After the kitchen cabinets, the second most costly element of a kitchen is usually the appliances.In my career of over twenty years, one thing that really amazes me is how often kitchen appliances are selected simply for their look, and not necessarily for their function.Many kitchens will include a high-end appliance package for a family that does not even cook.Stainless steel appliances have become the status symbol for high-end luxury cabinets.If it is the look you are after, there are plenty of beautiful choices.If you cook, than the research will need to be more in-depth.Proper consideration early in the process will pay big dividends later on as you start to cook and actually use your kitchen.