Whether a dream kitchen is only a few decisions or a complete makeover away, the August, 2006, issue of Consumer Reports is full of ratings and buying advice to help consumers get a dream kitchen for less. The in-depth “Dream Kitchens for Less” report examines the latest remodeling trends and advises consumers on how to save, where to splurge and trends to avoid. Ratings tell consumers which appliances, countertops and flooring offer the best combination of style, performance and value based on CR’s independent lab tests and our latest product reliability survey results. The report also offers tips on financing a dream kitchen and the best places to buy appliances.

 

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Five Worst Design Goofs

Consumers sometimes sacrifice functionality for what can seem like good design. The experts at Consumer Reports identify the five worst design goofs — and advise on how to avoid them:

 

1. Oversizing the island. Avoid anything with a depth over 48 inches; it can be hard to use and clean. Make sure there is at least 42 inches between the island and surrounding cabinets to accommodate more than one person working in the kitchen.
   
   
2. Not maximizing storage. The location of cabinets is just as important as their size. Maximize the use of potentially wasted space by outfitting blind corners with swing-out cookware caddies or lazy Susans, deep pantries with high-backed pull-out shelves and drawers with full-extension glides and built-in dividers.
   
   
3. Blowing off ventilation. A vented over-the-range microwave or — better — a range hood can exhaust heat and odors, which improves indoor air quality.
   
   
4. Not lighting the way. Wire for under-cabinet lighting so you’ll have sufficient light while working at the counter. Even the brightest ceiling and pendant lights can cast shadows when someone is working at the counter.
   
   
5. Leaving the garbage out. Set aside cabinet space (ideally near the sink or dishwasher) to store a garbage receptacle so it’s out of the way, yet easy to access.

The Best Products

Consumer Reports “Dream Kitchens for Less” report includes recommendations of the best products and appliances, based on CR’s independent lab tests.

• Flooring: Fake beats real. Although genuine hard-wood flooring with a hand-scraped, worn finish are hitting stores, vinyl, linoleum and laminates typically last twice as long in withstanding real-world kitchen scrapes, scuffs and dents. Many “faux” floorings also look more real than ever.
  
  
• Countertops: Stylish and strong choices. CR found that countertops are among the key kitchen products where beauty and practicality can coexist. The August issue of CR offers advice on how to choose among quartz, granite, marble, limestone, stainless steel ceramic tile and laminate.
  
  
• Ranges: The price of going pro. Because the range is the heart of the kitchen, the choice can set the menu for the rest of a remodeling project. CR’s tests of expensive, pro-style models did not show major differences in cooking performance compared with conventional ranges that cost far less.
  
  
• Microwaves and Range Hoods: Hoods trump microwaves. Range hoods were much more effective at capturing smoke than over-the-range microwave ovens with vents in CR’s tests. Consumers will need to decide whether the space savings of an over-the-range microwave oven are worth the subpar smoke and steam removal.
  
  
• Cooktops & Wall Ovens: Performance without the hassles. CR’s new repair histories for wall ovens and cooktops help support our findings that spending more doesn’t guarantee better reliability.
  
  
• Refrigerators: High style, lower prices. The kitchen fridge is getting super-sized as manufacturers are pushing more space, more doors and more options. But the experts at CR note that consumers don’t need a pricey behemoth to get space, style and top performance.
  
  
• Dishwashers: Clean and green. CR’s energy tests for dishwashers are tougher than the government’s, involving dirtier dishes and fuller loads. CR’s dishwasher Ratings can help consumers find an energy efficient and stylish performer.

 

About Consumers Union

Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union (CU), an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, CU tests, informs and protects. To maintain its independence and impartiality, CU accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. CU supports itself through the sale of information products and services, individual contributions and a few noncommercial grants.