DIY Network

Selecting Appliances From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-205

	The smooth, easy-to-clean surface of a ceramic cook top makes it a popular choice with today's homeowners.
	The updraft ventilation hood is the most commonly used ventilation system.
	Stoves are made to serve a variety of cooking styles.
	Today's refrigerators are more stylish than their predecessors.
	A wine refrigerator is a great way to bring a wine cellar right into your kitchen.

Today's appliances offer more choices and more options than ever before.

• Stove - the most important appliance in the kitchen. There are three types of cook tops commonly used today: gas, electric coil and hidden element or ceramic cook top.

• Ventilation - There are two types of ventilation systems: updraft, which is mounted above the cooktop, or downdraft, which pulls the heat and odor from an island cook top. Most venting comes from a hood over the stove, or from vents located directly beside the surface.

• Oven - There are three oven options: conventional, convection and microwave. A conventional oven is essentially an insulated cabinet that contains the heat generated by a bottom element, a gas burner or electric wire element. A convention oven features fans that circulate the heat and cooks quicker. Microwave ovens use kinetic energy -- altering water molecules to heat the food.

• Refrigerator - Depending on your needs, a new fridge can run anywhere from $400 - $2,000. The three major designs are: side-by-side, freezer on top (the most popular model) and freezer on bottom. Freestanding refrigerators can be placed anywhere, while built-ins tend to be 24" deep so they are flush with surrounding cabinets. The doors of a built-in can be covered in the same wood as cabinets, for a virtually invisible appearance.

• Dishwashers - Recent improvements to dishwasher designs have created improved cleaning ability, energy efficiency and water usage. And as a bonus, most machines are now quieter thanks to added insulation and smaller motors. Dishwashers with heating elements can save energy by enabling you to keep your water heater thermostat at a lower setting. When choosing a dishwasher, select the size and features that best suit your family's needs -- even if it means two dishwashers.

• Wine Refrigerator - A new item to most kitchens, the wine refrigerator allows the homeowner to keep wine storage at "cellar" temperature -- 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

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In the next segment, learn more about kitchen storage.

For more information on designing the kitchen of your dreams, go to:
Create the Ultimate Kitchen or Cooking Up the Kitchen.

GUESTS :

Allen Kline
Senior Kitchen Designer
Manor House Kitchens
See contact information above under Resources

Jody Cukier Siegler
Interior Designer
Siegler Design and Development LLC
E-mail: jodycs@yahoo.com

Al Sain
Homeowner
7117 Fairway Dr.
Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-865-3056
E-mail: alsain@zbzoom.net

Bob Cheney
Plumbing Expert
2153 Iron Club Dr.
La Verne, CA 91750
Phone: 909-593-0438
E-mail: deache@adelphia.net

Lynn Underwood
Homeowner
3001 E. Wiley Lane
Vail, AZ 85641
E-mail: whiskey5alpha@yahoo.com

John Harmon
Licensed Contractor
Specialized Services
PO Box 1377
Sunset Beach, CA 90742-1377
Phone: 562-592-3831
E-mail: SpecEmail@aol.com

Pierre Abboud
Designer/Sales
We apologize no further information is available.

Skip Weahunt
Homeowner
E-mail: skip@ownerbuildercenter.com

Regina Zernay
CMTS, Inc.
Phone: 310-390-9558

Henry C. Swierczynsky
President
Hendolhurst Homes, Inc.
955 Markman Park Road
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724.935.5658
E-mail: buildme@zoominternet.net

Bob Miller
CMTS
E-mail: robertmillerpe@comcast.net

John Owens
Consultant
1265 South Camino Santiago Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007