Professional style means the appliance looks like and has a capacity similar to the commercial one used in your favorite restaurant’s kitchen. True commercial units are not rated for residential use because of their special ventilation needs,

excessive heat, massive size, and other safety concerns. But with pro-style appliances, you can get the advantages of restaurant-grade, including greater durability, more precise temperature control, and a stainless steel finish. People who cook a lot at home or have large families might want to spring for the professional-style equipment. Some everyday cooks also like it for stylistic reasons.  Due to many appliance manufacturers having realized the trend for the "commercial look", you can have the feel and look for a lot less.  Those shopping with more limited budgets might be pleased to learn that they can own appliances in the same stainless steel style if they settle for more standard features.  Before you purchase new appliances, you’ll also need to decide if you want to have them built into your cabinets. If you have a built-in refrigerators, for example, you won’t be able tell at first glance that it’s in the room. Its doors will look just like those of your cabinets and it will lie flush with the cabinets rather than sticking out.  

A new kitchen appliance is a major investment, not only in the initial purchase cost but also in the use, care, energy consumption, and maintenance for the lifetime of the appliance.  Most major household appliances have a relatively long life expectancy.  Therefore, a poor choice can be both irritating and costly, especially if the appliance must be replaced early because of high energy and repair costs or failure.

 Most of today's appliances use less energy than those made just 10 years ago.  When comparing refrigerators from the 70's and 80's, an energy-efficient refrigerator can save, on the average, $47 per year in reduced energy costs.  An energy-efficient dishwasher can save, on the average, $35 per year.  

Energy-efficient Appliances