Where to put it?
Dividing the traditional kitchen stove into a cooktop and built-in oven has expanded the possibilities for creating the most convenient and ergonomic kitchen. We have a lot of options for the location of the oven. Installing the oven above the countertop level has become widespread. However, this placement of the stove is controversial. Questions are asked about the necessity and feasibility of such a layout. There are statements that this is no longer fashionable and does not justify itself at all. Is it so?
Let's start with the fact that this has nothing to do with fashion. When the first independent ovens appeared (and this happened more than half a century ago), manufacturers immediately began to recommend high placement. Because this position of the stove is really convenient.
From magazines of the 60s
Having a high oven position has other benefits. It is much easier to wash. It is less dangerous for children - a small child will not reach the door handle and will not be able to open it. Putting heavy dishes (such as large birds) in and out of the oven is much easier and, again, safer.
Electric cabinet vs gas
Ovens are connected either to a gas pipeline or to an electrical network. You can install a built-in oven with your own hands only in the second case, because any installation operations using a gas pipeline must certainly be carried out in the presence of specialists. Your task when choosing a gas oven is only to provide a niche for it.
Many people choose electrical cabinets because of their ease of installation. A gas oven requires the creation and approval of a project - this takes time and incurs additional expenses.
Therefore, exclude amateur activities - you risk not only a large fine, but also your life. And also the lives of your loved ones.
Various functions
It is worth mentioning that all models and types of ovens are multifunctional. Electric ovens, unlike gas ovens, have many more additional functions. The electric cabinet is capable of reproducing up to twelve different cooking options. While cheap electric and simple gas ones have only about four of these modes.
This difference in functions is due to the fact that during the cooking process a combination of upper and lower heating elements is used, as well as the presence of a convection fan.
There are even ovens with microwave functions on sale. It is suitable for those who do not want to buy an additional microwave. But the price of such a multifunctional device will be very high. Ovens with similar modes can be found in models from Bosch or Electrolux. These are some of the best oven manufacturers.
Possible installation locations
It all depends on the features of your kitchen unit and, in fact, the room as a whole.
In conditions of shortage of square meters, the most popular and justified option is to install an oven under the countertop.
In small kitchens, a hob is usually placed on top.
However, there are other embedding options:
- in a column cabinet - typical for spacious rooms, when placing, take into account your height, the optimal height is from 50 to 80 cm from the floor level;
- in the island - you can take advantage of the convenient layout and use this element as practically as possible;
- in a separate cabinet - if there is not enough space in the kitchen for a tall pencil case;
- at an angle - convenient for placement, because you can adjust the height as you like and comply with the rule of the working triangle.
Double oven
Ovens that are separate from the hob offer more flexibility in terms of layout. In addition, many people prefer to climb up to the stove instead of bending down. And in fact, it's much easier on your back! If you like this arrangement and can find a place for your microwave, this would be the best option.
In a kitchen like this photo, the microwave is located in a drawer hidden at the back of the island - a great solution. The main island sink allows the sleek electric cooktop to sit against the back wall.
Options: Double ovens are typically 61, 68.5 or 76 cm wide; height is different.
Double Oven Group Design by NVS Remodeling & Design
Size calculation
To ensure that you install a built-in oven yourself without any unpleasant surprises, ensure that the project is approved in advance.
You can do this: first, buy the appliance itself, and then order a kitchen set, taking into account the size of the purchased cabinet.
Or, after installing the headset, you select the appropriate option, keeping in mind the parameters of your niche.
Remember that the device should not fit end-to-end - the basic rules for its standardization will be discussed below.
Combination of single oven, microwave and warming drawer
This arrangement is also quite typical. It's good if you have space for a tall cabinet. It will be more beautiful if you also put something of the same height next to it - a refrigerator or another cabinet - stylish kitchen furniture never hurts. This setup is a great option to save space.
Two ovens side by side Design by Nurit Geffen-Batim Studio
How to prepare a niche and electrics
Most modern kitchen sets have special sides in the niche dedicated to the oven. As a rule, they are already mounted during production - the device is directly attached to them.
If there are no sides in your configuration, then it doesn’t matter - this does not affect the operation in any way. Simply install the oven as is. It will still take its place in the niche and will be securely fixed in it.
Some modules have a back wall by default. You can either remove it or just make a hole in it for the wiring. During installation, for ventilation purposes, a distance of 5 cm from the cabinet to the wall must be maintained.
By the way, she needs to pay special attention. You will need a separate electrical cable with a minimum cross-section of 2.5 mm. It will come from the distribution box - it can be connected directly to the wires that come from the cabinet.
There is another option: equip it with a separate 16-amp outlet that can withstand about 4 kW - the oven consumes quite a lot, so you need to provide it with the ability to realize such power.
In this case, you will also need a grounding plug, which is connected to the standard three-wire oven wiring through an insulated twist.
Place the socket not too low - at least 10 centimeters from the floor level.
Many experts do not recommend using direct rough twisting, indicating that the wires should be connected to each other exclusively with screw terminals.
Attention: you will also need a separate machine. Still, the power of modern ovens is decent, and it is necessary to protect the device from possible overloads.
However, we all understand that ideal conditions do not always exist. If you are renovating your kitchen from scratch, try to take into account all the nuances. If the oven needs to be built into a ready-made kitchen set, do it as best you can.
Choosing a color for the countertop
There are no strict rules for choosing a color for a tabletop; the main thing is that it matches the facades and apron - its “neighbors”. It is rarely made into a conceptual element using unusual color schemes; usually this role is assigned to a headset or apron. Therefore, neutral shades are most often used in the design of countertops.
The three most popular options are beige, black, gray. Countertops in beige shades are perhaps the leaders. Most often this is an imitation of wood or stone - natural materials. Typically, beige color is chosen by owners of kitchens in warm colors.
Owners of “cold” kitchens traditionally opt for gray countertops, which in the vast majority of cases also imitate stone, less often metal. However, both colors are universal and will suit absolutely any interior.
A black countertop is already a claim to a design solution. It is very much loved by owners of white kitchen sets and admirers of the Scandinavian style, as well as art deco and hi-tech. Often, with the help of this option, they try to add a touch of modernity to a kitchen with a set of wood. Such a tabletop effectively emphasizes the bright, rich colors.
Installation steps
Installing an oven with your own hands under the countertop requires the presence of a special compartment for it in your kitchen set. The most common size is 60x60 cm.
However, there are other options. Therefore, when ordering a headset, you already need to know exactly which cabinet you will have to deal with.
The algorithm itself is extremely simple:
- if you plan to work with a plug and socket, then twist the standard cable of the cabinet (yellow cable to white, blue to blue, brown to brown) and insulate the contacts;
- without inserting the cabinet, check that it is working properly - just connect the plug and make sure that the current is properly supplied to the device, and that the thermostat copes with all operating modes;
- insert the cabinet into the compartment and check the guide gaps on the right and left - they should be even and not exceed 5 cm each;
- try opening and closing the door - if you did everything correctly, you will not find any interference, it will easily move back and forth;
- take a drill and drill holes exactly where the holes are - usually there are 2 on each side of the cabinet;
- insert rubber gaskets into the resulting holes on the sides - they are usually included in the kit;
- tighten the screws - match them to the color of the cabinet itself so that they are not so noticeable and do not attract attention to themselves in the kitchen.
That’s probably all - the built-in oven has taken its place of honor in your set.
All stages are in one video instruction.
There are mere trifles left: wash the inside and later check the operation at the highest possible temperature - usually 250 degrees. Half an hour will be enough, after which you can safely clean the inside area again with a damp cloth and start cooking your favorite dishes.
The best of the best
Now the time has come to answer the question: how to choose the right oven? It is better for beginners and even experienced kitchen masters to choose an electronic oven, as it has more cooking modes and options.
The size should be chosen to suit the kitchen. If it is spacious, you can stop at the standard width of 60 centimeters. A 45 cm oven is more suitable for a small kitchen.
Based on the control method, it is better to choose a stand-alone oven. Its significant advantage is that the owners can independently decide where to install the equipment.
Enjoy cooking with the right equipment.
Safety
When installing and connecting the built-in oven, observe the following recommendations:
- Presence of a grounding contact. As a rule, in new houses, private houses, cottages, etc., there are no problems with this. But in older houses this can become a problem, which, however, can be easily solved. Pull an additional strand of electrical cable onto the landing and secure it to a metal surface. Grounding will eliminate problems with interruptions in the operation of the oven and ensure safety during operation of the device.
- Connection to the power line. The connected line for operating the oven must be equipped with a separate automatic switch, the power of which is calculated in proportion to the energy consumed by the oven.
- Service. Carefully read the instructions for the oven, and also plan the power supply in such a way as to ensure unobstructed and easy access to both the outlet that powers the product and the back wall of the kitchen appliances.
Compliance with these simple rules and following the instructions for the oven will ensure you safety and comfort when connecting and using the oven, and the cooking process will turn into a series of joys and new discoveries. Happy culinary experiments!
Features of choosing a TV in the kitchen
Which TV to choose for the kitchen? When choosing a device, you need to consider a number of nuances:
- Dimensions of equipment.
- Location. It should not interfere with the cooking process, and the image on the screen should be clearly visible from all corners of the kitchen.
- Distance. To minimize eye strain, the distance between the eyes and a small display should not be less than 2 m, the minimum distance between the eyes and a large panel is 2-2.5 m.
- Sustainability. If the equipment is not installed correctly, it can be accidentally touched and dropped.
- Viewing angle. Budget models are equipped with cheap, low-quality matrices. When looking at such a display at an angle, you may see distortion.
- Volume. There is usually a lot of noise from different sources in the kitchen. The sound volume of the device should cover the noise and at the same time demonstrate high quality.
It is better to install the TV in the kitchen so that the screen is visible from anywhere in the room
Typically, the screen resolution of a kitchen TV is a secondary issue. This technique in the kitchen plays the role of a radio, since the housewife has little time to carefully watch TV shows or films while cooking.
Modern LCD TVs are lightweight, so they can be mounted on the wall
Heating a one-room house
Small stove
There are three ways to place a stove in a house where there is only one room and there is not a single wall, even separating the kitchen or hallway.
- If the room is not very large, the fact that free space comes to the fore. A stove, even the smallest one, if placed in the middle, will steal a lot of it. In this case, the heat output will be maximum, there is nothing to say here, but constantly cruising around it is not entirely convenient. This option is suitable only with a spacious room.
- If you place the stove against the wall, there will be more free space. But, you say, in this case one working surface of the wall will work idle, directly heating the wall near which it is located. This is true, and in this case the wall must be protected from overheating using thermal insulation materials. Or place the stove so that there is a small gap between it and the wall, at least 15 centimeters wide. And the wall will be safe, and the warm air circulating in this opening will also work to heat the entire room.
- In very small houses, a stove of a special design is placed in the corner, observing all safety measures. Usually two work surfaces are enough to heat the entire room.
However, we must not forget that real skilled stove makers can even make a small stove in such a way that it can accommodate a stove, an oven and other auxiliary devices. Well, if used correctly, it will heat no worse than a real Russian village stove.
What types of built-in kitchens are there?
The furniture is selected so that the entire set looks like a single ensemble. To achieve this, all cabinets and shelves are made in the same style. The elements of the headset are made in the same color scheme.
Modern kitchen
For maximum convenience of each family member, the kitchen set can be arranged in several ways. Among them:
- straight;
- double row;
- corner;
- in the shape of the letter P.
Each of these forms has its pros and cons. The main thing is that they comply with all safety and ergonomic rules and easily cope with solving functional and stylistic problems. Before settling on a specific model, you need to take into account the overall interior design to which the kitchen set will fit.
High-tech style
Maybe put the TV on the kitchen shelf?
If you don't want to bother with mounting a bracket or for some reason you can't hang your TV on the wall, try mounting it on a kitchen shelf.
A good solution could be a kitchen set with space for a TV. It will have to be made to order, but in this case the TV screen will become not just entertainment, but an element of interior design.
If you plan to place the TV in a ready-made headset, think carefully about the place for it.
First of all, you need to measure the size of the TV. It should stand firmly on the designated shelf. The slightest hesitation is unacceptable.
Think carefully about shelf placement
As in the previous case, it is important to keep the TV away from the stove. Hot air combined with condensation can cause overheating or short circuiting.
In addition, unfavorable conditions will significantly shorten the life of the TV.
Don’t assume that a TV on a kitchen shelf looks unsightly. Properly selected kitchen furniture will allow you to organically fit the screen into the interior, making it even more comfortable.
Benefits of Direct Kitchen
A direct configuration headset has many advantages:
- if the room is combined with a living room, then when preparing food you will also be able to communicate with guests;
- household appliances and furniture can be placed against one wall, while the aesthetics and functionality of the room will be preserved;
- this arrangement is good for small rooms, especially if the owners often cook and are used to making a lot of edible supplies;
- an excellent option for a room with a complex layout, which also has access to a loggia/balcony;
- a good solution if you want to create a large dining area;
- the possibility of independent design - such headsets do not require any non-standard solutions;
- there are no corner modules in straight kitchens, so the price of such sets is more affordable;
- the compactness of the headsets increases the percentage of free space;
- everything you need is within walking distance - no “carousels” are needed;
- neat appearance;
- equally suitable in both large and small rooms
A huge number of advantages!
Who is a straight kitchen design suitable for?
All the shortcomings that can be found in direct configuration headsets are actually relative. For example, there are many people who simply do not need spacious cabinets and large countertops. They hardly cook at home and choose minimalism in decoration.
But if you cook often, then choose a longer countertop.
And in this case, a direct kitchen is what will make the dining area comfortable - put a large table and a comfortable sofa in it.
Looking for a kitchen set? For a small kitchen, straight is better suited. But straight layouts are also very popular in large rooms. If the length of the room is four to five meters, then a standard straight set will fit quite well. Compactness and modern appearance are the advantages of such solutions.