Do I really need dimmer switches in kitchen?

[Twiglett]

have a double dimmer switch in kitchen / dining and the 9 halogen spots over the kitchen area has blown twice cos of the voltage (although the dining side is fine)

electrician says £100 to sort out a new double dimmer that'll take the strain and switch has to be doubled in size which means plastering and painting

alternatively replace double dimmer with a double switch will cost £20 and no plastering / painting needed

so do I really need a dimmer .. is it worth the money?

Surely you only need to replaster when you're reducing the size of the switch plate? I'd get a 2nd quote if you haven't already.

I was thinking how nice a dimmer in the kitchen would be but will think twice now
Good luck.

but they never make the hole exactly the right size so need to finish it off (it would have to go up from a single plate to a double plate)

tbh we haven't in the last 6 months used the dimmer which is why I wonder

twiglett they ought to be able to make hole the right size... my dad has a fab plastic thing and you put it on the wall and drill through the holes and then chip the middle out and hey presto!

aaaanyway... tbh i don't think you NEED dimmers in kitchen, so if it's easier do without...

unless you like a bit of romantic lighting in ther? lol

Twig, we had exactly the same happen with our kitchen dimmers and ditched them in favour of ordinary switch. Haven't noticed the lack of a dimmer in the kitchen TBH.

thank you for commenting on the dullest thread of the year

Do you have 'kitchen suppers' a al Enid thou'?

for romantic tete a tete can put the light on the cooker hood on to give a soft glow and candles along the breakfast bar

yeah .. like that's gonna happen