Some of our choices were budget friendly, and some were in the splurge range.
• 2 small GE microwave ovens with trim kits
• 2 Kraus sinks – from Overstock.com
• 2 Hansgrohe Faucets
• 2 Insinkerator Disposals
• 1 GE Monogram Double wall oven
• 1 Wolf 4-burner gas cooktop
• 1 Bosch warming drawer
• 2 GE Profile Dishwashers
• 3 pendant lights from Restoration Hardware
• Backsplash: 6” clear glass tiles
• Cabinet hardware by HickoryHardware.com
• Under cabinet LED lights from Home Depot
• Wood painted cabinets with full pullouts
Happily, we were able to keep our Subzero refrigerator - 18 years old and still working well!
Since all of our new appliances are just 3 months old, we can’t yet fully evaluate the wisdom of our choices. However, we have some initial thoughts:
The dishwashers do a great job in washing, but do not thoroughly dry dishes, especially on the 30-minute express cycle (even when we add a 15-minute power dry). This was a disappointment. GE stated to us that the dishwashers are functioning as they should. However it is obvious and cnfirmed by the service techs that the new energy efficient features impact the drying. We do feel that this issue should be stated in their product "care and use" manuals and in on-line descriptions of the dishwashers.
One feature that we do appreciate is that the model we chose has a “door wake-up mode” on/off capability. This feature allows you to turn off all lights and sounds which normally would be active when you open the door. When off, you may open and close the dishwasher on Shabbos or Yom Tov if you need to store your dirty dishes there.
We love, love, love our Bosch warming drawer. It is absolutely perfect to keep our Shabbos meals and our challahs warm. We have never had a warming drawer, so it is truly a luxury.
Our new sinks are extremely large and are deep single bowl models. The size of each is amazing. However, we notice that the stainless finish is already scratching a bit.
We had no intention of using the red knobs with our Wolf cooktop, but they are so much fun. We put the boring black ones away. Also, I particularly like the low-simmer burner feature - a cook's dream!
We use the microwaves for warming, not cooking, so the small size (compared to our mid-1980s Panasonic) works for us.
The faucets are pull down, magnetic latch models - and do a great job.
We chose the GE Monogram double oven because the racks fully extend, easily slide in and out, and they can stay in the oven while the cleaning cycle is on. However, we have not used the cleaning cycle, so stay tuned.
Our countertops are quartzite - a marble look-alike but with much easier upkeep. One reason that we chose honed quartzite, aside from the look, was that according to our Rabbi, it can be kashered for Passover. Do ask your Rabbi.
Knobs and Pulls: Another decision, and an important one both visually and functionally. Our kitchen would be described as “transitional”, somewhere between a contemporary and a traditional feel. So, when searching for cabinet hardware, we looked for both durability and style to complement the white, beveled look of our cabinetry. We consider the knobs and handles as the jewels of the kitchen, the finishing accessories. They complete the look. Finally, we came across some sparkling, chrome that we just loved:
We chose Eclipse Bridges chrome pulls in two sizes and Concord chrome knobs which coordinated beautifully. They are both from from Hickory Hardware, a company we found online.
Our designer suggested placing knobs on cabinets and pulls on drawers. The finished look is just what we envisioned . . . a bit of sparkle in every part of the room. Hickoryhardware.com
With our appliances, knobs, lighting, and other items selected, our shopping was almost complete; it was time to start filling this now empty kitchen.
We welcome your questions and comments via email: contactus@koshereye.com
