Kitchen Appliances - A Must Have Checklist for New Cooking Appliances

OVENS

Has your joiner/builder received the correct installation details for your new oven?. Statistically about one third of appliances are installed incorrectly, giving poor results, and it is imperative you avoid this. You will usually find installation information in the oven, make sure your joiner/builder receives this.

Height of Oven in your Kitchen – Is your oven set at the correct height for you? It’s a good idea to visit a showroom and check the height most suitable for you.

Self Cleaning Ovens – Today’s ovens are becoming more and more sophisticated with a number now incorporating catalytic self cleaning liners. These liners clean with the aid of heat from the oven. No chemical cleaners are to be used with the liners as chemicals will render the liners useless.

Pyrolytic Ovens – The ultimate in self-cleaning where the oven heats to 500o and burns all residues off. Make sure you remove all trays and racks first.

(WARNING: Most wall ovens are fitted with a concealed undersurface heating element in the oven base; do not place any object on oven floor including cooking vessels or foil liners as extensive damage to the oven liner will occur.)

COOKTOPS

Gas Cooktops – Have you had the jets adjusted to ensure your hob can simmer correctly? 99% of all gas problems are due to installation. (REGULATIONS FOR GAS COOKTOPS – Has your kitchen manufacturer adhered to the regulations regarding distances of your gas hob from flammable joinery, and the placement of gas bottles outside your house?)

Ego Cooktops – Rusting can occur if these hobs are left wet, and the stainless steel rims can discolour. Wipe dry after cleaning.

Ceramic and Induction Cooktops – Do you know how to clean and maintain these glass surfaces? Ask what is the best way to clean the surface of your appliance when you purchase it. Unlevelled saucepans will give inferior results and add to cooking time. Induction cooktops require pots to have a magnetic base. If a magnet does not work then the pots are unsuitable for induction.

FREESTANDING RANGES

Gas Appliances – These must be installed by a gasfitter. A serviceman will adjust jets, and ensure the oven works correctly. This will usually be an additional cost similar to where an electrician is required to install an electric range.

LPG/NG Jets – Most gas ranges and cooktops arrive into New Zealand with natural gas jets and the LPG jets need to be fitted, these are inside the appliance so do not throw them away.

RANGEHOODS AND DUCTING

Be aware that long runs of flexi hose create extra noise and impede performance. Most brands of rangehoods work best with 150mm ducting and we suggest if using a flexible ducting material to pay a few dollars extra and use the semi rigid for far better performance and longevity.

Check out Best Cooktops 2016

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