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| Thank you for your email and follow-up. I am in the process of selecting one of the several contractors I have spoken with. Without a doubt, the service you provide in his area is second to none. Again, I thank you and will let you know the final outcome once the project is completed. |
Regards, Homeowner in Accokeek, Maryland |
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Kitchen appliances and fixtures can really jazz up a kitchen. They can also jack up the expense - not just with the initial purchase - but with a home's energy bills.
When you consider the energy used in a kitchen for cooking, refrigeration, running a dishwasher, using small appliances and lighting, it can amount to close to half of a typical home's energy consumption. |
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| When you factor in the trend toward oversized or commercial stoves and refrigerators, many of us are using more energy than we need to. Appliance manufacturers are aware of the need to be more environmentally conscious and are now designing their appliances with smart technology that uses less electricity and water. Look for environmentally responsible stoves, range hoods, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and taps from companies such as: Asko, Bosch, GE, Dacor, Kenmore, Kohler, KitchenAid and Moen. Remember, going green in the kitchen will mean more green in your wallet because of lower utility bills. |
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Refrigerators |
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Time for a new fridge? If you your fridge is freezing the things it is supposed to keep cool, is too small, difficult to organize with a lot of wasted space, is expensive to run, noisy and/or becoming frosted you are likely already dreaming about a new fridge. Buying wisely can solve the problems of your current refrigerator and be easy to use and keep clean.
Look for energy efficient models and pick the size that will suit your family's needs. A oversized fridge that looks like it may be from a gourmet cooking show will look great, but it may be more than you need or can afford. Function, function, function. When it comes to the kitchen function is vital! If it is not easy to use,or it is hard to access, the space is just wasteful. |
Fridge Features to Look for: |
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Side by Side Doors
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Top Mount Model
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Glass Shelves
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Lipped Shelves
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Fridge Light
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Freezer Light
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Ice/Water Dispenser
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Water Filter
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Stainless Steel Finish
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Retro Style
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Clear Storage Drawers
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Doors that house large adjustable shelves.
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Leg levelers so that the door swings shut naturally and everything is on the level and stable.
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Pull out shelves or baskets in the Freezer.
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Soda can dispensing racks.
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Wine Bottle Holder
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Temperature control for specific zones or areas.
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Energy Efficiency
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Freezer on the bottom.
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Ranges and Ovens |
When considering which range to get for your kitchen, think about design and preference. Do you prefer a stove or range that has both an oven and a cooktop, or do you want to invest in a wall oven and a separate cooktop unit. Many like the convenience of having the wall oven installed higher so that they don't have to bend over to get hot food out of the oven. You should put some thought into the kind of range or oven that you want, after all one of the primary functions of a kitchen is cooking. Whether you are looking for a conventional white stove, a modern stainless steel range or a larger restaurant style appliance, there are oven, stovetop and range options to suit your kitchen. |
Range Options: |
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Broilers
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Gas
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Electric
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Oven Light
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Four plus burners or elements
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Burners offering more than dual size elements
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Analog and Digital timers and clocks
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Computerized cooking and baking settings
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Vent Hoods |
Vent hoods can range from the very basic $200 model to the vents priced over $2,000. While design, function and style are important remember that your vent hood should be in proportion to your cooking surface and be rated for the range it is venting. For instance, you may need a vent hood that moves air at the rate 1200 CFM if you have a oversized commercial range. There are many vent options to choose from including: under cabinet hoods, liner insert vent hoods, island or peninsula vent hoods, wall mount hoods and downdraft models. Vented models work better than non-vented hoods, as these just move the greasy, humid air around rather than carrying it outside. Get help installing your new kitchen vent from experienced contractors. |
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Dishwashers |
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Once you have one it is hard to live without a dishwasher! It keeps the kitchen tidy as dirty dishes are stowed away inside until it is full and it's time to run it. It also saves time, allowing you to get other important things done. Newer dishwashers are quieter, faster and more energy efficient. You can expect to pay $200 for a basic, but decent unit, whereas a top-of-the-line dishwashers will run you $750 and up. There are also plenty of mid-range models running from $275 to $650. Generally speaking, the more options a manufacturer offers, the higher the price. Decide on the options that are most important to you and buy with in your budget. If you need help installing your new dishwasher our network of professional contractors can help! |
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Great advances have been made with kitchen appliances and fixtures in terms of technology, efficiency, features and options. From double ovens, to freezer drawers, warming drawers, microwave drawers, induction cooktops, and steam assist ovens to super quite twin dishwashers there is a lot of razzle dazzle that can super-equip your kitchen. There are also great kitchen lighting fixtures like task lighting, track lighting, pendant lighting, under cabinet lighting, inside cabinet lighting and lighting control systems to further enhance the beauty and ambiance of your kitchen. Additionally, plumbing fixtures like wall mount taps, pot fillers, basin taps, bar faucets, pullout spay taps, undermount sinks and apron sinks are options to consider when you are upgrading your kitchen! |
| So, before your run out and buy the first appliance you see, research what is available and pick the appliances and fixtures that will work with your lifestyle and be the perfect fit to your new kitchen remodel! After all, you're going to be using them for years - you might as well enjoy their function and their fashion. |
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Get professional help with your kitchen remodel and appliance and fixture installations. Our contractors are here to make your kitchen a success! |
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| Compare FREE Estimates From Local Kitchen Remodeling Contractors NOW! |
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