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Purchasing Tips
Home » Kitchen » Kitchen Islands » Purchasing TipsBefore any money is invested, it is wise to check the dimensions of your kitchen to choose the best type and size to meet your needs. The first question to answer is how you want to utilize the island. Will the island be used as a breakfast bar or strictly for food preparation? Islands are also useful for extra counter space. Many stationary islands come equipped with stoves, sinks and even hide a small refrigerator under the countertop. One way in which to ensure there is room for an island is room configuration and space between cabinets. There should be a walkway between the island and the cabinets between 36 to 42” wide. If the island comes between the cabinet that contains the refrigerator or stove, a space of 42” is best to allow for convenient opening of the doors. Another important feature to consider is the height of your existing cabinets and the best height for the island. Actually, the same height, lower or higher than your existing cabinets are all options when choosing an island. If food preparation is the goal, then an island that is higher than other cabinets will enable the cook to sit on a bar stool to chop dinner. The island that is lower in height is ideal for use as a desk or a place to eat a meal. The last option is a combination of both. Lower for eating and higher for food preparation. This configuration would also add interest to the kitchen counter space.
• High End: Custom built islands can cost the consumer a pretty penny. A four-burner ceramic stovetop, custom drawers, sinks-one shallow and one deep, a cutting board and power connections can cost up to $11,000. Quality, high-end cabinets perform dual functions in a kitchen. Not only do they provide work spaces but cabinets and shelves as well. The high-end island may come equipped to hold a TV/VCR combo. These islands are designed to be a piece of furniture in the kitchen. They enhance the décor with intricate moldings, trims, footed bases and often stand out as a one of a kind piece of furniture instead of matching the kitchen cabinets. Another consideration before purchasing the expensive island is the ability to vent or plumb them. If your home was not constructed with a basement or crawl space, then the concrete slab must be jackhammered to make room for pipes. Some manufacturers offer stove tops with a downdraft exhaust vent. Rest assured, if you have the budget for a custom-built island the choices are limitless.
• Middle of the Road: For $600 the homeowner can purchase a serviceable but not quite so elaborate stationary or built in island. These islands are usually built from stock kitchen cabinetry and often they are topped with laminate. It is fortunate for families that the kitchen island project can still meet their cooking needs but won’t break your budget. If purchasing a mid-priced island, consider keeping the options such as sinks, stovetops and bi-level counter space to a minimum or not at all. Portable quality islands and carts can be purchased around $500. Depending on shelves, drawers, wood, finishes and other features, the portable kitchen center could cost the consumer more than $500.
• Affordable: If price is an issue, the consumer is wise to choose from the wide variety of portable kitchen islands. The portable island comes in many styles, finishes and many storage options. The portable island can make your kitchen unique and provide you with convenience at an affordable price. Portable islands are also available with drop-down space saving small breakfast bars attached. These work islands cost around $350 for a quality piece of furniture on sale. Also for convenience, the affordable portable island can contain towel and paper towel holders. Small kitchen carts with drop-down shelves begin as low as $199 and go down in price based on wood, laminates and finishes.
If you have the space, a kitchen island that is portable or stationary won’t be a mistake and will only enhance your kitchen environment. Homebuilders are building larger kitchens with elaborate islands that totally enhance any décor in the kitchen and sometimes become the focal point of the kitchen. This extra space is a plus for the busy family. If the kitchen is really large, it can accommodate more than one island. One island can serve as a preparation area and the other can double as a kitchen eating area. Portable and stationary islands often come equipped with shelves for cookbooks, places for pans and even holders for utensils. The modern homeowner considers a kitchen island both desirable and a necessity. After purchasing your island, don’t forget lighting or the possibility of venting the stovetop with a designer ventilation hood or designer overhead holder for your pots and pans. A kitchen island is a wise investment for the busy family.
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