Timberframe Journal - Appliance Selections

We have just finished shopping for our kitchen appliances at a local dealer. I think that Lawry made some terrific selections and that he will really enjoy cooking and entertaining in his new kitchen.

There are tons of upgrades - lots of bells and whistles that can be added to kitchen appliances but in the end I think that the client has to decide if they will really utilize those upgrades and if they are worth the investment. I think our most difficult decision was whether to select the built-in SubZero or the KitchenAid - scroll down to see the final decision.

I cook a lot and I really use my warming drawer. I take great delight in being able to "hold" my food and in serving breakfast to friends and family on warmed plates - to me it's worth having, but to others, perhaps it's unnecessary. That's the beauty of custom - having something designed that's perfect for you.

So here are the appliances for Lawry's new kitchen. Very nice selections!

Vent A Hood Exhaust Fan Liner to be built-into our range hood. I have had this fan before and really liked it's capacity. My next step is to refine the range hood design to work around the timber posts and supports in the wall behind the stove - stay tuned to see my sketches and Lawry's final selection for the design.

Dacor 36" 6 Burner Duel Fuel Range in a stainless finish. We like the commercial quality ranges and all but one (Viking) are only available in a stainless finish - so stainless it is. I think that the oven may be a little small but Lawry doesn't bake a whole lot and there will be an oven in the Cooking Porch so in the end he felt that he can work with this slightly smaller oven capacity indoors. We got a great deal on this piece - sold!

Kitchenaid 42" French Door Refrigerator with bottom freezer - ordered panel ready to receive our custom panels from Rino's Woodworking. The french door model is perfect for us as we have limited door swing space - half doors equals half the needed door swing which will result in better circulation around our kitchen island.

Sharp Microwave Drawer for under cabinet installation. I like having the microwave lower with a slide out drawer for easy stirring and food access. This helps us keep our counters clear and with VERY limited upper cabinets (2), being located under the counter is our best bet for the microwave.

Asko Dishwasher - panel ready to match our cabinets. Rino's Woodworking will provide our custom panels. Lawry has had this model before and says it is soooo quite.

Kitchenaid Dishwasher - panel ready to match our cabinets. Rino's Woodworking will provide a custom panel for this piece as well.

Most of our appliances receive wood panels and will blend into the surrounding cabinets. The stove will "jump" a bit in stainless - I don't mind that. I like stainless (even if it's supposed to be "out" right now) and think that it will be just perfect. Our microwave will be located between two islands and under the counter facing away from the main living room, so this appliance will be mostly hidden. I think it will all be just perfect.

We will have another phase of appliance shopping for the Outdoor Cooking Porch to tackle in our future - complete with outdoor brick oven. I am hoping that I will be invited in the future for some of Lawry's world famous pizza after the oven is installed. :) Love pizza hot from the oven with a glass of wine! Can't wait!!