Kitchen Cabinets or Appliances: Which Do You Buy First?

Remodeling your kitchen? Before you start shopping, you need to make one critical choice: cabinets or appliances first? This decision can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress by preventing common budget and timeline mistakes. 

The key is to know your priorities, understand your space, and shop smart. Read on to weigh the options and benefits to starting with kitchen cabinets or appliances—and get tips on stretching your renovation budget further than you thought possible.

Quick Decision Guide

Before diving into the details, here's a quick checklist of points to consider:

• If functionality is the most important part of your kitchen, buy appliances first. 
• If you're remodeling your kitchen for style and spaciousness, buy cabinets first. 

Either way, measure twice to avoid costly mistakes. Check ReStore inventory regularly for the best deals on both. Finding that perfect piece could make your decision for you!

Your Kitchen Layout is Everything

Moving gas lines, rerouting electrical outlets, and extending water lines are quick ways to jack up the price of a kitchen remodel. "Big" appliances can also anchor the room, so it's important to envision the flow of the room when deciding where they belong.

Luckily, there are a few definite "dos" and "don'ts" for figuring out where your appliances should go. For example, do leave your sink and dishwasher next to each other so you can go straight from scrubbing to washing; don't put your refrigerator and oven close together because they can make each other work harder than necessary.

When to Buy Appliances First

Appliances are the workhorses of any kitchen, and it’s tempting to build your design around them. This approach can be smart, but you could limit your cabinet options if the appliances don’t align with standard cabinet sizes.

Buy appliances first if: 

• You've found a great deal at ReStore, where appliances are typically 10 years or newer 
• Your cooking style drives your kitchen. If you're a serious home chef, your range or cooktop needs might dictate cabinet placement 
• Energy efficiency is your priority. Newer appliances can save you money long-term on utility bills

When to Buy Cabinets First

Cabinets often serve as the focal point of a kitchen, defining its style and lasting longer than many appliances. They come in various styles, colors, and finishes that can change the tone of your kitchen.

However, appliance sizes are becoming less standardized. For example, a typical side-by-side refrigerator can range from 30-36 inches wide—and a 30-inch refrigerator requires a different set of cabinet openings than a 36-inch refrigerator. With that size variation for every appliance, buying cabinets first might lead to headaches.

Buy cabinets first if: 

• You’ve found a complete cabinet set. Matching sets are rare finds that shouldn't be passed up, especially when they're priced at a fraction of retail 
• Your kitchen's style and aesthetics drive your decisions. Cabinets set the visual tone for the entire room and often outlast appliances by decades 
• Storage and organization are your priority. The right cabinet configuration can change a cluttered kitchen into an efficient workspace

ReStore Kitchen Shopping Strategy

Once you decide which path to follow, you’ll then need to start shopping for your appliances or cabinets. That’s where ReStore can help. Shopping smart at ReStore can help you saveon your kitchen remodel. 

Here's how to find exactly what you need.

How to Become a Smart ReStore Shopper

• Sign up for ReStore's Hot Deals email alerts to know when cabinets and appliances are on sale
• Follow ReStore on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peeks of kitchen items before they hit the sales floor 
• Visit often, as new items arrive daily and the best cabinet sets and appliances sell quickly 
• Get to know the staff:they are your best resource and can provide expert insights

ReStore maintains quality standards that work in your favor. Cabinets must be less than 20 years old and come with all doors, drawers, and hardware attached, so you know you're getting functional, complete pieces. 

Follow Your Vision

If you have your heart set on a certain stove or refrigerator, start with the appliances. If you're looking to do more with the space, buy cabinets first. 

If you find a great deal on one or the other at the ReStore, you can build around your bargain. Your dream kitchen might be waiting for you right now, at a price that leaves room in your budget for everything else on your wish list.

There's only one hard-and-fast rule of kitchen remodels: bring a tape measure.