Your preferred style of cooking, be it elaborate cuisine for entertaining, or quick reheating of convenience food, whether you are a solitary or sociable cook, how frequently you cook at home, and the number of people you regularly cook for, determine the type and location of cooking appliances. Do you want to face into the […]
Kitchens
How to start a new kitchen re-design
This article explains the practical know-how you need to design a room that matches your lifestyle and create an efficient and comfortable living space; it will help you plan a brand-new kitchen or adapt an existing one. A series of questions helps you assess what you want from your own kitchen, then a survey of […]
Chilled food storage in the kitchen
When judging which fridge or freezer best suits your needs, bear in mind the size of your family, your shopping and eating habits, and the position the appliance will occupy in the kitchen. How you organise your food in the space available is the key so check that the model of your choice has adjustable shelves and […]
Over counter units
Wall-mounted cupboards and racks provide storage space over countertops. They can be useful for stationing spices, oils, and wine if placed within reach of the food preparation area. In small kitchens where space is at a premium, over-counter units may be the answer, but in order to function ergonomically, they should sit at eye level. This height […]
Hobs and extraction
The position and choice of the hob is crucial to the enjoyment and efficiency of the kitchen. Ideally, it should face into the room, have a sink nearby, parking space suitable for resting hot pans, and, wherever possible, a high-performance, well-designed, powerful extractor for removing cooking odours and steam. Task lights built into the extractor hood will […]
Oven cooking
Today’s cook can choose from an extensive range of free – standing and fitted ovens with a choice of cooking options. Some, referred to as “semi-professional” are heavy-duty ovens and resemble those used by restaurant chefs. Beware of being seduced by good looks and list your priorities, such as size, self- cleaning ability, and energy […]
Hobs with overhead extraction
Condensation can be a problem in many kitchens as pans bubbling away on the hob produce both heat and moisture. To prevent this, and the peeling paint and mould that result, install an extractor. If the extractor has an internal, motorised fan, check that the motor runs quietly when on. If not, see whether the fan can […]
How to plan a good washing up area
The washing up area is used more intensively than any other activity zone in the kitchen, so apply careful thought to its arrangement. There are several ergonomic aspects of resolving: the height of the sink; the depth of the Washing bowl; the amount of space given over to draining; the proximity of china and cutlery storage; […]
The different types of kitchen tables
For people who do not have a formal dining room, or for those who simply prefer to eat in the relaxed atmosphere of the kitchen, the shape and size of the table are vital. Bear in mind that kitchen tables are usually round, oval, or rectangular, and each shape determines how people interact with one […]
Eye-level ovens and what to look out for
Easier and safer to load than below-counter ovens, an eye-level appliance has a simple pull-down oven door. The dish is placed inside Without the extra effort of bending down, and you can Watch your food as it cooks. If you enjoy catering for large numbers of people, a second oven for warming plates, grilling, or microwaving may […]
