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The interior Ask the EXPERTS
Ask the EXPERTSMeet our team of professionals, on hand to answer your kitchen queries, from appliances to layouts to worktopsIS STEAM FAD OR FANTASTIC? Ive heard that as well as washing machines and ovens, you can now buy steam dishwashers, but is there any point to them? Does steam make them more effective or energy efficient? Some of our customers find that their current dishwasher isnt as effective at removing dried or burnt - on food as if washed by hand, and this is where a steam dishwasher comes into its own. So, if youre looking for a model to clean even the toughest dried or burnt - on food, its worth considering steam.CHOOSING UNDERFLOOR HEATING Weve just finished renovating a barn conversion and have laid underfloor heating, using water pipes, underneath the kitchen floor. However, now weve started to plan our kitchen scheme, were wondering about the practicalities of it. Can I have it running underneath a larder and fridge, for example, or will it be too hot? Its too late to move it all, so how can I work around it? A water - based underfloor heating system, such as yours, is made up of a series of pipes that are connected to your boiler and run beneath the floor, circulating warm water throughout. This system works especially well in kitchens as it can be installed under tiled and stone floors, as well as laminate. Running your underfloor heating underneath a larder or fridge shouldnt be a problem. The base of the fridge is only a small percentage of the total area, so unless the underfloor heating is seriously hot, you neednt worry. However, be aware that the appliance may not run at its optimum efficiency if the ambient air temperature is raised. И you can avoid the pipes running under appliances, it is preferred, but the important thing is not to block the air circulation needed to cool the compressor and heat exchanger. Adding insulation to the floor area under the fridge would help, providing it doesnt reduce the minimum ventilation as stated by the manufacturer. When laying underfloor heating in future, if space allows, insulate below the pipes, as it lessens heat escaping downwards, reducing warm - up time and running costs. Its also important to keep a record of the pipe layout so you can avoid drilling at pipe locations. You should also check first that your existing heating system is compatible with underfloor heating.Kitchen redesign WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY As a less able - bodied person, Im finding that my present kitchen is no longer suitable for me and wondered if you had any advice on choosing a new design? I had a car accident in 2009, which means I spend a lot of time in a wheelchair now. Before my accident, I had a cooking business, but because the kitchen isnt easy to work around Im not enjoying cooking at all now. Id like to get it redesigned to suit both myself and my husband, but finding information on appliances and cabinetry is proving difficult - please help! WHERE CAN I FIND A LINEAR HOB? I recently saw a kitchen in a magazine that had a rectangular - shaped, slimline hob with four cooking zones that were in a single row rather than in a square formation. My own kitchen has really narrow worktops, so this design would be absolutely perfect for it - do you have any idea as to who makes these hobs and where I could buy one please? There are a number of companies that produce hobs of this kind so you shouldnt have too much trouble sourcing them if you ask for linear designs. Ive made a few suggestions below for you and, as I wasnt sure what type you were after, Ive included both gas and ceramic as well as the more expensive induction models. First off, the Atag HG1111MDB, shown left, has four gas burners in a row, with individual timers. For more details on this design, visit the Atag website at atag.co.uk, or call 020 8247 3993. Next up, the Smeg PX140 also has four gas burners in a row - for information, visit them online at smeguk.com, or call 0844 557 9907 for a brochure. Finally. John Lewis sells the AEG HK953400FB ceramic induction hob and the Smeg S1933D Marc Newson ceramic induction hob. a sink to suit Im currently researching sinks for my new kitchen and wanted to find out the key things I should be looking for, so that I can buy the best one for my budget. For example, is an undermounted design better than inset and should I choose stainless steel over ceramic? Also, how do I know if I need a one - or two - hole model? laura moughtok, Gloucestershire For instance, ceramic sinks would normally suit a country - stylo kitchen, however, ceramic is increasingly being used as a focal point in more contemporary kitchens. An undermounted sink would best suit a granite vorktop with a more minimalist feel - they cant be used with laminate worktops because water will damage the core of the worktop if it seeps in Composite sinks can look good in any kitchen; the colour or finish should be determined by your worktop. Composite, ceramic and undermounted sinks start at around ?150 and each will complement your kitchen differently. Below, youll see B&Gs Vivaldi one - and - a - hatf - bowl sink in Volcano Black, which works well with the black worktop. Prices can range from ?,50 to ?1.000 and most manufacturers offer long - term guarantees. The style of tap you decide on will affect how many holes you have in your sink. The more traditional style and utility sinks tend to have two - hole installations, but the majority of the market uses just one. The price range can vary from ?25, for something basic, to ?1,000 for an electronic LED tap. Good luck!NICE AND NAUTICAL I liked the coastal - inspired accessories feature in Beautiful Kitchens and would like to achieve a relaxed beach feel in my own kitchen. However, Im concerned about overkill - if I use too many items then Im likely to make it look as if I should be inviting my guests to come aboard! Is there a way to make it more subtle? mary agnew, via email The key to getting the lock without going overboard is suggestion rather than the obvious. Take coastal colours as your base colour scheme, then use associated patterns and textures, such as stripes, wood and rope, in accessories. If youre starting your kitchen from scratch, simple white - painted cabinets with a wooden worktop would be a good base. Add interest with small details, such as these striped handles, shown top right, ?3.95 irom Dotcomgiftshop. Shirrmery mosaic tiles, top,eft, will evoke a waterside feel when used as a splashback; ?7.50 per sheet. For a classy design addition, I suggest a porthole - style mirror from Rose b Grey, 59, above left. For blinds, use a thin striped fabric or, for a more subtle look, a natural linen trimmed with a stripe. Mirror the stripe with small accessories, for example, tea towels or cushions. If youre looking for something a tittle bolder and more beach than boat, Deckchairstripes. com is worth visiting They have a large range of fabrics in an array of colours, such as Snowboarding, ?22.50m, above right. With suggestions of coastal - inspired lite, you can create the feel without having a kitchen full of seashells! Also, these subtle design techniques mean that if you grow bored of this look, you can easily change it without ripping out the entire kitchen.
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