Kitchen Appliances

Cooking Options

When it comes to selecting your cooking appliances, you ll certainly have a lot of
choices: heating sources, configuration, and free standing or built-in, just to name a few.
Keep in mind, however, if your utility options are limited (natural gas not available, for
example) your choices will also be limited.
You ll need to determine whether you want to cook with gas or electricity and you ll also
need to decide on whether you want a separate cooktop and oven, or a range
(combination of both.)
Today s manufacturers offer four basic options for cooktops: gas burners, electric coils,
glass/ceramic surfaces or modular burners. Ovens are available as conventional or
convection, and of course microwave. Each of these options has advantages and
disadvantages, such as heating time, operation costs, maintenance needs, etc. so you
should do your research before selecting style based purely on appearance.
Professional-style ranges are popular choices in today s upscale homes. Manufacturers,
such as Thermador and Viking, offer these units as free standing or slide-ins.
Freestanding units are available in several widths, including 36 , 48 and 60 . Slide-ins,
which close the gap between the countertop and the range, have the built-in look.
Manufacturers of these professional-style ranges usually offer gas or electric cooktop
surfaces, with convection ovens.
One of the more recent innovations in cooking appliances is the warming drawer. These
drawers, which offer low and high heat settings, are ideal for keeping food warm, or even
piping hot, before serving and are also perfect for warming plates. Most warming
drawers include adjustable humidity controls, to prevent food from drying out. They are
available with the built-in cabinetry look and in stainless steel, so they will easily blend
with any d cor, and cost about $750.
Another innovative cooking idea to consider is a brick pizza oven. In addition to cooking
excellent pizza, these wood-fired ovens add a special warmth and charm to the kitchen.
If you re considering a pizza oven, make sure you investigate exhaust requirements and
local codes, before making decisions.