Kitchen Regrets
Discussion
Consider hanging pan drawers instead of stacking them in a cupboard.
Makes it much easier when you want to use the largest pan that is normally at the bottom of the stack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118DYWEC?psc=1&smi...
I'd also see how much depth you have under the lowest hanging pan. If you can fut a slimline internal drawer above it is perfect for spatula's etc that you will use with the pans.
Likewise place a knife drawer in the same cupboard space you use for chopping boards etc..
Makes it much easier when you want to use the largest pan that is normally at the bottom of the stack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118DYWEC?psc=1&smi...
I'd also see how much depth you have under the lowest hanging pan. If you can fut a slimline internal drawer above it is perfect for spatula's etc that you will use with the pans.
Likewise place a knife drawer in the same cupboard space you use for chopping boards etc..
Edited by Simond S on Thursday 7th September 12:19
Simond S said:
Consider hanging pan drawers instead of stacking them in a cupboard.
Makes it much easier when you want to use the largest pan that is normally at the bottom of the stack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118DYWEC?psc=1&smi...
I'd also see how much depth you have under the lowest hanging pan. If you can fut a slimline internal drawer above it is perfect for spatula's etc that you will use with the pans.
Likewise place a knife drawer in the same cupboard space you use for chopping boards etc..
Fantastic idea! I'll make some of those when we do our kitchen in the new year.Makes it much easier when you want to use the largest pan that is normally at the bottom of the stack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118DYWEC?psc=1&smi...
I'd also see how much depth you have under the lowest hanging pan. If you can fut a slimline internal drawer above it is perfect for spatula's etc that you will use with the pans.
Likewise place a knife drawer in the same cupboard space you use for chopping boards etc..
Edited by Simond S on Thursday 7th September 12:19
Rosscow said:
Simond S said:
Consider hanging pan drawers instead of stacking them in a cupboard.
Makes it much easier when you want to use the largest pan that is normally at the bottom of the stack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118DYWEC?psc=1&smi...
I'd also see how much depth you have under the lowest hanging pan. If you can fut a slimline internal drawer above it is perfect for spatula's etc that you will use with the pans.
Likewise place a knife drawer in the same cupboard space you use for chopping boards etc..
Fantastic idea! I'll make some of those when we do our kitchen in the new year.Makes it much easier when you want to use the largest pan that is normally at the bottom of the stack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118DYWEC?psc=1&smi...
I'd also see how much depth you have under the lowest hanging pan. If you can fut a slimline internal drawer above it is perfect for spatula's etc that you will use with the pans.
Likewise place a knife drawer in the same cupboard space you use for chopping boards etc..
Edited by Simond S on Thursday 7th September 12:19
Harry Flashman said:
Exactly - a good quality heat-resistant sealant is what we used. No need for a drip catcher - many hobs are designed to sit flush with the worktop anyway, meaning that sealing is necessary.
Very excited about new kitchen. Same provider as the one above, but very different look. Very dark green (F&B Studio Green) with brass traditional knobs and cup handles on the drawers. It's going into a 3m high room in our new house, which has lots of Victorian detailing. So I designed something a bit more traditional this time...that should be ageless given the type of house, and repaintable when the current vogue for dark colours passes.
On regrets, I did a kitchen in my flat 9 years ago (pic below), and have a few regrets:
- Sleek kitchens aren't as timeless. I put one into my flat a few years back and whilst it still looks OK, it hasn't aged as well as a more traditional (but not overly twee) design would have. I also regret the vinyl wrapped doors. Something paintable is much easier to update with new paint and handles, without having to change the doors.
- Specifying chipboard cabinets. Over the years, even decent quality ones do see hinges etc coming loose. OK if you are willing to maintain/glue: but I don't fancy removing the cupboard doors for a refurb after gluing screws in etc. Wood cabs and doors are better, and can be had surprisingly cost effectively.
- Black granite Star Galaxy floor tiles. Impossible to clean and frankly, a bit naff these days.
- LED plinth lighting. Also a bit naff these days. Has been utterly trouble free, though.
- Choosing white vinyl wrapped cabinets. Yep, they're now, years later, a sort of dirty cream colour having yellowed.
- Fitting crap B&Q tap. Broke within a couple of years. Replaced it with a Grohe, which has never gone wrong.
- Integrated washing machine. It is bloody useless and every time it goes wrong, access to fix involves removing plinth and generally messing around. I didn't have much choice though - in an open plan flat, hiding the thing is key. Having a separate utility, or even a cupboard with drainage and water supply somewhere other than the kitchen is so, nice.
- Washing machine in open plan kitchen. The noise, oh God, the noise.
- Omitting a waste disposal. We have an Insinkerator in the house. It is amazing.
- Going budget on appliances. You WILL replace them. Buy cosmetically graded but warrantied stuff from proper manufacturers, seriously.
- Fitting crap ducting for the extractor. The white plastic accordion stuff is cheaper, but makes so much more noise, and is less efficient. Should have used rigid ducting.
- Funnily enough, I do not regret the Zebrano wood worktop at all. It just looks better with age as patina has developed. No water damage at all - a lovely thing.
- Fitting too many cupboards over drawers. Drawers are more expensive, but so much more useful.
- Having just one built-under double oven. Useless when entertaining, especially with an American wife and thus a big turkey or two being cooked at Thanksgiving, when we have a bunch of expat Americans over (22 last year) – two separate ovens are better. If you rarely use them, use the second as a plate warmer if you must.
- Integrated microwave. Never as good as the full sized versions, and double the cost.
- Not having an appliance garage/cupboard. Means the worktop was cluttered.
My subsequent two kitchens have avoided all of the above. You live, you learn. The "training kitchen", below, as it still looks.
I think that looks really smart! How high are the top cupboards?. Very excited about new kitchen. Same provider as the one above, but very different look. Very dark green (F&B Studio Green) with brass traditional knobs and cup handles on the drawers. It's going into a 3m high room in our new house, which has lots of Victorian detailing. So I designed something a bit more traditional this time...that should be ageless given the type of house, and repaintable when the current vogue for dark colours passes.
On regrets, I did a kitchen in my flat 9 years ago (pic below), and have a few regrets:
- Sleek kitchens aren't as timeless. I put one into my flat a few years back and whilst it still looks OK, it hasn't aged as well as a more traditional (but not overly twee) design would have. I also regret the vinyl wrapped doors. Something paintable is much easier to update with new paint and handles, without having to change the doors.
- Specifying chipboard cabinets. Over the years, even decent quality ones do see hinges etc coming loose. OK if you are willing to maintain/glue: but I don't fancy removing the cupboard doors for a refurb after gluing screws in etc. Wood cabs and doors are better, and can be had surprisingly cost effectively.
- Black granite Star Galaxy floor tiles. Impossible to clean and frankly, a bit naff these days.
- LED plinth lighting. Also a bit naff these days. Has been utterly trouble free, though.
- Choosing white vinyl wrapped cabinets. Yep, they're now, years later, a sort of dirty cream colour having yellowed.
- Fitting crap B&Q tap. Broke within a couple of years. Replaced it with a Grohe, which has never gone wrong.
- Integrated washing machine. It is bloody useless and every time it goes wrong, access to fix involves removing plinth and generally messing around. I didn't have much choice though - in an open plan flat, hiding the thing is key. Having a separate utility, or even a cupboard with drainage and water supply somewhere other than the kitchen is so, nice.
- Washing machine in open plan kitchen. The noise, oh God, the noise.
- Omitting a waste disposal. We have an Insinkerator in the house. It is amazing.
- Going budget on appliances. You WILL replace them. Buy cosmetically graded but warrantied stuff from proper manufacturers, seriously.
- Fitting crap ducting for the extractor. The white plastic accordion stuff is cheaper, but makes so much more noise, and is less efficient. Should have used rigid ducting.
- Funnily enough, I do not regret the Zebrano wood worktop at all. It just looks better with age as patina has developed. No water damage at all - a lovely thing.
- Fitting too many cupboards over drawers. Drawers are more expensive, but so much more useful.
- Having just one built-under double oven. Useless when entertaining, especially with an American wife and thus a big turkey or two being cooked at Thanksgiving, when we have a bunch of expat Americans over (22 last year) – two separate ovens are better. If you rarely use them, use the second as a plate warmer if you must.
- Integrated microwave. Never as good as the full sized versions, and double the cost.
- Not having an appliance garage/cupboard. Means the worktop was cluttered.
My subsequent two kitchens have avoided all of the above. You live, you learn. The "training kitchen", below, as it still looks.
Kateg28 said:
And have the lids stored elsewhere, not in the pan drawer, it just makes life difficult.
Invert the lid of the largest pan. Place on top of pan. The next largest pan in the set will now sit on the upturned lid. Repeat until all the pans in your set are neatly stacked in your drawer.FiF said:
Kateg28 said:
richatnort said:
Don't have those stupid pull out pan draws they are utterly useless and you can't fit anything on them so just get a normal corner cupboard.
Do not follow this advice. Corner cupboards are for storing rubbish you never ever ever use. I cleaned mine out and found stuff I have never used since moving in 7 years ago. Corner cupboards are hateful things. I don't know a single person apart from this poster who likes them. Get properly designed quality drawers so you can see your pans properly. And have the lids stored elsewhere, not in the pan drawer, it just makes life difficult.Newbespoke kitchen going in 3 weeks time from independent kitchen designer.
I am having a proper set of pan drawers set in an island.
In the one corner I do have in the Kitchen, I am having a corner pantry unit where you can see everything. Storing stuff you need to keep but don't use regularly can be kept in normal cupboards.
Thanks for the explanation on what decluttering means. I feel so much better now. But at least I now know of 2 people who like corner cupboards. Still no one I know in real life likes a corner cupboard, with or without those stupid pull out thingies.
Prawo Jazdy said:
Invert the lid of the largest pan. Place on top of pan. The next largest pan in the set will now sit on the upturned lid. Repeat until all the pans in your set are neatly stacked in your drawer.
I do that currently, and it works fine but I still find it easier if the lids are elsewhere. I am having them in a drawer to the side but stored vertically.Chris Type R said:
One of mine, but something I'll probably do something about - installing a water softener.
I use one of those for making my own reef tank water, however I'd be very wary if it also has a DI filter. If the water is too pure, it will strip out minerals and nutrients from the body - a lot of people in the hobby are well aware of the risks of regularly drinking RODI water. There is a load of science behind it, to do with an-ions, cat-ions and stuff that I only understand the basic concept of.If it is a simple filter to remove some of the natural hardness from the water in some areas, then that's probably a different matter.
S11Steve said:
I use one of those for making my own reef tank water, however I'd be very wary if it also has a DI filter. If the water is too pure, it will strip out minerals and nutrients from the body - a lot of people in the hobby are well aware of the risks of regularly drinking RODI water. There is a load of science behind it, to do with an-ions, cat-ions and stuff that I only understand the basic concept of.
If it is a simple filter to remove some of the natural hardness from the water in some areas, then that's probably a different matter.
Normally they're plumbed in so that your kitchen cold water tap is untreated.If it is a simple filter to remove some of the natural hardness from the water in some areas, then that's probably a different matter.
Openness is important for kitchens, they are now the hub of the house.
I wish we had somewhere for "gadget garages". Ours are in cupboards and ont get much use.
If you have a utility room, use the same worktop and cupboards throughout. Too many cut costs on the utility room...
Here is our kitchen
I wish we had somewhere for "gadget garages". Ours are in cupboards and ont get much use.
If you have a utility room, use the same worktop and cupboards throughout. Too many cut costs on the utility room...
Here is our kitchen
Did our kitchen last year. Third one I've done, learnt something each time. I spent months planning mine so in all honesty I don't think I got much wrong but there were some niggles.
Good/No regrets:
Plumbed in Fridge with ice maker (was worried this would become an unused gimmick but it's great)
Full size double sinks
Induction hob - fantastic.
Loads of Sockets including high ones for radio etc. Got a few USB ones too which are nice to have.
Under unit lighting. Very handy to avoid working in your own shadow. Looks good too.
Regrets:
Integrated tumble drier. It's crap and the unit door is constantly covered in condensation. Will be swapping this for a normal one at some point.
Oak benches. Still love the look and not sure what I'd want instead but they're undeniably high maintenance.
Good/No regrets:
Plumbed in Fridge with ice maker (was worried this would become an unused gimmick but it's great)
Full size double sinks
Induction hob - fantastic.
Loads of Sockets including high ones for radio etc. Got a few USB ones too which are nice to have.
Under unit lighting. Very handy to avoid working in your own shadow. Looks good too.
Regrets:
Integrated tumble drier. It's crap and the unit door is constantly covered in condensation. Will be swapping this for a normal one at some point.
Oak benches. Still love the look and not sure what I'd want instead but they're undeniably high maintenance.
Kateg28 said:
Prawo Jazdy said:
Invert the lid of the largest pan. Place on top of pan. The next largest pan in the set will now sit on the upturned lid. Repeat until all the pans in your set are neatly stacked in your drawer.
I do that currently, and it works fine but I still find it easier if the lids are elsewhere. I am having them in a drawer to the side but stored vertically.Add in an integrated phone charger, we put loads in Corian tops at work and everyone loves them.
Just come home from work, chuck your phone on the bench like you normally would and it happily charges away. The Corian branded ones turn off when its fully charged too.
And if your having LED strips under a breakfast bar/island you can get sensor switches that go in the benchtop, so you just wave your hand over a certain part and the lights go on and off.
Just come home from work, chuck your phone on the bench like you normally would and it happily charges away. The Corian branded ones turn off when its fully charged too.
And if your having LED strips under a breakfast bar/island you can get sensor switches that go in the benchtop, so you just wave your hand over a certain part and the lights go on and off.
Arrghh. We've just ordered a new kitchen, worktops and appliances..... Now over thinking every decision! It's a galley kitchen in a Victorian Terrace.
We've got a separate kitchen and utility, but have same units and (quartz) worktop going into both. Washing machine is in the utility, so not integrated. Have designed in a space for the cat to sleep in, but I bet the little sod will ignore it.
Kitchen has oven in a mid line unit, with a built in microwave / steam oven and warming drawer next to it. No built in fridge, but it fills in the old pantry. Mirror above the mid height units to bounce a bit of light around.
Window wall has a built in dishwasher, a mix of pan drawers and high line units. 600 gas hob, but 900 extract canopy as we cook a lot on a George Foreman / Slow Cooker etc. Mo waste disposal or posh tap, but there is a high line unit between the sink and dishwasher where we could put the gubbins.
Have gone for a glass splashback that matches the carcasses, plain doors and work surfaces but pretty bold wall colours.
Haven't gone for LED lighting under cupboards nor plinths, but are planning a nice light and next year, a 2m x 1m glass skylight.
It all arrives Monday, so wish me luck!
We've got a separate kitchen and utility, but have same units and (quartz) worktop going into both. Washing machine is in the utility, so not integrated. Have designed in a space for the cat to sleep in, but I bet the little sod will ignore it.
Kitchen has oven in a mid line unit, with a built in microwave / steam oven and warming drawer next to it. No built in fridge, but it fills in the old pantry. Mirror above the mid height units to bounce a bit of light around.
Window wall has a built in dishwasher, a mix of pan drawers and high line units. 600 gas hob, but 900 extract canopy as we cook a lot on a George Foreman / Slow Cooker etc. Mo waste disposal or posh tap, but there is a high line unit between the sink and dishwasher where we could put the gubbins.
Have gone for a glass splashback that matches the carcasses, plain doors and work surfaces but pretty bold wall colours.
Haven't gone for LED lighting under cupboards nor plinths, but are planning a nice light and next year, a 2m x 1m glass skylight.
It all arrives Monday, so wish me luck!
Gad-Westy said:
Plumbed in Fridge with ice maker (was worried this would become an unused gimmick but it's great)
Me and the other half both love our Sub-Zero fridge with ice maker and water dispenser. So much so that a kitchen big enough to accomodate one is a must have whenever we move house.
GuinnessMK said:
Arrghh. We've just ordered a new kitchen, worktops and appliances..... Now over thinking every decision! It's a galley kitchen in a Victorian Terrace.
We've got a separate kitchen and utility, but have same units and (quartz) worktop going into both. Washing machine is in the utility, so not integrated. Have designed in a space for the cat to sleep in, but I bet the little sod will ignore it.
Kitchen has oven in a mid line unit, with a built in microwave / steam oven and warming drawer next to it. No built in fridge, but it fills in the old pantry. Mirror above the mid height units to bounce a bit of light around.
Window wall has a built in dishwasher, a mix of pan drawers and high line units. 600 gas hob, but 900 extract canopy as we cook a lot on a George Foreman / Slow Cooker etc. Mo waste disposal or posh tap, but there is a high line unit between the sink and dishwasher where we could put the gubbins.
Have gone for a glass splashback that matches the carcasses, plain doors and work surfaces but pretty bold wall colours.
Haven't gone for LED lighting under cupboards nor plinths, but are planning a nice light and next year, a 2m x 1m glass skylight.
It all arrives Monday, so wish me luck!
You need task lighting for the worktops - atleast wire it in even if you don't install now. You'll regret otherwise imoWe've got a separate kitchen and utility, but have same units and (quartz) worktop going into both. Washing machine is in the utility, so not integrated. Have designed in a space for the cat to sleep in, but I bet the little sod will ignore it.
Kitchen has oven in a mid line unit, with a built in microwave / steam oven and warming drawer next to it. No built in fridge, but it fills in the old pantry. Mirror above the mid height units to bounce a bit of light around.
Window wall has a built in dishwasher, a mix of pan drawers and high line units. 600 gas hob, but 900 extract canopy as we cook a lot on a George Foreman / Slow Cooker etc. Mo waste disposal or posh tap, but there is a high line unit between the sink and dishwasher where we could put the gubbins.
Have gone for a glass splashback that matches the carcasses, plain doors and work surfaces but pretty bold wall colours.
Haven't gone for LED lighting under cupboards nor plinths, but are planning a nice light and next year, a 2m x 1m glass skylight.
It all arrives Monday, so wish me luck!
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