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It seems every appliance manufacturer is making the commercial
look. From Sears Kenmore to the real commercial refrigerators by True,
they have all jumped on the commercial style wagon. Who would have
thought that Sears would offer its Kenmore refrigerator, clad in stainless
steel and sleekly styled, or that it would sell for $5,000-$7,000? Sounds
high for Sears, but it’s a bargain compared to the $9,000-$12,000 for a
refrigerator from True.
Now for the ovens: A freestanding gas-fueled commercial-type stove is
still number one, the choice of the serious chef.
Trend: built-in coffee makers, expensive (about $2,200 on average),
but we’re seeing these become almost standard features in upper-end
homes. Another noticeable and popular option is appliances such as
dishwashers, freezers and even refrigerators, in drawers. Benefit: It allows
you to use the size you need, where you need it.
Un-Trend: trash compactors are out, as few manufacturers even make
them anymore thanks to the popularity
of our eco-conscious recycling.
Appliance tip: raise the dishwasher up from the floor onto a platform,
similar to the way washers and dryers are now being placed on matching
platforms with a drawer. Who said we need to keep bending over to load
and unload the dishwasher? And, who couldn’t use an extra drawer built
into the space created by the riser? The raised countertop can be used
for the microwave, built-in or not, bringing it up to eye level, yet another
improvement for appliance placement.
Sinks, Faucets, and Pot Fillers
The kitchen sink has gotten a lot of action lately. Porcelain farmhouse
sinks (a single bowl, non-divided sink) remain popular, though the two-
bowl stainless steel sink remains king (or queen). The main point is to
make certain that whatever sink you choose is deep, in order to hold the
new, oversized commercial style cookware that we just had to have.
The faucet must have a flexible arm (think the school cafeteria) where
the spray head is suspended at about eye level. The flexibility allows for
easy movement between the sink bowls and maneuvering in and around
large pots.
Speaking of large pots, pot fillers positioned above the stove, or deck-
mounted still make a lot of sense. To cook pasta or
make a pot of soup takes a large pot. When filled with
liquid, you need to call a moving service to move the
pot from the sink to the stove. The pot filler will save
your back and can be handy should you burn dinner
(literally).
Okay, let’s go see a kitchen that actually uses some
of the elements I’ve discussed in this article. You want
to see the Kitchen of the Year, as crowned by House
Beautiful Magazine? Go to:www.caesarstoneus.com/
news/kitchen_of_the_year.cfm.
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