"although he did want 1/8 inch of soil on each layer to inoculate that with the microbes that would digest it which today we know is not necessary because with better research equipment we can see things he could not." That is not what Sir Albert said about soil. The entire Indore compost technique can be found at the link below. The ratio is not critical, however the soil spoken of could make a world of difference in compost making. Scroll down to the heading: "Soil and Urine Earth" There you will find the exact wording and the reason why the soil is so important. If one is fortunate to be able to get their hands on urine earth your pile will be in for a treat. I have used urine earth for a number of years now and do not make a pile without it. I have an agreement with one of my neighbors to get soil from his stalls; I just have to replace what I take. Adding urine earth to a lasagna bed can make a world of difference too, if you can get enough, but even a thin layer will add nitrogen to the bed. Although we all know compost can be made without urine earth due to our modern living, to say it is not needed could be better stated as "if you can get it, do it". From the site: "Without soil, "an even and vigorous mycelia growth is never quickly obtained." Howard said, "the fungi are the storm troops of the composting process, and must be furnished with all the armament they need." With all the talk about the importance of micorrhizae, paying for inoculants, and Glomalin Sir Albert was more on the money than all these fancy highly technical machines seem to be able to match. Even the Rodale Institute is re-discovering what Sir Albert has already given to us. The more thing change Blutranes Here is a link that might be useful: Making Superior Compost

I think i have the exact set-up you're contemplating. I have the 36" 6 burner RNB under a 36" bluestar pyramid hood with 1200 cfm. First, the range is spectacular. You will love it. The hood is great too. It does an excellent job of removing smoke and grease. Cleaning it isn't too hard either. I just throw the baffles in the dishwasher and wipe the interior of the good with some 409 and paper towels. Depending on usage, I'd say I'd do this about once a month. I love the looks of it and the fact that unlike other hoods, it has infinite variable controls for both the vent speed and lights. As for loudness, well that's subjective. But mine is in my kitchen in an open layout house and the living room is about 20 feet away. I can cook with the vent on full blast and people can still hear the tv just fine in the other room. If not cooking something that creates too much smoke, I just use the vent on a variable lower setting. I'd say anything less than about 3/4 full power results in very little noise at all. It's just at full power is loud, but still not loud enough to distract people in the adjacent room.

We are having some remodeling done. As part of this, we moved the stove in the kitchen. Its new location is under the a/c vent (the vent is in the ceiling, about 2 feet from the wall). There is an under cabinent recirculating vent hood for the stove. Is this an okay location for the a/c vent?

Thank you this really helps. I looked at your hood, but was concerned it would create a problem for me because my uppers are 15" deep and my ceiling are 8". It really helps me to get a visual in front of me rather than just in my head. I'm still not sure I don't need to get the 27" deep hood even though that doesn't really add any depth at the top of the hood. I appreciate you answering--and I do love your kitchen. I knew this post was slipping, that's why I looked for a current post from you to get your attention. I wish I had your sense of style--I can't ever seem to pull it all together.