Sometimes the difference between “maybe?” and “I’ll take it!” on a new appliance is in the bells-and-whistles. High-tech features and little extras can make a difference when you are choosing between units, or brands. Interesting features that set basic models against higher-end models can become the deal-breakers.

There are few hotter debates among foodies and cooks than the question of what’s better, gas or electric cook tops. Everyone has a preference, but like any choice for your kitchen there are pros and cons. (See last week’s blog where we explore the question of built-in vs. free-standing appliances.) Of course some of us don’t have a choice—without a gas hookup, electric cook top it is. When you do have the option, there are things to consider. Gas stoves are often cited for their superior ability to heat solid foods such as meats, while electric cook tops receive praise and are considered better for boiling liquids as the result of a more even application of heat across the bottom of a pot. Safety is another consideration; gas hookups require professional installation and maintenance to ensure safety. Even electric cook tops can have safety concerns, for example a smooth electric cook top can be mistaken for a countertop surface and if there is no visual (i.e. light) indication that the heating element is on a burn can result. 

There are pros and cons to any decision you make during a remodeling project, and one of the biggest questions we hear is about the difference between built-in and free-standing appliances. Clients want to know what the major differences are, as well as the pluses and minuses that accompany their decision to install a built-in or a free-standing appliance. We want to dedicate a little time to exploring this issue, and helping you consider all of the factors that go into making this decision.

Wood-Mode has been designing and building high-quality cabinetry for over 60 years. The company is located in Pennsylvania, where Wood-Mode combines the best materials, technology, and woodworking techniques, offering customers “the most elegant way to maximize your storage possibilities, as well as enhance the value of your home.” You can choose from the more traditional designs of the original Wood-Mode cabinets, or if you are looking for something with a more contemporary feel we recommend the line of Brookhaven styles.

Sometimes our dream kitchen is just out of reach, but not every renovation has to be a major overhaul. We understand that as a homeowner you have to follow careful budgets, and that sometimes means making renovations in increments rather than in one big project. So what can you do to give your kitchen a fresh look on a limited budget? Here are a few of our favorite suggestions.

Home cooks who seek a professional kitchen environment need look no further than Thermador, the company that has been bringing “Real Innovations for Real Cooks” for more than seven decades. The brand has built its reputation on the delivery of the  highest standard in cooking and design—a Thermador kitchen is more luxurious, more efficient, and more beautiful than any other kitchen, a feat achieved through the fusion of art and science, design and ingenuity.