Creating a Gourmet Kitchen(page 2 of 2)
Professional appliances, durable surfaces and specialty storage make a kitchen fit for a foodie
Features
Professional-grade range. Gourmet cooks generally prefer gas ranges, though Nancy Divita, showroom manager at Trevarrow Inc., recommends checking induction cooktops, which heat up faster and deliver heat directly from the source to the pan. Also, there are modular thick-burner stoves with pop-in griddles and other “accessories.”
Double oven. Two is better than one for the gourmet. And one of those ovens should be convection, meaning it has a fan that circulates hot air so food cooks uniformly and efficiently.
Warming drawer. Cost can range from $700 to $2,000, Divita says. But this heating element will protect the moisture of food and allow the cook to keep food warm until serving. A warming drawer holds food for extended periods of time, avoiding the need to reheat in a microwave (which breaks down the molecular structure of food).
Dishwasher drawer. Gourmets might consider a point-of-use dishwasher placed near a bar sink or entertaining area to manage dirty glassware, while reserving the main dishwasher for pots, pans and dishes.
Convection microwave. Paired with a traditional oven, this microwave can double as your basic reheating unit and an efficient convection oven.
Microwave drawer. An alternative to shelf-mounted microwaves or freestanding units that take up counter space, a microwave drawer is concealed neatly among base cabinets.
Refrigerator. Today, stand-alone units are available in counter-depth configurations so they appear sleek and built-in. French-door style refrigerators are attractive and allow a cook to access what’s inside from the left or right while requiring less clearance. Freezer drawers are convenient and ergonomic. The ideal is a separate refrigerator and freezer, but today’s units with dual-compressors do the job. (Single-compressor units on mid-grade and economy refrigerators do not keep produce as moist because the compressor must work double-time.)
Easy-clean, sturdy surfaces. Quartz surfaces are man-made, do not require sealing, are less porous than natural stones like granite, and therefore have better stain-resistance and durability. Available in a wide range of designs produced by several large manufacturers, these products are backed by a warranty (while natural stone generally is not).
Task lighting. Under-cabinet lighting and pendants that focus light on specific work spaces illuminates kitchen zones where prepping, cooking and cleanup take place.
See Kitchens Built for Your Inner Chef
Other Considerations
- Hanging pot and pan rack
- Open shelving that displays ingredients in attractive containers
- Inventive knife organizers (such as the magnet strips pictured in our slideshow.)
- Multiple sinks for food prep and cleanup
- Strong exhaust ventilation
- Full-height stone backsplash
- Rubber, large tile or wood floors (easier on the feet)
- Wood butcher block counters for chopping
- Lowered countertop for baking (30-inch height for pastry rolling)
Next Up
Creating a Kitchen for Entertaining
When designing an effective entertaining space, it's about integrating specialty features and choosing a layout that allows the homeowner to interact with guests.
More From Kitchen Planning Guide
Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
Figure out what you want from your new kitchen with our questionnaire and worksheet
What to Consider in a Remodel
Think about the room's existing layout and your budget when planning your kitchen renovation
How to Begin a Kitchen Remodel
It's one of the toughest rooms to redo, but we'll guide you through the process
See Also
From our Sister Sites
- Guide to Creating a Stylish Kitchen (from DIY Network)
- Guide to Creating a Country Kitchen (from DIY Network)
- Guide to Creating a Southwestern Kitchen (from DIY Network)
