Anonymous wrote:So when we built our house, our builder recommended not using an outside venting system with the cooktop. She said those things suck all the heated/cooled air out of a house. A lot of people on DCUM seem to love their venting system - so, doesn't it suck all the treated air out of your homes?

It does suck the air out. It is a trade-off.
The other option is keeping that air in.... if you cook heavily all of that exhaust (i.e. the smells, smoke, steam, and oil from cooking) goes back into your house. It really depends on how you cook.
You aren't leaving the venting on full-blast for super long periods... just crack it up as needed.

We can fry bacon, or sear a steak on the cooktop and not smell it at all in the house. With our old vent system, we'd smell it for a few days, as well as feel the oil.
I've not used a recirc vent, but I can't believe it can get heavy smoke/oil/odors out.
There are some in colder climates, who will put a heater on the make-up air inlet. But yes, you are paying more to heat in order to do this.

So what did you do with your kitchen? Do you find it works for you?

Anonymous wrote:I absolutely hate open shelving. I must be in the minority though because they are absolutely everywhere.

I hate it too

I hate kitchen cabinet pulls that catch on my sweater or pocket.

Double oven
Large island with seating (I have a sink in mine and love it that way but would never do range in island)
Trash and recycling cabinet
Walk in pantry
Windows
No open shelving or glass doors

Oh and don’t forget strategically placed outlets for all your gadgets including some that have usb chargers.

Cabinets that go to the top of the ceiling.
No open shelving.
Pull out trays in cabinets for easier accessibility.
Lights under the counter.
Trash inside drawers.
Large island with nothing else (no sink, no stove).
Built in oven and microwave. Two ovens if possible.
Built in wine fridge.
Strong range hood.

So when we built our house, our builder recommended not using an outside venting system with the cooktop. She said those things suck all the heated/cooled air out of a house. A lot of people on DCUM seem to love their venting system - so, doesn't it suck all the treated air out of your homes?

Anonymous wrote:Very powerful burners and powerful range hood to suck away those BTUs (ideally the hood would be wider than the range, although ours is not)

+1. This! Vent hood must be overhead (never get downdraft).

Other thing we've found super useful if you have room is warming drawer.

I absolutely hate open shelving. I must be in the minority though because they are absolutely everywhere.

* NO BURNERS in an island. This is such such such a dealbreaker for me. please please please don't do this.

Other must haves: I agree about the pull out garbage and double oven.

Very powerful burners and powerful range hood to suck away those BTUs (ideally the hood would be wider than the range, although ours is not)

No one mentioned having a pot filler. If you are going to redo your entire kitchen, I would recommend putting one in. It's not a must have but it's a nice to have when you have to fill a big pot.

Anonymous wrote:Love my new big apron sink. Doing Dishes suck a little less now.

Yes! Love a giant farmhouse sink. I'll never go back to a divided two-basin sink.

Trash and recycling hidden in cabinetry
Instant hot tap
Prep sink
Clear island (i.e., no sink or cooktop - just a big marble slab!)
Larder unit to hide coffee pot, toaster, mixer, etc.
Lots of drawers
Really considered interiors to cabinets and drawers

My kitchen is by Plain English. Lots of eye candy available here: https://www.instagram.com/plainenglishkitchens/?hl=en

Anonymous wrote:I love my pull out spice rack.

To offer a different perspective... I hate these!!!! You have to label the tops of your spices and I am always bending and squatting to see what I have.