Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Apr 24, 2009 4:51 pm Our builder will supply the main appliances to our kitchen, but in the future we would like to add a steam oven and a microwave/convection when budget allows. Due to losing a lot of money in the Kleenmaid debacle, that could be a little while off. We don't want to have to totally remodel that part of the kitchen when the time comes to fit the future appliances. I was thinking that we could have a 600mm tower of some description put in that can later be converted to an appliance tower. For the time being it can be storage. If the builder won't supply the cutouts to the size we desire for future appliances, what is the best way to set up the 600mm tower at present so it can easily be converted to hold appliances later? What configuration should we go with? Or is it inevitable the whole tower will have to be replaced? I have already thought to include the powerpoints. Any help appreciated. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Future appliance tower question. 2Apr 24, 2009 5:04 pm I dont think it will be too much of an issue. I assume the width will be 600 so you just need to work out the height and get them to leave that size hole (or make it cupboards for now). Is one going to be on top of the other? You can put your own shelf in later for the top one to sit on. When you get the appliances you will probably need to get a stainless steel surround to put around the oven and microwave anyway, which will fill in any gaps. Some companies sell these with their microwaves. If they dont its pretty easy to get one made up by a fabricator to your measurements. edit: hmm not sure I answered your question in that. Re: Future appliance tower question. 3Apr 24, 2009 5:09 pm Yeah, the convection/microwave has a surround that will help and the width is fine. But the steam oven doesn't. I'm just not sure how they go about the "shelf" to hold the appliances. Can it just be put in or does it have to be part of the tower (I really have no idea ) There may be new models out by the time we can afford the appliances with different heights. I'm hoping we can just get the cutouts to suit.... but I need plan B in case that's "too hard". But if worse comes to worse, we could just get a new tower built and keep the same drawers and fronts. Thanks Ari. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Future appliance tower question. 4Apr 24, 2009 5:21 pm Just as a price indicator... There's a photo of the oven "tower" in this post viewtopic.php?f=16&t=10077&p=113259&hilit=chateau+TDL#p113259 We took out the old oven and put in a brand spanker, which left quite a gap (at least for 200 mm) a real awkward size. We had a cabinet maker come in and: - remove the cabinet above the oven in the picture - supply and fit new cabinet (matching beech laminate) slightly smaller height so that the opening between the cupboard and new oven was enough for a microwave, that is the bottom of the cupboard came up - supply and fit laminate open carcass (no doors but with laminate back) all from matching beech laminate into the space between the oven and cupboard All inclusive price $350...excluding electricals. So no I don't think you need to replace the whole tower, and I don't think it would be horribly expensive. Just make sure that the electricals you're planning on have the right amperage for the appliances you need. I'm not sure what a steam oven needs but a normal oven needs - I think - a dedicated 15 amp line. mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Re: Future appliance tower question. 5Apr 24, 2009 5:25 pm Thanks TDL, that's a lot less than I thought. I definitely want to put something in place now other wise the stone bench will extend there.... and altering that to add a tower would get $$$$. I feel a bit better now. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Future appliance tower question. 6Apr 24, 2009 5:36 pm I am currently doing similar in my Unit before I sell it. Its a much older kitchen so we are getting a surround made to go around the oven and microwave to cover the little bit of gap. Joles we are just making the shelf for the microwave ourselves. Its pretty easy and wont be seen once the surround is on. Really the new owner will probably replace the whole kitchen within 5 or so years so this way was easier for us. Time for a trip to the shops and measure the height of all microwaves and steam ovens. They all seem fairly similar in height to me. They wont be able to increase in size too much or else most people wont have the space to fit them in the kitchen. Re: Future appliance tower question. 7Apr 24, 2009 5:39 pm Ari Time for a trip to the shops and measure the height of all microwaves and steam ovens. They all seem fairly similar in height to me. They wont be able to increase in size too much or else most people wont have the space to fit them in the kitchen. Or get on the interwebynetthingy and download all the brochures...and most importantly the installation diagrams which have the measurements for cutouts and carcasss sizes. Need to take into account manufacturer's recommendations on clearances not just the measurement you take in the shop.... mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Re: Future appliance tower question. 8Apr 24, 2009 5:41 pm I have already downloaded measurements and got some brochures! I know there will be cost, but just trying to minimise it. E&S are offering some good deals at the moment for people that got ripped by Kleenmaid. I'll be seeing my CSC early next week and signing off on a PCV.... and I'll have a final price from the builder. I may not be able to get them to change the cabinetry again though. If all goes well, I may be able to squeeze them in the budget and get them from E&S..... but if I get them, I'll be taking delivery this time after the Kleenmaid saga ... they can live under my bed til we move! I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Scientists have used random matrix theory to demonstrate theoretically that the neutrino mass hierarchy can be explained mathematically. When a substance is fragmented… 21 20651 You can really use anything you want the main consideration would be how it looks once painted/finished - or the look you want. Cabinetmakers use MDF because its cheap… 2 9960 I would say both styles you have pictured are steel. The lower chord of the first pic would be a massive lump if made using timber considering the size of the rafters. If… 1 6151 |