Kitchens

[ForceTen]

Okay, so we have all these threads about cool cooking equipment, tools, etc. But, what about the room where we use them? What are your preferences?

Part of the reason for asking is that we're looking to remodel our kitchen within the next year. Thus, I'm currently looking for ideas on what to do and what to avoid. This would be a complete gutting of the room down to studs and floorboards.

Some of my thoughts on what I'm planning on:

1) Updated cupboards/cabinets and counter tops
2) Replace a section of cuboards and counter space for a food pantry
3) Improved lighting (would go with a skylight, but it's a two story house with a bedroom right above it)
4) Replace windows
5) Replace electical and bring up to code
6) Reinsulate
7) Built in exhaust vent
8) Update plumbing
9) Replace flooring

That's a list of definitives. But, what I'm unsure of is:

1) Dishwasher - My wife and I wash dishes by hand. She does it mostly by herself. But, I do help her often and it gives us a chance to chat while doing housework. Sometimes though, dishes stack up due to lack of time and it takes quite a while to get through them. Nothing major like a week. but, there's times where it's a day or two. If we go this route, it'd be as high efficient as possible and looking at one that's relatively small for two-three people max.

2) Garbage disposal - Most likely a "NO!" because don't see a need for one. But one never truly knows...

3) Range/stove - Currently, it's an all in one. But, should I go with separate units? Double ovens? Prefer electric to gas, btw.

4) Refrigerator - We currently have an over/under with freezer on top. But, looking to replace with a smaller, more efficient unit. No side by side unit nor water dispenser wanted.

5) Flooring - Currently, it's a hideous 1970's vinyl tile over a couple of layers. I'm thinking of actual ceramic/stone tiles over hardwood or linoleum.

There's a few other things I'm considering. But, those are the major ones for now.

So, let's hear it. What would you consider "must haves" or "nice to have" in your kitchen? I'm not really looking for things like a crockpot, toaster oven, etc. as we already cover those in separate threads. I'm just looking at the big stuff and the overall room.

One other question related to this: If you're buying a home, would you prefer to have a kitchen remodeled already or prefer one that's outdated but functional so you can do it at a later date? We're considering selling our home in a couple of years due to upcoming "empty nest" and the nest being far too large for just two of us. Whatever we do, the remodeling would be more of a basic/simple remodel. Neither one of us are into very high end equipment or outrageous designs.

Thanks!

[Bageleth]

(05-26-2010 02:46 PM)ForceTen Wrote:  Okay, so we have all these threads about cool cooking equipment, tools, etc. But, what about the room where we use them? What are your preferences?

Part of the reason for asking is that we're looking to remodel our kitchen within the next year. Thus, I'm currently looking for ideas on what to do and what to avoid. This would be a complete gutting of the room down to studs and floorboards.

Some of my thoughts on what I'm planning on:

1) Updated cupboards/cabinets and counter tops
2) Replace a section of cuboards and counter space for a food pantry
3) Improved lighting (would go with a skylight, but it's a two story house with a bedroom right above it)
4) Replace windows
5) Replace electical and bring up to code
6) Reinsulate
7) Built in exhaust vent
8) Update plumbing
9) Replace flooring

That's a list of definitives. But, what I'm unsure of is:

1) Dishwasher - My wife and I wash dishes by hand. She does it mostly by herself. But, I do help her often and it gives us a chance to chat while doing housework. Sometimes though, dishes stack up due to lack of time and it takes quite a while to get through them. Nothing major like a week. but, there's times where it's a day or two. If we go this route, it'd be as high efficient as possible and looking at one that's relatively small for two-three people max.

2) Garbage disposal - Most likely a "NO!" because don't see a need for one. But one never truly knows...

3) Range/stove - Currently, it's an all in one. But, should I go with separate units? Double ovens? Prefer electric to gas, btw.

4) Refrigerator - We currently have an over/under with freezer on top. But, looking to replace with a smaller, more efficient unit. No side by side unit nor water dispenser wanted.

5) Flooring - Currently, it's a hideous 1970's vinyl tile over a couple of layers. I'm thinking of actual ceramic/stone tiles over hardwood or linoleum.

There's a few other things I'm considering. But, those are the major ones for now.

So, let's hear it. What would you consider "must haves" or "nice to have" in your kitchen? I'm not really looking for things like a crockpot, toaster oven, etc. as we already cover those in separate threads. I'm just looking at the big stuff and the overall room.

One other question related to this: If you're buying a home, would you prefer to have a kitchen remodeled already or prefer one that's outdated but functional so you can do it at a later date? We're considering selling our home in a couple of years due to upcoming "empty nest" and the nest being far too large for just two of us. Whatever we do, the remodeling would be more of a basic/simple remodel. Neither one of us are into very high end equipment or outrageous designs.

Thanks!

Currently our kitchen is a bit small (however it's the largest one we've had since we've married) and we have dreamed about what we would want if we either remodeled or moved.

-I would definitely want to have a garbage disposal and a dishwasher (I spent 3 years without a working dishwasher and was washing them by hand, and with two kids to raise, a dishwasher is a timesaver).

-I'd go for double ovens personally. If you ever host large family gatherings, having two would be helpful.

-The only thing that I would do over again as far as getting a refrigerator, is to never again get the side by side with the water dispenser. Our current one is that way and I don't think that it has the space I need. My cousin has one with the refrigerator on top with French doors and the freezer on the bottom and she really likes it.

-Flooring: ceramic tile is probably the best deal

-One more recommendation, and this is only because it's something I would really like, is a really large pantry! One where I not only store food, but also the large appliances that are sitting on my counter right now

Happy remodeling!

-

[Janie]

Great thread idea! I'm anxious to read others opinions.

Quote:1) Dishwasher
2) Garbage disposal - Most likely a "NO!" because don't see a need for one. But one never truly knows...
3) Range/stove - Currently, it's an all in one. But, should I go with separate units? Double ovens? Prefer electric to gas, btw.
4) Refrigerator - We currently have an over/under with freezer on top. But, looking to replace with a smaller, more efficient unit. No side by side unit nor water dispenser wanted.
5) Flooring - Currently, it's a hideous 1970's vinyl tile over a couple of layers. I'm thinking of actual ceramic/stone tiles over hardwood or linoleum.

There's a few other things I'm considering. But, those are the major ones for now. So, let's hear it. What would you consider "must haves" or "nice to have" in your kitchen?

When it comes to the kitchen (the heart of any home), everything that’s nice to have is a must have IMO. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and love to cook. We have a breakfast nook with the family room adjacent to that. When we were looking at houses, most we saw had no nook but had the family room right next to the kitchen. At the time, that was the last thing I wanted but now that we have kids, I wish that’s how the layout was! Plus, we entertain enough and even though the flow of the house works well, I always wish we didn’t have the nook. It’s awkward. Anyway…

1) Dishwasher – Top of the list as a must have.
2) Garbage disposal – Have never found myself wishing for one.
3) Range/stove – Our range (gas) is in the island and I have double ovens on the other side. Double ovens are a total must have, especially if you like to bake a lot and entertain a lot. It also comes in handy when you prepare dishes to have one oven to use as a warmer. I wish I had a warming drawer, even with the double ovens. Sometimes I am using both ovens and would love to be able to keep food nice and warm in a separate drawer. Also, I would do anything to have a six burner range. I much prefer gas to electric too.
4) Fridge – We have a side-by-side stainless steel fridge and I absolutely hate it. I like having the filtered water dispenser though. BUT, I would rather have a French door model. I don’t need freezer space. I DO need fridge space. Stainless steel sucks because magnets don’t work on it and I have to tape my four-year-olds artwork to the doors. But, most people probably don’t want that option. I don’t recommend the side-by-side style at all because of the lack of space and the fact that you cannot store large, bulky items.
5) Flooring – We have hardwood flooring. You can’t go wrong with hardwood flooring. I highly recommend it. Most everyone loves it AND you can find so many different styles and colors. Another plus, it’s easy to keep clean and is timeless.
6) Counter tops – We have natural stone and hate it beyond all belief. It’s high maintenance. You don’t have to get marble but get something similar (there are so many choices out there). Aside from the fridge, this is the other thing I desperately want to replace soon.
7) Island – So nice. It gives me more counter space. Our range is in the island and I really like this because I’m not looking at a wall when cooking. I like being able to look out and see what’s shaking around the homestead.
8) Pantry – Yes, yes and yes. I love having one but ours is small and odd-shaped. I wish I had a large one with a better layout.


So… I think if you wanted to do upgrades in order to have a nice kitchen now, but one that will appeal to potential buyers in a few years… splurge on a French door style fridge, a warming drawer, nice cabinets, nice flooring and top notch counter tops. Also, I would say that since you want to sell your house (eventually), purchase those big ticket kitchen items with a simple style that will appeal to most anyone. Don’t stick yourself in a time-warp, which is an issue you’re dealing with right now!

Quote:One other question related to this: If you're buying a home, would you prefer to have a kitchen remodeled already or prefer one that's outdated but functional so you can do it at a later date?

As much as I enjoy remodeling, refurbishing, etc… I would not want to remodel a kitchen. I would much prefer to have a kitchen completely updated and ready to go. I can handle just about anything else in a house but I want the kitchen and bathrooms completely updated and renovated.

[RN-PRN]

(05-26-2010 02:46 PM)ForceTen Wrote:  Okay, so we have all these threads about cool cooking equipment, tools, etc. But, what about the room where we use them? What are your preferences?

Part of the reason for asking is that we're looking to remodel our kitchen within the next year. Thus, I'm currently looking for ideas on what to do and what to avoid. This would be a complete gutting of the room down to studs and floorboards.

Some of my thoughts on what I'm planning on:

1) Updated cupboards/cabinets and counter tops
2) Replace a section of cuboards and counter space for a food pantry
3) Improved lighting (would go with a skylight, but it's a two story house with a bedroom right above it)
4) Replace windows
5) Replace electical and bring up to code
6) Reinsulate
7) Built in exhaust vent
8) Update plumbing
9) Replace flooring

That's a list of definitives. But, what I'm unsure of is:

1) Dishwasher - My wife and I wash dishes by hand. She does it mostly by herself. But, I do help her often and it gives us a chance to chat while doing housework. Sometimes though, dishes stack up due to lack of time and it takes quite a while to get through them. Nothing major like a week. but, there's times where it's a day or two. If we go this route, it'd be as high efficient as possible and looking at one that's relatively small for two-three people max.

2) Garbage disposal - Most likely a "NO!" because don't see a need for one. But one never truly knows...

3) Range/stove - Currently, it's an all in one. But, should I go with separate units? Double ovens? Prefer electric to gas, btw.

4) Refrigerator - We currently have an over/under with freezer on top. But, looking to replace with a smaller, more efficient unit. No side by side unit nor water dispenser wanted.

5) Flooring - Currently, it's a hideous 1970's vinyl tile over a couple of layers. I'm thinking of actual ceramic/stone tiles over hardwood or linoleum.

There's a few other things I'm considering. But, those are the major ones for now.

So, let's hear it. What would you consider "must haves" or "nice to have" in your kitchen? I'm not really looking for things like a crockpot, toaster oven, etc. as we already cover those in separate threads. I'm just looking at the big stuff and the overall room.

One other question related to this: If you're buying a home, would you prefer to have a kitchen remodeled already or prefer one that's outdated but functional so you can do it at a later date? We're considering selling our home in a couple of years due to upcoming "empty nest" and the nest being far too large for just two of us. Whatever we do, the remodeling would be more of a basic/simple remodel. Neither one of us are into very high end equipment or outrageous designs.

Thanks!

1. Dishwashers are great...load as you go, no dished pile up and then run it when it is full.

2. Garbage disposal if you have kids...you never know what food they will put in the sink that gets rinsed down.

3. I used to have an electric range..hated it. I have separate range top, which is gas and a built in electric double oven (Love them both)!

4. Refrigerator - we never replaced...where it is located nobody notices it . I will replace it (when current one dies) with a freezer on the bottom with french doors on the fridge...but I can't get a huge one it won't fit in the space.

5. When we had our kitchen gutted and remodeled (3 years ago) we decided on porcelain tiles. They hold up well and wash well.

Our kitchen was originally 70s yuck! Cheap cupboards and flooring. We went down to the studs on one wall, pitched all of the appliances except the fridge (my original oven was a single 24 inch oven...try roasting a large turkey for family in that or finding a pan to fit in it!). New plumbing, cupboards (made out of maple made by a neighbor), granite tile counters (couldn't afford full sheet of granite at the time), tumbled marble back splash, and new lighting. It was a lot of work, but since I spend most of my time there I wanted something I loved. Good luck on your endeavor!

[Janie]

FT, I am dying to hear what ideas you have come up with! What have you decided on!?

[ForceTen]

Hi Janie,

Thanks for the suggestions from you as well as from Bageleth, RN-PRN. Definitely some things to consider! We're still looking and deciding on what to do. One of the challenges we have is that the kitchen is not well laid out and we only have two short working walls for cupboards, etc. with no room for an island if we wanted.

I'll keep everyone posted on how we progress and what we decide. Also, keep the ideas coming please!

Thanks again!

[RN-PRN]

(06-04-2010 05:10 AM)ForceTen Wrote:  Hi Janie,

Thanks for the suggestions from you as well as from Bageleth, RN-PRN. Definitely some things to consider! We're still looking and deciding on what to do. One of the challenges we have is that the kitchen is not well laid out and we only have two short working walls for cupboards, etc. with no room for an island if we wanted.

I'll keep everyone posted on how we progress and what we decide. Also, keep the ideas coming please!

Thanks again!

My kitchen is small. Only cupboards on one and a half walls (not much storage space to begin with...only added a small amount) No room for an island, either

[Synthetic]

I'll chime in on this one... As I have stated on a couple other posts, I work for Viking Range Corporation and am fortunate to have a full Viking kitchen (including the countertop appliance, chef's knives, and cookware) but I can give my views on preferences as noted in the OP:

As far as dishwasher - I must have one (and I am a single man so I could effectively just was after each meal). I cycle my dishwasher typically once every 2 days.

As for a garbage disposal - most definitely (and for those who are concerned about the kiddies putting stuff down there, get the Viking disposer that is magnetically activated from the sink itself...)

For the range/double oven question, I went the route of 'best of both worlds'. I have a 48" Viking range with 2 ovens. Both ovens are self cleaning convection ovens but the left one is a bit smaller and comes in handy for side dishes/baking/etc. The burner configuration on my unit is my favorite though - from left to right I have front and rear gas burners then my 'griddle in the middle' then next to the griddle is my grill (yes, an indoor grill on my range!) then 2 more front and rear burners. What a dream to cook on! (see attached pic of the model I have).

Naturally with all of that heat happening, I had to get the Viking wall hood with the extra CFM Blower... The really cool thing about this hood is the baffles are dishwasher safe so about once a week I remove them and wash them in the dishwasher...

Now for refrigerators I will say that I am spoiled rotten as I didn't have to choose between a bottom-mount unit and a side-by-side. I have a full length built in refrigerator next to a full length built in freezer (each unit is 36" so a grand total of 72" of refrig/freezer space)... kinda nice to have the space to put a half cow in my freezer...

Oh - I shouldn't forget my under-counter wine cellar...

I do have one appliance that I use constantly - it is called a Wok-top and is a dream (I love stir-fry and this 24" appliance is amazing for its even heat!) It seems a bit of overkill, but when I am not using it for the wok, I can use the extra larger burner with my stock pot.

Oh - and for cabinets I went with the St. Charles Cabinets stainless steel modular ensemble throughout my kitchen...

[NWoBHM]

Used to have a Rayburn cast iron stove, which aslo heated the water - and would run radiators, but we didnt have that feature. I miss that cooker - it would keep food perfectly in the slow cooker so it was warm and never dried out for a long time. It took time to master it though, cooking a Sunday roast, you had to factor in the girls bath time, (which would drop the temperature as the oven had to warm the water), but I grew to love it.......chugging away in our old 13th Century Black and White (oak timbered) cottage.

[ForceTen]

Thanks again for the suggestions. Unfortunately, don't have room for a side by side like you posted synthetic. But, I have been looking at the Viking brand for a while now.

Not only because it seems to be high quality. But, also it's my heritage.