10 Old-School Appliance Styles To Avoid In Your Kitchen

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A lot of homeowners probably don't put too much thought into their kitchen appliances or the difference they can make on the overall aesthetic. You can fix up the cabinets, replace old countertops, or install really cool light fixtures, but outdated appliances can screw up the whole design of your kitchen. Appliances are big and useful, and most people notice them straight away. So, if yours are old or outdated, the kitchen might look and feel like it's stuck in the past. Many classic appliance styles became the go-to because they were affordable, useful, and easy to get. Designs like over-the-range microwaves seemed like space savers, but really distract from a kitchen's style.

Industrial-sized refrigerators are on their way out, along with appliances that only serve one function. In their place are simple lines and hidden features that mesh with modern kitchens. What used to feel new and current suddenly looks clunky and wasteful. Today's kitchen designs focus on a functionally cohesive flow. Appliances should do their job without attracting a ton of attention. That's why design trends are leaning into fridges that blend in, induction-style cooking, and small appliances that do it all. The last thing you likely want is for one appliance to steal all the attention away from other areas of your kitchen. So, if you're making over your space or just reassessing what you already have, you should know which appliances can make your space look outdated and which ones give it some oomph. 

Electric coil stove tops are some of the most obvious signs of an old school, builder-grade kitchen. The problems with these types of appliances are that the metal grills are slow to heat, hard to clean, and make the whole area look cluttered. Today's kitchens demand efficiency and a cleaner design, like induction stoves, which are on their way to being a big kitchen trend.

Top-freezer refrigerators can make your kitchen look dated real quick. They're inexpensive and convenient, but their boxy profile and limited storage at eye level don't meet the needs of most kitchens today. Everyday items end up hidden behind other things, making for a messy interior. Newer French-door and bottom-freezer models offer more space, have wider shelves, and just look more modern. While top-freezer fridges are perfect inside garages, they usually look out of place in the kitchen.

Clunky, hearth-style vent hoods can easily overpower a kitchen. Since they're a bit oversized and often have fancy details, they have a tendency to make a kitchen look more like a theme park rather than a timeless space. These hoods become the focus, distracting from cabinets and other design statements. Unless your kitchen is in a legit farmhouse, a hearth-style vent can make it look old and dated instead of classic. 

Over-the-range microwaves are a signature of kitchens starting in the late '80s. People liked them because they saved counter space, but had not-so-great ventilation. Plus, since they're conspicuously in plain sight, they can make cabinets look disjointed and steal the spotlight from other kitchen designs. Today, kitchen designs are focusing on a cleaner look with hidden microwaves, flush built-in units, or even clever microwave drawers.

In modern kitchens where saving space and flexibility are key, single-use appliances feel outdated. These appliances, which only do one thing, can take up valuable real estate in your kitchen. Nowadays, kitchens need small appliances that can perform multiple functions, like combining convection, air frying, or steaming. They're not only space savers, but help create a cleaner, more intentional kitchen for everyday, real-world uses.

Huge industrial fridges can be way too much for regular home kitchens. Typically found in restaurants and fancy over-the-top homes, they tend to take over the entire look and quickly make your kitchen feel less like a home. Most people prefer fridges that fit seamlessly into their kitchens — ones that are integrated with cabinets or are counter-depth. With these, you'll still have plenty of storage, but the kitchen will flow flawlessly.

Gas oven and range combos have been the gold standard for a while, but they're coming off as old-school these days. Older models have large grates, big knobs, and a design that takes up way too much space. Performance can also lag behind newer options, like dual-fuel ranges and induction or electric convection options, which deliver a cleaner style, better features, and a much simpler look while remaining practical for everyday use.

Double ovens used to symbolize how serious you are about cooking, but now they seem too big and outdated. Although they give you extra room to cook, older models monopolize wall space and can make the room look crowded. Newer specialty ovens, like steam, speed, or multifunctional and smart ovens, offer more versatility and take up way less space with a design that looks cleaner.

Standard hardware on appliances is so yesterday — basic handles and knobs that are pre-installed on appliances, like refrigerators and ovens. These basic parts usually don't have any pizzazz, so even if your kitchen appliances are newer, they can still feel plain. In their place are totally customizable fixtures, which let you personalize your space. The preference has shifted to matching hardware that fits your kitchen style, like matte metals, polished pulls, or built-in handles. 

While classic kettles have a certain vibe about them, they're out of place in modern kitchens. Whether they're taking up kitchen space or cluttering your countertops, kettles are considered old school. Replacing them are boiling water taps that don't waste valuable space. Plus, they can be quicker and easier to use than traditional kettles, while keeping a cleaner, updated appearance.