If you haven’t been appliance shopping in a few years, you might be surprised to find that stepping into an appliance show room is almost like stepping right into a tech showroom. Appliances have touch screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control commands, and in some instances, even cameras inside your oven. The question is, are these features game changers, or just expensive gimmicks?
The reality is, the “right” features depend on your home, your lifestyle, and how you use your appliances. Before you shop and decide that you need all the latest and greatest features, it helps to separate the “essentials” from the “extras.” This article will help you navigate what features are worth the investment, and which ones you can skip without regret.
Which Features are Essential?
Not sure where to start? No worries! Hallocks’ dedicated sales team put together the three most important questions to ask yourself to determine which appliance features are a need and not a want.
Reliability: Will It Withstand Your Demand?
The most important question, in my opinion, is how reliable the appliance you’re purchasing is. If you cook every night, do multiple loads of laundry a week, or have a busy household that’s in and out of the refrigerator, durability is probably more important than any flashy upgrades.
The reality is, the more components to the appliance, the more opportunities there are for something to malfunction. Extra electronics, screens, and connectivity features can increase the complexity and cost of any repair work that may be needed. For example, refrigerators with touchscreens on the door are amazing and can make life easier. But what happens if the screen breaks? Does it require a new screen? Or would the entire door need to be swapped out?
While it's important not to dismiss innovations entirely, the reliability of your appliance matters more than having the latest features. At Hallock’s, we prioritize dependable brands and models that perform consistently. We will always be honest with a customer, so do not be afraid to ask your local Hallock’s team members for their advice and opinion! Everyone is more than willing to help guide you to make an informed decision. And, if you still want that refrigerator with the screen in the door, consider adding on an extended warranty for extra peace of mind. Sn extended warranty is something important to consider, especially in appliances with advanced technology.
Practicality: Does It Fit Your Look, Budget, and Lifestyle?
Sometimes a feature may sound impressive, but it doesn’t quite fit your lifestyle. For example, a professional-grade range with six burners may be stunning, but it may not be the best use for your space or budget. However, opting for a refrigerator with an adjustable interior, even if it's pricier than a basic model, could simplify daily routines for your family. Practicality also means staying on budget. Don’t blow your budget on high-tech features you may never even use over the life of the appliance. Most of the time, opting for the well-built, mid-range model without all the bells and whistles is a smarter long-term investment.
Ease of Use: Will It Make Your Life Easier?
Let’s be real. The best appliances are the ones that help simplify your routine. Think intuitive controls, clear displays, adjustable racks, and cleaning features that save time and effort. Keep in mind that when determining if a feature is necessary, the more components that exist on an appliance, the more that can break down. If you don’t have the budget for an extended warranty, maybe skip the extra high-tech features and pick a brand that is known for its reliability. Still unsure about what is right for you and your family? Visit Hallock’s for expert assistance in choosing the right product.
These questions are intended to help you determine which features are most beneficial for you and which ones you might not need.
- Will I realistically use this feature weekly or monthly?
- Does this feature solve a real problem in my home?
- Will it save me time and energy?
- Does it improve performance, or just add complexity?
- If it breaks, will it be more expensive to repair?
Our Essential Features By Appliance Type
Because there are a multitude of appliances and options for consumers, we conducted a survey of the Hallock’s staff on the most essential features.
Refrigerators
- Adjustable shelving and flexible storage configurations
- High-efficiency cooling systems
- Quality crisper drawers with humidity controls
- Energy-efficient performance
The ability to customize your storage is often more valuable than flashy tech. Spill-proof shelves, door bins that accommodate gallons, and organized freezer layouts make everyday use much more convenient.
What to skip?
Built-in Wi-Fi on refrigerators often sounds impressive but offers limited practical value for most households. While the app connectivity is nice to tell you that you left the door open, it’s not typically a must have feature compared to cooling performance and durable construction.
Cooking (Cooktops & Ovens)
- Even heating
- Precise temperature control
- Convection cooking
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
Performance is the most important when it comes to cooking appliances. Convection ovens help cook food more evenly, while induction cooktops provide fast and precise heating. Focus on how you cook to help whittle down the features you may not need.
Dishwashers
- Multiple wash cycles
- Adjustable racks
- Quiet operation
- Energy and water efficiency
A quiet dishwasher is often overlooked, but if you have an open concept floor plan, ask a Hallock’s professional what models have that lower decibel level. Adjustable racks also rate high on what’s important to the Hallock’s team. They allow you to accommodate tall cookware or awkward serving dishes, allowing you more time with your family and less time at the sink.
Laundry
- Capacity that fits household needs
- High speed for efficient drying
- Multiple fabric settings
- Moisture sensors in dryers
The two highest rated features, according to the team, are the capacity and the sensors. With a large capacity, you can clean those bulky blankets and towels in one load. Ther dryer sensors prevent any over drying and help your household be more energy efficient.
Our Favorite Luxury Features
Now comes the fun part. What features are not considered essential, but are fun to have? Any of the additions below can be worth the extra cost if it fits your budget and lifestyle.
- Wi-Fi & App Connectivity: Monitor and control appliances remotely; these features typically work best with cooking appliances or laundry.
- Guided Cooking Mode: This feature automatically adjusts the temperature and cook times. This feature would have been great when I first moved out!
- Oven Cameras: Check and monitor what’s in your oven without needing to open the door. It’s a cool feature to have, but it is not essential for creating delicious meals.
- AI-Powered Settings: Some appliances come with AI that learn your usage patterns to optimize performance. It’s interesting in theory, but does it make a large impact on your day-to-day life?
- Voice Control: Sometimes I wish I was able to tell my oven to pre-heat to my desired temperature, especially when my hands are dirty, but just because I can’t command my oven doesn’t mean I’ll be replacing it with one that can listen.
Did we help you narrow down some of your must-have features on your next new appliance? Remember, there is no right answer. The features that best fit your lifestyle and family are the most important. Don’t hesitate to give your local Hallock’s dealer a call today! We’ll be happy to help you find the model that matches your home and needs.