AIBU for wanting to replace a 20+ year old kitchen?

[lovelygirl17]

We recently bought a nice house, both DH and I are happy but the kitchen is old. It was installed 21 years ago with built in appliances like fridge, freezer, dishwasher, electric hob and oven. It seems it only had a very light use because everything is in a very good condition, no surface scratches for example, cupboard doors aren't loose, the dishwasher and oven were sparkling clean (looking almost new). We are not planning to move from here until we are ready to downsize, hopefully no sooner than in 25 years time. I try to cook from scratch every day, I also bake cakes and make things like jam so a good cooker is essential for me. This house has an electric hob and already driving me mad. Also, it only has a single oven. I don't think we can change that without remodelling the whole lot. DH is adamant that it's a great kitchen (in comparison what we had before) and we shouldn't even think about changing anything anytime soon. We spent a lot of money purchasing the house but we could still stretch to a new kitchen. AIBU for wanting to replace it all?

I can see why you don't like you current kitchen but I'm 100% on your DH's side... didnt it occur to you to mention "oh the kitchen looks old, and the oven is small, and it's an electric hob but i prefer gas" BEFORE you bought the house? It sounds like the kitchen is important to you, it would seems odd it didnt come up when you were deciding if this house was the right one, at the right price. So just on that basis alone, I'd say yabu and you shouldn't be expecting a new kitchen right after you've moved in.

Regarding limited oven space, an air fryer might be a great purchase for you. And you can make jam on an electric hob, can't you?

@NotTheGrinchAgain The answer is actually quite complicated to your question!. Last year the situation on the property market was fairly dire. People were bidding for houses based on pictures on rightmove. We entered several bidding wars, losing many and were let down twice by vendors after they accepted our offer. Our new house is in a great location and was very well looked after by the previous owners. Yes, I knew about the old kitchen (didn't know how old exactly or what material they were made from) and I mentioned that I was hopeful to replace it if our finances allow for it but it wasn't a deal breaker for the purchase. So we kind of agreed that "we will see how it goes". For me it is still the same kitchen that I saw when I viewed the house, except now I know that everything was installed pre 2000 including appliances. The cupboard doors are chipboard with plastic coating and in colours that I wouldn't choose so I'm not sure if I can spruce it up. DH, however seems to have fallen in love, saying it's better than he thought it would be (it is indeed in very good condition) so why bother with a new one. But I'll definitely be giving it a few more months maybe a year before I make final decisions. I've just made marmalade on the hob. Indeed, it turned out to be fine. Porridge was a bit harder work :)

I've just switched from gas to induction and love it. I cook a lot too but haven't tried jam yet. My pans are all John Lewis brand stainless steel and they work great.

We did our kitchen after 30 years. The first one was never finished off as DH thought the shelving ( cheap) was fine. The base cupboards were cherry wood laminate.

We had a small local firm make it this time. Designed it, sorted out and boxed in some problem piping. Put granite worktop into the window so it is all one piece. The sill was below the worktop before.Had there own electrician who put new lighting much better and less ugly. It looks great.
We also bought an Everhot 110i which we love. It has a hot plate, simmer plate and an induction with three ovens. Two hot and one is low for warming plates but also useful for Pavlova, orange slices and warming up lambs.
There are different sizes and prices. They are not cheap but plug in and away you go. Slightly different style of cooking but you soon get used to it and they don’t have to be serviced every year like an Aga. Sometimes second hand but beware of some on eBay.
If you like the look of them go to a cookery demo and you get a lot of questions asked. DH was won over by the demo. I never thought he would buy one but he did well we did as I had to pay half and half the kitchen but it has been worth it. It was cold in the winter but now it is lovely and cosy. I absolutely love my kitchen now.

Good luck with yours. I know lots of people that renovated their kitchen by painting or changing the doors and handles. If the layout is good then think about what you can change and what you can salvage. Lots of idea on Pinterest and Everhot discussion page.