What are some higher-end kitchen cabinet mfrs?
Optimist999
12 years ago
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kirkhall
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Kitchen remodel - higher end
Comments (8)I would beg to differ with athensmom regarding ranges. One of the most telling demonstrations of the difference between a professional chef and an amateur came when a friend of ours, a restaurant owner and head chef, cooked for us at his home. He make an incredible meal on a 30 year old gas range that must have put out maybe 5000 BTUs max. And topped that with a perfect souffle made in the oven which didn't even have a door that shut completely. Just because Bittman can cook on junk doesn't mean that I can. I need all the help I can get, and a great range is a big part of it. No matter how hard you try, you just can't really sear right on an electric coil stove. You can't really stir fry on a feeble 5K BTU gas hob. So BS and Culinarian ranges really DO cook "better" than builder grade dreck. And even Bittman, in the article about his kitchen, says what he dreams of is "A functioning oven, the best possible stove." So just because he cooks on a tiny low end gas stove doesn't mean he wouldn't agree that a great stove makes you a better cook. Now, I will agree, however, with athensmom, that when we're talking about bluestar vs wolf, that the differences are small, perhaps too small to really make a big difference in how well people cook. At that level, the differences are likely outweighed by other kitchen skills--I'd take a really sharp knife, a Unicorn pepper grinder, and All Clad pans any day over the extra 4K BTU's that a Blustar might put out over a Wolf. So your choice of a sealed burner Wolf is perfectly rational....See MoreIkea vs. higher-end (Signature or Cabico)?
Comments (24)Wow. I just came back in to check for responses, and what an embarrassment of riches I found! Thank you all so much for such thoughtful, and helpful, responses. Mahlgold -- I guess misery must enjoy company, but it's nice to see that I am not the only one sweating this question. Our budget is flexible (as my mother used to say, "afford is a funny word"), but the money saved would definitely be put to good use on all the other things our house needs, so if I can save here that would be great. I am not comparing apples to apples on the cabs -- the Cabicos are cherry, which of course Ikea does not carry, but I like the Tidaholm (very contemporary oak doors) almost as much. I will definitely put the current design into the Ikea tool to make sure it will work -- I already know that I will have to do one modification, to create a corner sink cab (instructions on Ikeafans!!). I have some flexibility as we are doing a gut remodel, taking down walls, etc.,but I agree that if I have to jury-rig things too much it won't make sense. You all have collectively helped me make up my mind --although I will also send up an inquiry at Ikeafans for anyone over there who has had their Ikea cabs a long time. Thanks so much -- this is such a great site!!...See MoreHigher end range + downdraft options? I really hate island hoods...
Comments (21)Thanks, all, for the passionate comments. As I mentioned in the original post, I think we are already too far down the road of "range goes in island" as the room is still down to studs, but electrical and plumbing are in and we're poised to begin drywalling in the next 2 weeks. However, our plan is below in case anyone has ideas... this is becoming my biggest regret already! Note that we are planning a range (not a cooktop) in the island and an oven + micro in the wall (not double ovens). We arrived at this because we dislike under-the-counter micros and don't have a ton of upper space in this kitchen. There is no view, but the island overlooks a big open floorplan sitting area and dining room, which opens to backyard with french doors. The window over the sink overlooks a sunny front yard. It is not a "show kitchen" as we are regular and adventurous cooks. But... I would caveat to say that we intend to sell the place within 3-5 years so want to make sure we don't make poor choices for resale. It is not intended to be a "forever home". Plan (That's a desk in the lower-right corner) Note massive pantry bank in lower right of this view is now a short run of uppers and lowers....See MoreFridge questions - higher end home
Comments (19)Yes, I agree. Every time I cook anything on the stove with a downdraft vent, you can smell it in the upstairs bedrooms. Basically straight up the back wall becomes the railing for the upstairs hallway with all the upstairs rooms opening to it. Noise is a huge issue. Unfortunately, the exterior kitchen wall is windows and a slider to a deck with panoramic views. It kinda gives this illusion of floating in the treetops (we're at the top of the mountain). I do have a wall we might be able to vent through the roof, but I'm waiting for an opinion as to if we can do it from the structural engineer. The floor plan itself is really comfortable and pretty flexible. Great for entertaining. The family room is closed off with glass French doors or the TV would drive me nuts!...See MoreUser
12 years agoOptimist999
12 years agoUser
12 years agoOptimist999
12 years agomarcolo
12 years agoGreg__R
12 years agoOptimist999
12 years agowritersblock (9b/10a)
12 years agoGreg__R
12 years agoOptimist999
12 years ago
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