KITCHEN WISH LIST

What does your ideal kitchen look like? What would you include in your dream kitchen? The answers are different for everyone, but there are certain features that everyone agrees are must haves.

1. Plenty of storage: The ideal kitchen has plenty of space to store all of your cooking equipment. The best way to add storage if you lack square footage is to go up. Take advantage of all the ceiling height you can by installing tall wall cabinets. If you have a high ceiling you can create a dramatic look with stacked wall cabinets that may have glass in the upper portion perfect to display your favorite decorative pieces.

Get creative with custom cabinet features that maximize storage. A blind corner cabinet, for instance can have one of several devices that make it easier to access items. One is a “magic corner” which is a chrome wire pullout with baskets. Another popular one is the “Le Mans” unit which as two kidney-shaped sliding shelves. Tall pantry pullouts make the most of a narrow space, and rollout shelves in base cabinets make accessibility easy. Don’t forget customized drawer accessories like cutlery trays, spice and knife inserts. Don’t forget to provide special shelving for that cookbook collection.

2. Appliances: You, of course, will want your ideal kitchen to have the latest in appliances. One trend, especially if you entertain a lot, is to have two dishwashers to make clean-up a breeze. A professional-style rangetop with a built-in griddle is a feature most cooks would love to have. Double ovens and a warming drawer are a must when cooking for a crowd. And don’t forget specialty appliances like steam ovens, built-in coffee systems, and extra refrigeration space like under counter refrigerated drawers, beverage centers or wine storage units. An extra ice maker is also handy for entertaining.

3. Lighting: Great lighting can make the difference between a good kitchen and a “Wow” kitchen. Lots of natural light from large windows is a must. Of course, you need general ambient lighting, specific task lighting and lighting for atmosphere. Be sure to include under-cabinet LED lighting, recessed ceiling cans for general lighting and pendants or fixtures over islands. If you have glass-fronted cabinets you will want to have interior lighting to sparkle off crystal and china. For special lighting consider rope lighting above the cabinets as well as below the toekick area. Dimmers on most of the lighting are the best way to create atmosphere and set a mood when entertaining.

4. One feature that most people would include in a dream kitchen is a large island with seating. The island incorporates many functions. The large surface is great for food preparation, it can double as a buffet for serving, and it contains lots of storage. It is perfect for creating a convivial atmosphere for chatting with friends and family and to keep an eye on the kids as they do their homework.

5. Style: Everyone’s idea of what the perfect kitchen looks like is different, but there are some elements that will elevate your kitchen above the norm. The cabinetry you choose is the furniture of the room and sets the mood. Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen and adds extra flair. Color is essential in creating mood and making the kitchen a pleasant place to work. Add special touches like barn doors for the pantry, open beams, marble countertops or a special tile pattern for the floor to individualize the space.

Whether you are planning to build a new house, or remodel your current one, plan your dream kitchen for comfort, storage, functionality and beauty and make it as individual as you are.

NARI tour 2015

NARI Atlanta Presents its Fifth Annual Tour of Remodeled Homes

The Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, will present its Sixth Annual Tour of Remodeled Homes Saturday, Oct. 24, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Eight private homes transformed by NARI members throughout Atlanta’s northern suburbs will be open to the public, with the remodeling teams on hand to discuss each project and answer questions.  Proceeds from the tour will benefit CURE Childhood Cancer (www.curechildhoodcancer.org).  The tour is self-guided and will be held rain or shine.  Tickets are $20 in advance, and $30 the day of the tour, and are available at www.AtlantaRemodelingTour.com, along with a downloadable map showing each home location.  CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio will be showcasing a beautifully redesigned home as part of the tour.  We are very proud to be involved in NARI and to help such a worthwhile cause like Cure Childhood Cancer.

Miele Voted Best Brand Ever

Gütersloh, February 8, 2013. – No other product brand has been held in such high esteem by Germany's consumers over the past decade as Miele. This is the quintessence of the rolling list of top performers published by the German brand ranking watchdog 'best brands'. To mark the initiative's tenth anniversary, the Gütersloh-based domestic appliance pioneer was awarded the special 'best brand ever' prize in the 'best product brand' category.

The 'best brands' ranking is based on a survey conducted by GfK to monitor the market success of the most prominent brands from around 40 branches of industry. Furthermore, a total of 5000 consumers, selected on a representative basis, were asked to assess the most successful product and company brands with respect to brand trust, quality, reputation and internationality. This ranking, which has been compiled annually since 2004 is the only one in Germany to assess companies both according to their market success and their appeal to consumers.

The 'best brand ever' award reflects aggregate scores since records began. The exceptional position commanded by the Gütersloh-based and privately owned company results from the following: Miele has starred among the Top Ten best product brands uninterruptedly since 2005, even achieving first place in 2009. Since 2007, Miele has also ranked among the 10 best product brands, even achieving the top No. 1 spot in 2007. Currently, Miele stands fourth in both categories. Second and third positions in the 'best brands ever' category are occupied by Lego and Nivea.

'This prize honors long-standing trust in a brand and its enduring success. When all is said and done, it comes from consumers in their entirety and likewise goes to all our employees', says Dr Reinhard Zinkann, Managing Director and Co-Proprietor of the Miele Group at the 'best brands' gala at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich. 'This makes it the most valuable compliment a manufacturer of branded goods could possibly ever receive.'

The companies behind 'best brands' are the market researcher GfK, German business weekly Wirtschaftswoche, ProSiebenSat.1, The Brand Association, iq-media marketing, a communication service provider, and Stöer Out-of-Home Media AG.

Dacor's New Distinctive Electric Range

Dacor has introduced a 30" electric range as part of their Distinctive Series.  Not only is this a stylish option as a replacement range, but it features elements often only found on more expensive models such as an angled control panel, Dacor's premium Pure Convection system, a 4.8 cu.ft. oven capacity, and flame-blue indicator lights. 

Available in freestanding or slide-in versions, with a choice of two handle styles, this stainless steel range will make a statement in your kitchen.  A 6" backguard is included with the freestanding models.

Dryer Safety Tips

In the U.S. each year, about 15,000-17,000 household fires are caused by clothes dryers.  Be safe!  Here are some tips for safe dryer operation.

1.  Clean your lint trap each time you use your dryer.  Lint build-up in the vent and exhaust pipe can cause high heat build up and is one of the leading causes of dryer fires. Good air flow will make your clothes dry quicker and will use less energy. 

2.  Periodically clean your lint trap screen with soap and a brush (such as an old toothbrush) to remove build-up from dryer sheets. 

3.  Metal vents are safer than plastic or foil ones because they don't sag leaving areas for lint to build up.

4.  Do not leave the dryer running when you leave the house.

5.  Keep the area around the dryer free of flammable materials.

6.  Never put anything in the dryer that has any flammable or combustible liquid on it such as gasoline, nail polish remover, wax, or cooking oils.

Miele's New Dishwasher Series

Miele has reintroduced their Classic and Crystal Series of dishwashers.  Not only can you get the most dependable dishwashers on the market (highest ranking dishwashers according to J. D. Power), but they are at new, lower price points!

The trend in Europe is away from stainless steel and towards black and white, believe it or not, so Miele has added black and white models to the Classic and Crystal Series to join their famous Clean Touch Steel and integrated models. 

And, not only do Miele dishwashers have the Good Housekeeping Seal which will refund or replace a machine found to be defective within the first two years, but Miele offers a 90-day money back guarantee.  As Miele says, "Forever Better."  http://www.mieleusa.com/

Miele Dishwashers Win Good Housekeeping Seal

Miele dishwashers have won the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal.  This means that they have undergone rigorous testing at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.  The limited warranty reflected by this Seal means that if a product with the Seal is found to be defective within the first two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price.  Now that's quality assurance a consumer can be confident about!

Miele's New Countertop Coffee System

Miele, known for their state-of-the-art built-in coffee systems, has introduced a new countertop model with a lot of cool features. This machine grinds whole coffee beans fresh for every cup and makes delicious coffee drinks. The grinder can be adjusted for the strength of brew you prefer. Not only can you make coffees or espressos, but also cappuccinos and lattes with the built-in milk frother and steamer. A nice extra feature is the cup warmer on top of the unit. Available in black or white, this is a great unit if you don't have room to build one in. See the new Miele countertop coffee system in our showroom.

Miele's RemoteVision

Miele is on the cutting edge of appliance technology. They have introduced RemoteVision, a wireless appliance support system that monitors your refrigerator, freezer, wine storage unit, some dishwashers and laundry units to warn you if there is a problem. We all spend a lot of money on food these days. Wouldn't you like to be informed if a door was left ajar so it could be closed before food began to spoil? And for wine connoisseurs who have a lot invested in valuable vintages, being alerted to a problem could save them hundreds of dollars. If a problem occurs, you will receive notification via e-mail and a service appointment can be scheduled. When you are purchasing the ultimate in appliances, protect your investment by including the ultimate in service as well.

Discover Viking's New Designer Series

Viking has just launched it's redesigned Designer Series, and it has some very exciting features! The Designer Series makes owning a Viking kitchen more affordable than ever and includes a wide range of choices for any type of kitchen. You can choose from gas, dual-fuel, or electric 30" ranges, 30" or 36" gas or electric cooktops or rangetops; 30" electric single or double ovens with knobs or touch controls; built-in microwave, conventional or convection microwave-over-the-range, or DrawerMicro™; 30" warming drawer; wall hoods, island hoods, hood liners or downdrafts; built-in or freestanding36" refrigerators and dishwashers for a complete Viking kitchen. There are even wine cellars, beverage centers, refrigerated drawers and an ice machine!

With it's carefully thought-out sizing, the Designer Series is perfect for outfitting a new kitchen for a consistent look, or for replacing a single worn out appliance. For instance, the 30" ranges fit easily into existing standard 30" range openings. The gas range has sealed burners and up to 16,000 BTUs; and the electric range can reach full power in 3 seconds! Of course, the ovens feature convection modes.

There is a great choice of cooktops in gas and electric. 30" or 36" rangetops are available, the gas model has continuous grates. The drop-in cooktops are available in gas or electric also, in 30" or 36"--there are even a couple of 45" models.

The 30" single or double electric ovens are available with knobs or touch controls and feature convection modes, concealed bake elements, meat probes and full extension racks. The sleek design coordinates perfectly with the warming drawer.

A full array of choices in refrigeration is available in built-in and freestanding models. Built-in models are 84" high and there is a 36" bottom-mount refrigerator/freezer, 42" or 48" side-by-side refrigerator/freezers, and 30" or 36" all refrigerators or all freezers. Freestanding models, which are 72" high, are available in a 36" French door bottom freezer, or a 36" side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. All are available in stainless steel and there are some models of the built-in type that can accept custom panels.

Take a look at www.vikingrange.com and imagine your kitchen with Viking appliances!

Take It Outside

Our sales and design staff visited the HADCO showroom last night for an update on new products. HADCO is our distributor for Viking, Asko, FiveStar, Scotsman, U-Line, Zephyr, Faber and Alfresco appliances and Franke plumbing products.

We always love to visit with the very knowledgeable and informative Carl and Lisa; and Chef Jared always prepares a scrumptious dinner for us (Caesar salad, marinated shrimp, grilled tenderloin, scallops, asparagus, potato tart, creme brulee--yes, they treat us well! All prepared in their live kitchen theatre with Viking appliances).

What excited us the most were the fantastic options for creating an outdoor kitchen! Viking, and HADCO's recently added Alfresco line, offer everything you need to make your outdoor cooking season an enjoyable success.

Viking offers a complete line of outdoor meal preparation and entertaining appliances--grills, cookers, outdoor ovens, smokers, outdoor rangetops, side burners, warming drawers, outdoor hoods, refreshment centers, outdoor refrigerators and wine cellars, beverage dispensers, and more! And stainless steel cabinets or carts to house them all in.

Alfresco is another great comprehensive line of outdoor kitchen appliances with everything you need to create the outdoor entertainment and cooking center of your dreams!

Carl and Lisa showed us three types of premade housing components for setting up an outdoor kitchen--with stainless steel units, with prefinished islands including granite tops, and with unfinished shell islands that you can customize with your own finishes--brick, stone or other material. The units are specifically designed to fit Viking and Alfresco outdoor appliances.

It's going to be summer before you know it! Plan now to add an outdoor kitchen to your patio or terrace for all your outdoor grilling and entertaining fun!