Introduction to Appliance Garages: What They Do and Why They Matter
The name itself tells you what this element of kitchen design is. It is a separate space in a cabinet or pantry specifically designed for storing appliances. This helps to keep appliances in a clear place and prevents the kitchen from becoming cluttered and disorganized. For modern minimalist kitchens where organization is key, an appliance garage is an excellent addition.
There are many different types and variations of appliance garages. They can vary in design, shape, and, of course, size. The latter depends on what appliances the room will be used for, such as microwaves, blenders, or kettles.
Considering modern minimalist kitchens, there are two types of garages with appliances that would suit them: pocket doors and open garages. Let's take a look at what the peculiarities of these types of appliance garages are and which one is more suitable for kitchen design.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors are sliding doors that retract into a wall compartment known as a 'pocket. In contrast to hinged doors, which open outwards or inwards, pocket doors move in one direction along the wall.
Pocket doors are ideal for small or limited spaces. They work well for storage rooms or their compartments and can also be installed between rooms to maximize floor space.
For an appliance garage, pocket doors can be a great component that complements the minimalist aesthetic and design of the kitchen. Let's take a closer look at the benefits and nuances of this type of door.
Pros and Cons of Pocket Doors
The first and foremost advantage of pocket doors is that they save floor and wall space. Because the doors disappear into the "pocket" when opened, nothing takes up space on the floor or near the wall next to them. There are no doors to take up space from other objects or surfaces. And when the door closes, it also preserves space nearby. In this way, pocket doors help maximize kitchen space while keeping it organized.
Another benefit of pocket doors, oddly enough, is their very presence. Some people prefer to keep their appliances in an enclosed space, protecting the kitchen look from excessive detail. This is where pocket doors prove their usefulness. They help keep the kitchen clean and tidy, and they hide what you want to hide. At least you'll know which doors are behind which appliances.
Pocket doors offer another great feature: they can be customized to suit any style. They are particularly well-suited for modern kitchen designs, where a minimalist aesthetic is appreciated. With a choice of design, pocket doors can be the very element of modernity that a kitchen needs.
All these features also influence the aesthetics that pocket doors provide for modern minimalist kitchen designs. The very clean lines, smooth fronts, and fluid opening make them a decorative element as well.
One of the disadvantages of pocket doors is the complexity of their installation. This type of door requires more detailed work, including the installation of special structures inside the wall. If the wall was not originally designed for it, installing pocket doors can be both complex and costly.
Another problem with pocket doors is that they are difficult to repair. Due to mechanical problems with the guides or rollers, the doors can jam or fail. Such failures are difficult to repair due to the design of the doors, namely their hidden position. Therefore, before installing pocket doors, make sure that the hardware is in good working order and that the doors operate easily and smoothly.
Open Appliance Garage
As the name suggests, it is an open space that is built into the kitchen cabinets or countertops to store appliances. It can accommodate a single appliance, like a microwave, or several smaller ones, like a kettle and toaster. The organization depends on the size of the designated appliance garage.
This type of garage also has its characteristics and specifics, which we will describe in detail.
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Pros and Cons of Open Appliance Garage
By displaying the devices, the open appliance garage provides unlimited access to them. If you use the appliances frequently, you won’t need to spend time opening and closing doors. You can simply grab a kettle or a blender. If space permits, you can use appliances right in the garage (and if they are not portable, such as a microwave). Accessibility reduces the time it takes to find them and makes daily use easier.
Another benefit of an open garage for appliances is airflow and ventilation. With no doors, the appliance garage has access to air. This can prevent appliances, especially those that generate heat, from overheating. This will ensure their safe functioning.
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The downside of an open appliance garage is that it tends to get dirty. Of course, any appliance garage will eventually get dusty, with or without doors. Just by being open, the appliance garage has a chance to get dirty a little more often. This includes dust and grease if you use the appliances without taking them out of the garage. This can serve as a disadvantage for those who do not like to clean unnecessarily.
Because the appliances are open, they can compromise the kitchen’s aesthetics. However, this is more a matter of taste and preference than a drawback.
What to Choose between Pocket Doors and Open Appliance Garage?
If you have decided to make an appliance garage in your kitchen, there is a choice of what type of garage is best to use. The answer depends primarily on your preferences and what you are trying to accomplish with a particular style of appliance garage.
Pocket doors would be a great choice if maintaining a minimalist aesthetic in your kitchen is important to you. The appliances stay behind the doors, and the kitchen design remains clean and uncluttered with unnecessary details. Pocket doors can be particularly suitable for Scandinavian kitchens, where keeping things clean and tidy is important. An example is the Evoke kitchen collection.
An open appliance garage suits you if effortless and quick access is important. If you use appliances frequently, you will find it more convenient and faster to cook without spending time searching for appliances or opening doors.
In any case, garages require maintenance to keep the kitchen clean and the appliances themselves working. But they also add to the design of the kitchen, making the space as convenient and functional as possible.
