Kitchen Remodel Components

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Review of Kitchen Remodel Components

In this brief post, we review our coverage of the various components that go into a kitchen remodeling project. 

We introduce them below with appropriate links.

Kitchen Islands

We discuss the origin of the kitchen island and the variants available today for a kitchen remodel project. These include the rolling island, the furniture piece, the peninsula, and the built-in kitchen. The last two are also items of kitchen cabinetry.

• Related post: Kitchen Islands

Cooktops

We distinguish cooktops from ranges. And we describe the four different types of cooktops. We focus on the induction cooktop as being, in our opinion, the best cooktop solution. 

This is especially so for aging-in-place applications, where safety is paramount. But, we acknowledge that a cooking purist will opt for the gas cooktop anyway.

• Related post: Cooktops & Ranges

Ovens

We discuss gas vs electric ovens and range ovens vs wall ovens. We go over double wall ovens vs single wall ovens. And then there are swing door ovens with their French door variant vs the drop door oven. We like the single, swing door oven. And if you want a double oven, go for side-by-side swing-door ovens.

Our recommendation, as usual, is driven by accessibility and Universal Design.

• Related post: Oven Selection

Microwave Ovens

We discuss the full gamut of microwave ovens available to us and devote a post to each. We warn against having a microwave oven over the range.

• Related post: Microwave Ovens
• Related post: Drawer Microwave Ovens
• Related post: Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
• Related post: Countertop Microwave Ovens
• Related post: Built-In Microwave Ovens

Range Hoods

Our discussion of range hoods begins with the need to select them early. Because other kitchen remodeling decisions depend on it. We talk about vented vs ducted range hoods, the sizing of the range hood, and much more.

• Related post: Range Hoods

Dishwashers

We go over the various dishwasher options. We distinguish between the conventional drop-front dishwasher and the drawer-type dishwasher. Our preferred configuration is twin-drawer dishwashers. Place them on each side of the kitchen sink. The drawer dishwasher is ideal from the point of view of Universal Design.

• Related post: Dishwashers

Kitchen Faucets

We discuss the different types of kitchen faucets and the criteria for their selection. We review wall mount vs deck mount faucets. We recommend using touchless or single-lever faucets. 

• Related post: Kitchen Faucets

Kitchen Sinks

In our opinion, the best kitchen sink for looks, durability, and versatility is the stainless steel sink. But, we review the main types of kitchen sinks available and compare them. Our recommendation is the undermount double bowl stainless steel sink.

• Related post: Kitchen Sinks

Refrigerators

We discuss built-in, freestanding, counter depth, under-counter refrigerators, and freezer drawers. We go over refrigerator sizes and the arrangement of doors and freezer compartments in the context of ergonomics. And we talk about the placement of the refrigerator, and its part in the kitchen work triangle.

• Related post: Refrigerators

Wine Fridges

We discuss the difference between built-in and freestanding wine refrigerators. This governs how they can be installed. We also talk about the difference between thermoelectric and compressor-type wine refrigerators. And we discuss wine refrigerator temperatures and dual zones.

• Related post: Wine Fridges

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets come last (but certainly not least) on this list of kitchen remodel components. Even though they are the single most expensive line item in a kitchen remodel project, they should be decided upon last. This is because their design and placement depend on the selection and placement of other components first.

• Related post: Kitchen Cabinets