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Before You Pull The Trigger Check List
Lets make sure it fits in the space provided, works with your existing layout and looks good of course. Keep in mind, if you want to double check call us the experts 215-529-8919.
Does it fit? Take a close look at where it is going. does it fit? Measure the width, height, and depth of your current appliance, and make sure it matches up with you new one.
Here are some Common Rules of Thumb: most things are standard in size, so do not sweat too hard over it, just a few things to check before purchasing.
Refrigerators: Standard sizes are determined by width 30” 33” or 36”. Almost all fit into these 3 sizes. Most cases of refrigerators are under 69”, but the doors do add a little bit to the height if the refrigerator has hidden hinges.
Tips: Do not measure your old fridge measure the space it is going into. If it is going into an existing cabinet space or between two sections of your counter, take a look at the width and height of the existing space and make sure it matches up with your new selection. The depth is important only if you have a tight kitchen or a door way that leads into the kitchen and you do not want the fridge getting in the way. However the standard depths, excluding the doors which add two inches give or take, are 24” counter depth and 27” full size. If 27” is to big without the doors included we recommend a counter depth fridge, which is only 24” on the case of the refrigerator. If you have an ice maker or water dispenser in the fridge you will need a waterline behind the refrigerator to work. A quarter inch copper pipe is recommended and if you do not have one in your existing set up contact a plumber to install one either in your basement leading up to the refrigerator or ran from under neath of your sink. They are relatively easy to install. For a top mount refrigerator or bottom freezer refrigerator make sure that you order the refrigerator doors to swing the proper way you want or make sure that the unit has a reversible door hinge.
Ranges: Almost everyone in America has a 30” range, so if you measure your range and it is 29 ½ or 30, you have a 30” range. However stoves come in 20”, 24” , 30”, 36” , 48” and 60” sizes. There are some odd ball ones in between, however if you have a four burner stove possibly a fifth burner, than you most likely have a 30” stove. Width is the main factor in picking out the right range. So double check it.
Next on the list: electric or gas. If you have a stove with coils or a smooth glass top you most likely have an electric stove. If a flame comes out of the top, (excluding bad electric ranges) you probably have a gas range. If you want a dual fuel range you need to make sure that you have a gas and a 220 volt electric line readily available behind the range. If you do not than call a local plumber/electrician or call us to help you find one.
Washers : Standard sizes in a washer are determined by width 24” , 25” and 27”. So if they are going down the stairs into your basement, make sure you can fit a full size 27” wide washer or if they are sitting next to each other add the two widths together and make sure that they will fit in your current location. There are a few in between sizes however most washers whether front load washer or top load washers are 27” wide. The new large capacity washers are larger so double check your clearance.
Next tip: Most washers need a hot and cold water feed or hook up as well as 110 volt outlet. If you have a standard washer now you most likely have what it takes. If you do not and you want to put a washer in a kitchen or small room with only a cold water hook up check out portable washers.
Dryers: Standard Sizes in dryers are determined by width, 24” and 27” are the most common. If you are worried about it fitting up or down stairs use the depth to determine. That is where the dryer is narrowest. Dryers come in two different fuel types gas and electric. To determine what fuel type you have look behind the dryer. If there is a metal pipe or flexible metal connector and an 110volt outlet, or a “regular” outlet than you have a gas dryer. If there is one thicker chord or wire going into the dryer that is 220volts than you have an electric dryer. Most dryers must also be vented with a 4” duct to the exterior of the house. If you do not have the option to vent outside there are indoor vents kits available for electric dryers as well as vent less dryer.
Over The Range Microwaves: The standard size in over the range microwaves is 30”. Almost all are 30” wide. Most over the range microwaves can also be vented to the exterior of the house or be converted to recirculate inside of the house with charcoal filters. Most microwaves hook into a 110 volt connection, however if you are looking at something like a speed cooker or convection microwave they could require a 220volt connection.
Dishwashers: The Standard Size is 24” wide and 34” tall. Depth usually is not an important factor in determining whether or not a dishwasher will fit. However height is an important factor. Measure from the floor at its highest point to the bottom of your counter top. If it is under 34” you should consider an ADA height dishwasher. As far as the connections go you need a water feed, and a drain. If you look under your sink and you see a water feed with a shut off and a drain going into your sink drain or garbage disposal, most of the time you are fine. Some older dishwashers drain underneath of the dishwashers, however on the newer tall tub dishwashers they don’t have as much clearance underneath and should be drained underneath of your sink.
Wall Ovens: Standards in Wall ovens are determined by width, 24” , 27” , and 30” are the most common. However most wall ovens are 30” wide. Measure the exterior width of the frame to determine width. Please note the cut out of the hole it’s going into if it is going to be less. The height of single wall ovens are usually around 28 “ and the exterior height of double wall ovens are around 50”. Almost all 27” and 30” wall ovens are electric. Viking is the only brand that makes a full size 27” and 30” Gas Wall. Most older 24” Wall Ovens are gas, however not all of them. If you turn on the oven and look in the top of it and see a flame you most likely have gas. If you see a coil than you most likely have electric.
Cook Tops: Standards in cooktops are 30” and 36” wide. That is the exterior width of the frame of the cooktop. The cut out dimensions will be slightly less. There are 3 fuel types with a cook top, Gas, Electric and Induction. Gas will have a flame on the top, electric will either have coils or a glass smooth top, and induction will have a smooth top. If you have electric and would like to switch to gas you will need to run a gas line to the cook top, if you do not have gas in your house or the ability to do so a great alternative is Induction which uses magnets to cook. It provides a great control of the heat output and very fast cooking.
Air Conditioners : There are no standards in air conditioners! The biggest problem with buying a new air conditioner is getting it to fit. Measure the width and height of the hole that you want the air conditioner to go into at its smallest point. Make sure you just do not measure the window, if there is a storm window sash that will limit the width of your air conditioner it needs to be considered. Also consider what type of power you are currently using below is a chart.
Here are some common plug types:
Sq Ft BTU Sq Ft BTU
|
100-150 |
5000 |
450 -550 |
12,000 |
|
150-250 |
6000 |
550-700 |
14,000 |
|
250-300 |
7000 |
700-1000 |
18,000 |
|
300-350 |
8000 |
1000-1400 |
24,000 |
|
400-450 |
10,000 |
1400-2000 |
31,000 |
