Category Archives: Appliance
A Thorough Guide to Selecting In-Built Kitchen Appliances
Believe it or not, all your smart kitchen appliances can be made to fit!
Planning on refurbishing your kitchen but can’t decide what to buy? You don’t have to spend too much time online browsing and visit the many kitchen appliance stores around your city, wondering what to get. We have the perfect guide for you.
Built-in kitchen appliances are the ones that are a part of your modular kitchen design and are integrated into your kitchen forever. Imagine a modular kitchen replete with seamless wooden built-in smart kitchen appliances, like a refrigerator built-in to a wooden cabinet and a similar concealed oven area.
A modular kitchen design with made-to-fit kitchen appliances has many advantages:
- It saves space
- It ensures seamless and perfectionist-approved design
- It is easy to maintain as the smart kitchen appliances are placed inside their respective cabinets
So, investing in the right built-in kitchen appliances will prove to be a long-standing and permanent asset to your kitchen. Therefore, choosing the right ones is vital. Before buying any kitchen appliance, you need to estimate the kitchen space available and place the appliances in a way that complements the kitchen design.
Let’s look at each appliance in detail:
REFRIGERATORS
Refrigerators in modular kitchens are of the following types:
1. Integrated refrigerators:
These types of refrigerators fit perfectly inside the allotted cabinet and camouflage into the modular kitchen design. They are seamless and blend in with your other cabinets. A fridge and freezer combination where the freezer can be on the top or on the bottom of the fridge is ideal for any kitchen. A minibar or wine storage area can also be placed in a similar fashion.
2. Panel ready/ overlay refrigerators:
These are placed inside a panel designed for the refrigerator area and are not that seamless with a modular kitchen design. They sit in a measured space and are quite conspicuous.
MICROWAVES
Microwaves are used to reheat foods and are a common addition to Indian households. They can vary largely in size and functionality. A basic model may only be used to reheat foods while advanced models available in the market today can function as ovens as well. It is important to ascertain your needs and the space you have before getting a separate microwave or a 2-in-1 option with baking capabilities.
OVENS
Ovens can be the traditional ones or microwave ovens. For an avid baker, a traditional oven with convection is more suitable. Oven-toaster-grills or OTGs are also a good option for kitchens with space limitations.
HOBS
A modern hob has proven to be superior to the traditional gas stove seen in most Indian homes as they conserve space, are safer, and boast sleek designs. Consider the top brands like Faber, Bosch, Elica, Kaff, Glen, and Siemens which offer high-quality hobs. However, if you’d like to go the traditional route and have a cooktop with an oven in-built, think of getting a cooking range instead. This may occupy more space and not look as sophisticated, though.
CHIMNEYS
Chimneys are placed above the hob and can be of many different types with various types of filters. They are an integral part of Indian homes as most of our cooking renders smoke and scents. The best brands for kitchen chimneys in India are Faber, Bosch, Elica, Sleek, Glen, Kaff, and Siemens.
DISHWASHERS
A dishwasher is one of the best kitchen appliances, which is still only starting to make an appearance in the Indian market. An in-built dishwasher saves time and effort. Dishwashers come in three types depending on their size-
- Full-sized dishwashers are designed for large kitchens and it saves energy as well as helps in conserving water. It can be freestanding or integrated. The in-built one is the integrated type.
- Compact dishwashers are smaller and are used only for very small kitchens which cater to one or two people. It is no bigger than a microwave, so it is a real space saver.
- Slimline dishwashers are designed for small kitchens. They can wash a few items at a time without taking up much space and do not help in conserving water.
Invest wisely in smart kitchen appliances that improve functionality, look aesthetic and save space while adapting to your modular kitchen design. Contact Bespoke Decor for more information.
Cleaning your In-built Modular Kitchen Appliances like a Pro!
Most modular kitchen retailers across India will be able to fit a selection of in-built sophisticated kitchen appliances for you, to complete your dream project. The most common modular kitchen appliances include the gas stove or hob and the chimney. However, a few retailers can also give you options for your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and water purifier. To take it a step further, others may even consider the appliances on your countertop- like the blender or an air fryer.
For the sake of this article, we shall be discussing how you can clean your two most common modular kitchen appliances– the stove/hob and the chimney- like a professional.
Cleaning the Stove/ Hob
Kitchen hygiene begins and ends with a clean gas stove. A dirty gas stove, while taking away from the beauty of a modular kitchen, is highly unhygienic. It would be unimaginable roasting eggplants and capsicums or giving chapatis that final fluff on a surface that holds grease and old food particles. When left uncleaned, the grease contributes to aging the appliance. In unlikely situations, they may even present a fire hazard.
It is recommended that the gas stove must be wiped clean every day. While some people advise using a mix of baking soda and salt to clean the stove, this must be avoided as it could scratch the surface. A better alternative would be to make a diluted version of your dishwashing liquid (dishwashing liquid+water) and use the soft portion of a sponge to wipe off any food debris.
Once every fortnight, it is recommended to deep clean the coils and drip pans which may have collected grime. Move the grates and burners and dip them in a solution of diluted dishwashing liquid. In the meantime, use the same mix on the stove and allow it to sit a few minutes as it collects the grime. Wipe off with a damp cloth (soft stains) or a soft toothbrush with a mix of salt and baking soda in a gentle motion (for tough stains) to get rid of any unwanted debris from below the stove coils. Be sure to check the fuel ports and ensure that they remain unclogged.
Cleaning the Chimney
Indian cooking has a high involvement of pressure cooking, frying and preparation of spicy or fried food. These may contribute to increased grime and stains on the chimney.
To maintain your chimney in immaculate condition, make sure that you wipe it down with a microfiber cloth (refrain from using any liquid on the display) every day, right after you clean your stove.
It is advised to do a deep cleaning of the chimney mesh filters every alternate month. Use a diluted dishwashing liquid and a scrubber to make it clean. You could also soak it overnight in this liquid to loosen up the tough stains.
Ditch the harsh chemicals and overpriced cleaning liquids- this kitchen cleaning blog is about keeping it simple. All you need are a few basic equipment and ingredients available around the house.
For more details on modular kitchen appliances, contact Bespoke Decor at +91 90 20 10 70 22 | 23
A Popular In-Built Kitchen Appliance- the Dishwasher!
The in-built dishwasher is one of the most sought-after appliances in the modern modular kitchen.
One of the most detested household chores universally is washing dishes. In a country like India, with an increased dependency on household help, it wasn’t common to find a dishwasher in the kitchens. With the pandemic forcing people (and their domestic help) to stay at home came an onslaught of people learning to cook and being forced to do the dishes. It’s no shock that the pandemic boosted dishwasher sales across the country and people are trying to be more sterile and self-reliant in the process of cleaning their dishes. Some even went on to claim that the dishwasher is now the new washing machine and deemed it an absolute must-have appliance!
Why you should buy a dishwasher
Here are a few reasons why this popular kitchen appliance must become part of your modular kitchen and why it is better than the conventional method of washing your dishes by hand.
1. Hygiene-
There is often a widespread misconception that washing dishes by hand will result in a deeper clean. Research suggests that these sophisticated and functional machines can use hot water of up to 70°C, not possible to wash by hand, killing a huge proportion of germs to lend a superior clean. In addition to this, using dishwashers also minimises odours and nasty smells, thereby keeping away pests, since no dishes are collected in the sink.
2. Stains from Indian cooking removed-
It is a well-established fact that Indian cooking uses a lot of spices that have a tendency to stain utensils. It is harrowing to scrub turmeric and tomato stains by hand but a dishwasher will remove them easily in comparison.
3. Effective drying cycle-
After washing your dishes manually, you need to individually wipe the dishes with a clean washcloth or leave them on a drying rack to drain, but a dishwasher renders the cleaned dishes dry and ready to be placed back in your kitchen cabinets.
4. Environmentally-friendly-
Believe it or not, running a full load in a dishwasher actually saves more water than washing it manually would. You just need to rid the utensils of large debris and the dishwasher takes care of the rest for you! Talk about being a more sustainable option. This is especially beneficial for larger families with a large volume of vessels to wash on a daily basis.
5. Ease of use and reduced dependency on manual labour-
Research suggests that using a dishwasher saves you and your household almost 10 days a year that would have gone towards washing the dishes manually. You can also give your domestic help a break more often and load up the dishwasher instead!
Drawbacks of dishwashers
There are just a couple of cons that dishwashers have which include:
1. Not compatible with all utensils-
It is imperative that you educate yourself on which utensils are dishwasher-safe and which are not.
2. Overhead charges-
People are most often concerned about receiving higher utility bills on account of running a dishwasher. However, it should be mentioned that these costs are negligible and well worth the time saved on manual labour.
However, despite these two drawbacks, it is apparent that the pros of a dishwasher outweigh the cons.
Dishwasher price in India
Dishwasher costs in the country are highly dependent on their size, type, and brand. Cheapest options begin from Rs 20,000 and go all the way up to Rs 90,000. Keep an eye out for dishwasher offers, online and in-store when you go for a dishwasher demo, to get concessions on the dishwasher price. Smaller sizes, freestanding dishwashers, and off-brand dishwashers may be lighter on the wallet but may not necessarily be a good addition to the kitchen. The upper limit is the Bosch in-built dishwasher price, which will mould itself tastefully with the rest of your modular kitchen while completing its function to perfection!
You may have qualms about dishwasher installation and repair too. Usually Indian kitchens do not have a facility to install a dishwasher, but that is one of the biggest advantages of modular kitchens. When you get a modular kitchen remodel or renovation was done with the Bespoke Decor team, we offer you a wide variety of in-built modular kitchen appliances to choose from and one of these is an in-built dishwasher.
Seeing a kitchen sink sinking in dishes won’t get you down any more! Reach out to Bespoke Decor for more information on in-built kitchen appliances.
Ultimate Buying Guide: Answering 3 Microwave FAQs
An inbuilt microwave is a great addition for good functionality and aesthetics in a modular kitchen.
Many customers are confused when it comes to microwaves. Frequently asked questions from our customers include “Microwave vs oven– what’s the difference?”, “How many types of microwave ovens are there?” and “Which microwave oven is the best?”. Through this article, we will attempt to answer all these questions so that you can make a decision on which microwave works best for your individual needs.
Of late, the microwave has become a must-have kitchen appliance in Indian homes. People have realized the benefits of using the microwave’s powers to make their cooking process quicker, use fewer utensils, and make it mess-free. With the advent of YouTube and people experimenting with cooking different cuisines, many people even opt for a microwave with an oven for two-in-one benefits. A few decades ago, microwave price was unaffordable to the middle-class family but that is no longer the case. People believe that it is an addition that adds value, saves time, and makes their work easier.
The benefits of a microwave oven include:
- Quicker cooking than the conventional cooktop or hob
- Lower electric energy consumption than other electric cooking equipment
- No external heat, flames, or smoke generated
- Safer to use can be used by children too
- No large-scale food spills
- Healthier cooking as nutrients are preserved
Let’s get to answering the frequently asked questions on microwaves.
1. Microwave vs Oven
Microwave is just a shortened version of ‘microwave oven’. It refers to those kitchen appliances that use microwave radiation to heat food. Heating in a solo microwave happens from the inside out. Basic microwaves cannot be used as an oven (for baking or grilling) unless they come with those add-on features. The primary function of a microwave is to reheat food.
However, an oven is a completely different appliance. Ovens have a different mechanism where electromagnetic radiation is not used, but it has a heat source with a fan instead which raises the temperature of the cooking chamber. Cooking in an oven happens from the outside in, unlike microwaves.
2. How many types of microwave ovens are there?
Based on their style, microwave ovens are categorized into two.
- Freestanding microwaves
These are bulky and large microwave ovens that are usually seen in most kitchens. They are often placed on the kitchen countertop and occupy an expansive space.
- Inbuilt microwaves
The appliance of choice for a newly-designed modular kitchen, the inbuilt microwave is integrated into your kitchen design to create a more ergonomic cooking experience where you needn’t bend down and the microwave shall be at eye-level.
Based on their desired function, microwave ovens are categorized into three.
- Solo Microwave
This basic microwave type can only be used for reheating food and basic functions, apt for small families or bachelors. However, they are not suitable for grilling or baking purposes. Due to their limited functionality, they are also the most pocket-friendly option.
- Grill Microwave
This variety of microwave ovens come with the equipment and functionality to grill the food in addition to the reheating function. This option is particularly useful for people who prefer healthy cooking. With options ranging from rotisserie chicken to delectable kebabs, the grill microwave is the perfect calorie-conscious cooking assistant in the kitchen.
- Convection Microwave Oven
There is generally a lot of confusion on whether an oven and microwave are the same. Get the best of both worlds by investing in a convection microwave oven. This is the top variety where all functions ranging from baking, grilling, reheating and cooking can be performed interchangeably.
3. Which microwave oven is the best?
The microwave oven suitable for one household may not be acceptable for another. It is important to ascertain your needs to arrive at a decision on which the microwave oven would be the best. Our recommendation would be to choose an inbuilt convection microwave oven so that complete functionality and aesthetics are granted using just a single appliance!
To get the best microwave solutions for your modular kitchen, reach out to Bespoke Decor!
The All-Encompassing Beginners Guide to Modular Kitchen Chimneys
Now that Kerala-style fish fry smell won’t reach your vegetarian neighbours!
The one addition you see in clean and smoke-free modular kitchens are definitely kitchen chimneys. Hands down, they keep your work triangle spick and span, not to forget, well-ventilated too.
With a cosy home and an ergonomic modular kitchen in place- fitting a few of the prime kitchen accessories are more of a necessity than a choice. Without a modular kitchen chimney installed, how else would you avoid your favorite Kerala fish fry aroma from reaching your vegetarian neighbors?
We sure have the best solutions for your kitchen ideas, not just to make it smoke-free, but cost-effective too. Read on to find out more.
What types are available in the market?
1. Wall Mounted Chimney
Fixed above the stove onto the wall, these chimneys add a modern touch to your kitchen. These chimneys are budget-friendly and best suited for smoke and spice intensive Indian cooking.
2. Island Chimney
Just as the name suggests, the stove stands away from the walls, and hence, the chimney is above the stove in an island fashion. These chimneys are best for a U-shaped or open kitchen layout.
3. Built-in Chimney
With a seamless look, these chimneys come in box shapes. The parts fit inside the kitchen cabinet, making the chimney almost invisible. This decorative chimney radically reduces smoke and fumes while producing less noise when in operation.
4. Straight Line Chimney
This type of chimney is best suited for small-sized kitchens. It is designed in a way that it extends only halfway over the stove.
5. Corner-type Chimney
Compact and well-adapting to small spaces, corner-type chimneys are located just above a stove placed in the corner of a kitchen. These chimneys add a natural look to the corner space.
6. Curved Glass Chimney
These chimneys come with push buttons, allowing easy access to features. These are decorative chimneys which add a design-savvy look to your modern modular kitchen.
Get to know chimney filters
Mesh/Cassette:
- Aluminium type, lightweight and detachable
- These filters are inexpensive
- Can retain oil particles, fume or grease while only releasing hot air outside
- Difficult to clean between the layers
Baffle:
- These filters have a bigger space for air movement
- Easier for airflow
- Baffle filters are dishwasher-safe and easy to dust
- Expensive
- Heavy in weight due to steel structure and pipes
Charcoal/Carbon:
- These filters allow only hot air to pass
- Charcoal granules absorb the grease and can be used for a ductless chimney
- Since the charcoal granules cannot be washed, the filters have to be replaced once in a while
Which are the best brands?
Some of the best brands that keep pace with futuristic designs and technology for decorative chimneys are:
- Faber
- Bosch
- Elica
- Sleek
- Glen
- Kaff
- Siemens
When selecting a decorative chimney for your modular kitchen, always consult a specialist to choose a cost-effective set-up while choosing the size and calculating the suction capacity of a chimney. As a layman, pondering over these factors could be a challenge. Consult your nearest top-rated interior designer like Bespoke Decor to get your best options.
Now that you are aware of the few designs and filter types, choose a kitchen chimney that compliments your modular kitchen. Still, confused? We are only a call away!
A Comprehensive Tutorial on How to Pick an Oven for Baking!
Oven fresh delicacies baked at home will soon be a reality.
The hunt for that perfect oven for baking in Indian households usually begins with a spark of an idea to bake oven-fresh delicacies in the comfort of your home. Many cooking channels have recipes on how to bake cakes using pressure cookers and other commonly spotted appliances but nothing quite compares to the feeling of digging into a moist cake baked in your oven.
Oven Types to Choose From in India
If you’re designing or remodeling your modular kitchen and are looking to add this handy kitchen appliance to aid with your cooking and baking process, look no further. Let’s look at the two oven types you can choose from, solely based on design:
- Countertop oven:
As the name suggests, this variant occupies a significant amount of space on your kitchen countertop. They come in a variety of dimensions and it is important to consider how much you will be baking when picking one out.
- Built-in oven:
The more sensible option would be the built-in oven which is incorporated flawlessly and in an ergonomic manner into your modular kitchen design. It would most often be placed at eye level and rest within a wall cove or into an assigned cabinet, thereby not invading your countertop space. The built-in oven price may be higher than a countertop one but it is better in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
As mentioned above, ovens can be of various sizes which is highly dependent on the family size. In terms of size, ovens may be classified as:
- 20 L Ovens
For a basic addition to your modular kitchen to inspire the novice baker in you to feed up to 4 people, this size of the oven may work best.
- 32 L Ovens
For families having to cater to up to 6 people with moderate baking needs, a 32 L oven is ideal.
- 40 L Ovens
If baking is fairly commonplace in your household and your baked treats await feeding 8 or so hungry mouths, this size is recommended.
- 60 L Ovens
Several entrepreneurs run home baking businesses selling bread, cakes, and other baked goods. For them, a 60 L oven would be an absolute requirement to deal with the large volume of orders.
For those who want to make a decision on which oven to buy based on their function, the following classification may prove to be helpful:
- Microwave Oven with Convection
Most of the Indian population believe that a microwave is one of those must-have kitchen appliances, so it only makes sense for them to invest in an appliance that offers them a two-in-one benefit to reheat their food as well as a grill, roast, or bake goodies interchangeably. This is a great option to save space too and is available in countertop and built-in varieties.
- Oven Toaster Grill (OTG)
This is usually the oven of choice for those looking to bake cakes or bread as this oven price is lower than a microwave oven with convection. They are further subdivided into two varieties:
- Conventional OTG
This traditional OTG is suitable for small families and they have heating coils positioned to surround the food with hot air. Unfortunately, this is considered a disadvantage since it may result in an unevenly baked end-product.
- OTG with Convection
For those who want to avoid an unevenly baked product and still want a more economical option to a microwave oven with convection, the OTG with convection is a wonderful option. It is fitted with a fan to circulate and distribute the air within the oven in an even manner.
We hope this guide has helped you arrive on a decision regarding your choice of oven. Happy baking to you from Bespoke Decor!
Things to Consider Before Selecting a Kitchen Hob
And answering your doubts on whether a hob or stove is the better option.
With technology in the limelight, traditional methods of cooking have changed the face of modular kitchens. Yes, you built yourself a beautiful kitchen for the baker in you, but what’s a kitchen without a cooktop?
Your kitchen is literally the heart of your home, pumping the space with lots of work, and not to forget, the good food. Choosing an appliance to adorn one of the most important aspects of your work triangle with the best ergonomics is a fairly tough job. So, we begin by asking you: Would you choose the same old gas stove OR the modern avatars of the gas stove– a cooktop?
We tell you why it’s best to choose the latter. Yes, we also have the most convincing reasons for you to invest in a high-quality cooktop.
1. Safety first!
Compared to traditional gas stoves, modern kitchen hobs have high levels of safety. There are timers to set a specific cooking time and even better, a flame failure function that turns off the gas supply when the burner goes off.
2. Cooking made easy
Over traditional gas stoves, kitchen hobs have an increased efficiency to work better. The cooktops do not protrude but sit on the level of the countertop. The built-in designs make it easy for you to load or unload heavy vessels too. Cooktops come with an auto-ignition feature that lights the burners. Kitchen stovetop cleaning is a no-brainer with its built-in designs.
3. Sleek and stylish
Elevate the aesthetics of your kitchen with these cooktops which come in different finishes. With a sleek touch, kitchen hobs are more appealing than traditional burner stoves.
4. Want more? There is more.
For the master chef in you, different recipes would need different cooking temperatures, right? Over a limited range of heat control in traditional gas stoves, kitchen hobs offer multi-flame burners with temperature controls. Additionally, the burners are long-lasting too.
Apart from these, here are some more factors you may want to consider before finalising on a kitchen cooktop.
- The choice of burners ranges from a single ring made of aluminum alloy for slow cooking (European sealed burners) and double rings for high flame, similar to traditional gas stoves, which are made for the Indian kitchen style. These burners are mildly steel coated or forged as brass burners and are sturdy in action.
- Gas cooktops and kitchen stove ovens are best installed by licensed plumbers or electricians as they come with various statutory requirements.
- The kitchen stove dimension is an important factor when it comes to the placement of the kitchen hob. The majority of hobs use a standard size of four burners in a rectangular panel. However, larger sizes are available too.
- With regard to the pricing of kitchen stoves, cooktops are slightly pricier than the traditional gas stoves.
If you have a spacious kitchen, installing a hob in an island kitchen can serve the purpose of a centralised cooking experience. As far as Indian households are concerned, the ‘Vastu Shastra’ holds prime importance for every corner of the house. The stove Vastu recommends the appliance to be placed in a southeast position for positive energy.
If you think your kitchen needs a makeover and you’re keen on investing in the big names, consider brands like Faber, Bosch, Elica, Kaff, Glen, and Siemens which offer high-quality stovetops.
Choosing the right type of kitchen hob is all about your style of cooking, the frequency, and personal choice of the household. With the above-mentioned points, we hope you get your answers right. Besides, who doesn’t like a fancy kitchen?
Still have queries? We have answers. Contact us on +91 90 20 10 70 22 | 23 for the details.