Updated Kitchens Are on Most Buyers’ Wish Lists, But What Are They Looking for?

An updated kitchen is on most homebuyers’ wish list.

But what does that mean? All-new appliances? A brand new island? Extra cabinets? Not surprisingly, the answer isn’t uniform, but HomeAdvisor recently surveyed more than 1,000 people to see what their dream kitchen contains. If you cook, you know one of the most important appliances in the home is the stove. The majority (57%)  of respondents prefer a gas stove, but nearly one-third (31.6%) prefer electric. And a huge stovetop isn’t necessary, 60% of respondents said four burners are ideal.

Fretting over what kind of tile to use during a renovation may not ultimately benefit homeowners, as efficiency and functionality are the most important parts of a kitchen, said 44.3%, while only 23.3% are fixated on design. Cleanliness is important to 12.4%, cost-effectiveness is what impressed 11% and organization is important to 9.1%. As for the stove itself, safety is the most important part, according to 59.5%, while 54.4% said the overhead hood is important. Following those features, stovetop griddles were important to 24%, as were quick heating and 23.6% said the LED display. Other features that people said were important are knobs, downdraft extractor, digital touch controls, portability and automatic re-ignition.

You can’t please everyone, that’s for sure, but respondents’ also shared their biggest pet peeves in the kitchen. The winner was piles of dishes in the sink (15.1%), followed by gross sponges (13.4%) and excessive food waste (13.1%). Nearly half of respondents (47%) reported they had a pan or kitchen utensil that no one else was allowed to use.

Whether the kitchen is your favorite or least liked room in the home, opinions on what is important sure vary, but it’s clear people favor safety first.