Cooker Hoods & Hobs For Kitchen

Cooker hoods definitely play a very vital role in the kitchens and one such type of cooker hoods in the list is Oven Cooker Hoods. These cooker hoods are basically designed with built in extractor fans, which serve in efficient removing of heat, grease, smoke and odours from the kitchen even during the use of stove. Thus we can definitely say that along with giving an outstanding, vividly appealing presence, the cooker hoods are also extremely important to the health of the inhabitants and their kitchen areas.

 Cooker Hoods 

Oven cooker hoods hold more importance than any other appliances to every kitchen area because without proper ventilation of heat, grease, smoke and odours from the kitchen, a cooking area could be counted as no less than any ruined area that can anytime develop mildew and mould from a low amount of ventilation during cooking.

Thus, it becomes important that good cooker hoods are installed in a kitchen, which can efficiently pull the smoke and vapour right out of the air, thereby presenting the kitchen with clean and smoke free environment enabling the user to prepare dinner for years to come and that too always in smoke-free atmosphere. There is a big variety of oven cooker hoods that is available in the market and can be picked.

Here are three tips to keep in mind as you browse around for the right kitchen hood. 

· Find a hood that reflects the overall style of your kitchen

There is a kitchen hood for every taste. The critical point you need to remember is to select a hood that complements your kitchen. 

· Find a hood that provides proper functionally

A kitchen hood is not only about style. It is a tool. The purpose of a range hood is to draw up grease, smoke, vapours and odours. If you are cooking constantly, especially if you prefer frying, baking, and broiling, you need a hood that will provide maximum ventilation, not merely a microwave oven ventilator. 

· Find a hood that fits well.

You should also choose a hood that covers the cooking area of your stove. Energy efficiency is compromised if the size of your oven and the size of your hood system do not match.

Hob 

The hob is the heart of kitchen same like hoods. Hob also play a very vital role in the kitchen. Hobs are designed to fit into your kitchen workshops. They can be either gas hobs or electric hobs and can be designed to be sleek and subtle or big and bold depending on how you have design your kitchen. Electric splits down again into ceramic hobs, induction hobs and solid plates hobs. 

The basic difference is speed of heating up and controllability. Induction is quickest and solid plate is slowest. The days of everything being one size are gone with nearly 600 different hobs to choose from you can have virtually any width and burner combination your heart desires.

Here are tips for you to keep in mind when choosing the right hobs: 

· Different types of hobs

Understand the different types of hobs and heat sources, as an unsuitable saucepan may not only be damaged itself but could also cause damage to the cooking appliance.

· Amount of Heat

Make sure pots and pans are receiving the right amount of heat. Some electric hobs have flexible cooking zones, which allow you to increase or decrease the amount of the hob being used to fit the size of the pan. 

Though there are numerous manufacturers of cooker hoods and hobs that are available in the market to serve with a variety of products, but it is very important for us to select the right kitchen hood and hobs and it is not easy. One of the best facts that highlight the ever growing use of professionally manufactured oven cooker hoods is the vast variety of high quality hoods and hobs available from leading brands. Due to its size and centrality in your kitchen, a kitchen hood and hobs forms an integral component to the style, flavour and overall look of your kitchen.

Edited by:

Vincentya Lie

Junior Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

Choosing Kitchen Door Material

Kitchen cabinet doors may feature variety of materials such as solid wood, laminate, or glass. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.  They also have their own impression. Selection of materials can affect the kitchen’s ambience supporting the design.

•         Solid Wood / Timber 

           Wood creates a warm and natural look whether it’s rich and dark or light, bright and airy, every piece of timber has its own character. 

Even amongst the same species there can be variations in the grain and colour.
 The beauty of timber is in all the variations of colour, texture and patterns of graining, this is the reason for choosing real wood and it is important to accept that there will be variations in the doors and possibly some knotting. 

For the true lover of real wood/veneer furniture, this is the very reason for choosing a natural finish rather than a man made alternative. 
Where this natural variation is likely to cause a problem, we can provide a range of man made materials that will be more suitable such as vinyl & foil. 


•          High Pressure Laminate (HPL)  

          These doors largely consist of an MDF (medium density fibreboard) core, onto which a sheet of paper carrying the pattern is heat-bonded using resin adhesives. The resin can also be embossed with a texture so these cost-effective doors can carry any pattern, which is usually a pretty convincing imitation of wood. 

       The high pressure squeezes the HPL to such a solid density that it becomes highly resistant to damage simply because any utensil or tool striking the HPL will not have a force greater than the force used to form the HPL itself.  This material has low VOCs, glossy door appearance and durable. It suits modern, European inspired kitchens.

•           Melamine


            Made from a mixture of resin, paper and pressed wood and prices and quality do differ depending on the quality of the pressed wood used in the mix.  Melamine is a versatile material for kitchen cabinets in that it is available in many different colors and hues and different surface finishes, although you'll be in trouble if the surface is scratched.  This material is not as durable as the laminate cabinets and that's why it costs less.

Melamine coated boards are widely available in home centers for purposes such as shelving.  However, this smooth man-made surface makes it difficult to change in the future. 

•          Paint, Lacquer, or Spray Paint 

           An MDF core coated with a layer of lacquer or paint. Since MDF is made from fine wood particles and resin, these doors do not carry any woodgrain, making a smooth surface which can be painted in any colour and impression such as metallic or pearls. Paint is considered traditional. Many consider brush strokes in the finish to be attractive.

       

         Spray paint is another method of paint finishing using sealed pressurized container.  It makes the paint looks more even, and smoother finish.

•         Polyurethane (PU) 

PU doors have a painted finish, and come in high gloss or satin finishes.  A versatile choice, these doors can be fully profiled or flat, and have the option to be handless (the only door profile with this ability). The door is painted, buffed and baked three times to get its ultra-smooth hand-finished appearance. However, not all polyurethane manufacturers offer the same quality. You must be discerning when it comes to polyurethane, as you do not want the finish to peel, chip or discolour due to poor standards.

This door style suits contemporary, streamlined and handless kitchen. The ability to manufacture the doors to any colour preference and strength makes polyurethane a versatile choice for the design minded.

•          Glass 

           Glass brings illuminance and brightness to kitchens by reflecting natural light. Glass shelving makes the kitchen feel larger and is a very versatile material with endless applications. 

        However, whether glass is used as shelving or inlaid in cabinet doors it does mean that all your kitchen goods are on show - this is unless you use colored glass or frosted or tinted glass.  Bevelled glass adds class to cabinet doors and glass inserts add a new dimension counters.

•         Stainless Steel


       Once only consigned to restaurant kitchens, stainless steel in household kitchens is now in vogue.  Unlike wood, stainless steel kitchen doors and counter products are not affected by changes in temperatures or condensation - so is an ideal material for busy kitchens. A piece of stainless steel that is being incorporated into wood and laminated kitchens alike is the stainless steel kitchen splashback.  A layer of stainless steel is usually applied over an MDF base to give the kitchen cabinet and counter more substance. 

          Stainless steel is a very easy kitchen cabinet and counter material to clean - which is just as well because it does show all the finger marks, but sometimes the scratches are more difficult to get out.

Kitchen cabinet doors can completely change the look of your kitchen. That's why, getting the right ones is vital. Knowing what you want to spend and your limits are essential when updating your kitchen. All the best!

Edited by:

FairusMurtikasari

Junior Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

Tips For Glamourous Interior Design Space

The Glamourous Interior concepts bring effect to life, from daring palettes to exaggerated scale; spectacular chandeliers to larger than life fireplaces. Glamorous Interior doesn’t have to be all about money. It’s actually all about individuality and imagination.

Tips for Glamourous Interior Design Space:

1. Don’t be afraid to go all out when attempting the high glam theme. For instance, try the curvy pieces, glossy elements and textured throws.

2. Nothing says glamour like decadent chandeliers! Glam up your interior space with chandeliers and gorgeous light fixtures. Use the chandeliers in interesting areas like the walk-in closet or bathroom for an added sense of luxury!

3. A dining booth is really good way of keeping the space functional yet compact. These new design style is very good alternative for smaller spaces.

4. Light feature walls are timeless and make for good mood lighting in any interior space.

Original Article:
Squarerooms/July Issue 75


Edited by:

Ezdiani

Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

Future Kitchen

Dornbracht product study: Electronic fitting for the kitchen

Lighting Trends 2011

The trend of lighting fixtures in this year will be opulent as well as elegant and sophisticated as well as contemporary. Check out four major 2011 lighting trends from Sean Lavin, Vice President of Product Design at Tech Lighting. 

The Updated Classic – Beautiful Hand-blown Glass in Daring New Styles and On-Trend Colors 

"Timeless classics are inspired by the past, with a contemporary aesthetic extending to the future. Traditional materials such as hand-blown glass from Murano, Italy, and classic silhouettes are updated with fresh details and in new proportions. Among the colors for 2011 that will breathe new life into rooms for years is smoke, which has made its way into glass and other lighting fabrications as well."

Contemporary Organic – Making Statements With Fabric 

"Natural materials and colors drawn from nature, including wool, tweed, thatch, linen, and braided styles are on-trend as calming neutrals. Silhouettes and patterns in this category find inspiration from around the globe, while palettes and textures add timeless interest."

Standout Customization and Style 

"For those who love to make an undeniable personal statement, bright colors and one-of-a-kind pieces are the answer. Colors are bright, and textures and options create dramatic interest for artistic flair. Clusters of pendants are emerging as a strong trend, and what better than to take that and truly make it your own?"

Environmentally Friendly LED You’ll Love to Own 

"A half-century after their invention, light-emitting diode (LED) options are becoming the lighting of choice for many, especially as there is no longer a need to compromise design for efficiency. LEDs not only last longer and reduce energy required for lighting by as much as eight percent, but the technology has improved to allow a warmer white light than in past years. Leaders in low-voltage lighting like Tech Lighting are delivering true style in broad and varied selections for both pendants and wall sconces."

Sources:

Casasugar.com

Najwa Talib

Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767