Must haves in a new kitchen

[vbrown38]

Hi all, I am about to fit a new kitchen. I have no idea where to start!

What would you say the must haves are in a kitchen? Including tiles, sink material, worktops etc

Thank you!

New kitchens are really exciting! We just got one and I'm so in love with it! We got an induction hob and a hot and cold drinking water tap. I think both are the kind of thing people will be getting in the future and will make your life easier.

I would not go for integrated white goods.
Nice to have an utility room for laundry etc.
Big sink (pref Belfast type) in utility room for jobs like washing wellies and stuff.
Working triangle - fridge - cooker - sink.

Warming drawer! Love it.

Completely agree re integrated appliances and the utility room (mine is TINY) but makes a huge difference.

I still have a gas hob which I love. Also, I know people with hot water taps and I have to say I don't like them.

Layout that works for you. And allow for at least one extra cupboard than you think you need. There'll always be something you need to stow away.

Deep drawers for pans and plates - so much more accessible

If you have corner units, a decent pullout to make the most of the space (the proper le mans ones are pretty solid)

A big sink - I have a silgranit one from blanco which still looks brand new cos you can bleach it

Thank you so much for your suggestions, I have made a list to look into to.

Just out of interest, why should I avoid integrated appliances?

I have an integrated dishwasher - it was retrofitted and it's just as big as a standard, but for a lot of other appliances they're a lot smaller than their free standing equivalents, and also harder to repair.

We had an integrated washing machine - getting it out was a PITA, and when we looked at replacements we couldn't get one with anything like as big a capacity as is available in a freestanding unit. We ended up going for a utility space in our bathroom so we could get a full size one (and dryer) - the washing machine was replaced with the dishwasher.

Same is true with fridges and freezers, they're generally lots smaller.

1. As many drawers as possible
2. Good hardwearing worktop
3. Ergonomic design - most important
4. If you have space - island and a pantry
5. So avoiding unnecessary wall units
6. Two single ovens or a range
7. Induction hob
8. Porcelain or any hard wearing floor
9. Good sunlight - we have three velux windows- amazing light

Brilliant that makes a lot of sense, something I hadn't thought of!

Thank you

integrated appliances are a pain to replace/ repair. Just having a new kitchen and not having anything integrated. Having American style fridge/ freezer, range cooker

Personally i would only go for integrated appliances, I think non integrated ruin the look personally. Definitely a big utility room.

Other essentials
At least a 1.5 sink
Waste disposal
Hot tap
5 burner hob - induction or gas
Eye height ovens, either a double or 2 ovens. I can't bear ones you have to bend down to get into.
Dishwasher
Pull out shelves in larder cupboard
Wine fridge - although I admit that's a nice to have rather than a need to have.

We have fallen in love with the idea of a Fulham larder. Masses of storage in drawers, door racks and shelves, plus a hidden-away worktop where food processor/microwave/coffee machine can live.

I have a pull out cupboard thingy which has a recycle bin and normal bin. Rubbish sorted.

Something I WOULDN'T do again is have a glass fronted display cabinet. All ours seems to display is empty biscuit tins and plastic tubs.

If I'd had an extra metre or so I'd have had two dishwashers. Mine is always full and running while the nex lot of dirty stuff piles up on the side.

Double sink - as large as possible. Most useful thing in the kitchen.

I'd go for the smallest sink possible!

I thought they'd banned waste disposals in the 80s for their smell

Steam oven. I love ❤️ mine

I've you're a bit clueless, it might be worth getting some help from a designer. Kitchen design is quite demanding- e.g. Appliances need to be the right size, open the right way, you need enough prep space, bin space, factor in where to store your crockery, microwave, blender, toaster etc Without professional or at least experienced help, a lot of people end up with an awkward kitchen and tons of clutter that has nowhere to go.

Double drawer dishwasher is the best thing ever
Double sink
Wide drawers for crockery
I have a three ovens (1x double + single) which I love.
Large island
I also love having a kitchen table to sit at

I would go for an interested dishwasher and then have your WM and TD somewhere else (utility room / cupboard / bathroom).

Non interpreted dishwashers ruin the look of kitchens.

A sink with a draining board - our flat doesn't have a draining board and it's unbelievably irritating having water run down the worktop

Don't go for integrated appliances, as others have said, they're a pain when they break down. We've just had a new kitchen fitted without them and it looks amazing. 😉

Any kitchen shop will do you a design for free. Go to two or three as you'll get a sightly different design from each shop and can then choose your favourite or take the best bits from each.

I'd second having integrated bins inside a cupboard. I hate it when bins are on display. The Binopolis website does a good range. If you decide not to have integrated bins at least think about where your bins will go - I think it's often an afterthought and people end up with them in awkward places.

Good task lighting /. Under counter lighting

If going with one of the German kitchens they do light up bases to their wall cabinets that light down onto the worktop and up into the cabinet. Best choice we made.