Category Archives: Kitchen
The Kitchen Work Triangle: Interior Design Rule or Myth?
Is it really as important as it is believed to be?
The kitchen is a space of a house that makes it a home- it is where food is prepared to feed the family. A few studies reveal that an average of 6 hours is spent in the kitchen by an Indian woman or man. If you will be spending this much time in the kitchen, shouldn’t it be as user-friendly as it can possibly be?
This brings us to the kitchen interior design concept of the Kitchen Work Triangle- a time-tested theory and a commonly used benchmark to measure a kitchen’s design and functionality.
What is the Kitchen Work Triangle?
- This triangle connects three units- the stove/cooktop, fridge, and the kitchen sink
- Best practices suggest that the line connecting any two of these three units should not be below 4 feet or above 9 feet
- The total of all three sides of the kitchen triangle should be under 26 feet
- The triangle should not be crossed by any major traffic patterns or full-height obstructions
What this does is that it allows a clear flow without unnecessary movements between your cooking, cleaning, and food storage areas in your modular kitchen. This concept originated in the 1940s and it has continued to evolve over the years to catch up with the multi-functional ever-evolving modern kitchen. Let’s examine each one of these three traditionally labelled zones in detail and then take a look at the newer modifications:
1. Cooking Zone
Most kitchens have stoves or induction plates wherein food is cooked. This is where you use your culinary skills and create your edible masterpieces!
It is advised to store your cooking utensils and commonly used spices in the cabinets at the closest proximity to the cooktop.
Recent modifications also include ovens and microwaves in these zones. It is important to consider how important these other two cooking appliances are to your daily cooking and then make a decision regarding their placement.
2. Cleaning Zone
The cleaning zone mainly comprises the kitchen sink. It is here that used dishes are placed during and after cooking to be scrubbed and cleaned.
Recent modifications to this zone include dishwashers, garbage disposal units and a place to keep your household cleaning supplies. It is commonly noticed that the dishwashers and waste disposal is usually set up very close to and below the kitchen sink respectively. In some instances for hygiene reasons, garbage storage may be allotted to a different area of the kitchen. As for household cleaning supplies, speak to your interior designer to set this up in your under-sink cabinet too.
3. Food Storage Zone
The last zone of the kitchen triangle is the food storage zone which was considered to be the refrigerator. However, this is just one aspect of food storage i.e. wet storage.
Now, dry storage units are also to be considered as part of the kitchen work triangle. This could comprise the cabinet spaces where you store dry ingredients like rice, pasta, flour and other packaged food items.
Newer zone additions within the work triangle (or quadrilateral):
4.Preparation Zone
In the cooking process, the preparation of the ingredients is a major step. A large countertop space needs to be kept free to chop vegetables, roll out the dough, or mix ingredients. This area must have easy access to your knives, chopping boards, and measuring cups to ensure maximal comfort.
Newer zone additions out of the work triangle which can be incorporated into a general kitchen design:
5.Non-food Storage Zone
Many kitchens have display units installed in the wall cabinets for china, silverware, crystal dining ware, or just cookbooks. While this may not be an integral part of the work triangle, it is based entirely on client requirements.
6.Dining Zone
A few clients choose to keep a small dining table within their kitchen space as a breakfast nook. While this lies outside the work triangle, it would be wise to ensure that the path from your countertop to the dining zone is free of traffic.
Our top tip would be to work closely with your interior designer to mark out your priorities when it comes to your workflow in the kitchen. Whether you want to strictly adhere to the concept of the kitchen work triangle or tweak it to your personal needs is a matter of your discretion. This may be a tried-and-tested concept but the newer modifications allow you to create a more customised blueprint for your kitchen.
For a free consultation on your kitchen design, contact +91 90 20 10 70 22 | 23
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!
Keeping it True with False Ceiling Designs in Modular Kitchens
For a top-to-bottom kitchen makeover, a beautiful false ceiling design for the kitchen is mandatory!
When people think of kitchen makeovers, the priorities remain on the base and wall cabinets, countertops, appliances, and to an extent, the kitchen walls. One aspect of a top-to-bottom kitchen makeover frequently overlooked is the ceiling for your kitchen.
A false ceiling is a fitted ceiling mounted a minimum of 8 inches away from the original ceiling. It has become commonplace in home interiors today especially in living spaces and bedrooms. However, a frontier that remains largely unexplored is the false ceiling design for the kitchen and there are some implications and subtle differences of a false ceiling in a kitchen when compared to another spot in the house, which only an expert could guide you on.
Considerations before you splurge on a false ceiling for your kitchen
Before you get to installing a false ceiling for your kitchen, read this guide to make sure that it will work out well for your space:
- Make sure that there is enough of a height allowance to install a false ceiling that will not encroach into your space and make it look more cramped. There are some false ceiling designs and materials to stay away from like POP if you have a small kitchen to start off with.
- Make sure that you have finalized all the lighting in your kitchen. With a false ceiling, you can easily conceal this wiring and ensure even better aesthetics.
- AC ducts, piping, and other electrical wires can also be concealed using a false ceiling, so make sure that all these are in place and permanently agreed upon before you begin.
- In case of fire hazards, given that the kitchen is a zone prone to this variety of accident, choose a false ceiling material that can retard fire propagation.
- Use a material that does not stain easily from the smoke or dust in a kitchen. Options for this would include glass materials.
Materials used for false ceilings in the kitchen
There are a variety of materials that are suited to be used as false ceilings for kitchens. The most popular options include:
- Gypsum
The gypsum false ceiling is one of the most lightweight options of all and is the most economical of all the varieties, making it a popular choice in the Indian market. They are a reliable option too as they are rather smooth and fire and moisture-resistant. Being ready to use in the form of gypsum boards, they can be suspended off the ‘true ceiling’ with iron or wood before they receive a coat of paint. They can be even elevated to a glossy finish and are highly customizable.
- Plaster of Paris (PoP)
PoP is a variant of gypsum that is semi-dehydrated and therefore shares some of the beneficial properties of being economical, smooth, lightweight, and fire and moisture-resistant. PoP for kitchen ceilings is better for etched or patterned designs when compared to gypsum. Being easily customizable, they are very common too!
- Wood
Being fairly expensive, wood is often used in a small zone of the complete kitchen ceiling to enhance its appearance and conceal wiring. However, for a kitchen, make sure that the wood is treated using a fire-resistant finish to minimize hazards. Paneling the wood or cutting it into eccentric shapes are a few innovative false ceiling ideas that clients seem to love.
Though materials like PVC and glass are used for the fabrication of false ceiling designs in other parts of their homes, they both are not conducive for use in the kitchen. PVC leads to the production of toxic fumes when subject to continuous heat making it an unwise option for the kitchen ceiling. Glass would stain and change colors from the heat and smoke produced during cooking in the kitchen.
Reach out to Bespoke Decor for more details, expert guidance, and ideas, if you want to transform your kitchen!
How to Select the Right Interior Designer for You
Making the right choice has a tried-and-tested formula.
No matter what you intend on purchasing or investing in, chances are you’ll carry out extensive research before arriving at a decision. If you have a home interiors project in the works and are looking for the best interior designer in Kerala to rope in for the home interior design, we have a few tips you must keep in mind to make a selection you won’t regret.
The idea is to base your pick after two rounds- in the first phase, conduct thorough research personally before actually approaching an interior designer, and in the second phase, identifying good practices that all well-rated interior designers possess.
Phase 1: Pre-Selection Research
These are a few steps to go through before you make a list of interior designers to approach.
- Do your homework
Before initiating the process, it is important to do your homework. This could include reading blogs (our Idea Book is a great resource), watching YouTube videos, checking Pinterest, and asking around.
- Search for experts
Are you looking for a complete home or flat interior design makeover? Or are you focusing on certain areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom?
There are only a handful of interior designers in Kerala that can produce immaculate results for a complete home interior design transformation. Giving the complete work to a single contractor may seem hassle-free at first, but it may result in poor detailing and execution due to a lack of experience in a niche field.
For zonal transformations, keep in mind that a kitchen interior designer may possess a different set of niche skills than a bathroom or bedroom interior design. List out your options based on your research for experts who you believe can do the job well. There are experts when it comes to modular kitchens, wardrobes, lighting, false ceilings, and so on too.
- Recommendations and word-of-mouth suggestions
An important step in the pre-selection process is to speak to friends and family who may be able to give you referrals. Their good personal experience with the interior designer may be indicative of a job well done. However, it must be noted that every space is vastly different, and therefore, your design must be created specifically for your space. A few companies even offer referral discounts, which may be beneficial to both parties.
- Reading online reviews
Without a doubt, in today’s data-powered world, online reviews are an unbiased source of creating a judgment regarding an interior designer or company. One read through a couple of reviews will give a clear picture of how a firm functions. Several renowned interior design companies in Kerala promise a tentative quote but reveal the design only on payment of a non-refundable advance. Do not feel obligated to fall for this. Read through several online reviews on a variety of platforms (Google Business Listing, Facebook, Website) to gain clarity.
Phase 2: Indications of Good Interior Designers
On completion of the four steps in Phase 1, it’s most likely that you have earmarked a few favorites. Let’s discuss a few indications of good interior designers that can reassure you of making the right choice. If at any point in time, red flags are raised, do not hesitate to seek out another designer.
- Seamless service from the very start
A clear indication, if an interior designing company is professional, is whether they assign a few fixed points of contact for you to reach out to if you have queries. Designing a home or a part of your home is a big deal and you need to collaborate with a team who understands the importance of this.
- Set up
Assess how well their entire setup runs, especially the back-end support systems like the factory and the showroom.
- After-sales service
Companies have a tendency to put on exemplary sales, in the beginning, to attract you as a customer. However, you must remember that the products promised by interior designers are meant to last almost a lifetime. This is why it is important to look for companies that stand by you in the post-sales period too.
- Completed projects
When you speak to an interior designer or a company, be sure to ask for pictures and videos of their completed projects. Do not hesitate to request details of ongoing projects too. If possible, ask them to share the contact details of previous customers so you can collect honest feedback from them.
Keep an eye out for potential red flags and eventually realize that the entire transaction must be based on making your dream home a reality. Reach out to Bespoke Decor at +91 90 20 10 70 22 | 23 to set up an appointment.
Six Proven Ways to Address Termites in the Kitchen
These tiny pests can create big damages!
The tiny termite may seem innocent and unassuming, but only someone who has personally dealt with a termite infestation in their kitchen knows the extent of damages they can cause. Let’s start off with the basics.
How to identify and control termites:
Wooden furniture is most often affected by the dry wood variety of termites, rather than its cousin- the subterranean termite. Drywood termites, as their name suggests, thrive even in the absence of moisture and therefore, infest dry furniture. You may have often heard of people complaining of termites in the kitchen cabinet.
Since we now know the type of pest we are likely dealing with, let’s now look at the telltale signs of termites in the kitchen, the identification of which can help prevent catastrophic damage to your cabinetry.
- See saw(dust)
The sight of mounds of sawdust-like material inside your kitchen cabinets is an indication that you might be dealing with this tiny terror! This powder-like material is in fact termite droppings and is highly indicative of their presence.
- Knock on wood
Try putting some pressure or knocking on your wooden cabinetry. If it feels soft, hollow, or can be squished, it’s likely that there are termites in your kitchen cabinet.
- Hole(y)-moley
Termites enter and exit wooden cabinetry through tiny pinpoint holes. Examine your kitchen cabinets for multiple tiny holes if you suspect termites in the kitchen.
- Bubble bubble, termite trouble
Look for raised bubbles or peeling in your kitchen woodwork and walls as this may be indicative of an infestation.
How to get rid of termites
Now, the next question on your mind surely is “How to kill termites?”
It is a known fact that ample sunlight works well against termites, but what if the amount of sunlight your kitchen receives is not in your control? Here are six useful tips to prevent and address termite infestations, divided over three stages of the life of your modular kitchen.
Before construction or kitchen remodeling:
- Proactive pest control
Call any local pest control service to assess your site and treat the kitchen prior to construction or remodel.
- Invest in termite-resistant kitchen cabinet materials and treat it beforehand
While natural wood seems like a great option on paper, it is one of the materials most susceptible to termite attacks. MDF, HDF, and plywoods are better in terms of resisting termite attacks but still not 100% resistant. You could also treat the wood before cabinet work ensues to resist attacks from these pests to an extent.
Maintenance-related concerns:
- Routine checks looking for signs of termite infestation
Use the 4 steps mentioned to get an idea if a termite infestation is ongoing. Prompt action is key to managing termites in the kitchen.
- Maintaining good plumbing
A clean kitchen contributes to the limited growth of these pests. Plumbing plays an important role to ensure that you have tidy and efficient systems in place.
After a confirmed termite infestation:
- Simple home remedy against termites
In case you have detected termites in the kitchen, limit their growth using a simple home remedy before calling a professional pest control team. Boric acid offers brilliant results in limiting their growth.
- Professional pest control directed to kill termites
The final course of action would be to rope in the professional exterminators to initiate chemical treatment and eliminate the pests.
Reach out to Bespoke Decor to find a kitchen cabinet material for your modular kitchen that can resist termite attacks.
Imagine a Kitchen Without Cockroaches!
Here’s why you’re having cockroaches in your kitchen and how to get rid of them!
The sight of cockroaches can have most people feeling shivers down their spines. They are notorious for spreading germs and being a carrier of the disease, along with ruining your favorite kitchen appliances and furniture.
Though unsightly, unfortunately, a lot of Indian homes deal with the issue of cockroaches in the kitchen! The main reason for this is that a kitchen possesses the three items on a cockroach’s hierarchy of needs- food, water, and shelter. You can, to some extent, prevent the entry of these pesky beings to your kitchen by keeping these three tips in mind to limit the three basic needs of a cockroach:
- Clean your kitchen every night
Cockroaches are notorious for eating just about anything. Make sure you seal and stow away food into the fridge or where you intend on storing it. Before you lock up the kitchen for the night, ensure that all the dishes are done and that the sink is clean. Give the countertops and gas stove a thorough wipedown too. Make sure that your trash can is covered or stowed away.
- Hunt for and seal any spots of water leakage
If you live in a humid location like Kerala, you’ll find that this pest is a common sight. Cockroaches need moisture and water for survival. The only source a cockroach would need would be a leaking water pipe or any standing water. Address water leakage issues at the earliest.
- Prevent clutter in your kitchen
A clutter-free kitchen is a cockroach’s enemy! Make sure that all the materials and appliances in your kitchen cabinet are spaced out and open up the doors to allow ventilation once in a while. Old cardboard boxes and grooves of unused kitchen appliances are cosy spots for cockroaches to hide and start family planning in!
Two BEST Ways How to Get Rid of and Remove Cockroaches in the Kitchen
- Cockroach Baits
Baits are creative ways to trick cockroaches in the kitchen- attracting them with the smell of items they like and trapping them in a jar they can’t get out of. This is the preferred option for those individuals who do not want to kill the cockroaches but merely want to get rid of them. Items you could use to attract them include coffee grounds and cucumber peels, placed within a tin can or a glass jar that the cockroach cannot get out of.
- DIY Cockroach Repellents & Insecticides
Here are a few natural cockroach repellent formulations you could consider.
- Cockroaches detest the smell of certain fragrant oils like neem and peppermint. Take a spray bottle and make a mixture of one of these two oils with some saltwater and spray it in areas where these pests are usually spotted.
If you want to refrain from using the toxic chemical-based insecticides available in the market, why not try making your own insecticide using a few items from around the house?
- For an effective bait and insecticide mixture, use sugar mixed with baking soda. While the sugar is appealing to the cockroach, the baking soda acts as an insecticide.
- Boric acid has a purpose beyond the carrom board- it can kill cockroaches too! A little goes a long way- so dust a little powder in areas where you spot cockroaches. However, refrain from doing this if you have little children in the kitchen.
In case nothing else works and the cockroach infestation is a bother, consider getting professional pest control done every once in a while!
The Big Gas Stove vs Electric Stove Debate
Let’s compare the conventional gas stove and the electric stove and see who wins!
Your new modular kitchen is more or less done and you’re making the final decisions on the nitty-gritty daily use kitchen appliances you need. You may be someone who has gotten used to a Glen or Prestige gas stove, but you’re willing to consider making a switch to an electric stove- after all, it would look great in your new modular kitchen!
The comparison between the gas stove and electric stove begins at price and continues to include several parameters. Both come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s settle this debate once and for all- a gas stove or electric stove- which one is better?
- Safety Factor
One of the major reasons most households switch from a gas stove to an electric stove is owing to the improved safety quotient of the latter. The risk of gas leaks is completely eliminated and there is evidence that fire-related incidents are lower in homes with electric stoves. Electric stoves are the preferred option in homes with very young or old people who may be careless or forgetful.
🏆: Electric Stove
- Maintenance
There was once a point of time when people would toil over the gas stove after a tiresome day of cooking getting rid of the grime and stains. Weekly deep cleaning sessions were also mandatory for a hygienic stovetop. On the other hand, most electric stoves these days come with ceramic tops that are fairly easier to clean- all that would be needed is a damp cleaning cloth.
🏆: Electric Stove
- Kitchen Layout and Space Required
For those who have small kitchens, the amount of space that the stove would take is an important thing to consider. The space needed for a gas stove and electric stove both depend on how many burners are needed to fulfill the cooking requirements of the household. They both are available in several sizes which can be chosen based on your preference.
🏆: Tie between Gas and Electric Stove
- Gas and Electric Stove Price
When gas stove and electric stove prices are compared, it is clear that electric stoves are a little pricier. In terms of operational costs too, electric stoves ring higher considering electricity bills vs gas bills.
🏆: Gas Stove
- Energy Efficiency
Electric stoves are proven to be 34% more energy-efficient in comparison to gas stoves. This indicates that food is also cooked a lot quicker using an electric stove!
🏆: Electric Stove
- Temperature Control
With the click of a single button, an electric stove can be switched on and begin the cooking process. Temperatures are easier to control and switch between in the case of an electric stove. Boiling occurs quicker in an electric stove. However, cooking is said to be more even on a gas stove.
🏆: Tie between Gas and Electric Stove
- Functionality during Power Cut
This goes without saying, an electric stove would fail to switch on during a power outage whereas a gas stove would not.
🏆: Gas Stove
- Aesthetics
In the battle of which looks better amongst the gas or electric stove, the resounding answer would be the latter. It has a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
🏆: Electric Stove
While it proved to be a very close call, the electric stove emerged as a clear winner. Which one do you prefer?
10 Tips for the Best Modular Kitchen Maintenance
A few kitchen maintenance tips can prolong your kitchen life!
Without a doubt, kitchens are one of the spots in the house that gets the maximum footfall- from those preparing the food to people coming in tantalized by the aromas to those who are looking for a quick hunger fix. Modular kitchens have taken over as the preferred option of most individuals seeking convenience, superior design, and improved functionality. However, one thing that is overlooked is kitchen maintenance.
With an efficient system in place for kitchen maintenance– following good cleaning routines, stain removal procedures, moisture damage assessments, hardware maintenance, and decluttering activities- you can extend your modular kitchen life by a whole lot more.
Here are 10 tips which form the basis of the best practices for modular kitchen maintenance:
- Clean up your act
When it comes to prolonging the life of your modular kitchen, the first and foremost thing to do is to set up an efficient routine kitchen cleaning. Have a daily, weekly, monthly, biannual, and annual cleaning schedule to follow and stick to it as much as possible. Daily good habits would be to wipe down the countertops, do the dishes, and clean the sink, give the stove a wipe down and sweep the kitchen floor. Get the whole family involved if you do not have house help, and make it more of an activity rather than a chore.
2. Into the Deep (Clean)
The power of a good deep cleaning is often undervalued, but there are several hard-to-reach nooks and crannies that you could address only with a thorough deep clean. You could plan on taking a few days and get this done yourself once or twice a year. The wiser and easier option would be to hire a team of professionals to come in and do a thorough deep cleaning.
3. Be Organised
No pun there- being organized is perhaps one of the best ways to prolong the life of your kitchen. Declutter your kitchen and have a set space organized for each item. Remember to replace it back to where it belongs when you’re done with use.
4. Hinge on
One thing most homeowners forget to do is regular hinge checks. Good hinges on your cabinetry go a long way and making sure they stay that way is just as important. If you have concerns regarding the hinges, make the switch to soft close drawers and lift-ups in your upper cabinets.
5. Softly does it
There is a common misconception that using steel scrubbers, brushes and harsh clothes is good for stain removal in modular kitchens. However, this could end up doing more harm than good. Instead, use natural home remedies to loosen up the stains and wipe off using a soft cloth. Again, regularly cleaning the surfaces prevents the buildup of long-term debris which will be challenging to remove so give a thorough wipedown on a daily basis.
6. From the window to the wall (and the Dado tiles)
Clean all surfaces on a fairly regular basis to ensure a constant shine in your modular kitchen. Frequently overlooked areas are kitchen windows, walls, dado tiles, appliances, exhausts, and ceiling fans. Wiping these areas will lend to the overall cleanliness of the kitchen.
7. Close the cabinets
Indian cooking is ridden with oil and masala splatters so it is a wise decision (and a safer one too) to shut the kitchen cabinets when you’re cooking. This also helps prevent steam and heat from affecting the cabinetry.
8. Send in the papers
A common practice followed in most Indian households is to line the insides of cabinet shelves with newspapers. This is a good practice that helps prolong the life of the cabinets. However, it is imperative that you replace these newspapers at least once a month or it may prove to invite cockroaches in the kitchen.
9. Ventilate, mate
Let the air and sunshine into your kitchen once in a while, if you get an opportunity to. Good ventilation will do your kitchen a lot of good.
10. Pest Control
A professionally completed pest control will help keep the pests at bay. Insects like cockroaches and termites can do a world of damage to your kitchen so pest control will aid in kitchen maintenance.
All of these points are quite easy to implement and can definitely prolong your kitchen’s life.
