Tag: Kitchen renovations

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Kitchen

Oven buying guide

When buying an oven, you need to consider a few things. Should you go with an electric or gas oven? Should you pick one that looks great and stays in one place? There are lots of features to consider and designs to choose from, so hopefully this guide will help you work out what type of oven is best for you.

Electric vs gas ovens

Historically, people have gone for gas ovens because of their heat control. However, electric ovens can heat up and cool down quickly now as well, meaning that there is little difference between the two. Often, people choose electric ovens due to their versatility and multifunctional uses.

Gas ovens, however, are more energy efficient and better for the environment, which is becoming increasingly important to many people. They also help remove moisture from food better, making them more popular amongst chefs.

Source: Nick de Lorenzo Photography

Oven features to look out for

Beyond the appearance of an oven, there are a number of features that you need to consider. Safety features include:

  • Having a door that holds itself open, rather than one that can only be open or closed all the way
  • Safety stops to prevent shelves sliding out
  • Shelves that don’t drop down and sag when taken out this can make cooking heavier dishes more difficult
  • Grill trays shouldn’t sag either, but must extend out enough so that foods at the back can be turned and worked on
  • The grill’s heating element should be safe, eliminating the possibility of having your hands touch the heat source by accident.

Other features include:

  • Having a number of racks
  • Having many rack positioning options at least three
  • Having a smokeless grill tray
  • Having a grill tray with at least two positions

Additional features to look for

After these main features have been considered, other optional features can be looked at, such as:

  • Fan assisted ovens with at least one fan. These are more expensive, but distribute heat better.
  • Quick preheating
  • Defrost functions are also handy for cooking frozen foods.
  • Self-cleaning ovens Catalytic liners will absorb fat, whilst pyrolitic cleaners burn off fat and convert then to ash by heating the oven to extreme heats.
  • Electronic controls make the cooking process more simple, but are an unnecessary and costly extra. Automatic timers, however, are handy options for both cooking and safety.

Types of ovens: Built-in or freestanding?

Freestanding ovens

As you might have guessed from the name, a freestanding oven is installed straight onto the floor. Generally, freestanding ovens combine the oven part with the cooktop to create one all-encompassing unit. They’re very easy to install since they can fit into most spaces. All you’ll need to do is hire an electrician to set the wiring.

As far as style goes, freestanding ovens fit better with traditional designs, but will certainly look fine in just about any kitchen. You can also easily move them out of the way for repairs if something breaks. The only downside to freestanding ovens is that they make the area around them quite hard to clean – the gaps between the benchtop and the oven can be narrow, and will attract plenty of dirt and grime. Also, freestanding ovens might be hard on your back – since you’ll be constantly bending over to check on food and move it out of the way. Take that into consideration before you install one. 

Freestanding ovens come in a variety of options and can be easier to repair / Source: Unitek Constructions

Built-in ovens

Built-in ovens are installed right into your kitchen cabinetry; this design allows for much greater flexibility. You don’t necessarily need to have the oven and the range in one unit. Instead, you can move them to wherever is better in your kitchen. Since the layout is so flexible, you can install the unit higher up – meaning you’ll save a lot of time and pain from constantly bending over. You can have the units installed higher up in the kitchen. They’re designed to flow and fit into whatever different layout you have. 

There are some drawbacks to built-in ovens, though. Since the two different parts of the oven are separate, the oven might take up more space. Also, since they’re built straight into the cabinetry, it can be a very arduous process if you ever want to upgrade the oven. Built-in ovens are also much harder to clean and require a professional to install.

When to replace your oven

In many cases, ovens can last for many years. Nevertheless, from time to time, it will become necessary to replace the old oven with a new one. Knowing when you will need to do this can take some time, though. You will want to make the right decision so you are not wasting time or money on the process. Consider the following factors when it comes to replacing your oven:

  • Is repairing an option?

Talk to a professional about the options available to you for replacing your current oven or if you can repair the existing one. If it is possible to cost effectively repair your old oven, doing so may be a good idea. However, if you will need to make regular repairs to keep it running, this may no longer be the right option for you.

  • Are you renovating?

In some cases, you can hold off a bit if you are planning to do some renovating in your kitchen in the coming months. You may want to hold off so that you can be sure that you are investing in an appliance that will fit well into your overall new layout. It is a good idea to choose a new oven that will last for many more years when the time comes.

  • Is it working okay?

In some cases, there is no need to replace your current oven if it is serving your needs just fine. However, if it is not heating properly or inconsistently, it could be costing you money on wasted food. In some cases, it may not be large enough or it may not have the features you need.

Contact local home appliance experts

When it’s time to replace

There are some circumstances in which you will need to replace your oven no matter what. If your oven has any of the following, replace it now rather than waiting.

  • Does it need frequent repairs?
  • Are your energy bills very high as a result of the oven?
  • Do you plan to renovate your kitchen right now?
  • Is there a concern when it comes to safety?

If it is time to make these changes, putting it off will not make the process any easier to do.

Categories
Kitchen

What is the best material for kitchen benchtops?

With a variety of benchtop styles and materials available for your kitchen design, choosing between a marble, stone or timber benchtop can be overwhelming. The benchtop you invest in can influence the ambience and style of your entire kitchen space.

Timber benchtops

Timber is the old reliable and the old standby. It’s been one of the favourites of people around the country for years and years. It offers a huge array of hardwood trees to craft into the benchtop. Tasmanian Oak (or Tassie Oak) boasts a light-brown to pale-blonde colour. Jarrah is dense, dark and red, going perfectly with areas that have plenty of natural light. Blackbutt can come in plenty of different shades or colours, and it’s cheaper than Tasmanian Oak. Red Gum has a naturally rich, red colour.

A timber benchtop can prove to be a truly beautiful addition to any kitchen – it’s got a classic, natural feel that is impossible to find among the many, many other material options you have out there.  You can either choose from a solid slab of timber or one that is made from several joined-together boards. There are dozens of varieties of timber to choose from, which means you’ll likely be able to find a style and colour of wood that perfectly suits the look you’re after.

Source: Keystone Quality Constructions

Timber benchtops are also incredibly durable. When you’re ready to change up your look – you can either sand it back and refinish, or recycle it. Timber fits especially well with certain types of kitchens – for example those in a ”rustic” style – where the cracks and nicks of age actually make everything look better. Timber is also low-maintenance and, if you’re going to use recycled timber, it’s actually very cost-effective.

Here are other things you should know about timber benchtops.

Sealing Timber Benchtops:

As with any natural product, timber is susceptible to daily wear and tear. To protect the timber and increase its lifespan, it’s essential to seal it regularly. Sealing timber benchtops creates an extra protective barrier, preventing it from absorbing liquids and allowing it to be more resistant to scratches and staining. It’s recommended to seal the timber benchtop with a food-safe sealant designed for this purpose.

Rubber Wood Benchtops:

Rubberwood, also known as parawood, is a popular choice for timber benchtops. It’s lightweight and durable, making it ideal for use in the kitchen. However, it’s worth noting that the colour of rubber wood tends to be lighter than other varieties, so take this into consideration when choosing the colour palette for your kitchen.

Acacia Solid Oiled Hardwood Project Panel:

Acacia is a hardwood that is well-suited to use as a kitchen benchtop. It is a durable and long-lasting timber, with a natural, warm, and appealing aesthetic. Acacia solid oiled hardwood project panel is an easy-to-install pre-cut panel that can be cut to size to fit any kitchen benchtop. The oiled finish provides a non-toxic food-safe sealant that helps the timber last longer and is a popular choice for those looking for an all-natural benchtop option.

Beech Laminated Panel:

Beech laminated panel is a practical choice for a timber benchtop. It is a stable wood, almost white in color, and is less expensive than some of the other timber options available. It offers good durability, with the rigidness and ease of use found in manufactured wood like MDF or plywood. This makes Beech laminated panel ideal for those looking for a more affordable timber benchtop option.

However, timber might not be as strong as other materials you can pick for your benchtop, and is not heat-resistant. That means that your benchtop is likely to get scratched, stained and nicked over time. You can protect the timber benchtop with finishes, but even then, they’ll likely get damaged over time. Timber benchtops can be very vulnerable – susceptible to water damage – so you’ll have to be very, very careful around them. Timber might also not fit into the different style of your home. The wood can clash against a more modern, streamlined approach, for example. Think carefully about the style before you decide on timber.

Marble benchtops

A marble benchtop gives a striking, elegant and timeless edge to your kitchen space. The option between honed or polished finishes, as well as the colourful range of patterns and tones offers an extensive range of marble options that add a unique touch to your kitchen space.

As a durable option, marble is an economical investment for your kitchen, lasting longer with everyday use without replacement or repair. While staining may have been a problem with marble benchtops in the past, contemporary marble benchtops are treated with sealants that prevent liquids from penetrating and staining the stone. With regular sealing and cleaning, marble can be a long-lasting option but it is not scratch or stain resistant.

Beautiful renovated kitchen with marble and timber
Marble is a durable and fashionable option for your kitchen benchtop / Source: Henry and Co Interiors

Marble is also incredibly versatile, enhancing different types of flooring or wall treatments, and working well with different design schemes. Whether you have a rustic country pine kitchen or a contemporary kitchen gleaming with glass and chrome, marble will make everything look even better, increasing the overall style of your kitchen space.

Granite benchtops

Granite is a fairly low maintenance option, its non-porous surface allows the surface to retain a fresh, new look for years. Granite is available in a range of shades and colours to ensure it adapts to your decor. Unlike the natural finish of marble, granite benchtops create a uniform and solid look.

Similarly to marble, granite also requires frequent sealing to ensure it remains looking new and should be cleaned regularly to prolong the life of its surface.

Granite is considered to be more durable than marble with a surface that is highly resistant to scratches and spills, but can be on the expensive side. As a heat resistant and scratch resistant stone, Granite requires less maintenance than marble and is mostly resistant to acidic spills, offering a popular alternative for your kitchen space.

Source: My New Cabinets

Bamboo benchtops

Bamboo benchtops are both beautiful and functional, making them a great, unique choice for your kitchen. Bamboo is similar to timber but has its own distinct grain and colour that looks good in any kitchen. Bamboo is durable, stable, easy to clean and not affected by heat or cold, making it perfect for any type of cooking setting.

Bamboo benchtops are, in most cases, scratch-resistant and easy to sand down and re-varnish. Since these benchtops are not affected by water or moisture, they will not misshape or warp, and being moisture-resistant means that they will also not decay or support the growth of mould. Another great benefit is the fact that they do not expand or contract with the weather as timber benchtops do.

Bamboo benchtops are also an environmentally friendly option because they are made from an entirely renewable resource. Not only is it renewable, but it is also plentiful, and it grows back quickly so using it is not depleting the world bamboo supply.

Onyx benchtops

For a pure, elegant and visually striking choice, you can try the natural stone onyx. Onyx is a type of marble rock; its amazing and natural translucency, along with the striking, contrasting bands of colour that run through the stone, combine to make it arrestingly beautiful. It has plenty of colour choices – from honey golds or minty greens, to rich browns and reds – and you can either polish it to a high gloss or give it a cool-looking matte-like finish by honing it.

Just like every other feature of the kitchen or the house, though, you’re going to have to care for onyx benchtops to make sure they look good and last for a long time. Use a powerful and reliable sealer on the onyx benchtop when it is first installed to make sure it’s protected against spills and accidents. You will also need to reapply the sealer on a regular basis. Additionally, make sure not to use acids or acid-based cleaning agents when wiping down the onyx benchtop; these can harm the delicate finish. Just do a little bit of simple maintenance, and you should have this beautiful kitchen benchtop for a long time.

Glass benchtops

There are a number of options for customisation when it comes to glass benchtops in the kitchen:

  • Patterned stumped glass
  • Painted glass
  • Plain glass
  • Tinted glass

It can be freestanding or laid on top of another material like stone or timber. They aren’t available in standardized sizes so must be cut once to a specific measurement. You can however opt for a recycled glass – making it an environmentally friendly option.

Glass benchtops are a hygienic kitchen benchtop option since there are no crevices or joints for which bacteria can build. They are extremely easy to clean and won’t stain – it’s as simple as wiping them down with a cleaning solution or wipes. They are heat resistant so hot pans on the counter are not a worry.

Laminate benchtops

The cheapest type of kitchen benchtop is the laminate benchtop. It’s also one of the more customisable, available in a huge range of high-end styles, colours and patterns. However, for as cheap and as customisable as benchtops are, there is a downside. Laminate benchtops are thinner than other styles and won’t last as long as timber, solid surfaces or stainless steel.

Stainless steel benchtops

Stainless steel is also popular these days, offering a sophisticated look when paired with neutrals or black and white. Gourmet chefs love stainless steel, as it fits in well with whatever type of kitchen you have. It’s very expensive, but it’s also durable. All the maintenance stainless steel needs is a regular wash and polish, plus benchtops made of stainless steel are heat and water-resistant. Scratches to the surface can be easily buffed out.

Categories
Kitchen

Renovating your kitchen? Here’s where to start

The kitchen, as they say, is truly the ‘heart of the home’. We spend a great deal of time in our kitchens, so it’s important they reflect our lifestyle, accommodate our needs and complement the rest of our home’s decor.

Deciding to makeover your kitchen is an exciting project that can improve the overall look and feel of your home, its functionality and liveability whilst increasing its value. However it can also be incredibly challenging if you haven’t adequately prepared and thought it through. Avoid costly mistakes with some careful planning and consideration.

When dreaming up your perfect kitchen, there are a few important considerations before you get started / Source: Henry & Co Interiors

Before you get started, here’s some of the things to consider for your kitchen renovation.

What are your goals?

The best place to start is to think about what you want to achieve from your renovation. Sometimes it’s not just that your kitchen has become outdated and doesn’t look the way you want it to – there could be something that has always annoyed you, like the pantry is too small or there isn’t enough storage space. Do you want more natural light? Do you want it to be environmentally friendly? Do you need more preparation space?

Set clear objectives at the beginning of your project so that you don’t get to the end and still have nowhere to put the pots and pans. Write a list of what you don’t like about your current kitchen and what you’d want in your new one.

Budget

Kitchen renovations can be expensive. Set a realistic preliminary budget that you’re comfortable with, as your budget will determine the scale of your make over. It’s also a good idea to have a contingency allocation if something goes wrong. Decide what’s absolutely essential, what you’re willing to compromise on and what can be added in down the track.

Once you’ve established your budget, you can better determine how extensive the renovation will be, which will then dictate which professionals you will need to hire. If a complete renovation isn’t an option, there are plenty of things you can change to refresh and add value.

Changing the lighting, appliances and bench tops are some of the things that can easily be done on a budget that will make a big difference. Be sure to make the most of your money and add value.

Find inspiration

It’s easy to jump in and pick something out of a magazine without thinking through the design as a whole. You don’t want your kitchen to quickly date so do your homework and find classic, timeless designs that will complement the rest of your home.

Light, bright kitchens usually work best and you can always add colour and design elements with accessories that can easily be changed or updated.

Create a collection of inspiring images, get samples and actually see the products where possible instead of just looking online. Try out some visual rendering technology if you can, it will give you a better idea of what your finished product will look like.

Source: Helicrete Pty Ltd

Layout and design

The size and location of your space is a major factor in determining your kitchen’s layout. There are various options available, ranging from a U-shaped kitchen, an L shaped kitchen, and a galley style. Depending on the style you select, you also need to consider islands, peninsulas, and even a breakfast bar, if it suits your needs and space available.

Alongside these considerations, functionality is hugely important. Think about what’s important for you and your family and ensure there is a considered flow in the design. You don’t want to have the dishwasher a walk away from the sink, or nowhere to put anything next to your cooktop.

If your family routine is that the kids do their homework while you make dinner, make sure there’s enough space for them to do so. Role-playing the preparation and cooking process with your design in mind can help, and it will quickly become apparent if something isn’t right.

Every square centimetre needs to work hard and be carefully planned. Some things to think about:

  • The height of the appliances
  • Width of walkways – don’t make them too narrow once doors are open
  • Location of power outlets
  • Adequate bench space for preparation
  • Adequate storage space
  • A place to sit and eat
  • Integration with other rooms in the house
  • Orientation of sunlight
  • Your view from the workspace

Work with what you’ve got

Before you let loose with a sledgehammer, think about what can remain in place. Leaving existing cabinetry and changing out the drawer and cupboard fronts can be a big money saver, and won’t necessarily affect the look or design of the kitchen. When moving key components, like the location of appliances or sinks, realise that this means a larger budget for moving plumbing and electrical components.

There are a raft of incredible products out there that can transform almost anything, from stained sinks to tired laminate benchtops. Don’t discount what a lick of paint can do either. Be smart with your money and it will stretch much further.

Spend your money wisely

It’s sometimes tempting to opt for cheaper labour, fixtures and fittings to keep costs down, but often the end result can be compromised. Be wise with your budget and spend money on quality where you can. Look at spending money on a few, key feature items or focal points for maximum impact.

Don’t forget the details

As they say, the devil is in the detail. You don’t want your beautiful new kitchen to be spoilt by the hideous tapware you chose in a hurry. Things like taps, power point covers, light switches and handles can make a big difference to the overall look of your kitchen and should be carefully considered.

Appliances

Think about what’s most important to you, and what you’d like to splurge on. Appliance dimensions and positioning can affect the overall design and layout so do your homework and get the most bang for your buck. Decide whether you’d like to have appliances hidden within cabinetry or out on display, and plan accordingly.

You shouldn’t wait until the end to purchase your appliances. The spaces in your kitchen need to be allotted to accommodate the appliances you plan to install. Choose appliances that fit your needs but also help you keep your budget in line.

Source: Esteem Building & Renovations

Timing is everything

Be organised and have a schedule of works if you’re managing the project yourself to make sure trades are completed in the correct order. Doing so will avoid costly mistakes and save you time and money.

Do you need plans and council approval?

Depending on the extent of your renovation, you may need to have plans drawn up or gain local council approval. Most councils allow for minor changes that don’t alter the structure or services such as plumbing, drainage and electrical, however it is always best to check what your local government’s policies are, or your builder will be able to advise you if you have one.