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New Kitchen recommendations
Posted by RotoWendy
New Kitchen recommendations July 11, 2018 06:12AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 71 |
Hi Helen
I was interested to read you are re-doing your kitchen. We are just about to start the process too and wondered if you and your readers have any comments to make regarding what makes a great kitchen.
It seems like quite a daunting process at present but I bet the end result will be fantastic.
Warm regards.
Wendy
I was interested to read you are re-doing your kitchen. We are just about to start the process too and wondered if you and your readers have any comments to make regarding what makes a great kitchen.
It seems like quite a daunting process at present but I bet the end result will be fantastic.
Warm regards.
Wendy
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 11, 2018 06:36AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 5,388 |
When we redesigned our (small) kitchen, I did it so the oven was a wall oven with the slot above large enough to take a microwave (to save on bench space). That way you could access both standing and not have to bend down. And there are drawers above and below
For a corner cupboard, we installed the Hafele sliding cupboard shelves. There is a picture here at this website. Hafele also make these pull out pantry shelves, which I think are fantastic but we had no room for them.
Edited to add... one thing I disagree with in kitchen designs is how a cavity is built for a fridge to fit in to. What if you ever changed fridges or went to a double door? Also with the microwave, the kitchen manufacturer wanted to enclose it by putting a panel around it (sorry can't think what they are called) - but likewise I thought that was silly as that was based on a particular microwave's measurements. OK I still have it 10 years later, but if I change microwaves, it would become a major to take off the front to remove the microwave? That was just my thoughts
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/11/2018 06:40AM by Irene Field.
For a corner cupboard, we installed the Hafele sliding cupboard shelves. There is a picture here at this website. Hafele also make these pull out pantry shelves, which I think are fantastic but we had no room for them.
Edited to add... one thing I disagree with in kitchen designs is how a cavity is built for a fridge to fit in to. What if you ever changed fridges or went to a double door? Also with the microwave, the kitchen manufacturer wanted to enclose it by putting a panel around it (sorry can't think what they are called) - but likewise I thought that was silly as that was based on a particular microwave's measurements. OK I still have it 10 years later, but if I change microwaves, it would become a major to take off the front to remove the microwave? That was just my thoughts
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/11/2018 06:40AM by Irene Field.
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 11, 2018 07:29AM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,920 |
Wendy my kitchen has been fine for the last 18 years but I needed to replace cabinetry so am making a few changes such as:
*take the microwave from being head height and visible to all to underneath the bench so it isn't seen - that will probably annoy me but I don't like looking at it.
*install bifold doors on a side bench othat go from bench height to ceiling. The bench will house the toaster, kettle, cake mixer, blender etc... there will be shelving above it. The bifolds can be closed to cover the appliances so the main bench looks clear - well thats the plan anyway.
*drawers instead of cupboards for crockery, pots, pans etc... the drawers will have handles as I didn't want touch to open. I am also getting the adjustable fittings that sit in the drawers to house a couple of sizes of plates and bowls and will also get metal cutlery trays. I think our drawer systems are Hafele too Irene.
I have a 90cm free standing cooker that has a 60cm and 30cm oven - so essentially 1 1/2 ovens. I really like this as find the 30cm oven is great for a roast chicken, leg of lamb, slice, scones etc.... It is also useful to be able to cook things at different temperatures at the same time.
I was pondering whether I should create space for a cooker with 2 x 60cm ovens but actually think I am happy with what I have.
I have 1 1/2 sinks as well which I like and don't want to change.
*take the microwave from being head height and visible to all to underneath the bench so it isn't seen - that will probably annoy me but I don't like looking at it.
*install bifold doors on a side bench othat go from bench height to ceiling. The bench will house the toaster, kettle, cake mixer, blender etc... there will be shelving above it. The bifolds can be closed to cover the appliances so the main bench looks clear - well thats the plan anyway.
*drawers instead of cupboards for crockery, pots, pans etc... the drawers will have handles as I didn't want touch to open. I am also getting the adjustable fittings that sit in the drawers to house a couple of sizes of plates and bowls and will also get metal cutlery trays. I think our drawer systems are Hafele too Irene.
I have a 90cm free standing cooker that has a 60cm and 30cm oven - so essentially 1 1/2 ovens. I really like this as find the 30cm oven is great for a roast chicken, leg of lamb, slice, scones etc.... It is also useful to be able to cook things at different temperatures at the same time.
I was pondering whether I should create space for a cooker with 2 x 60cm ovens but actually think I am happy with what I have.
I have 1 1/2 sinks as well which I like and don't want to change.
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 11, 2018 11:15AM |
Registered: 9 years ago Posts: 455 |
Hi Wendy,
I had my kitchen done last year here in Adelaide and absolutely love it. I've had 'pot' drawers in previous kitchens so have that again and it's terrific. If I'd had the room I would have had another double length pot drawer, as in a previous house I had that and it was perfect for tablecloths, place mats, kitchen hand towels etc.
I'd say get the best quality you can afford, and if you're planning on staying in the house (and not renovating to sell), get the look that won't date.
Another suggestion is get quotes from the 'name' kitchen companies in your area, but also try local cabinet makers. I got a name company in to quote and found them to be rubbish - didn't listen to what my budget was, so quoted about 6k over, didn't bring the sample doors/benchtops, and said I had to have a large stainless steel rangehood, and that I had to have the microwave under the bench - and that was a nope to both from me. The local guy I ended up going with was a young fellow who'd been in business for himself for a couple of years, and when he showed me the sample bits in his van, well I'd have been happy to have had open heart surgery in the back of it - it was immaculate! He did a fabulous job and the attention to detail was impressive. And he listened to what I wanted. Good luck!
I had my kitchen done last year here in Adelaide and absolutely love it. I've had 'pot' drawers in previous kitchens so have that again and it's terrific. If I'd had the room I would have had another double length pot drawer, as in a previous house I had that and it was perfect for tablecloths, place mats, kitchen hand towels etc.
I'd say get the best quality you can afford, and if you're planning on staying in the house (and not renovating to sell), get the look that won't date.
Another suggestion is get quotes from the 'name' kitchen companies in your area, but also try local cabinet makers. I got a name company in to quote and found them to be rubbish - didn't listen to what my budget was, so quoted about 6k over, didn't bring the sample doors/benchtops, and said I had to have a large stainless steel rangehood, and that I had to have the microwave under the bench - and that was a nope to both from me. The local guy I ended up going with was a young fellow who'd been in business for himself for a couple of years, and when he showed me the sample bits in his van, well I'd have been happy to have had open heart surgery in the back of it - it was immaculate! He did a fabulous job and the attention to detail was impressive. And he listened to what I wanted. Good luck!
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 15, 2018 06:52AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,660 |
I like a big expanse of stainless steel bench so I don't have to worry about putting hot pots on it or all the myriad other worries you have with other benchtops (granite, formica, wood, etc). And in that ss bench I like a large sink, one that will fix the biggest oven trays and pans.
But everyone has different wants and needs.......
But everyone has different wants and needs.......
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 16, 2018 01:41AM |
Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 2,935 |
From our experience, I would go along with Heather's suggestion about seeking out a local or a self employed person. We have had 2 major kitchen changes over the years. The first was in a small town where someone suggested a young man who was just starting out. He was brilliant with suggestions and the result was of high tradesman quality.
The second time was when we moved to a larger area and we sought several quotes and went with a company that we had spoken with a year or so earlier and had been impressed with a young woman who listened, made suggestions, etc. Murphy's law prevailed, she had gone on to other and possibly, better things and we had a man who, in hindsight, to him it was just a job. We ended up with "just a job". There really wasn't anything "tradesman-like" involved. It is adequate but we still make comparisons between the first and the second kitchen change.
Incidentally, today we are having new cupboard doors and panels fitted. A bit like Helen, we've been looking at things in drawers and cupboards but without the covering. .I think husband is thinking it's time for a good clean-out.
What makes a great kitchen? J1 said it...everyone has different wants and needs.
The second time was when we moved to a larger area and we sought several quotes and went with a company that we had spoken with a year or so earlier and had been impressed with a young woman who listened, made suggestions, etc. Murphy's law prevailed, she had gone on to other and possibly, better things and we had a man who, in hindsight, to him it was just a job. We ended up with "just a job". There really wasn't anything "tradesman-like" involved. It is adequate but we still make comparisons between the first and the second kitchen change.
Incidentally, today we are having new cupboard doors and panels fitted. A bit like Helen, we've been looking at things in drawers and cupboards but without the covering. .I think husband is thinking it's time for a good clean-out.
What makes a great kitchen? J1 said it...everyone has different wants and needs.
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 16, 2018 02:01AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 71 |
Thank you all very much for your thoughts on what makes a great kitchen.
Irene - Thank you for sending the link to the Hafele shelves. I love that idea for the corner cupboards. And also a great point about the 'made to measure' spaces for fridges, microwaves etc.
Helen - I love your idea of the tall pantry doors enclosing the appliances and yes I'll definitely be opting for drawers rather than cupboards.
I was interested in your comments about your oven. I think a small and large over sounds like a great idea for our needs too. Gosh there is such a selection out there! Not sure if I'm allowed to ask in this forum, but would love to know if there is a favourite brand of oven and cooktops out there and if people had the choice, would they choose gas or induction?
Heather - Great advise about shopping around. I'm very fortunate to have a local cabinet maker who does a fantastic job. It sounds like you got a great guy too.
J1 - I'm undecided about benchtops yet. My MIL has recently had her small kitchen re-done and has opted for a Stainless Steel bench top. She loves it. Great idea about a sink large enough to wash the big trays etc.
Thank you all very much. I really appreciate your feedback
Irene - Thank you for sending the link to the Hafele shelves. I love that idea for the corner cupboards. And also a great point about the 'made to measure' spaces for fridges, microwaves etc.
Helen - I love your idea of the tall pantry doors enclosing the appliances and yes I'll definitely be opting for drawers rather than cupboards.
I was interested in your comments about your oven. I think a small and large over sounds like a great idea for our needs too. Gosh there is such a selection out there! Not sure if I'm allowed to ask in this forum, but would love to know if there is a favourite brand of oven and cooktops out there and if people had the choice, would they choose gas or induction?
Heather - Great advise about shopping around. I'm very fortunate to have a local cabinet maker who does a fantastic job. It sounds like you got a great guy too.
J1 - I'm undecided about benchtops yet. My MIL has recently had her small kitchen re-done and has opted for a Stainless Steel bench top. She loves it. Great idea about a sink large enough to wash the big trays etc.
Thank you all very much. I really appreciate your feedback
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 17, 2018 09:36AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 1,990 |
I like Heathers ideas but I have a smaller in depth drawer to put cans in lying flat, one for spices one for utensils but make sure the drawers are deep enough to take the larger item eg potato masher. I have all drawers & am fortunate to have a pantry. I love my kitchen it is so serviceable.
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 17, 2018 11:02AM |
Registered: 9 years ago Posts: 455 |
Re: New Kitchen recommendations July 24, 2018 07:15AM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,920 |
Wendy my cooker was Delonghi but it seems that it is deleted now.
Model was A1026G
I have seen that Delonghi do something similar but with induction instead of gas hobs.
Ilve have something that looks pretty much exactly the same.
I will hang on a. bit longer I think as mine works just fine and no need to fix what isn't broken.
Model was A1026G
I have seen that Delonghi do something similar but with induction instead of gas hobs.
Ilve have something that looks pretty much exactly the same.
I will hang on a. bit longer I think as mine works just fine and no need to fix what isn't broken.
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