We are planning the final stage of our kitchen remodel that began 6 years ago. This will include a built-in refrigerator, granite counter-tops, new tile & back-splash and another Blanco sink. We already did the Wolf double-oven, Thermador cooktop/venthood, Blanco/Grohe, Bosch D/w, etc. We have had our eye on the SZ 650 for several years now, updating our pricing from time to time, including now. With water hardness pushing 20 in our area, this issue is always at the forefront. This creates a lot of problems as other brands neatly solve the filtering problem. Not sure of your timetable, but we are flexible and find the new Liebherr 36" 2062 Series compelling enough to wait a little more. It has water and air filters. We're going to check into pricing & see if we can find a display somewhere. It comes w/ double-doors on top but that may not be so bad the way they're making those now - you don't have to open 1 door in order to open the other. I engineered the cabinet modifications previously, including the special ductwork & design for our venthood, which is mainly rectangular, which was quite complicated. And, I spent a fair amount of time studying the filters available and where I would put such a thing a while back for an SZ650. I wasn't successful; where our refrigerator sits would necessitate a filter going into an adjacent pots and pans cabinet - hardly ideal. I'll monitor this thread in hopes someone has something unique and solves the problem. Good luck to you! :)

Confession time: I am a Philistine when it comes to closets. I think it is really neat when they are beautifully designed and well executed. But, I'm not willing to allocate enough budget to do that kind of job, so I am going for function over form. When DD & I went to the Container Store, I fell in love with the pullout shoe racks & DH started to layout an Elfa system for the closet. However, when we went to IKEA & saw the pull out shoe racks with the PAX system, I think those are even better because they can be used with both heels & flats. I honestly don't need a lot of drawers and such because I have my antique dresser in the bedroom and I hang just about everything else. I even hang my tee-shirts and arrange them by color (I wonder why many of you aren't surprised by that ;^P) I think what we will put together will be something of a hybrid. PAX carcasses where I want the Komplement bells & whistles and then just plan double and single hanging for most of the rest of the closet. Anyway, if a prospective buyer doesn't like what I've done, it will be very easy & inexpensive to change. I'm glad IKEA has gotten such a good response. I think it is very clever stuff. Jo Ann

Nyyankeesfan - Thank you for the recommendation. I have spent a week reading all the threads about Dutch wood on this site. I have contacted them but I have some concerns about hiring someone else for the install. Since I am doing a remodel on a 100 year old house I am assuming nothing is square. Aren't the installers going to have to do some on-site tweaking to make it fit perfectly? I guess I also don't really understand why they would drive all the way out to drop off the cabinets but they can't stay to install for an added price. I really love their work and their price but I was hoping for someone a little closer to me so I wouldn't have these concerns. Any other (closer) leads would be greatly appreciated.

I know that costs can vary from geographical locations. I am in louisiana and am having mine custom made. I am going to be painting them myself, so that could have alot to do with the final costs too. My kitchen is the same size as yours, 21'9"x11'9". It is an L shape with cabinets only on two walls. My cabinets will cost me around $6200. they will be paint grade wood, poplar i believe with MDF panels. I have seen this cabinet makers work and it is beautiful. You should check into local cabinet makers and see about having custom cabinets made. I am able to get any size and shape I need to fit my space. here is my kitchen before demo. We are not done yet and I don't have my new cabs yet, but you can get an idea of what the area looks like that I am filling. and this is similar to what I am doing