Kitchen Equipment Recommendations - Page 2

jbuder · #16 03-24-2002, 08:24 AM

bella-
i am also looking to redo my kitchen and i live in the cleveland area. if i come upon great resources i will let you know and would appreciate the same. you are a few steps ahead of me, though. i am just beginning to ponder what's out there. all these responses have been great for me too!

ShawtyCat · #17 03-27-2002, 12:18 AM

Hey NY Home Cook! Do you have a business card? Im also going to remodel my downstairs kitchen MYSELF! I mean design and purchasing wise not the actual construction. And was also thinking Viking or Thermador. You seem to be a pro in this area and since you are in the distribution field maybe I can buy the product from you or someone you recommend.

Peachcreek · #18 03-27-2002, 01:55 AM

I did a personal chef job a few weeks ago for a couple whose kitchen had just been re-done. They installed a Thermador 5 burner gas cooktop that really was a joy to cook on. The heat was fast and even. I needed all 5 burners at one time and the 5th burner was really convienent. Cleanup was easy and the surfaces were easily washable. They also installed a double Bosch oven. The top oven was convection. I used it for a number of things and thought it did a good job and seemed well made.
I don't know if I would run out and buy the oven, but that cooktop........

Matthew357 · #19 03-27-2002, 07:17 AM

The one thing I always want in a home kitchen is a rice cooker...just cause they are so dern easy.

Matt

Bella · #20 03-27-2002, 05:22 PM

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I found a local distributor for Dacor, Viking , Subzero, Miele, and Gaggenau (sp?). My husband and I just happened to be looking in the window of a local kitchen design store and the owner came out and invited us in even though the store was closed. He spent about an hour with us showing us all the different brands and giving us his opinion of them.

I fell inlove with the Dacor six burner cooktop, too Jill. It was beautiful and had so many options with it. The Dacor ovens were great too. Very roomy and even heating throughout.

There was a Viking range there too. Once I really looked at it I knew that Viking would be out of the race for me. In a professional kitchen it would be great--I'd like to get one for my restaurant. But for a home kitchen it was too massive and very difficult to clean for someone who hates cleaning!

The Miele dishwasher was really neat. It can fit 14 european placesettings and wine glasses. It can also do fine silver and never harm it.

The owner was super. He cooks for the public every saturday and told us to come back next week. I think he said he would be doing rack of lamb so that people could see how the Dacor ovens and cooktops work.

I really think my mind has been made up. I want to thank all of you who contributed to my education. Without it I would not have known what this man was talking about.

Oh, I also learned that Garland does not make ovens and cooktops for home use any more.

Good luck to all

Bella

Dbassist · #21 03-29-2002, 12:01 PM

Great info on ranges! I have been told that there is a brand called Castle that is very good. Anybody know of them? Thanks.

phatch · #22 03-29-2002, 01:41 PM

Go to www.nkba.org This group has great guidelines on space allocation for designing your kitchen. They are weak on hood ventilation in my opinion. I want lots more CFM than the average home cook and their numbers are low.

A word on lighting. Lots. Ok, some more words. Avoid halogen. Halogen light is great, but it' s hot. I don't need more heat in my kitchen. Flourescents have improved greatly, are energy efficient and produce much less heat.

Phil

jbuder · #23 03-30-2002, 12:38 PM

Does anyone have a recommendation for a home dishwasher that is quiet and FAST?

ShawtyCat · #24 03-30-2002, 12:47 PM

I just bought a built-in Whirlpool Gold from Sears and its rated #2.

Here are the specs:

Whirlpool Gold/Sears.com

jbuder · #25 03-31-2002, 03:21 PM

thanks, shawtycat. how long does it take to clean & dry, from start to finish? i never see this listed in the official product info given about a dishwasher (or am i somehow just missing this? i can't be the only one who thinks this is an important part of the decision).

ShawtyCat · #26 03-31-2002, 04:30 PM

I don't rightly know how long these things are supposed to go. The normal cycle takes 73 minutes!

So I started using the Quick Wash that only goes for 45.

Other homeowners in my area assure me that dishwashers do take that long to wash. And that mine is quick. Really??

I confess to still handwashing my dishes sometimes. Ive been doing it for 19 years so its hard to quit now. I use my dishwasher for the pots and pans and baby bottles. Youd be amazed at how that stuff piles up in my house. I dont have enegy to do all that washing.

Dbassist · #27 04-03-2002, 07:40 PM

Hi Bella,

I happen to be in the same boat as you. I am looking into getting a new range for my home. The only problem is cost is a consideration for me so I may end up with only a range top with a lower priced oven. Have you had any luck making a decision on a range? I read all the info you got and was very impressed. Unfortunately, my head is spinning.

Bella · #28 04-10-2002, 04:23 PM

Hi Dbassist,

Thanks for your note. I am sorry it took so long to answer, but I have not been on my computer lately.

As I said, I am really sold on the Dacor range top. It comes in many different configurations. You can even get the griddle and wok attachment for it. It has a special simmering burner on which you can melt chocolate (no double burner) without it burning. This was a great interest to me as I do work with chocolate alot! If you go to their website, they will send you a bunch of info.

My best recommendation is to go to a local kitchen remodeling place and talk with the people there. I think you will get better answers out of a local owner that has been in business for several years, than you will get from someone in a large, major home appliance store.

Some remodelers will even come into your house and give you ideas on how to arrange things and which would be best for your situation.

Good luck, and have fun.

I know what you mean when you say it is overwhelming. I can't imagine building a house and having to pick everything out!

Bella

jbuder · #29 04-13-2002, 11:08 AM

shawtycat,
45 minutes sounds good to me. but i wish there were a home dishwasher that worked in 1/2 hour or so! sure would be great to get apps dishes and soups done before the dinner & dessert plates pile up!

DaveGrogan · #30 06-30-2002, 09:24 AM

Thanks for the posts on this thread. I am currently looking for a 36" residential range. It has been narrowed down to Wolf, Dacor or Garland. My wife and I love to cook, entertain and I will also be making grilled cheese sandwiches for my two girls on it...?
Any further advice from owners of these ranges, chefs or experienced kitchen warriors would be greatly appreciated.
Dave Grogan.