Is an induction hob better than gas for a new kitchen?

For a new kitchen extension, induction is usually the better choice. It heats faster, responds more precisely, and wipes clean in seconds because the surface around the pan stays cool. Running costs are higher than gas, but the convenience and cleaning advantages outweigh that for most people.

Should I choose integrated or freestanding kitchen appliances?

Integrated appliances hide behind matching door panels and need a housing unit built around them, so the decision must be locked in before your kitchen units are ordered. Freestanding appliances are cheaper and easier to replace but are visible. The choice affects what your kitchen company builds, not just the look.

Do integrated fridges and freezers need a ventilation gap?

Yes. The compressor generates heat, and without top and bottom vents in the housing unit it runs hotter and fails sooner. Appliances tucked behind a cabinet door without adequate airflow can suffer compressor failure within a couple of years.

What is the difference between a single and double oven?

A single oven handles the vast majority of domestic cooking, while a double gives a second cavity that is useful mainly for large groups. Many people who buy doubles report rarely using both. An eye-level single with a separate combination microwave often gives more flexibility.

Why does my kitchen extension need so many new electrical circuits?

Major appliances each need dedicated power: the oven and induction hob take their own circuits, and a boiling water tap, washing machine, and other items add more. A fully specified kitchen can add four to six circuits, so your consumer unit may need replacing if it has no spare ways.

When should you specify kitchen appliances rather than buy them?

Specify the exact make, model, and dimensions at the kitchen specification stage so your trades can size circuits, pipework, and housing units. Buy and take delivery as close to installation as possible, because appliances stored on site for months can get damaged and burn through their warranty.

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Phase 5 · Specification · Task 04 of 06

Choosing Kitchen Appliances for Your Extension

What to buy, when to specify it, and the electrical requirements your trades need. Quooker installed costs £1,400 – £2,900.

14 min readUpdated 2026Premium

Process infographic showing appliance selection timeline from specification at kitchen specification stage through first-fix electrical and plumbing requirements to delivery and installation, with key decision points highlighted

Prerequisites

Complete these first

Every appliance you put in your kitchen needs something from the build. The oven needs a dedicated 32A circuit. The induction hob needs another one. The American fridge-freezer with an ice maker needs a water pipe routed to a wall that your plumber hasn't thought about yet. And the Quooker needs a power socket inside the under-sink cupboard that nobody will remember unless you tell them.

Appliance selection isn't shopping. It's specification. The choices you make here ripple backward into first-fix electrics, first-fix plumbing, and your kitchen company's housing unit sizes. Get the specification to your trades late, and they'll either guess (wrong) or charge you to come back and redo it.

Do this first

Your appliance specifications feed directly into electrical layout planning and first-fix plumbing. Complete this leaf before those trades begin work. The extractor is covered separately in extractor and ventilation because it has its own ducting, structural, and building regulation dependencies.

What this guide covers

01The Core Five
02Integrated vs Freestanding
03Brand Tiers
04What Your Electrician Needs to Know
05The Extras That Blow the Budget
06Energy Ratings: The New Scale
07When to Specify vs When to Buy
08Where to Buy
09Extended Warranties
10The Specification Checklist

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