Actually, I wish I had used roll outs for the upper shelves. I guess rather than let them clonk me in the head, I would stand to the side when I pulled them out (much like standing on the side to access any of the shelves of the entire-pantry-pullout.) I love the look of the systems where the entire pantry pulls out. I thought about putting one in our mudroom or laundry room but in each case, I decided the function of individual roll/pull outs suited my needs better. One of the best advantages of the individual roll outs is that no dead space has to be left between shelves for accessing items, as long as the glides are full-extension. Vertical dead space is necessary in a fixed shelf system in order to have reach room for items in the back--it's also required in the whole pantry pull out system due to the ceiling created by the shelf above that pulls out unnecessarily. Basically, it's a fixed shelf system with access from 2 sides rather than the front. I need to make use of every inch of our pantry space. With the individually controlled shelves, I like gaining the advantage of having no front panel blocking the front view. Also, for the lower shelves and drawers, I like getting a view from overhead. It seems when all the shelves pull out together, the overhead view would be restricted. And for me, the combination of drawers and doors works well because I often unload groceries from my car and plop the bags on the floor in front of the pantry. I still have access to the entire pantry except for the lowest drawer. A pull-out pantry or a pantry with full-height doors wouldn't allow me to do this. After almost 3 years of use, our doors still look great. If they did have scratches, they would be on the inside and I would feel it was a small price to pay for such a highly functional space. I don't think I would enjoy pulling out my entire pantry just to grab on jar or can. Most of the threads above refer to "pantry with pull-outs" rather than "pull-out pantry."

I have the F&P DD24DCHTX6, it has a tall drawer on top and a regular one on the bottom. I think it's great; no splashing, no open door to block traffic or bash in your shins again. Like Bireland it took awhile to learn how to load it. Unlike Bmorepanic I've found the cleaning to be great. Some things are much cleaner than ever before. Tea strainers etc. very nice. Coffee and tea stains never on mugs anymore. Tired old wineglasses so sparkly. For the first little while I tested it daily with incrementally cruddy pots and plates and it always got them clean. Like Kimkitchy, if I could do it over again I would put a single drawer on either side of the sink. I love not having to bend over at all to load or unload the top drawer which I use most of the time. I live alone but I cook & bake all the time and there are always lots of dishes. If I could do one on either side of the sink I'd select a tall single and a regular one and put pot drawers underneath them. Others have mentioned how useful the 2nd drawer is for loading when the first one is already full or running. I do that as well but also love it for a drain-board for hand-washed items. No stupid ugly rack on the countertop. With regard to the noise I think they are very quiet and friends have commented on just how quiet. There is some sound but it's not annoying at all. Silly to admit but I wait until bedtime to put them on because then, when the house is completely quiet, you can hear them and I like the lulling swishing as I drift off to sleep.

The duct cover for the Zephyr is 10.5" wide by 10.5" deep. Cat_mom's does look a bit beefier. I was thinking about doing the white oval glass tiles just under the cabinets and to the bottom of the hood, then having a light to medium blue paint behind the hood and above the cabinets. I probably shouldn't rush the hood decision with several months to go before project completion. I just hate to pass up a deal, LOL. As of yesterday, I have purchased the fridge column, range, steam oven and undercounter wine fridge, which will soon be sitting in our garage. We don't even have bids from contractors yet (other than custom cabinets), but we have to do the kitchen now. DH likes that I have at least made some decisions and we are more locked into my last design now that appliances of a certain size have been ordered. I have fallen in love with slabs of white quartzite with blue veining, although I will not purchase those until we have a GC and counter sub hired so I can get pricing and they can verify my counters will fit on the 2 slabs. I have been trying to schedule a meeting with the architect for the last few weeks so we can get revised drawings and move onto the bid phase. He seems to have lost some interest in the project since I didn't immediately accept his proposed layout of how our house should look.

Steve, as a person who doesn't like to shop, I'm amazed that you think it's easier to go buy another pan. lol! FWIW, I have recipes that were written for a 9x9 pan (e.g., brownies and cornbread) that I prefer to bake in an 8x8 because they're too thin/dry otherwise. Some recipes, e.g., quiche-like dishes, might be too thick/wet and not set properly in an 8x8, so it helps to make the decision if you're familiar with the recipe and what it produces in a 9x9.