Hubby said the other day that our new kitchen will be complete once it has a stand mixer collecting dust on the countertop (he's hoping for homemade bread and goodies, I'm sure!). And so.....here I am, back on Appliances searching the archives for stand mixer info. If I'm gonna get one, I might as well get the higher wattage one---don't want to get one and then complain about it. Am I reading this thread correctly---that if you have 18" of clearance under your upper cabinets, the Pro 600 WILL fit? I saw the measurements of one, and I couldn't figure out which number is what dimension (I'm sure there's a std. way of writing measurements, but I don't remember it). I thought that the higher number was the height, but it looks like I'm wrong (19.4")??? What color looks best collecting dust (just kidding--I guess I should get a cover for it)? The cinnamon looks nice (I have medium cherry cabs, dark peacock granite, and SW Blonde walls; an accent color in the adjacent room is a clay or browned pumpkin color). Amazon has them for $300. I can get one at Kohl's for $310 after coupon and rebate. Is it better to get one local (but only 3 color choices--black, "nickel", and something else like nickel). Are these good prices? Thanks! Tracey

With Grabill, you can and should expect perfection! With Shiloh (and other semi-custom cabinets), you'll still have some rough spots or flecks under the paint here and there. There won't be a lot...but there will be some. I've yet to see a semi-custom paint job as nice as Plain & Fancy, Grabill or other higher end brands. They have better equipment and apply a thicker mil of paint. That said, it's up to you. What's more important....perfection? Or that 25% savings in your pocket?? If this is your forever house? If it is, I would do Grabill....if the extra $ isn't breaking your budget. I myself sell both P&F and Shiloh and am paying more for P&F in my personal kitchen I'm doing right now...But I plan to live here for 20+ years!

Kompy: I've looked at Shiloh cabinets enough that is why I noticed the door style. Several of their doors look so similar, unless you look closely you don't see the differences. Not sure if you noticed the posting that I posted that asked you a few questions regarding Shiloh. I'm in the same decision making process that deedles is in except I'm trying to decide between Shiloh, Crystal Keyline and some local Amish cabmakers. Shiloh is coming in the lowest and Crystal Keyline is the highest. I have to decide soon since this process has been going on for two years already.

If you don't want "nasty plastic chemicals" I assume you are ripping out the vinyl flooring and replacing it with ceramic tile, which unless you are on a slab will necessitate reinforcing the floor and putting down hardibacker. ESPECIALLY given that they nearly always use some version of OSB as floor underlayment. It isn't the load bearing capacity that is the problem, it is flexion. If your floor flexes with vinyl or wood its not a big deal. The same amount of flex with tile will crack tile and/or grout. I would never go larger than 12" tile on wood underlayment no matter how it is pumped up. Anyone who tells you you can cheap out on your underlayment is either an idiot or they're lying to you. I LOVE tile flooring - but unless you're on a slab its a lot of extra expense. Almost any of the laminate plank flooring will be a better option on a wood underlayment without additional expense. In other words, your best bet to replace that floor is "nasty plastic chemical having" vinyl sheet flooring expense-wise (and even appearance-wise, many vinyl sheet flooring designs are QUITE attractive), or laminate plank. The only thing I find "wrong" with the kitchen as it is is it seems dark, but that could be a function of your photography. There is no reason to replace those cabinets and you would have to pay a LOT to get similar quality. I would strip and refinish in a lighter color or paint. As in you paint them yourselves. They make several versions of paint suitable for painting cabinets that show few, if any, brushmarks. If you use the proper prep, primer, and brushes. And patience. I don't care for the flooring but wouldn't replace it unless it is actually worn or I was flush with money. The vinyl flooring I've seen in Home Despot is way uglier though so - really I think you're sort of lucky with what you have. Actual flooring companies undoubtedly have more options but will also (undoubtedly) be more costly than the Big Box stores. Watch for laminate plank on sale. That can be quite attractive and affordable at the right price. This is a minor quibble but those curtains are TOO long. Personally I don't want curtains draggling in the overspray from my sink. Hem them, replace them, or raise the rod. Mostly I don't think there's a thing wrong with your kitchen. I'd leave it alone unless you know you're going to be in it for years and years, in which case do whatever you want to it. "Upgrading" for sale is also not sensible. You will DEFINITELY NOT get your money back in a mere 2 or 3 years. I would also never put a rug in a kitchen. They get nasty fast. Comfort mats in front of work areas, sure. Rug - no. And that rug in the picture is way uglier than the floor itself. IMO.