A new kitchen is one of the most satisfying renovations you can do, and one of the most electrically demanding. Ovens, cooktops, range hoods, dishwashers, fridges, microwaves, coffee machines and lighting all compete for space and power. Getting the plan right before the cabinetmaker locks in the layout is the key to a kitchen that works.

Start with the appliances

Make a list of every appliance you plan to use and get the specification sheets early. They tell your electrician what each one needs.

Cooktops and ovens

Electric ovens and cooktops, especially induction cooktops, usually need their own dedicated circuits sized to suit. If you are switching from gas to induction, the existing wiring and switchboard may need upgrading to handle the extra load. Kalani will check this early, because it can affect your switchboard.

Range hoods

A range hood needs a power point or connection in the cabinet or canopy above, positioned to suit the model. Ducted hoods also need a clear path to outside. Customers have told us Kalani fitted their range hood with a competitive quote up front, and our range hood and cooktop installation page explains more.

Dishwasher, fridge and microwave

These generally plug into power points located in the adjacent cupboard or behind the appliance, so the outlet stays accessible but out of sight. Integrated fridges and built-in microwaves have specific requirements in their installation guides.

Power points on the bench

Think about where you will actually use small appliances:

The coffee machine and kettle station.
A spot for the toaster away from the smoke alarm.
Mixers and food processors near the main prep area.
Charging for phones and tablets, ideally with USB power points or a dedicated charging drawer.
An island bench outlet, which needs careful positioning and approved hardware.

Double outlets every metre or so along the bench is a sensible starting point, adjusted for your layout. It is far easier to add them now than after the splashback goes on.

Lighting the kitchen properly

Good kitchen lighting is layered:

General lighting, often LED downlights, spaced to avoid shadows on the bench.
Task lighting, such as LED strips under overhead cupboards.
Feature lighting, like pendants over an island.
Optional lighting inside pantries and glass cabinets.

LEDs use far less power than older halogen downlights and produce much less heat. Our lighting page covers options for downlights, pendants and feature lighting.

Smart and switching choices

Consider dimmers on the dining and island lighting, separate switches for task and general lighting, and smart switches if you want to control lights from your phone. Switch positions should make sense as you walk into the room.

The switchboard question

Kitchen renovations often push older switchboards past what they can handle. Adding an induction cooktop, a second oven or more circuits to a board with ceramic fuses and no safety switches is not ideal. Many kitchen jobs in older homes around Oak Flats, Warilla and Corrimal include a switchboard upgrade so the new circuits have modern protection.

Timing with other trades

The electrical work happens in two main stages. Rough-in happens once the old kitchen is out and before the walls are closed or the cabinets go in. Fit-off happens after the cabinets, benchtops and splashback are installed. Coordinating with your cabinetmaker, plumber and tiler avoids power points ending up behind a fridge or in the middle of a tile pattern.

Smoke alarms nearby

If your renovation opens the kitchen to living areas, check the position of nearby smoke alarms. Moving one slightly further from the cooktop reduces nuisance alarms without leaving the area unprotected.

Let us help you plan

Kalani works with homeowners and builders across Shellharbour, Wollongong and Kiama on kitchen renovations, and his renovation electrical work covers everything from rough-in to fit-off.

Planning a new kitchen? Call or text 0424 400 346. Send your kitchen plans or appliance list and he can tell you what you will need.

Planning electrical for a kitchen renovation