Cost estimates only: Any building, material or upgrade figures on this page are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Confirm current written costs, specifications and inclusions directly with your builder, supplier or relevant trade.
Overview
When reviewing builder inclusions and upgrades, "900mm appliances" refers to the width of the kitchen cooking appliances — specifically the oven/cooktop combination and the rangehood above it. Standard kitchen appliances are 600mm wide; 900mm is a popular upgrade that changes the look and performance of the kitchen significantly.
This guide explains the difference, what's typically included, and how to evaluate whether the upgrade makes sense for your household.
600mm Appliances (Standard)
A 600mm cooktop (typically 4 burners — gas or induction), 600mm oven, and 600mm rangehood is the standard appliance specification in most volume builder packages. These are functional and suitable for most households, but they look compact in a larger kitchen and have limited capacity for large families or those who entertain frequently.
Standard appliance brands at this level include Westinghouse, Electrolux, Technika, and Chef. Some builders include freestanding ovens (oven and cooktop combined in a single unit) rather than separate underbench oven and cooktop. Confirm which configuration you're receiving.
Note
900mm Appliances (Upgrade)
900mm appliances include a 900mm cooktop (typically 5–6 burners), matching 900mm underbench oven, and 900mm rangehood. The extra 300mm of width provides a noticeably larger cooking surface, more burners, and a more commanding visual presence in the kitchen.
Popular 900mm appliance brands in Australian new builds include Bosch, Smeg, Fisher & Paykel, and ILVE. These are positioned as mid-to-premium tier and represent a significant step up from standard builder appliances.
Pros
- 5–6 burners vs 4 — much better for multi-dish cooking
- Larger oven cavity — suits families and entertaining
- Premium visual presence in the kitchen
- Elevates the perceived quality of the whole kitchen
- Higher resale appeal — noticed by prospective buyers
Cons
- Typically $1,500–$4,000+ upgrade cost
- Requires 900mm cabinet opening (design stage decision)
- Higher rangehood extraction requirements
- Some builders require full appliance package upgrade (not individual pieces)
What Changes When You Go to 900mm?
- Cabinet opening widthThe underbench cabinet must be 900mm wide. This affects the overall kitchen layout and must be confirmed at the design stage, not the colour appointment.
- Rangehood widthThe rangehood must also be upgraded to 900mm for effective ventilation. Mixing a 600mm rangehood with a 900mm cooktop leaves 150mm on each side unventilated.
- Extraction powerA 900mm cooktop generates more heat and vapour. A higher-capacity rangehood (m³/hour rating) may be required. Confirm the rangehood specification.
- Bench space around cooktopA wider appliance means slightly less bench space in a fixed-length kitchen run. Discuss with your builder or designer how this impacts your bench layout.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | 600mm (Standard) | 900mm (Upgrade) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooktop burners | 4 burners | 5–6 burners |
| Oven cavity | Standard | Larger (suits trays, roasts) |
| Visual presence | Compact | Bold, commanding |
| Typical inclusion | Standard — most builders | Upgrade |
| Upgrade cost (approx) | — | $1,500–$4,000+ |
| Cabinet change required? | No | Yes — 900mm opening required |
| Rangehood pairing | 600mm rangehood | 900mm rangehood required |
Included or Upgrade?
Typically Included
600mm Oven, Cooktop and Rangehood
Standard specification across most volume builder packages. Brand and quality varies significantly between builders.
Typically an Upgrade
900mm Appliance Package (Oven, Cooktop, Rangehood)
Paid upgrade. Typical cost: $1,500–$4,000+ depending on brand. Requires design stage confirmation for cabinet changes.
Typically an Upgrade
Premium Brand Upgrade (Bosch, Smeg, F&P, Miele)
Brand upgrade from standard builder appliances. Can be combined with or separate from the 900mm upgrade. Budget $1,000–$5,000+ depending on brand and appliance count.
Common Builder Upgrades
Common Builder Upgrade
900mm Appliance Package (Cooktop, Oven, Rangehood)
Common Builder Upgrade
Induction Cooktop Upgrade
Common Builder Upgrade
Dishwasher Inclusion or Upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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