The kitchen has a vital function in our lives, therefore it requires the most planning and detailing when designing or renovating than any other room. The best kitchen remodels blend aesthetics and functionality down to the smallest detail.
When designing the kitchen that perfectly fits your lifestyle, having a clear idea of your needs and preferences is a good base to start from. If you have a large family and prepare meals daily, you will need plenty of countertop space, a double sink, a breakfast bar, perhaps a butler's pantry, and, of course, good appliances. These features bring functionality to your home, creating better flow and organization.
A good selection of appliances will ensure the efficiency and longevity of the kitchen. Quality appliances are a sound investment, and you should always aim for the best quality within your price range. The refrigerator, a cooktop, and a stove are the top three appliances that need to be well integrated into the kitchen layout both visually and functionally, following the rules of the work triangle.
Start with the Layout
The working triangle is a principle that determines the efficient kitchen layout and its functionality. The rangehood, the sink, and the fridge are the three main elements that form the backbone of the kitchen and carry out the main activities. This principle is based on placing the three primary functions close enough (but not too close) to make the kitchen functional, easy to use, and save steps. These three points and the imaginary lines between them form the work triangle. Exceptions to this rule are single-wall kitchens where it is geometrically impossible to achieve a true triangle. In these situations, efficiency is achieved by the proximity of these points and their arrangement. The sum of all three sides of the triangle must be between 13 feet and 26 feet.
The Oven
There are many different options on the market, and it is crucial to determine what will serve you best. Is bending a problem for you, or would it be better to have a stove at eye level? There's also the style factor.
Freestanding ovens can be a great addition to your kitchen; they are versatile, come in a variety of configurations, and have many features. However, freestanding ovens can look dated and do not offer the same seamless look you get from standard wall ovens. They can also be a bit difficult to clean and require a lot more bending over when cooking.
The Stove When choosing a stove, the first this to discern is always between a gas or electric stove. The gas stove is more expensive at first but is cheaper in the long run because gas is cheaper than electricity. Gas is often the choice of experienced cooks as it offers better control as the gas flame ignites, diminishes, and turns off immediately. Also, certain techniques such as wok, charring, or flambéing can only be done on a gas plate. Electric ceramic and Induction cooktops are less expensive, have a sleek and modern look, are easy to install, and are easy to clean. As they come in different sizes and options and are easy to fit in, they are a perfect option for smaller spaces, apartments. However, they depend on electricity which comes with higher costs and not having a cooking option during power outages. When it comes to colors and styles, having matching appliances that complement the cabinetry tone creates a balanced kitchen environment. The Fridge The fridge is one of the most important and most expensive appliances in the kitchen. The first thing to determine when buying the fridge is its size. Based on the number of people in the household, there is loose guidance to you help you sort it out. As a rule of thumb, you want about 4-6 cubic feet of storage per person in your household. For example, a family of four would require about 16-24 cubic feet of storage. An additional freezer would be a good solution for a large family. It’s also important to consider that the refrigerator doors need to open away from the kitchen triangle for easy movement.
The Dishwasher When it comes to dishwashers, we need them to be close to the water and “in the middle of everything”. The optimal location for the dishwasher is next to the kitchen sink – either on the right or left-side and close to the storage cabinets. Making sure that there is space for movement around the dishwasher when its doors are open is essential to create practical and functional kitchen space. Integrated dishwashers are the most efficient and popular option on the market. They come with numerous features, allowing you to choose the appliance according to your needs.
The Range Hood Health-wise, the range is the most important appliance in the kitchen as the range hood has the job to improve the air quality in the space. Range Hoods are designed to remove odors, smoke, steam, grease, and other toxins and pollutants that are released into the air while cooking. Also, range hoods provide additional ventilation to filter what is coming off the stove away from you and the food. For these reasons, it is not only important to incorporate a range hood in your range hood, but also to use it and clean the filters regularly. Range hoods are distinguished depending on the way they exhaust the air. Ducted range hoods exhaust air and odors outside through duct pipes, while ductless hoods feature exhaust fans that filter dirty air before recirculation it back to the room.