Appliance overload
Yesterday we took our first step into the world of kitchen appliances, in anticipation of our remodel. My Mom and Dad came over to watch the kids for a few hours (THANK YOU!) so that we could hang out at the local kitchen showroom. We got the scoop on all the categories, all the brands, all the options... wow it's a lot to absorb!
Some decisions will be easy, and some will be hard. The easy ones will be the dishwasher (we're going with the one my in-laws just bought and love) and the laundry (who cares, as long as it dries clothes in less than my current 2 hour model?). And we're hoping we can re-use our fridge, saving us a bundle we can put toward other priorities.
Cooking-related appliances are going to be tricker. The options and possible combinations are many and complicated. We are currently leaning toward a range top with a separate wall oven/microwave combination. But do we do the straightforward 4 burner model, or do we upgrade to one with a built in griddle? Will I regret going with only one oven? Two seems like an extravagance when the only time I can imagine needing two is the holidays... but many kitchens have two ovens... Anybody have any words of wisdom on two vs one oven?
Then there are the extra luxury appliances that I was convinced we needed while in the showroom, but now in the cold light of day, outside of the spell those places cast, I'm not so sure. For example, a "beverage center" which is a little under-counter fridge that gets all the drinks out of your regular fridge, leaving more room for the food which seems smart. (Our fridge always feels packed, and I can only imagine how much worse that will be when we have teenagers in the house!) So, perhaps a separate fridge dedicated to drinks makes sense. But where to put it? And is it worth the expense? I'm thinking the better choice is just to drink more water from the tap... healthier for us, and for the environment since there are no wasteful containers. But is that realistic???
And then there's the ultimate, tempting but completely indulgent appliance: The steam oven, which I had not even heard of before yesterday. Apparently it cooks with steam, keeping the food moist and flavorful without the typical added fats and oils. A very healthy way to eat, and it looked awesome. But, it's about the size of a microwave, and requires yet another space in the kitchen. Will it fit? Is it completely ridiculous? I have a feeling it's one of those things that people with unlimited space and money have.... and that certainly does not describe us!
Lots to think about, and we haven't even gotten to countertops, backsplashes, lighting, cabinets and floors. Gracious... maybe our current kitchen is just fine.
4 comments:
It can be overwhelming to deal with all those decisions -- but over time you'll figure out what you really think you'll need the most, and space availability will dictate the rest!
Paul and I solved the 1 vs 2 oven dilemma in San Marino, Pasadena, and Big Bear by getting one large oven and a Sharp Carousel microwave/convection combination. The cavity is large enough to hold a 9X13 pan. You are right; we only use it as a regular oven at holidays or the rare times we host a large group and actually cook! It has been a lifesaver, though, for cooking yorkshire pudding while the oven is being used for prime rib, etc.
Susan
We may be getting some new kitchen appliances soon, so I'll be interested to see what you choose. As for one vs. two ovens, I've been there. Our last house had 2 ovens, which seemed totally unnecessary until I moved into this one, with just one. I do miss having 2, especially because we do lots of roasted vegetables on 2 shelves, and that leaves no oven for anything else. But it's a wasteful energy source, so it's probably just as well I've been forced to accommodate. What we do have is two microwaves, because we brought our old one and the house had a built it. I LOVE that! We use both all the time. We had a microwave/ convection oven at work and I never much cared for it. If you're using it as a convection, then you won't have access to the microwave at the same time, and for how we cook (no meat, not lots of baking), a convection is of little value.
Good luck choosing!!!
Here's my 2 cents: skip the second oven. Make me bring the other dishes to dinner :-) Skip the steamer too. Of course, this being said from the biased viewpoint of someone to whom every molecule of counter space is precious.
Post a Comment