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Below you will find a list of articles on various kitchen related subjects. Simply browse the list or use the search box at the top of the page to find what you are looking for. This list is updated frequently, so check the ‘Recent Posts’ links on the right-hand side of the page to see what’s new.
With so many choices in materials, appliances and accessories, sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing the components that make up your new kitchen. A good designer should be able to point you in the right direction and sites such as this can give you some good hints, tips and ideas, but ultimately the choice of kitchen style is entirely up to you. If you have any questions about kitchen design that are not covered in these pages then visit our Kitchen Design Guide site here. PlanningObviously, planning is the first and most important part of buying a new kitchen. The main steps involved are usually the following: List the reasons you want to remodel, or the problems with your current kitchen. These can be such things as: old cabinets Measure it fully and accurately. Remember to include the following: the width of all windows and doors (click here to continue reading ››)
The next big step in the kitchen planning process is deciding what shape the kitchen will be, and determining who will use the kitchen and how often. Although deciding on the shape seems restrictive, it actually narrows down the possibilities and makes the planning easier. The goal on deciding on a shape it to make your kitchen as efficient as possible, with the food preparation, sink and cooking areas close together. A good rule of thumb is to keep a piece of countertop between the sink and cooktop on which to prepare food. Another good idea is to place the fridge between the main doorway into the kitchen and the main cooking area so that the other people in the house can have easy access to the fridge (without having to walk through the cooking area). The fridge shouldn’t be located next to the oven/range or cooktop, however, due to the temperature differences. There are four main shapes a kitchen can have: Single Galley kitchens, Two-way Galley kitchens, L-shaped kitchens and U-shaped kitchens. There are also variations on each with the addition of an island. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Single Galley kitchens
Single Galley kitchens have [...]
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Think about what happens to your food and you will get a good idea how an efficient kitchen works. The steps are usually: Purchase Bear all these in mind when planning and you won’t go far wrong. For example, put the fridge near the door where you bring in the shopping (to save you walking acros the kitchen each time), put the baking supplies in a cupboard near the oven, the clean-up materials under the sink and snack items near the microwave, and so on. The Work TriangleFor maximum efficiency, the kitchen’s three primary appliances, the sink, the refrigerator and the cooktop or range should be located in a triangle and as close to each other as possible. The triangle is measured from the center of the sink to the center of the refrigerator to the center of the cooktop. Although not a hard and fast rule, the perimeter of the work triangle should measure at least 12 feet but not more than 26 feet. Each side should measure at least 4 feet but no longer than 9 feet. // Most kitchens will have service points for all three appliances already installed so the decision s to their layout may [...]
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The next step in planning your new kitchen is to plan enough storage to suit your needs. As already explained in Kitchen Shapes, different shapes of kitchens automatically provide different amounts of storage space. Although most of us think of plain cabinets when we think of storage, there are a lot more options these days. In this section you will find solutions to various storage problems and useful tips to make the most of even the smallest of spaces. Cabinets will be discussed in the ‘Cabinets’ section. Below The CountertopIt is obvious that the bigger the countertop, the more you can store below it. After you have planned the position of your sink, fridge and cooktop/oven, the rest of the space below the countertop is yours to play with, because plain cabinets are not the only option. Storage below the countertop is especially convenient for heavy items such as electrical equipment and heavy pots, pans and oven dishes. Think about how many of those items you have and how much storage space you have to give to those items. Remember to leave enough room for expansion as in the future you will buy more utensils and the items you already have [...]
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Your budget will normally dictate your choice of products but there are other considerations you need to take into account when working out how much your new kitchen is going to cost. Prices vary quite a lot, so the figures given below are just a guideline and, as always, shopping around is the best bet. But work out roughly how much money you want to spend and use this figure when talking to designers and contractors. Below are some guidelines for establishing a realistic budget. Budget GuidelinesFirst of all, if you limit your spending to 15% of your home’s value you should recoup 90% of the costs when you sell. Try to keep your investment relative to your homes worth, but at the same time make it worth your while by spending on the items that you really want. Second, figure your product costs to be 1/2 to 2/3 of the total remodel. Choose your appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring and all other fixtures first. The remaining money will go towards installation and design. Third, if you become overwhelmed with selection choices hire a design consultant to help you. A designer can save you money in the long run by helping to prevent [...]
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There are so many choices where cabinets are concerned, such as the door materials, style, color, frames, etc., and so much variation in price that the whole area can be confusing at times. Hopefully, this section should give you a good place to start. You may also want to consider the option of having your cabinets refaced. You will be surprised at the results you can achieve by doing this, and also how inexpensive it is, especially if you can find a good deal with a reputable company. Definitely check it out first, get some quotes and see if makes sense for you. There are plenty of good cabinet refacing advice sites out there, for example, this one. Cabinet Manufacturing ClassificationsThe first decision when selecting cabinets is whether to go for stock cabinets, semi-custom, custom units or frameless cabinets. All have their own advantages and disadvantages. There are the three basic classifications of cabinet manufacturing: Stock, Semi-Custom & Custom, and this can be further subdivided into Framed and Frameless. Pricing will vary depending on your layout, the manufacturer, wood, finish, door style and the interior accessories you select. StockLowest price range. Limited selection of door styles, woods and stain colors. [...]
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The cabinets may be the face of the kitchen but the countertops are where all the action happens. A countertop will have to cope with hot pots and pans, knives, dirt and therefore needs to be durable. So it is usually best to make your choice based on the performance of the material and ease of maintenance, as well as the sink mounting option. Notes on edge styles and backsplash options are given at the end of this page (click here). The countertop choices are listed below very roughly by price (least to most expensive). If you are replacing countertops measure the tops at the wall edge (not the front edge) and make a rough drawing when you go to the kitchen store to get a quote. Also measure the depth and indicate how the ends need to be finished, meaning whether there is a wall, an appliance or a walkway. Draw your plan from above, as if you were on the ceiling looking down. Laminate LaminateLaminate is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops [...]
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Now you’ve chosen the design of your kitchen cabinets and worktops, the next thing is to choose the materials and the colors of your walls. The most common materials for the kitchen walls are paint, wallpaper and tiles. PaintPaint is the cheapest and fastest way to transform the feeling of your kitchen, however, you need to have good surfaces to paint on (i.e. no holes or cracks which will show through the paint). If your walls aren’t smooth enough, then you can line the walls with lining paper first (a special kind of wallpaper), and paint on top of that. There are also many decorative and faux paint finishes that look good in the kitchen (and which you can do yourself). Talk to your designer about this. WallpaperRegular wallpaper is a more expensive option than paint but it can give just a little more character as it comes in a large variety of patterns as well as colors. When you use wallpapers and paints for your kitchen walls make sure these are specially made for the kitchen as these will be more resistant to humidity and will be easy to clean. // TilesAdding colorful tiles to the backsplash of a [...]
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Choosing flooring is a lot like choosing countertops. Which type you choose depends on the style of your kitchen, the amount of use it will get, and the price. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Vinyl, linoleum and carpet are the most comfortable underfoot. Laminate, vinyl and polyurethane-treated wood are the most durable. Stone and concrete look good and are also hard-wearing, but are also harder to clean. Decide whether you want to install flooring under your removable appliances or around them (whichever you choose, make sure you can roll them out for repairs). Talk to your designer about this. VinylThe most common kitchen flooring material, vinyl offers the best value and versatility. It is available in many patterns and colors, either inlaid, where the pattern and color runs through the material (most durable, works well in high traffic areas), or a with a surface-only printed design which is not as lasting. Make sure you buy the appropriate grade for the area it will be used in. It is easy to clean and is stain- and water-resistant. It comes in either sheet or tile form. Advantages: Nice ‘bouncy’ feel underfoot (dependent on thickness). Easy to install and keep clean. [...]
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Ovens are available in gas or electric, and using a number of heating methods, conventional, convection, microwaves or combination oven/microwave. They come in many shapes, sizes and finishes. Your choice will be influenced by the design of your kitchen, the space available and what you enjoy cooking. A single oven can be placed in a cabinet below the counter top or in a tall cabinet. A regular double oven or an conventional/microwave double oven combination will be placed in a tall cabinet. Wall ovens are either 24, 27, or 30 inches wide. Look out for: Controls that are easy to use Prices of ovens range from $500 to $4000 Conventional OvensHave two heating elements, one for baking and roasting and another for broiling. Heat for baking comes from the bottom. As the heat rises, it creates different temperature areas, or ‘zones’ within the oven. The hottest area is at the top, the centre is moderate while the coolest part is at the bottom of the oven. Some ovens use both elements during baking to compensate for uneven heating patterns and for more even browning.
One question that often comes up is, should you buy a range or a cooktop? In short, it is really a personal choice, based on your budget, space limitations, looks, and needs. BudgetPrices for cooktops, ovens and ranges vary a lot because the prices are changing constantly due to special offers and sales, brands are priced differently to start with, and they also depend on which of many different features they offer. However, a separate cooktop and wall oven will always cost more than a range, and will also require electrical or gas plumbing to each unit. Space IssuesWith a cooktop and separate oven you are installing two appliances, therefore they will take up twice the space of a range. Building codes may also require you to install a vent over the cooktop. Also, you may lose some cupboard space to allow for the built-in oven. Gas or Electric?However, the first thing you should consider when buying a range or cooktop is whether you want the gas or the electric type. With the drastic increase in natural gas prices recently, many people are changing to electric appliances. If you are simply replacing your existing equipment, this is no problem. If, however, you [...]
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A fridge is one of the most important appliances in your home, influencing your eating habits and ensuring food hygiene and taste. Refrigerators are available with different door configurations, with either the doors side-by-side, or with one door on top of the other, or as drawers. In a top/bottom unit the freezer can be on either the top or the bottom. In a side-by-side configuration the freezer is on one side. Some are available as built-ins, which can be disguised to look like just another cabinet. Others are the same depth as the countertop to mimic the built-in look. Prices start at around $300 and can go up to $7000 or more for commercial or built-ins. Top/Bottom LayoutCapacity (about 25 cubic feet) is not as much as a side-by-side
With the freezer on top you may find yourself bending down a lot to get to items on the lower refrigerator shelves.
A bottom freezer style is becoming more popular as the most accessed area (the fridge at the top) is also the most accessible. Side-by-Side LayoutCapacity is more than a top/bottom, about 30 cubic feet.
These have narrower double doors, which is important if opening [...]
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Dishwashers are a great time-saver and are also more hygienic than washing dishes by hand, due to the higher temperatures involved during the wash cycle. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a dishwasher, for example, unit type, how many place settings you can fit inside, control type and the number and type of wash cycles. Unit TypeFirst decide on the type of unit. Dishwashers are available as freestanding (portable) or built-in (under the counter) models. They come in two sizes, 24″ and 18″ Portable dishwashers As the name suggests, these are portable, freestanding units. Smaller than the built-in but with just as many features. Used where space is at a premium.
Built-in dishwashers Built-in models can retain the original door, or be integrated with the rest of your kitchen by having a cabinet door installed so that from the outside they look like just another cabinet.
Control TypeThere are three types of dishwasher controls. The most basic type of control is the rotary dial, which allows you to select a cycle by turning the dial to the correct setting. The second type of control is a push-button control. These work by having preset cycles that [...]
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There are many new looks and styles for sinks that depart from the typical bowl configuration. Newer designs include geometrically shaped sinks made from glass, and stainless steel sinks with long, narrow stream-shaped basins. A distinctive, contemporary sink gives a stylish flair and becomes a striking attraction in your kitchen, while still remaining functional. There are just a few things to consider when selecting a kitchen sink. Size and ShapeSink sizes range from S to XXL, so there’s a model to fit every kitchen. If space is an issue or if you want something really different, a corner sink could provide a stylish solution. UsageMany sink units contain different sized bowls and compartments, so you can store, clean and drain foods in different areas of the sink at the same time, which is a useful feature if you are a keen cook. Some sinks are traditionally styled while other have features such as pull-out sprays that allow you to wash items and surfaces outside of the main bowl. Bowl Size and Draining AreaChoosing the size of bowl you need all depends on what accessories you use. If you regularly need to wash bulky items, you may need a sink with a [...]
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You can cook without a hood or a vent, but moisture, grease, odors, and heat from cooking on a cooktop can damage the rest of your kitchen. Also, steam from cooking condenses on windows and walls, and in some cases carbon monoxide from the burning of gas can build up. A range or cooktop hood or vent will remove most if not all of the above problems. Hood StylesHood choices range from basic ductless wall-mount units, to systems with lights, timers, and easy-clean surfaces. You can buy hidden slim-line hood designs which are concealed under cabinets which slide out when in use. Another kind can be used as a shelf for microwaves with the venting fans underneath. Yet another kind can incorporate a wall-mounted microwave above the range. Hoods come in many styles, stainless steel, tile, or paneling that matches the cabinetry, for example. The hood or vent should be at least as wide as the range top. Hood componentsMost hoods have a fan which moves stale air from inside the hood to the outside through ducts. There are two types of fans; axial, which have blades similar to ordinary fans, and centrifugal, which look like a wheel and can move more air [...]
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Furniture and accessories add the finishing touches to your kitchen and help to enhance its overall effect. Buying new accessories is the easiest way to change the look of your kitchen. However, it is important not only to choose items that complement the style and feel of your kitchen but also ones that meet your needs. Appliances and accessories made of stainless steel are very popular right now, such as blenders and toasters, refrigerators and pro-style oven ranges. To get the all-steel look without the price, look for steel finished appliances and accessories. Kitchen seating and lighting is covered below. Also, there are some hints and tips on kitchen cleaning and suggestions on what to look out for when choosing a kitchen to make these tasks easier. Tools and gadgets are a personal choice and should reflect your personal taste. Kitchen SeatingWith many people spending significantly more time in their kitchens these days, this room has now become one of the most lived in rooms in the home. Seat Height SelectionChoosing the correct size stool or chair is very important as there are several seat heights available. Remember, stools and chairs usually come in three standard heights. Chairs These usually have a seat height [...]
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