

$5,000-$10,000

If your appliance budget falls between $5,000 and $10,000, you can afford to upgrade to higher-tier brands—think Viking, Bertazzoni, Cafe, Electrolux, and Fisher & Paykel. Consider buying all of your appliances from one brand: It can be a cost-saving strategy, according to Albert Fouerti, founder and CEO of Appliances Connection, and help make a luxe brand more attainable. “Choosing by feature and size might get you the best product for your budget, but sticking to a single brand might net you the most savings based on manufacturers’ rebates,” Fouerti says. 

Two “monobrand” packages we like in this budget? The Four-Piece Cafe Package includes their 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator, 30-inch slide-in gas range, 30-inch over-the-range microwave, and built-in fully integrated dishwasher, all in stainless steel. The Bertazzoni Four-Piece Set, also in stainless steel, includes their 36-inch French door refrigerator, 30-inch dual-fuel gas range, 30-inch wall-mount convertible hood, and 24-inch integrated dishwasher.

And two bonuses you can expect? Most packages in this budget include either a separate range hood or an over-the-range microwave with venting, and the finish for all appliances is generally stainless steel. 

Over $10,000

Have more than $10,000 budgeted to use towards appliances? At this price point, you can invest more readily in high-end and professional-grade appliances. Some brands to look for include LG Signature, Dacor, Miele, Thermador, Viking, Gaggenau, and Ilve’s Majestic Series.

Appliances at this level generally come in a wider range of custom colors and finishes with panel-ready options. You can also afford to get appliances with more bells and whistles (think WiFi-enabled models and high-tech additions like food-preservation settings in fridges)—and to outfit the kitchen with specialized appliances, too. Adding a separate cooktop, for example, adds extra cooking space without sacrificing much cabinet space, and the same is true for a wine fridge, a fridge or freezer column, a speed or steam oven, or a dishwasher drawer.

A few souped-up models in this price point? Start with the Ilve Majestic II Series 40-Inch Freestanding Dual-Fuel Range, handcrafted in Italy with continuous grates and six sealed gas burners. Add a Viking 5 Series 30-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator Column with 17.8 cubic foot capacity and digital temperature controls. The Miele PureLine Series 24-Inch Smart Electric Single-Wall Combi Steam Oven is WiFi-enabled, or go with the Fisher Paykel Contemporary Series 24-Inch Electric Single-Wall Steam Oven. And an entertaining-ready add-on? The Liebherr Monolith Series 18-Inch Built-In Dual-Zone Wine Cooler with space for 75 bottles.

Still not sure what package is right for your budget and space? Appliances Connection’s new My Appliance Package Finder tool helps to streamline the selection process based on your budget, style, specs, and timeline. You can even filter packages by dimensions, color, brand, cost, and style.