What couldn't you live without in your kitchen? Post Reply

[Mummywithtummy]

I'm in the fortunate position to be planning a new kitchen. Would love to get your advice and experience if you have done the same. What was your biggest regret that you did/didn't do and what was the thing you are so glad you did?

[Tpa]

an sink garbage disposal, hidden bins, a big island ! I regret not putting in a new dishwasher because it needs replacing now.

[Jen66]

I am not a fan of islands unless you have a very big kitchen. Otherwise they just make the room look cramped and get in the way.

I would always go for granite over wood. Yes granite costs an arm and a leg but it lasts. Wood, no matter how well you care for it, starts to look grubby after a few years.

I wish I had gone for more tall cupboards. I only have one for things like brooms, vacuum and it's not quite enough.

I also spent money on under cupboard lighting which I never use

[bamse]

I love our boiling water tap, insinkorator, hidden bin & oven sized combi microwave

[millymac]

Bamse - what is an insinkerator? And is the hot water tap useful? Does this mean you don't use a kettle anymore? I was a little concerned the children would get their hands on it! (just jumping on this thread as we are doing the same - hope that's OK)

[Bee@lifeafterlondon]

we recently did a new kitchen using Sola Kitchens who were great.
Insinkerator are a make of waste disposal and we put one in. Hot tap is amazing, not problem with children as it's a knack to use it and mine haven't got it. I am v pleased with stacked ovens (rather than the range we had before), 5 rings on the hob essential for me, also for design my dishwasher is designed so that I can unload almost everything without having to move much - it's brilliant and saves me lots of time. I have a tall 'larder' cupboard which I love even though it's not the 'enormous one' I'd dream of! Also an american fridge freezer is a joy.
I spent ages looking into it all and I'm very happy with my choices (each to their own of course!) but you're welcome to ask questions or come and see it if you'd like.
Bee

[millymac]

Bee - this is super useful thanks! I am going to send you a PM if that's ok as have a few more Qs

[tamara]

If I can jump in...

Two full size ovens at "sensible" height, makes Sunday roasts a joy.

Six hobs, can't imagine coping with less now.

Decent extractor fan, ours isn't and I regret it. It's one of those with a filter but I wish we had one that pushed out to the outside wall.

I miss our garbage disposal unit.

Washing machine and dryer are in the basement (not a proper conversion but we did put light and power and decent steps and a tiled floor on a "normal" basement).

We have an island and the hob is on it. I love it as I can cook whilst facing kids in evening and chatting. I used to have my back to them.

Hope this helps!

V envious.

T

[runningmummy]

I found a boilng water tap surprisingly useful and larders are really great storage. Big drawers seem to hold much more too especially with wide cutlery inserts.

[runningmummy]

Oh and meant to say I regret the decision not to have induction. I did this because of stir frying wish I had stuck with getting one.

[Mummywithtummy]

That is all so helpful. Thanks. I wouldn't have thought of some of the things that I now feel are essential. Can I ask has anyone got a steamer/stream oven? Any good?

[Lanme]

Buy decent appliances - I don't think I could live without my Miele washing machine etc (20min cycles and no more hand washing delicates!)

[Camille]

Just wanted to say everyone's comments are sooo helpful as we are looking to replace our kitchen. Thanks to all.

[Nims]

We had a new kitchen done 9 months ago, and I have to say that our boiling water tap has been invaluable (especially with a 4 month old baby) - we use it for sterilising, warming up bottles plus the endless cups of tea to keep you awake! (and for the visitors that we had when we first brought baby home from hospital). Yes, more expensive than a kettle in terms of purchasing but I have been told they are cheaper to run. Ours is very discreet and placed next to the main tap. Highly recommend. This is the one we got: http://kitchensinksandtaps.co.uk/gn1100 ... hrome/3166
Hope this helps!

[emsken]

Waste disposal and two dishwashers!