Kitchenware Counter Cooktops

Ask Jennifer: Choosing a range or cooktop? - Sahuarita Sun (subscription)

Q: What do you know about cooktops. Also, can we mix brands of appliances in a kitchen. Neighbors just redid their kitchen with a cooktop, and put a different brand of wall oven below it. I like the mix and match approach, but my wife thinks a regular one-piece stove is best and wants everything to match. We want to redo our kitchen soon. A: The beauty of creating your own kitchen is that, really, there are no rules. Well, maybe there is one rule: your kitchen needs to work for your family’s cooking habits. Who does most of the cooking at your house. Many people choose matching appliances because it makes shopping easier. Often there are discounts for buying several appliances from the same company. And finishes, knobs, buttons and logos all match for a consistent look. Mixing brands is a great opportunity to get the best appliances to suit your needs. While most appliance manufacturers these days have wonderful products across the board, perhaps your favorite dishwasher, range and refrigerator come from different companies. If you pick a stainless steel, black or white finish, few people would even notice they don’t match. Choosing a cooktop and wall oven over a traditional range (or stove) may be more expensive but gives you a sleek look for a modern style kitchen. You’ll also get an incredible range of configurations and installation options such as a different cooktop/counter height if you’re shorter or taller than average. I prefer the look of a traditional range better than a cooktop with a wall oven right below it, though if you have the space, budget and do a lot of baking, a range in addition to a wall oven (or even two. ) gives you the most flexibility. Collect lots of kitchen images you both like and do your research for the appliances before talking with designers and contractors. Jennifer Adams is an award-winning designer, writer and TV personality. com or on Twitter: @JenniferAdams. For more tips, watch Jennifer's YouTube channel at www. com/user/JenniferAdamsHome or visit www.