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Should I choose gas or induction cooktop?

Both have advantages. Gas offers instant, visible temperature control and is preferred by many serious cooks. Induction is more energy-efficient, safer (no open flame), faster, and easier to clean, but requires magnetic cookware. If you don't have a strong preference, induction is increasingly the default in new homes due to energy efficiency and safety.

Do I need to decide appliances before the kitchen appointment?

Yes, ideally. Appliance choices (600mm vs 900mm, gas vs induction, built-in vs freestanding) affect cabinetry layout, bench space, and plumbing/electrical requirements. If you haven't decided by the kitchen appointment, the consultant may assume standard (600mm, electric, freestanding) which may not be what you want. Decide early.

Are integrated appliances worth the cost?

Integrated appliances (dishwasher, fridge) create a seamless, premium look by hiding behind cabinet panels. For dishwashers, integration is a popular upgrade ($500–$1,500) as it's visible in the kitchen. For fridges, full integration is expensive and limits your fridge choice. Many buyers integrate the dishwasher but leave the fridge freestanding.

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Kitchen & Cabinetry

Appliance Planning Guide: 600mm vs 900mm, Gas vs Induction & More

600mm vs 900mm, gas vs induction, built-in vs freestanding — appliance decisions that affect your kitchen layout and budget.

6 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated September 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

Appliance choices (600mm vs 900mm, gas vs induction) affect cabinetry layout and must be decided early
900mm appliances provide more cooking space and a premium look but cost more in materials and cabinetry
Induction cooktops are efficient, fast and easy to clean; gas availability for new builds now depends on the jurisdiction and project
Integrated appliances (dishwasher, fridge) create a seamless look but cost more than freestanding
Appliance decisions affect services — induction needs an appropriately designed electrical supply, while gas requires a permitted and available gas connection

Kitchen appliance choices affect more than just cooking — they influence cabinetry layout, plumbing, electrical and your overall kitchen budget. Deciding on appliances early (ideally before your kitchen selection appointment) ensures your kitchen is designed around your cooking needs and avoids costly layout changes later.

600mm vs 900mm Appliances

The width of your oven, cooktop and rangehood — 600mm (standard) or 900mm (premium) — is one of the first appliance decisions. This affects cabinetry width, bench space allocation and overall kitchen proportions.

600mm — standard inclusion in most project homes; adequate for most families; standard cabinetry
900mm — more cooking space; premium look; requires wider cabinetry; costs more in both appliance and cabinetry
Consider 900mm if — you cook frequently, have a large family, entertain often, or want a premium display-home look
Cost difference — 900mm appliances typically add $1,000–$3,000+ plus cabinetry modifications

Gas vs Induction vs Electric Cooktops

Gas — visible flame and compatible with all cookware, but a new gas connection must be permitted and available for the project; restrictions apply to many new developments in the ACT and specified/new Victorian homes
Induction — energy-efficient; fast heating; safe (no open flame, surface stays cool); easy to clean; requires magnetic cookware; needs heavy-duty electrical circuit
Electric (ceramic) — affordable; slower than gas or induction; retains heat after turning off; gradually being replaced by induction

Note

Tell the builder your preferred cooktop early so the electrical and cabinetry design can suit the selected appliance. Induction circuit requirements depend on the appliance and installation design, so the electrician should size the supply from the manufacturer specification. If you are considering gas, first confirm that a new gas connection is legally permitted and available for your project; ACT and Victorian new-build restrictions can apply.

Built-in vs Freestanding

Built-in oven — sits in a cabinet at eye or bench height; premium look; typically paired with a separate cooktop
Freestanding oven — oven and cooktop combined in one unit; sits on the floor; more affordable; common in standard inclusions
Integrated dishwasher — hidden behind a cabinet door panel; seamless look; costs more than freestanding
Freestanding dishwasher — visible as a standalone appliance; more affordable
Integrated fridge — hidden behind cabinet panels; premium look; expensive; requires specific fridge models

Other Appliance Decisions

Rangehood — ducted (vents outside, more effective) vs recirculating (filters and returns air); 600mm or 900mm to match cooktop
Microwave — built-in (cabinet housing), drawer (under-bench), or freestanding (benchtop)
Dishwasher — check if included as standard; upgrade to quieter or integrated model
Coffee machine — plumbed-in espresso machine (requires water connection) or benchtop model
Wine fridge — under-bench or tall cabinet; requires power and ventilation
Pyrolytic oven — self-cleaning function; premium upgrade

Example Appliance Upgrade Costs

Upgrade	Example Cost
900mm oven + cooktop (vs 600mm)	$1,000–$3,000+
Induction cooktop (vs gas/electric)	$300–$1,000
Integrated dishwasher (vs freestanding)	$500–$1,500
Pyrolytic oven (self-cleaning)	$300–$800
Rangehood upgrade (ducted)	$200–$600

Real-world examples only. Costs vary by builder, brand and specification.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

Does the builder include 600mm appliances as standard, and what's the cost to upgrade to 900mm?
If I choose induction, does the builder include the heavy-duty electrical circuit?
Can I supply my own appliances, or must I choose from the builder's range?
Is an integrated dishwasher included, or is that an upgrade?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not deciding appliances before the kitchen appointment — cabinetry is designed around them
Choosing induction without confirming a heavy-duty electrical circuit is included
Forgetting that 900mm appliances require wider cabinetry — the cost isn't just the appliance
Not checking whether a rangehood is ducted or recirculating — ducted is more effective

Builder Tips

Decide appliances before the kitchen appointment — they affect cabinetry, plumbing and electrical
Induction requires a dedicated heavy-duty circuit — tell your builder early so it's planned
900mm appliances provide a premium, display-home look — worth it if you cook frequently
An integrated dishwasher ($500–$1,500 upgrade) creates a seamless look — popular in display homes

Kitchen Selection Appointment Explained

Prepare for your kitchen appointment with appliance decisions made.

Read the Guide