Good morning,
This is roughly the current plan (new kitchen-living area in an older building). Basically, all the utility connections are still flexible.
Questions:
0. Does anyone have suggestions on the overall layout?
1. Granite or stainless steel sink? Maybe from a different company than IKEA? We just want a large basin with a big draining area, definitely 1m (39 inches) wide overall, so the corner can be well used as a draining surface.
2. Does anyone have experience with the Smaklig induction cooktop, now available for €349? I don’t understand what’s better about the new Otrolig model, especially since it has lower power on all cooking zones. Or would it be better to go with a cooktop from Bosch or Siemens?
3. There is an existing built-under dishwasher. Would it be possible later to easily integrate a cabinet for a new dishwasher there without complicated remounting? I imagine the same for the microwave (also already installed).
4. Is the Underverk extractor hood worth the money? Ducted operation is not an option.
5. Are pull-out drawers in the 40cm (16 inches) base cabinet worthwhile?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Niko
This is roughly the current plan (new kitchen-living area in an older building). Basically, all the utility connections are still flexible.
Questions:
0. Does anyone have suggestions on the overall layout?
1. Granite or stainless steel sink? Maybe from a different company than IKEA? We just want a large basin with a big draining area, definitely 1m (39 inches) wide overall, so the corner can be well used as a draining surface.
2. Does anyone have experience with the Smaklig induction cooktop, now available for €349? I don’t understand what’s better about the new Otrolig model, especially since it has lower power on all cooking zones. Or would it be better to go with a cooktop from Bosch or Siemens?
3. There is an existing built-under dishwasher. Would it be possible later to easily integrate a cabinet for a new dishwasher there without complicated remounting? I imagine the same for the microwave (also already installed).
4. Is the Underverk extractor hood worth the money? Ducted operation is not an option.
5. Are pull-out drawers in the 40cm (16 inches) base cabinet worthwhile?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Niko
S
schöneberger13 Oct 2015 01:06First of all, thank you for all the kind comments and suggestions. Unfortunately, my weekend was very busy, so I’m only able to respond now.
I’ve also been considering the Blanco 6XL. I don’t have experience with granite sinks, but I really like the look, and if you say it is about as durable as stainless steel, I’ll just go with that.
Regarding induction cooktops, I have to say that I often boil water for pasta. To avoid using my 3000W (3.0 kW) electric kettle, the induction cooktop would really need to be efficient. The new EX series from Bosch and Siemens, for example, offers a 3.7kW (3.7 kW) boost on all zones, including parts of the flex zone, which I find appealing.
Of course, a larger cooktop would be nice, but that would also require a bigger extractor hood and would reduce countertop space; I don’t think I really need that.
I’ll probably have to make a compromise with the extractor hood as well. The grease filter is especially important to me since I don’t fry fish or meat that often. Does anyone know Oranier hoods? The Oranier 5EL looks decent based on the technical specifications; anything over 500€ (not translated) is simply out of my budget.
Best regards,
Niko
I’ve also been considering the Blanco 6XL. I don’t have experience with granite sinks, but I really like the look, and if you say it is about as durable as stainless steel, I’ll just go with that.
Regarding induction cooktops, I have to say that I often boil water for pasta. To avoid using my 3000W (3.0 kW) electric kettle, the induction cooktop would really need to be efficient. The new EX series from Bosch and Siemens, for example, offers a 3.7kW (3.7 kW) boost on all zones, including parts of the flex zone, which I find appealing.
Of course, a larger cooktop would be nice, but that would also require a bigger extractor hood and would reduce countertop space; I don’t think I really need that.
I’ll probably have to make a compromise with the extractor hood as well. The grease filter is especially important to me since I don’t fry fish or meat that often. Does anyone know Oranier hoods? The Oranier 5EL looks decent based on the technical specifications; anything over 500€ (not translated) is simply out of my budget.
Best regards,
Niko
Z
zetterberg13 Oct 2015 07:34I think granite sinks are fantastic.
I personally used a Franke sink for many years. Four years ago, I got the mentioned Blanco 6XL for my mother’s new kitchen. As long as you don’t hit it with an ice pick, they are extremely durable. Blanco offers three different coatings, and at least the middle one is quite robust. In terms of color, I would go for a dark sink because of tea and coffee stains, but I’m not exactly obsessive about cleaning.
As I said, when it comes to induction cooktops, nothing currently beats WH/Bauknecht for speed. Regarding full flex-zone models like those from Gaggenau and Siemens, they only come in 80 cm (31.5 inches) widths, and I wouldn’t recommend them. The technology, which lets you simply slide the pot around and the settings follow, sounds appealing, but about one and a half years ago I had the chance to talk to a technician who advised staying away due to frequent repairs. These units cost around 1800 (USD or Euro) street price at Siemens and Gaggenau asks for 2400. The question for you will be your cooking habits; such a large zone has advantages if you use multiple pots at the same time.
By the way, I’ve had an IKEA Nutid (Whirlpool) cooktop for 8 years, and it’s absolutely fantastic. The current successor, the Folig, is something I wouldn’t consider for my kitchen.
If you use a recirculation hood, the charcoal filter is the crucial factor. There’s a big difference between having to replace one washable filter every three years or two non-washable filters per year. Over 10 to 15 years, that adds up to a significant amount, which could be better invested elsewhere.
I personally used a Franke sink for many years. Four years ago, I got the mentioned Blanco 6XL for my mother’s new kitchen. As long as you don’t hit it with an ice pick, they are extremely durable. Blanco offers three different coatings, and at least the middle one is quite robust. In terms of color, I would go for a dark sink because of tea and coffee stains, but I’m not exactly obsessive about cleaning.
As I said, when it comes to induction cooktops, nothing currently beats WH/Bauknecht for speed. Regarding full flex-zone models like those from Gaggenau and Siemens, they only come in 80 cm (31.5 inches) widths, and I wouldn’t recommend them. The technology, which lets you simply slide the pot around and the settings follow, sounds appealing, but about one and a half years ago I had the chance to talk to a technician who advised staying away due to frequent repairs. These units cost around 1800 (USD or Euro) street price at Siemens and Gaggenau asks for 2400. The question for you will be your cooking habits; such a large zone has advantages if you use multiple pots at the same time.
By the way, I’ve had an IKEA Nutid (Whirlpool) cooktop for 8 years, and it’s absolutely fantastic. The current successor, the Folig, is something I wouldn’t consider for my kitchen.
If you use a recirculation hood, the charcoal filter is the crucial factor. There’s a big difference between having to replace one washable filter every three years or two non-washable filters per year. Over 10 to 15 years, that adds up to a significant amount, which could be better invested elsewhere.
S
schöneberger13 Oct 2015 10:09The renewable filter option is definitely a good idea, since I know myself: otherwise, the expensive filters probably wouldn’t be replaced often enough.
I find very little information on Google about which companies offer washable filters or which range hoods they can use. Do you have any quick tips? It should preferably be a flat canopy hood because I need as many upper cabinets as possible.
On the other hand, there’s still some time before I need it. If I understand correctly, I have to cut the opening myself anyway, and the kitchen won’t be installed before mid-November.
I usually don’t do complicated cooking. Using one pan and two pots at the same time is already quite rare; four at once might happen only at Christmas 🙂 In case of emergency, I can get a single hotplate, which is otherwise waiting in the basement for use.
By the way, @IKEA-expert, is there any reason not to go with Bodbyn? Other than the fact that many people like it?
Best regards!
I find very little information on Google about which companies offer washable filters or which range hoods they can use. Do you have any quick tips? It should preferably be a flat canopy hood because I need as many upper cabinets as possible.
On the other hand, there’s still some time before I need it. If I understand correctly, I have to cut the opening myself anyway, and the kitchen won’t be installed before mid-November.
I usually don’t do complicated cooking. Using one pan and two pots at the same time is already quite rare; four at once might happen only at Christmas 🙂 In case of emergency, I can get a single hotplate, which is otherwise waiting in the basement for use.
By the way, @IKEA-expert, is there any reason not to go with Bodbyn? Other than the fact that many people like it?
Best regards!
I
IKEA-Experte13 Oct 2015 15:38I’m also a big pasta eater and have a cooktop with three differently sized round cooking zones—145mm (5.7 inches), 180mm (7 inches), 180mm (7 inches), and 210mm (8.3 inches)—with power levels of 2.5 kW, 2.8 kW, 2.8 kW, and a 3.7 kW booster. This really brings water to a boil quickly.
You can get excellent advice here about range hoods.
The only downside to BODBYN is that it has a somewhat old-fashioned cabinet front style, which I personally don’t like.
You can get excellent advice here about range hoods.
The only downside to BODBYN is that it has a somewhat old-fashioned cabinet front style, which I personally don’t like.
S
schöneberger16 Oct 2015 13:21After some research, I’ve realized that the range hood will probably be the most expensive element of the new kitchen. High ongoing costs due to charcoal filters would annoy me as much as with cheap inkjet printers; since we’ll be staying in the (owner-occupied) apartment for a long time. Also, a reasonable noise level would definitely encourage regular use of the hood.
I like the Berbel concept. Is there any drawback to the simplest fan unit specified in the scope of work, the 60 FL (Firstline) with a recirculation filter? Does it fit inside an Ikea cabinet, or should I rather choose the built-in hood (BEH 60 FL)? Hopefully, that’s around $1,000 (or equivalent) well spent. If necessary, I’d rather save on the cooktop (Smaklig).
Plasma technology like O A unfortunately seems beyond my budget 🙁
Best regards,
Niko
I like the Berbel concept. Is there any drawback to the simplest fan unit specified in the scope of work, the 60 FL (Firstline) with a recirculation filter? Does it fit inside an Ikea cabinet, or should I rather choose the built-in hood (BEH 60 FL)? Hopefully, that’s around $1,000 (or equivalent) well spent. If necessary, I’d rather save on the cooktop (Smaklig).
Plasma technology like O A unfortunately seems beyond my budget 🙁
Best regards,
Niko
I
IKEA-Experte16 Oct 2015 17:39You will also have follow-up costs for coal with these devices, but at least less than with some others. According to the drawing, the fan module is difficult to install. Additionally, it will capture the heat from the cooking surface less effectively. The more the extractor covers the cooking area, the better the performance. My choice would be a BEH.
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