4 Kitchen Splurges Experts Say Are Worth Every Penny
A kitchen remodel can eat through a budget faster than almost any other home project.
While it's tempting to spend on eye-catching appliances and trendy finishes, experts say the smartest investments are often the ones that quietly improve durability, functionality and long-term value.
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1. The Parts of Your Kitchen That Get Used Every Day
The experts overwhelmingly agree that the best kitchen splurges are those that upgrade “items that homeowners interact with regularly,” said Ben Raabe, CEO of Bella Contracting Services. These can include things like faucets, good lighting and ventilation systems, he said.
In that vein, Clint VanRossun, owner and contractor of VanRossun Contracting, added items like solid surface countertops, a good quality range hood and solid construction cabinetry with soft-close drawers and doors.
"These will stand up to daily wear and tear for years and years, rather than needing replacement after a few years,” he said.
When it comes to appliances, Greg Dallaire, owner and Realtor at Dallaire Realty, suggested those that people use daily and that will pay off in the long run, such as a quiet dishwasher or a reliable refrigerator.
2. Durable Materials Over Trendy Upgrades
Longevity matters more than aesthetics, as well, VanRossum said. Good quality cabinetry and countertops, for example, save you money in the long run “by eliminating the labor cost of having to gut and remodel your kitchen twice."
"Spend your money on nice solid surfaces ... buy the laminate with the nicer edge profile or go semi-custom rather than fully custom cabinets,” he added.
Shivraj Grewal, principal of Grewal RE Group at Compass, suggested, "The simple test is whether it will still look current and work well in 10 years, and whether a future buyer would pay for it."
3. Don't Overlook Ventilation
While homeowners often focus on countertops and appliances, ventilation is one place it’s worth spending more because it protects everything else in the kitchen.
Raabe said it’s worth investing in a “powerful range hood” since “a good ventilation system will remove heat, grease, smoke and moisture before it damages your cabinets, finishes and indoor air quality.”
This will help you save money in maintenance, repairs and cleaning during the life cycle of your kitchen.
VanRossun agreed that a commercial grade range “will perform better year after year and have fewer repairs than a residential model. Likewise, a real convection oven versus an oven with a cheap fan."
4. Skip the Gimmicks and Single-Use Gadgets
A high price tag on a cool new kitchen gadget doesn’t guarantee quality, Raabe warned, “and will likely only accomplish one specific task and ultimately become drawer space clutter."
He urged when making an investment in a product, "You should look for products that solve common problems, perform multiple functions and can be repaired or serviced."
Before buying any kitchen gadget or appliance, Dallaire suggested asking: “Will you use this product weekly for five years? If the answer is negative, then you'd better reconsider spending this money."
The Key Way To Spend Remains the Same
Although opinions vary slightly, the recommendations all share one principle: Prioritize investments that improve the kitchen's function every single day while maintaining resale appeal.
VanRossun recommended cabinetry, saying, “It makes or breaks your kitchen for years to come," while Grewal leaned into "counters and lighting."
Dallaire would choose a dependable range or cooktop: “It's one of the first things buyers notice because it sits at the heart of the kitchen." He also pointed out that "the best kitchen splurges are not necessarily the most expensive ones."
The best splurges do double duty in functionality and long-term value.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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