As stated in August’s issue of Consumer Reports, now is an excellent time for a kitchen remodel. Referencing a study by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies predicting an increase in remodeling activity later this year, now is an excellent time to take advantage of great prices on cabinets, countertops, and flooring.
Consumer Reports touts the return of the Classic Kitchen. Gone of the days of over-the-top designs that are glitzy and supersized. The Classic Kitchen is one that is efficient and timeless. I do agree, however, kitchen designs are still more spacious than those 10 to 15 years ago. Open floor-plans and “great rooms” are still popular.
Regarding size, Consumer Reports suggests that smaller spaces are easier to work in and clean. They state, “there should only be about 4 to 9 feet of space between the sink and the refrigerator or between the sink and the stove. Islands should be only 3 to 4 feet deep and 3 to 10 feet wide and have a 42-inch-wide aisle between the island and surrounding cabinets.”
So where can you save money? Start with appliances! Consumer Reports states that commercial-grade appliances are repair-prone and more expensive to fix. Their tests have found faux-pro styles can deliver better or comparable performance for half as much as commercial counterparts.
Models they suggest:
For electric smoothtop ranges GE took the top three with the GE JB700DN being the CR Best Buy.
Best buy for wall ovens was the Kenmore Elite 4804 (3)
The over-the-range microwave that took the best buy was the Samsung SMH9187- but beware, the over-the-range microwaves never clear smoke as well as a standard range hood.
We always tell our clients to shop for the best deals and to not feel that they have to have the same maker of appliances throughout their kitchen.
Consumer Reports also looked close-up at what makes a quality kitchen cabinet. I’m pleased that what makes a cabinet Consumer Reports worthy are those features we offer standard in all of our kitchens such as:
- 3/4″ plywood boxes
- solid-wood drawer sides with full extension glides and plywood bottom
- 3/4″ plywood shelves
- laminate or thermofoil over particleboard
- 3/8″ coated particleboard
- 5/8″ and 1/2″ particleboard shelves (they’ll sag)