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The Power Four => Big Ten => Topic started by: MaximumSam on July 15, 2026, 02:36:36 PM

Title: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MaximumSam on July 15, 2026, 02:36:36 PM
I'm getting a new kitchen. Any tips/scary stories/helpful hints you would have?

My main thing is moving the cooktop away from the oven and onto the counter facing the living room. 
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: Cincydawg on July 15, 2026, 02:40:32 PM
My biggest improvement in our kitchen was installation of an inductive range.  My wife and I both are huge fans.  She used to like gas until we switched.

I'd also suggest paying "extra" if possible for cabinetry, especially if you will plan to live there 20 years or so.

We have quartz countertops, I prefer that to granite.

Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 15, 2026, 02:41:42 PM
I'm getting a new kitchen. Any tips/scary stories/helpful hints you would have?

My main thing is moving the cooktop away from the oven and onto the counter facing the living room.
Gas stove if at all possible. The triangle design is also a great thing.


(https://i.imgur.com/xLP0xPx.png)
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 15, 2026, 03:04:58 PM
Large wine fridge and a built-in keggerator.  None of the rest of it matters.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 15, 2026, 03:21:19 PM
No tips, but congrats!  May you get many years of use and thousands of meals from it.  
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 15, 2026, 03:56:14 PM
I designed my kitchen here. Very functional. Love it.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 15, 2026, 04:00:53 PM
That's the best thing you can do to increase the value of your home.  Maybe get it appraised when it's done?
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: Cincydawg on July 15, 2026, 04:01:12 PM
I've been through two kitchen redos, and both took quite a bit longer than expected.

Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MaximumSam on July 15, 2026, 04:13:54 PM
Gas is no bueno because I'd have to run a gas line to the house. Strongly considering induction, especially since the cooktop would be in the eating area and I think they are probably safer than electric (as far as burns go).
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 15, 2026, 04:16:34 PM
Gas is no bueno because I'd have to run a gas line to the house. Strongly considering induction, especially since the cooktop would be in the eating area and I think they are probably safer than electric (as far as burns go).
I have induction. I like it but I really wish I had gas again. The electric oven, on the other hand, is fantastic. My kitchen:


(https://i.imgur.com/HWGQmtv.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/KnuMA3f.png)
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 15, 2026, 04:22:20 PM
Electric oven is best.  Gas cooktop is best.  I don't like indcuction as much as gas but if you don't have gas piped to your house then there's not much choice.

Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MaximumSam on July 15, 2026, 04:24:35 PM
I have induction. I like it but I really wish I had gas again. The electric oven, on the other hand, is fantastic. My kitchen:


(https://i.imgur.com/HWGQmtv.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/KnuMA3f.png)
Looks great! Mine should look similar except rotate the island 90 degrees and move the fridge/oven to the right wall
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 15, 2026, 04:28:58 PM
I actually liked my kitchen back up North more than I like this one here. I designed that one too.

(https://i.imgur.com/bpz5jSL.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/NSO8XyB.png)

Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 15, 2026, 04:40:00 PM
Looks like a lot more space in your new one.  
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: Cincydawg on July 15, 2026, 04:49:29 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/4sCOBeH.png)

Also white and black.  
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on July 15, 2026, 05:05:29 PM
That's the best thing you can do to increase the value of your home.  Maybe get it appraised when it's done?
This.
I've been involved in Real Estate since I was little and you rent/sell kitchens and bathrooms in that order. Even people who NEVER cook want a nice kitchen because they think they are going to start.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on July 15, 2026, 05:06:13 PM
Large wine fridge and a built-in keggerator.  None of the rest of it matters.
I think @utee94 (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=15) wins POTD. 
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 15, 2026, 05:10:10 PM
Looks like a lot more space in your new one. 
For sure. But galley kitchens are the most functional.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 15, 2026, 05:41:33 PM
This.
I've been involved in Real Estate since I was little and you rent/sell kitchens and bathrooms in that order. Even people who NEVER cook want a nice kitchen because they think they are going to start.
And they obsess over hosting/entertaining and ignore the other 99.9% of their lives in the home.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 15, 2026, 05:42:11 PM
I think @utee94 (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=15) wins POTD.
Maybe he wins the post, but I'm the one with a big wine fridge and a 6-tap kegerator :57:
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: FearlessF on July 15, 2026, 05:56:13 PM
got'R done
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MrNubbz on July 15, 2026, 08:37:14 PM
Maybe he wins the post, but I'm the one with a big wine fridge and a 6-tap kegerator :57:
Ok you win the internet then.....and you better not be lying about that
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: FearlessF on July 15, 2026, 08:39:17 PM
how many of the 6 taps are locked & loaded this evening?
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 15, 2026, 09:01:34 PM
how many of the 6 taps are locked & loaded this evening?
There was a CO2 leak and I haven't gotten the tank refilled, so right now I've got a fridge full of beer but no gas to push it lol...

Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MarqHusker on July 15, 2026, 10:27:40 PM
i would never have another kitchen w/o the undercounter (kitchen aid) ice maker making cubes 24/7.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 15, 2026, 11:16:31 PM
Maybe he wins the post, but I'm the one with a big wine fridge and a 6-tap kegerator :57:
Facts.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 07:47:32 AM
There was a CO2 leak and I haven't gotten the tank refilled, so right now I've got a fridge full of beer but no gas to push it lol...


So... you really don't have one then?
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 07:49:56 AM
i would never have another kitchen w/o the undercounter (kitchen aid) ice maker making cubes 24/7.
I wish we had done that. There is some room in one spot, I think, and I'm going to look into it. Getting water to it might just rule it out though (concrete floor).
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 16, 2026, 09:18:38 AM
I wish we had done that. There is some room in one spot, I think, and I'm going to look into it. Getting water to it might just rule it out though (concrete floor).

We've got a small commcercial-grade restaurant ice maker in the laundry room.  We go through a lot of ice, especially in the summer when everyone's home all day.

It was especally helpful when my kids were both in summer band spending 4-6 hours outside every day in July and August, and filling gallon-sized water jugs full of ice each morning.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: FearlessF on July 16, 2026, 09:25:20 AM
probably just takes the little plastic water line like the fridge
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 09:27:00 AM
probably just takes the little plastic water line like the fridge
Still gotta get it there. I'm not ripping up my floor to have a trench cut into the concrete.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: FearlessF on July 16, 2026, 09:28:25 AM
can't run in down the inside of the wall?
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 09:29:38 AM
We've got a small commcercial-grade restaurant ice maker in the laundry room.  We go through a lot of ice, especially in the summer when everyone's home all day.

It was especally helpful when my kids were both in summer band spending 4-6 hours outside every day in July and August, and filling gallon-sized water jugs full of ice each morning.
Thank you for the solution. Water and a drain are very available in that room.


(https://i.imgur.com/6vy67mm.png)
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 09:30:53 AM
can't run in down the inside of the wall?
The outside walls are concrete block with 3/4" firring strips to hold drywall. Not gonna get a drain and supply in that.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 16, 2026, 09:36:44 AM
I do just fine with the in-fridge-door icemaker... 

One thing that helps is using a big double wall steel vacuum-insulated cup for my drinking water throughout the day. It helps keep water cold enough that even if it takes me a couple hours to drink 40 oz of water, there's still ice sitting in the cup by the end of it. 

How much ice are you all using?!
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: FearlessF on July 16, 2026, 09:40:35 AM
The outside walls are concrete block with 3/4" firring strips to hold drywall. Not gonna get a drain and supply in that.
3/4" would be enuff for my fridge supply line - no drain required
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 09:42:11 AM
I do just fine with the in-fridge-door icemaker...

One thing that helps is using a big double wall steel vacuum-insulated cup for my drinking water throughout the day. It helps keep water cold enough that even if it takes me a couple hours to drink 40 oz of water, there's still ice sitting in the cup by the end of it.

How much ice are you all using?!

I and most of my friends drink cocktails (spirits). 

When we have parties, we fill up the Rtic with drink ice.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 09:43:29 AM
3/4" would be enuff for my fridge supply line - no drain required
There has to be a drain for emergency overflow and condensation.

Plus, the room that I would have is in the island. There are no walls on an island, obviously, since it's an island.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on July 16, 2026, 09:43:50 AM
I and most of my friends drink cocktails (spirits).

When we have parties, we fill up the Rtic with drink ice.
Ahh, got it... Mostly beer & wine here...
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 16, 2026, 09:47:50 AM
I do just fine with the in-fridge-door icemaker... 

That's 'cuz you dislike people and never need to serve a bunch of them.  I can sympathize.  Besides, if you had people over, they'd raid the contents of your wine fridge and the kegerator.  
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 16, 2026, 09:57:35 AM
There has to be a drain for emergency overflow and condensation.

Plus, the room that I would have is in the island. There are no walls on an island, obviously, since it's an island.
Yup, you gotta have a drain.  In my laundry, the drain is actually up mid-wall height for the washer, and the drain for the ice maker is down low, so I installed a portable sump pump that jets drain water up the line and into the drain-hole.

Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 16, 2026, 10:00:06 AM
I do just fine with the in-fridge-door icemaker...

One thing that helps is using a big double wall steel vacuum-insulated cup for my drinking water throughout the day. It helps keep water cold enough that even if it takes me a couple hours to drink 40 oz of water, there's still ice sitting in the cup by the end of it.

How much ice are you all using?!

Yeah, cocktails, plus it's really really hot in Texas and Florida.

As we've noted many times, California is just too damn cold.  Not sure why you even need ice there to be honest...
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on July 16, 2026, 10:04:33 AM
Still gotta get it there. I'm not ripping up my floor to have a trench cut into the concrete.
I assume you are fine since you are in Florida but I tell people to NEVER buy a slab house in NE Ohio.  I've known of multiple situations where the freezing and thawing caused the slab to shift and crack and the water lines in the concrete broke.  A broken water line in a basement is a pain and it gets things wet but it isn't all that expensive to repair and if you know some rudimentary plumbing skills it is pretty easy to fix yourself.  A broken water line in a concrete slab is a nightmare.  
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 10:09:46 AM
Yup, you gotta have a drain.  In my laundry, the drain is actually up mid-wall height for the washer, and the drain for the ice maker is down low, so I installed a portable sump pump that jets drain water up the line and into the drain-hole.


There is a floor drain by the washer, so no pump needed! 
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 16, 2026, 10:11:22 AM
I assume you are fine since you are in Florida but I tell people to NEVER buy a slab house in NE Ohio.  I've known of multiple situations where the freezing and thawing caused the slab to shift and crack and the water lines in the concrete broke.  A broken water line in a basement is a pain and it gets things wet but it isn't all that expensive to repair and if you know some rudimentary plumbing skills it is pretty easy to fix yourself.  A broken water line in a concrete slab is a nightmare. 
Not really any choice here, any house built after maybe 1960 is on a slab.

But of course we don't have issues with frost heave and the like.

We do get some shifting foundations due to extreme drought, when the soil dries out and shifts.  But that's not much of an issue in Central Texas where the limestone bedrock is just a few inches under the topsoil and concrete foundations are laid right on top of bedrock.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 16, 2026, 10:14:59 AM
Foundation problems here are usually caused by the soil being too wet and too soft.  Won't stay put like it needs to.  

Because we live in a swamp.   
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 10:16:17 AM
I assume you are fine since you are in Florida but I tell people to NEVER buy a slab house in NE Ohio.  I've known of multiple situations where the freezing and thawing caused the slab to shift and crack and the water lines in the concrete broke.  A broken water line in a basement is a pain and it gets things wet but it isn't all that expensive to repair and if you know some rudimentary plumbing skills it is pretty easy to fix yourself.  A broken water line in a concrete slab is a nightmare. 
No choice around here. Water table is too high for any basements.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MaximumSam on July 16, 2026, 10:16:40 AM
I had to install giant screws under my chimney, likely because a drought caused it to shift a few inches. 
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 10:44:17 AM
Unless you're gonna go high end, I'd advise bundling appliances if you can.

We did the Samsung bundle when we remodeled. It was a very good deal, and we also got a gift card, which we turned into a 72" Samsung TV. This was at Best Buy.

We did this knowing that eventually we will do a Sub-Zero fridge and a Bosch DW. We didn't want to do all of that until we got our water filtration figured out, which we have. 

So, when these fail (so far 6 years old) we will replace them. The oven/mic combo and the induction are just fine for as much as we use them (not much).
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 16, 2026, 10:54:46 AM
I love our Bosch dishwasher.  We went through several Samsung and LG units that ranged from meh to total crap.  This Bosch is the first one I've had since the 90s that I thought was both effective and reliable.  
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MikeDeTiger on July 16, 2026, 11:15:31 AM
I love our Bosch dishwasher.  We went through several Samsung and LG units that ranged from meh to total crap.  This Bosch is the first one I've had since the 90s that I thought was both effective and reliable. 

I installed a Bosch dishwasher for my grandma ~10 years ago, after her old one pooped out (after 40 years!!!).  I really liked it, both functionally and design-wise.  

I tried to get us a Bosch when our dishwasher croaked a few years ago, and I did.....but it took forever to come in because it was during the covid shutdown and the supply chain was furked.  And when it finally came in, it was slightly damaged in transportation.  It probably still would've been okay, but I didn't want to risk it, so I returned it, and the option was wait a couple more months for a Bosch, or take another brand that was available on the floor.  Mrs. DeT had had enough of not having a dishwasher and didn't want to wait anymore, so we didn't get the Bosch.  

The one we got (Kenmore, maybe?) works well, but the interior design somehow doesn't fit any of our dishes.  We loaded everything up nicely in the old one, but this one, somehow it's just awkward to get our dishes neatly arranged in it.  Bummer.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 16, 2026, 11:50:00 AM
I love our Bosch dishwasher.  We went through several Samsung and LG units that ranged from meh to total crap.  This Bosch is the first one I've had since the 90s that I thought was both effective and reliable. 
We've always had them, and would have, but our water here sucks and I had to sort through that and get it right. Took a while and a lot of $$$) to get that done.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: utee94 on July 16, 2026, 01:33:36 PM
Might have been you that suggested the Bosch to me in the first place, several years back.  I think we've had this one since 2021?  Still rock solid, while the previous few were all dead or dying at 5 years.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: Cincydawg on July 16, 2026, 01:40:24 PM
Our range is Bosch, I didn't swap out the dishwasher (yet).  It's some unname brand, American something.  I think the fridge is Samsung, it's a 30" fridge which isn't standard.  The sink merits some consideration in a new kitchen, some thought.
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: FearlessF on July 16, 2026, 01:41:13 PM
my Maytag dishwasher has been humming for a long time - maybe 25 years, at least 20
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: Cincydawg on July 16, 2026, 01:47:51 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/v0YILbQ.png)
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MarqHusker on July 16, 2026, 09:21:49 PM
Ice makers are very high maintenance machines.   Two nickel safe bottle cleanings a year to handle scaling.  I vacuum any lint  and dust buildup and  change filter twice  a year. 

You need a drain period.  

Kids cant go anywhere in life for some reason without an Owala or Stanley full of ice water.  I just love ice and loathe the ice shapes that comes from the fridge.

We ordered our fridge wo the icemaker and water line to not forfeit capacity. 
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 17, 2026, 12:09:04 AM
Those countertop ice makers haven't come down in price, that I've seen.  That's supposed to happen once a product has been out for a few years, right?
Title: Re: OT: New Kitchen
Post by: MarqHusker on July 17, 2026, 12:38:18 AM
I've had 2 of the mostly same Kitchen Aid model for 18 years now.    I don't think i've ever noticed/seen any discounting.