How do I plan an appliance garage in a NB kitchen?

An appliance garage is a smart storage solution for NB kitchens — a dedicated cabinet compartment that hides small appliances (coffee makers, toasters, stand mixers) behind a door, keeping countertops clear while keeping appliances accessible.

Planning one well in NB requires thinking through dimensions, electrical, and how your home's climate will affect the materials you choose.

Sizing and Placement

The most common appliance garage sits on the countertop and extends up to the upper cabinets, typically 15–18 inches deep, 24–36 inches wide, and 18–24 inches tall. That height accommodates most coffee makers and toasters; if you're housing a stand mixer, size up to at least 20 inches tall. Placement matters — corner locations are popular because they use dead corner space, but a straight run along the backsplash works well too. Make sure the door swing (or roll-up tambour door) doesn't conflict with adjacent upper cabinet doors.

The most functional appliance garages have a dedicated electrical outlet inside the cabinet — ideally two duplex outlets so multiple appliances can stay plugged in. This is where NB building code becomes relevant: any new outlet requires a permit and licensed electrician. Under NB code, countertop outlets must be GFCI-protected if within 1.5 metres of a sink, and that applies inside an appliance garage too. Budget $300–$700 to have an electrician add a circuit or extend an existing 20-amp small appliance circuit into the garage. Don't skip the permit — it's a straightforward inspection and protects you at resale.

NB Climate Considerations

This is where many homeowners get tripped up. Appliance garages are enclosed spaces with heat-generating appliances — a coffee maker or toaster produces steam and heat that has nowhere to go. In NB's humid summers, that trapped moisture can promote mold on the cabinet interior and the backsplash behind it. A few smart moves: choose moisture-resistant MDF or plywood interior panels (not particleboard, which swells), add a small ventilation gap at the top or back, and avoid putting the garage directly against an exterior wall where condensation risk is higher.

In winter, NB's dry forced-air heating (indoor humidity can drop to 15–25%) means solid wood interiors may shrink slightly — not a major issue inside a garage, but worth knowing if you're matching wood species to your existing cabinets.

Door Style Options

Tambour (roll-up) doors are the classic choice — they disappear upward and don't require clearance in front. They're smooth to operate but harder to repair if a slat breaks. Lift-up doors are simpler and less expensive. Bi-fold doors work in tighter spaces. For NB's climate, avoid thermofoil door panels on the garage — dry winter air causes delamination within 5–10 years. A painted MDF door or solid wood door is a better long-term choice.

Practical Tips

Talk to your cabinet supplier about whether an appliance garage can be integrated into your existing upper cabinet run or needs to be a standalone unit. If you're doing a full renovation, have it built in as part of your semi-custom or custom cabinet order — it's far cheaper than adding it later. If retrofitting, a skilled carpenter can build one to match your existing cabinets for roughly $800–$2,000 depending on size and door style, not including electrical.

Hire a pro for the electrical work — adding an outlet inside a cabinet is not a DIY task under NB code. The carpentry itself is manageable for an experienced DIYer, but cabinet installation must be level and plumb or the door won't operate properly.

Need help finding a kitchen renovator who can incorporate an appliance garage into your project? New Brunswick Kitchens can match you with a local contractor for free.