ᐅ Kitchen consultation: granite countertop and Siemens appliances?

exto1791 schrieb:

In my opinion, the advantages of granite countertops are only marginal.

I would even argue that the countertop doesn’t have even a marginal advantage. But it simply looks and feels cool—both visually and to the touch, it’s incomparable. The only possible benefit could be better durability.

For ME, the additional cost is always worth it (I had Silestone before, which was about a $7,000 (price may vary) premium, and now black granite—both have a texture similar to grained leather). As an alternative, solid wood costs only slightly more than a basic countertop, but it requires more maintenance.

Benutzer200 schrieb:

I would even argue that the countertop doesn’t offer even a slight advantage. But the slab just looks cool – both visually and to the touch, it’s incomparable. The only possible benefit might be better durability.

For ME, the extra cost is always worth it (I had Silestone, which was about a 7,000-euro (approximately $7,500) upgrade, and now black granite – both feel like textured leather). As an alternative, solid wood only costs a little more than a basic countertop but requires more maintenance.

I think that’s great!! That’s exactly my point – if someone really wants it, don’t let anyone talk you out of it – just go for it!

But I also believe many don’t really know what the real advantages are and choose the slab simply “because that’s how it’s done” 😀

If you want to save money and don’t prioritize the above aspects, you should definitely consider other countertop options as well.

@No offense to the original poster: it’s definitely worth making sure you have a quality kitchen (cabinet fronts, appliances, drawers, rails, etc.) before spending all your money on the countertop 🙂 Just a tip! 😀

Pwnage619 schrieb:

What are the alternatives to granite if we put aside the standard wooden board with a decorative sticker?

Quartz stone. We've had it for over 6 years and it still looks like new.

The surface is more resistant to stains.

Pwnage619 schrieb:

Yes, the induction cooktop doesn’t have fixed cooking zones; the entire cooking surface can be used.

This works extremely well for us. Also, very small cookware is detected and heated efficiently, such as a de Buyer blini pan.

Pwnage619 schrieb:

Regarding the IQ700 appliances, I wanted to ask if you would recommend any specific features?
The IQ700 comes in many different models.
What do you think of the Home Connect function?

Go for the most fully equipped models. The profit margin for kitchen studios increases with the features. It provides a good basis for negotiation. In the end, the extra cost is nowhere near as high as the list price suggests.
Home Connect helps to know when something is finished or to remotely adjust settings. I have it installed but wouldn’t miss it.

exto1791 schrieb:

I find €2,000 just for the countertop quite expensive.

What counts as “expensive” always depends on one’s budget and perspective. I think spending 2,000€ for lasting enjoyment is reasonable, as long as you don’t have to skip meals in a nice kitchen afterwards.

Pwnage619 schrieb:

What do you think about the HomeConnect feature?

It’s useful and faster than scrolling through menus until you find something suitable, and yes, it constantly notifies you if something is wrong or if the contents need to be turned, etc.

Is granite the "best" choice for a countertop?

What matters most to us is that the countertop is durable, strong, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and hygienic.

What would you say is better: granite or ceramic? Or maybe something else?