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Kitchens

	Cookers Your local fuel supplies may well decide the type of cooker you want for you, but the first thing to consider is whether you want all electric, all gas or dual fuel (gas hob and electric oven). Style and space dictate whether you're going for a slot-in cooker or range (which do not need housing), or separate appliances, i.e. a hob and single or double oven, built-in or built-under. Slot-in cookers are usually between 50 and 60cm in width. Single ovens fit into a H60 x W60 x D60cm housing and can be built in a column kitchen unit or under the work surface. Full sized double ovens need a larger space H90 x W60 x D60cm, and most are intended to be fitted in a column kitchen unit at a comfortable height. Measure up carefully before you order.
	Dishwashers Firstly, decide whether you want a built-in or freestanding dishwasher. A freestanding dishwasher slots into place beneath a kitchen worktop or draining board. A built-in dishwasher has a door fitted over the machine front to match those of the kitchen units, so it looks like a cupboard. There are three types of built-in machine: Fully integrated Comes ready to be fitted with a door front to match kitchen furniture, supplied by the kitchen manufacturer. Both full-size and slimline fully integrated dishwashers are available. This type of machine is obviously best bought at the time of getting your kitchen fitted, although if you do decide to buy it afterwards, most major kitchen brands will be able to supply you with a door to fit your machine and match your kitchen. Semi-integrated takes a kitchen door up to the drawer line height. Infill panels are usually supplied to match the drawer line of the kitchen. In-column Built-in at chest height so it can be loaded and emptied without bending down. Design and colour There are a wide choice of styles, designs and colours now available, from traditional to contemporary. White is still the favourite colour for most people, but you can also go for fashionable options like a professional-look stainless steel with slim bar handles and hidden controls or more futuristic designs with soft sculpted curves and chunky controls. For the completely steamlined and colour coordinated look, fully integrated dishwashers are a must. Other features to look out for include Counter balanced door, Anti-flood devices, Flexible racks, Electronic controls, Spray action, Time delay, and Energy Management Systems. For more info, check out the kitchen section in iBuild.
	Extractor Fans and Hoods By installing an extractor fan you can actively ventilate your kitchen, achieving appropriate ventilation whatever the weather or size and shape of the room. Types of hoods include Standard Chimney, Island Chimney, Canopy, Integrated, Conventional and Telescopic.
	Fridge Freezers A fridge freezer is the ideal solution if you're short of floor space but have height to spare. Decide on the fridge and freezer capacities you need as the combination of these varies - all types are available but not all will have independent controls. Those that do mean that you're not relying on the fridge thermostat to also control the compressor for both appliances.
	Fridges Do you need a fridge with an ice box? If you already have a freezer, it's worth considering a larder fridge as you will get extra storage space ordinarily taken up by the freezer compartment. A larder will also automatically defrost itself. A fridge with a freezer compartment lets you store frozen food for a limited period, the length of which will depend on its star rating. (Always check maximum storage times on the packaging of the food product to ensure food safety.) A 4 star rating means that the compartment reaches a minimum temperature below -18ºC, allowing you to freeze small amounts of fresh food. A fridge freezer is the ideal solution if you're short of floor space but have height to spare. Decide on the fridge and freezer capacities you need as the combination of these varies - all types are available but not all will have independent controls. Those that do mean that you're not relying on the fridge thermostat to also control the compressor for both appliances.
	Kitchen Handles & Knobs
	Kitchen Sink Sink shape and size are important, and when checking out a sink's size, pay attention to its depth, too. Popular kitchen sink configurations include the typical single, large rectangular basin; the double-bowled sink with both sinks the same size for hand-washing and rinsing; or the double-bowled sink with one side considerably smaller. Once you choose the shape and size of your sink based on function, your next decision lies in the wide array of available materials. You may opt for a sink in shiny stainless steel, colourful enamel on cast iron, solid surfacing, or quartz composite.
	Kitchen Units Choosing new kitchen units is always a difficult task. The sheer range of different units on the market can appear to be very daunting at first. What type of units do you want? What materials do you want to incorporate? Where do you want the kitchen cabinets positioning? These are just a few of the questions that will need to be answered. It can seem overwhelming, but when you break down the different elements the decision is easier to get your head around. As with all decisions, there are several factors to consider when choosing which kitchen units to purchase. These are: your budget, your kitchen design preferences and your circumstances (how is your kitchen going to get used).
	Ovens Your local fuel supplies may well decide the type of cooker you want for you, but the first thing to consider is whether you want all electric, all gas or dual fuel (gas hob and electric oven). Style and space dictate whether you're going for a slot-in cooker or range (which do not need housing), or separate appliances, i.e. a hob and single or double oven, built-in or built-under. Slot-in cookers are usually between 50 and 60cm in width. Single ovens fit into a H60 x W60 x D60cm housing and can be built in a column kitchen unit or under the work surface. Full sized double ovens need a larger space H90 x W60 x D60cm, and most are intended to be fitted in a column kitchen unit at a comfortable height. Measure up carefully before you order.
	Small Appliances There are a huge range of small kitchen appliances to choose from. Coffee makers, kettles, toasters, grills, blenders, food processors, mixers, etc. all appliances which make for a more convenient lifestyle.
	Taps Choose the type and appearance of tap that best matches and complements your sink and overall kitchen design. Brass Taps: Brass has been around for more than 100 years. This finish has an inviting, warm look that can turn a plain sink into something special and is a great option for Victorian or country themes. Shiny Chrome: A long-standing favourite, but requires effort to keep looking pristine. Brushed Matt and Satin finishes: This type of finish is easier than shiny chrome to clean and gives a fresh, sleek look to modern schemes. There are many different types of taps available; Pillar Basin, Mixer Taps, Dual Flow, Monobloc and Pull-out Spray Mixers.
	Washing Machines Types When it comes to the design of the washing machines, there are two types of washing machines that you can choose from top load washer and front load washing machines. Top load washing machines are cost-effective but consume more power. Front loading washing machines are more efficient and are expensive when compared with basic top load machines. Front load washing machines can be easily integrated with your kitchen so they look better, especially if you are restricted by the concerns of space in your kitchen. Sometimes, they come with dryers and the dual functions help you to do both washing and drying with a single machine. Top load washing machines come in two designs. The first type resembles a front load machine, as it has the control buttons on the top. There is a trap door and drum rotates sideways. Another variant of top load machine comes with a wash tub with a central agitate that moves to and fro. The drum is fixed on its side inside the wash tub. This type of top load machine gives better wash quality between the two types. Size and capacity Most washing machines, especially front loaders, come with a size of 60 cm wide (27” – 30”). There are also front-loading washing machines of 85 cm, which are ideal for large families. If you need less washer capacity, compact front-loaders or mini washing machines (24” – 26”) are better options. It is a good ideal to check the capacity of the washing machine before you choose the right one for your needs. Other useful features to consider While choosing the washing machine, also make sure that it comes with options for various loads (mid or large size loads) and different water temperature settings. The low spin settings are useful to give gentler wash and less wrinkles to your clothes. The hand wash or gentle wash cycle is another useful feature that you should look for. You can also choose the optional features like delay wash, additional rinse, presoak, steam wash and dispensers for bleach etc. A few models can also automatically change the water temperature.
	Waste Disposal Units What to look for in a waste disposer: 1. The quality of the cutters There are 2 cutters – one which rotates and one that is stationary. The better the quality, the better the grindability. The budget models usually have galvanised cutters and they tend to be lightweight. The medium models have stainless steel cutters which are heavier and will not corrode.The heavier models either have extra heavier impellors or extra "rippers" or are made of cast iron. 2. Motor Size Should be around ½HP or ¾HP or 475 watts minimum. 3. Physical Dimensions Check the size to make sure it will fit in the space available. Avoid having a shelf immediately below it as some machines have their reset/overload buttons on the base. 4. Batch Feed or Continuous Feed Continuous feed disposers are very convenient. Once the machine is switched on and the water is running the food is fed into it continuously until it has all been disposed of. There are three methods to switch it on: On/off wall switch spurred off from the 13amp supply under the sink. Air switch is set into the worktop. This sends a pulse of air to the machine to switch it on & off. Very safe with damp hands. Remote Control Unit. Batch feed units are very safe and ideal if there are small children around as the machine can only operate when the special stopper in place. It disposes of the food in batches. Operational Noise - The disposers with induction motors are generally quieter than the machines with permanent magnet motors. However, the p.m. machines run much faster (2600rpm) and usually grind food waste very finely. They are a must if your pipework is long/bendy/complicated.
	Worktops When you are choosing a kitchen countertop, the material of which it's made will be your first, and most important, consideration. To find the ideal material for your kitchen, determine how it will be used and how much you have to spend. Types of materials to choose from include natural stone, wood, laminate, stainless steel, acrylics and tiles.